Olivia and little Fitzy were moved to a VIP recovery room. The dim lighting cast a warm, golden hue over the space, creating a cocoon of quiet intimacy. Olivia was exhausted but her heart was full and she slept soundly. Little Fitzy, swaddled snugly in a soft cotton blanket, mirrored her serenity. Every 30 minutes, the nurses came in, checking Olivia's vitals and ensuring Fitzy remained well.
She had given birth early in the morning, the hours stretching long and arduous, yet now there was peace. It was nearly 4 a.m. by the time she bathed with the assistance of a nurse. When she was finally transferred to her recovery bed, she fed Fitzy once more before slipping into a deep slumber. Fitz had settled onto the chair nearby, his large frame curled slightly in the too-small space.
Exactly two hours after he had fallen asleep, a soft whimper stirred Fitz. He woke instantly. The quiet fussing pulled him upright, and as he looked over at the bassinet beside him, he saw Fitzy stirring, his tiny head moving side to side. Fitz's heart swelled as he leaned forward. The warmth of his son's small body against his chest sent a wave of contentment through him.
"Hey Fitzy," he murmured, his lips brushing the baby's forehead. He loved the sweet scent of newborn skin.
Fitzy fussed again. Fitz glanced toward Olivia, who lay motionless in much-needed rest. He hesitated before reaching out, his fingers tracing over her cheek with feather-light tenderness. "Hey, Angel," he whispered.
She didn't stir and guilt tugged at him for waking her. He caressed her cheek again, and combined with Fitzy's insistent whimpering, Olivia's lashes fluttered before she blinked awake, disoriented. She blinked at him, confusion melting into understanding as her gaze landed on Fitzy.
"Hey, Livie, he's hungry," Fitz said softly, his voice dipped in tenderness.
Olivia attempted to sit up. Fitz, ever attentive, swiftly placed Fitzy back into the bassinet and turned his attention to her, his hands gently supporting her as she eased upright. He reached to undo the ties of her nursing gown, and as the fabric loosened, a warm bead of milk escaped her breast at the sound of Fitzy's fussing.
A soft chuckle rumbled from Fitz as he lifted their son and nestled him against Olivia's chest. Fitzy's small mouth searched instinctively, and the second her nipple brushed his lips, he latched, his tiny suckling sounds filling the space between them.
"You said you wanted to breastfeed only, right? Like you did with Lily?" Fitz asked, watching the scene unfold with quiet reverence.
She smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkling. "If I produce enough, yes. If not, I'll supplement like I did with the twins."
Fitz nodded, his gaze flickering over their son before he bent down and pressed a lingering kiss to Fitzy's head. "He looks just like his daddy," Olivia mused, her fingers stroking the downy softness of his pale hair.
Fitz grinned. "I didn't want to say it, thought it'd be too soon to rub it in."
She chuckled, warmth flooding her chest. "Rub it in? I mean, I'm a little bitter, but you're also a very pretty man."
His laughter was low and rich as he kissed the crown of her head. "How tired are you?"
"Very," she admitted with a yawn.
"Are you sure you don't want to bottle-feed, just until you regain your strength?" he asked, concern etched in his brow.
She shook her head. "I need to get used to broken sleep again anyway."
Fitz exhaled. "I just don't want you to get no sleep at all."
She smirked. "Neither will you."
He grinned at her teasing, shaking his head. "Maybe when you start pumping, I can take some of the feedings so you don't always have to wake up."
Olivia reached for his hand, squeezing it. "You're making me lazy, Fitz."
"You keep saying that, but I don't see it."
She sighed. "Compared to before… when you were gone, I had no choice but to do it alone."
Fitz's expression softened. "I don't know how you did it all by yourself for so long."
"With a lot of help," Olivia admitted. "Sonia was amazing… sometimes I wonder if I project all my feelings onto her. In my mind, she's like my adopted mom. I hope she knows she's more to me than just someone who works for us."
"Sonia loves you very much, so much so that she kind of hated me when she thought I was a dick to you."
From across the room, a sleepy voice interjected. "Tell her again, Fitz."
They turned to see Sonia sitting up on the couch, rubbing sleep from her eyes. Fitz chuckled. "She's a little out of it from the meds, Sonia. That's the only reason she'd say something so silly."
Olivia laughed. "I didn't know you were awake."
"I just woke up from all the chatter," Sonia said before walking over and pressing a kiss to Olivia's forehead. "Don't act like you don't know you're my youngest daughter."
Olivia's eyes watered as she smiled. "Don't enable my mommy issues, Sonia."
"Please," Sonia scoffed. "I talk about you so much, my own kids get jealous."
Fitz sat back, watching the exchange with a quiet sense of gratitude. Olivia had done so much alone, but she was never truly alone when he left, thanks to Sonia and even Erin. His mind wandered to Erin and he began to feel regret and need to distract himself.
Fitz turned to Olivia. "What do you want for breakfast?"
She wrinkled her nose. "I can't even think about food right now."
"Okay, but when you do?"
She sighed dreamily. "Something savory. Fluffy eggs, blood sausages, soft buttered bread, and baked beans."
Fitz chuckled. "Alright. Sonia, what about you?"
"I'll eat anything, just not that."
Laughter bubbled between them as Olivia switched Fitzy to her other breast. When he was finished, Fitz lifted him, cradling his small body against his chest. Fitzy scrunched his face before releasing a tiny burp. Fitz's heart melted, and he pressed a soft kiss to the baby's head.
"Get some sleep Angel."
Olivia watched, her heart swelling. "What if I just really like watching you with him?" she whispered. "The way I did with Lily. She looked so tiny in your arms, and you were so gentle."
Fitz met her gaze, love written across his face. "I was so scared I'd be a bad dad, but the second I saw her, it wasn't hard. Loving her was easy. Loving all of them is easy."
"I had the same fears during my pregnancy, I was terrified I'd be a bad mom and then I wasn't. I think being scared you'll be a bad parent is a great place to start."
He kissed her fingers, his eyes never leaving hers. "Get some sleep, Angel. I've got him."
And as she drifted off, she felt it—the unwavering presence of the man who had always been her safe place.
Fitz gently woke Olivia, once again feeling a bit of guilt that she couldn't rest undisturbed.
Olivia opened her eyes and looked at him confused. She didn't hear Fitzy's fussing.
"The girls are coming, they'll be here in a minute," he said softly.
Olivia nodded and Fitz leaned down and gave her a quick, soft kiss. Just as he leaned up from kissing her, Lily and the twins walked in with their nannies in tow.
"MOMMY!" Lily screamed as she ran over to Olivia's bed carrying a small bouquet of flowers and a little gift bag. The twins ran beside her, their small faces lighting up at the sight of their mother.
"Hi my girls," Olivia said, her voice warm but weary. She opened her arms just as Lily climbed onto the bed first, pressing her small body against Olivia. Olivia hugged her tightly, inhaling the familiar scent of her daughter's hair. "Hi my Lilykins," she murmured.
Fitz walked around and effortlessly lifted Daisy onto the bed, then Isabelle right after.
"Hi Daddy," they both chirped before scooting closer to Olivia to hug and kiss her.
"Hi Daisy, hi Izzy," Olivia said softly, stroking their backs as they nestled against her. The warmth of her daughters surrounding her filled her heart, easing the dull ache in her body.
Sonia stood and walked over to the nannies, motioning for them to step outside so she could inform them they were free to take a break.
"Where's the baby?" Lily asked, her eyes darting around the room.
"He's right here," Fitz said, motioning to the bassinet beside Olivia's bed. He watched as Lily's curious gaze settled on the tiny bundle, but before she could move, she eagerly thrust her gift bag toward Olivia.
"This is for you," Lily said proudly.
Olivia took the flowers and the bag, smiling as she hugged Lily again. "Oh, thank you so much, sweetheart."
Daisy handed her a small bag next. "I got you some chocolates, Mommy."
"Me too!" Isabelle added quickly, not wanting to be left out.
Lily puffed her chest. "It was my idea to get you presents," she declared. "Because Daddy's always getting you presents."
Olivia glanced at Fitz, who was smiling. She could see the pride in his eyes, but also the realization once again that his gestures of love had shaped their daughters in ways he hadn't even considered. She reached over and squeezed his hand gently, and he gave her a knowing look in return.
"Well, I really appreciate it all. I'm so happy my girls are here," Olivia said.
Lily leaned in and kissed Olivia again before Olivia pulled Daisy and Isabelle into a big hug as well. Fitz watched, taking in the sight of his wife surrounded by their daughters, his heart full.
Once Olivia let them go, Fitz lifted Fitzy from the bassinet and carried him over to the bed. As he turned, he noticed how pale and small the baby looked in his large hands. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on him again—the wonder of fatherhood mixed with the ever-present fear of not doing enough or even worse, losing them. He felt worry and the initial signs of a panic attack. He took a deep breath, hoping to distract himself and keep it at bay.
"Do you want to see your baby brother?" Fitz asked, lowering him so they could get a good look.
Lily scrunched her nose. "Why is he so fat?" she asked, confused.
Olivia bellowed a laugh and threw her head back. Fitz laughed as well.
"I thought he would be tiny," Lily said.
Sonia walked in.
Isabelle laughed as well. Daisy seemed distracted, "daddy, when can we eat the chocolates?" she asked.
Fitz laughed and shook his head. Olivia laughed as well, "we can have some now."
Fitz kissed Fitzy and put him back in the bassinet. Lily reached over and took the boxes of chocolates and for a moment the singular focus of the girls was getting the boxes, and handing Olivia the flavor guide. Fitz sat back in the chair beside her bed, watching the chaos unfold. This was his life now—full of tiny voices, endless questions, and overwhelming love.
They began eating the chocolates, Olivia took a couple of chocolates. "Daddy, you want a chocolate treat?" Lily asked.
"Sure," Fitz said.
"Only one," Daisy said. "You can't eat all of them okay."
He laughed, "I won't. I'll only take one, I promise."
Fitz took a chocolate and then sat on the chair beside her bed. Once the girls finished eating the chocolates their focus went back to Fitzy.
"Did it hurt to push him out of your vagina mommy?" Lily asked.
"A bit," Olivia said. "As you mentioned he is quite chubby."
Lily laughed, "can I hold him? Since I'm his big sister?"
"Of course you can," Olivia said.
Fitz lifted him again. Olivia sat up on the bed so Lily could sit properly on the bed and Fitz placed Fitzy onto her arms and Olivia placed him in Lily's arms and coached her on how to hold him. Lily stared down at her little brother then looked at Olivia's belly.
"Why is your belly still so big if he's not in there anymore?" she asked.
"It takes a little while to go back to its normal size but my belly is empty now," Olivia answered.
Daisy reached over and pressed into her belly under the blankets, "does that hurt mommy?"
"No," Olivia said with a chuckle.
"I want to hold the baby now," Daisy said.
"No, I'm holding him because I'm the biggest sister," Lily said.
"Well, let's give your sister a chance to hold him and then we'll give him back to you," Olivia offered.
Lily easily agreed and Olivia took Fitzy and placed him in Daisy's little arms then coached her on how to hold him and support his head. "He's so heavy?" Daisy said even though Fitzy was resting on her legs.
Fitz laughed, "poor thing, he can't catch a break."
Olivia laughed and Fitzy slept through it all. After a few minutes, Olivia told Daisy it was Isabelle's turn and then helped facilitate the switch.
Lily sighed, "I can't believe he was in your belly."
"Me either," Olivia said with a chuckle.
"Can I touch his face?" Isabelle asked.
"Sure but be gentle with him," Olivia said softly.
Isabelle looked down curiously and touched Fitzy's little nose. He scrunched his face in response. He was extremely pale, paler than Lily and the twins were at birth and his cheeks were extremely chubby and red. His lips were full and pouty, his eyes were closed and never really opened. He was too chubby to seem as wrinkly as his sisters did at birth.
"How was your first night with your new nannies?" Olivia asked.
"It was okay?" Lily said.
"Just okay? Didn't you have fun?"
"No, I wanted to be with you but you wouldn't let me come," Lily said.
"I know you wanted to be here and I wanted you to be here too but watching me give birth would be scary for a 6 year old."
"I'm not a scaredy cat like Isabelle," Lily retorted.
"Hey," Isabelle interjected with a pout.
Olivia chuckled but didn't respond and decided to move on. "Do you like your nanny Daisy?"
Daisy nodded with a grin, "we played all day and then for dinner guess what we had?"
"What?" Olivia asked.
"Guess daddy?" Daisy said.
"Boogers?" Fitz answered.
He got an easy laugh from the twins and Isabelle laughed so hard that Olivia quickly lifted Fitzy from her arms and she didn't complain.
"No, not boogies," Daisy said through a laugh. "Guess?"
"I give up?" Fitz said with a laugh.
"We had little tiny burgers that looked like the rainbow and the fries were so yummy," Daisy said.
"Like mcdonalds but better," Isabelle chimed in.
"No there's nothing better than mcdonalds fries," Fitz said.
"No, daddy, I promise it was better. When you come home we're gonna get it for you okay and you can eat it and see," Daisy said.
"Alright but I'm skeptical," Fitz said.
"What does that mean?" Isabelle said.
"It means he doesn't believe you," Lily said.
Fitz and Olivia shared a glance.
"Why don't you believe me daddy," Isabelle asked.
"I wouldn't say I don't believe you, I just really need to try it to be sure it's as good as you say it is," Fitz said.
Lily shook her head and chuckled. "What's his name?"
"We named him after your daddy and your uncle," Olivia said. "So his name is Fitz Scott Grant but we'll call him Fitzy as we have been."
Lily nodded as she stared down at him.
Three days later.
Fitz was the first to step out of the car before walking around to open Olivia's door. The moment he lifted her into his arms, she let out a small laugh.
"You don't have to carry me," she teased, though she rested her head against his shoulder, exhaustion still clinging to her.
"I'm going to," Fitz said firmly. She had done the hard part—brought their son into the world. The least he could do was take care of her now.
Sonia retrieved Fitzy from the car in his car seat, carefully cradling him as they all made their way inside. Fitzy was in a pair of light blue cotton shorts and long sleeve onesie with little socks and a matching white cotton cap, sucking on a blue pacifier.
"Mommy, Daddy, you're home!" Lily's excited voice rang out as she burst through the front door, her nanny following behind her. She ran down the stairs toward them.
"Why are you carrying Mommy?" she asked, curious as ever.
"Your mommy just had a baby," Fitz explained as he climbed the stairs. "We have to take extra special care of her."
Olivia laughed softly, "where are your sisters my darling?"
"They're playing in the backyard."
Fitz walked up the front stairs and let Olivia down by their large front door then he walked down to meet Sonia at the bottom and took Fitzy and the carseat from Sonia. They walked back up together. Olivia waited by the front door and when Fitz approached with Sonia, she stepped inside and pressed the up button on the elevator.
When the elevator came, they all stepped inside with the exception of Lily's nanny and they headed upstairs to the top floor which consisted of Fitz and Olivia's master bedroom as well as Fitzy's nursery. When they stepped out of the elevator all of them walked to the bedroom. Olivia made a beeline to her bed and immediately sank into it, sighing as her body melted into the pillows and comforter. Her body was still sore and pained from labor.
Lily climbed up beside her and hugged her. "Are you hungry, Mommy?" she asked eagerly.
"You know what, my Lilykins? I'm starving."
Lily gasped, excitement lighting up her face. "I can make you something to eat!" She hopped off the bed, only to pause mid-step. "Wait, what do you want?"
Olivia smiled. "I would love a sandwich. Any sandwich you want to make me."
Lily beamed. "Okay!" She ran off toward the kitchen, Sonia following behind.
"Coincidentally, she only knows how to make sandwiches," Fitz mused, chuckling.
"Don't forget the yogurt parfait," Olivia reminded him with a teasing smirk.
Fitz laughed as he knelt beside the car seat, unbuckling Fitzy. He scooped the baby into his arms, kissing his tiny, chubby cheeks over and over until Fitzy scrunched his face in sleepy protest.
Olivia stretched out her arms, and Fitz placed their son into her waiting embrace. She cradled him close, her fingers gently pulling off his tiny cotton cap. She smiled as she inhaled the sweet scent of his newborn skin, his wisps of blonde hair soft against her cheek.
Fitz sat beside her, watching the love on her face. He had seen Olivia in many forms—now once again, as a mother in awe of her creation. And just like every time before, he fell even more in love with her.
Fitz sat beside her, leaning down to press a soft kiss to Fitzy's head. "He's so beautiful."
Olivia's heart swelled as she met Fitz's gaze. "Yeah, he is, isn't he?"
Fitz shifted, cupping her cheek before pressing a tender, lingering kiss to her lips. Olivia sighed, nuzzling against his neck. "Thank you for taking such good care of me," she whispered, on the verge of tears.
Fitz chuckled softly. "Don't cry."
Olivia pulled back slightly. "When has telling me what to do ever worked?"
"Never," he admitted with a smirk. "But I'm hoping this time you'll listen—because I'm right."
Olivia laughed, shaking her head as she kissed him again. "Not even then."
He traced his fingers along her cheek, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "You know I love taking care of you, you sexy fox."
She let out a soft laugh. "I can't take you seriously."
"I'm dead serious," Fitz insisted. "I was born to be a stay-at-home dad but cursed to be a damn soldier."
Olivia laughed again. "I have to agree—you are an excellent husband and daddy."
"It's what I was meant to be," he said with a grin.
Olivia shook her head and smiled, "the nurses loved you too much… it was a bit annoying really."
"Ooohhh…you were jealous?" he teased.
"No- well, just a little. It was really sweet of you to have John bring them food—they appreciated that—but honestly, watching several of them blush and grin every time you opened your mouth while I'm in the hospital having just given birth is not exactly my idea of a good time."
Fitz chuckled. "I only got them food so they'd take even better care of you."
"It was a thoughtful gesture," she admitted. "But seriously, why were they grinning so much?"
Downstairs, Lily stood in the kitchen, carefully selecting ingredients from the walk-in refrigerator. Sonia hung back, letting her be as independent as possible. One by one, Lily retrieved what she needed before heading to the pantry. She grabbed a small stool, pulled it up to the counter, and washed her hands with practiced care.
Sonia had already informed Chef Stewart that Lily would be making a sandwich and asked that she be given space to work. The little girl moved methodically, stacking lettuce, meat, cheese, and apple slices between slices of bread. Sonia watched with a smile, proud of how independent she was becoming. As she finished up the sandwich and was done using the knife, Sonia decided to step away. "I'm going to check on your sisters quickly, alright? Put away the ingredients, and I'll be right back so we can bring that delicious-looking sandwich up to your mom."
Lily nodded, chuckling. "It looks so yummy. Should I make one for you too?"
"Oh, I would love that! You don't have to pack anything away just yet, just wait here for me so we can bring it up to your mom, then you can make mine."
Lily beamed.
Sonia headed outside to check on the twins, who were still playing, delirious with laughter. They had no interest in coming inside just yet. As Sonia made her way back inside, she heard crying from the kitchen. She rushed through the back foyer and entered to find a small Asian woman pulling on Lily's serving tray. The sandwich was falling apart, apple slices tumbling to the floor as Lily clutched the plate, her face red with frustration and tears.
"-I made it for my mommy, let it go," she screamed.
"You mommy only eat what I say—healthy food only, confinement food only. You little girl, you listen to me, okay?" the woman scolded, her heavily accented English sharp with authority.
Sonia's eyes darkened as she strode forward, snatching the plate from both their hands. "Don't take her stuff," she snapped, fury lacing her voice. "She made this for her mother. You don't get to take it away from her."
Sonia knelt and handed the plate back to Lily, who wiped her tears on her sleeve while trying to salvage the fallen food.
The woman shook her head. "I am confinement specialist. I say no sandwich—she eat—"
"I don't care what you are," Sonia cut her off sharply. "She did something sweet for her mother, and you ruined it. Don't talk to her. If you have an issue, bring it to me or her parents."
The woman, visibly frustrated, stormed away. Sonia turned her attention back to Lily, gently wiping away the last of her tears. "It's alright, sweet girl. Don't let that upset you."
Lily sniffled but nodded. "Okay."
Sonia smiled warmly. "Want to make a new one?"
Lily hesitated, glancing at the messy sandwich. "Yeah… this one has germs now."
Sonia laughed. "Good call. Alright, I'll toss this one, and you can make a fresh one for your mom."
Lily nodded, hopping back onto her stool to start over, her determination renewed.
When Lily entered Olivia and Fitz's bedroom with the tray, Fitz immediately noticed her red eyes. He sat up from the bed, concerned. "Lily, what's wrong, Princess?"
Before Lily could answer, Sonia stepped in. "I just got into it with your so-called confinement specialist."
"Esther?" Fitz asked.
"Yeah," Sonia confirmed, shaking her head. I stepped outside to check on the twins and when I came back, she was literally fighting with Lily over the sandwich she made for Olivia, saying she couldn't eat it because it wasn't healthy."
"What?" Fitz's tone was sharp, his protective instincts kicking in.
"I told her to stay away from Lily and to come to you or me if she has a problem," Sonia continued.
Lily set the tray beside Olivia, who reached out and cupped her daughter's cheek. "Oh, sweetheart, this looks lovely. Are you okay?"
Lily nodded, then chuckled. "I'm okay now. Sonia made me feel better."
Fitz smirked. "I think Sonia is more upset than you."
Sonia rolled her eyes but laughed. "That woman pissed me off. Who does she think she is? It's just that Lily did something so sweet and she just ruined it. It's a damn sandwich, I don't know why she's making a fuss," Sonia said then she walked over to the bed and then lifted Lily in her arms. "Stressing my little baby out."
Lily laughed and she dropped her head on Sonia's shoulder. "I'm not a baby. I'm 6."
"You're always gonna be a baby to me. "I've had you since you were one month old."
Olivia burst into laughter.
"Actually, why do you even need a new nanny?" Sonia said playfully. "I'll just keep Lily and Fitzy."
Lily's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Of course."
Lily squealed in delight as Sonia carried her out, leaving Olivia and Fitz amused.
"Did Sonia just fire her nanny for absolutely no reason?" Fitz asked, shaking his head.
"I think so," Olivia said, laughing as she wrapped one arm around Fitzy and used the other to feed herself the sandwich. After a few bites she stopped chewing. "What are we going to do about your confinement specialist?" Olivia asked.
Fitz sat beside her again and chuckled, "oh, it's my fault?"
"Yes," Olivia said playfully.
"I think Sonia handled that pretty well but I mean being in a tug of war with a 6 year old is insane. She might be fucking insane so we'll keep the nutritionist and let her go. I think confinement sounded good but practically, it might be a nightmare. The nutritionist will make sure your body is getting what it needs and I think that should be sufficient."
Olivia nodded, "I think so too."
Fitz leaned over and took Fitzy from Olivia's arms, but the baby immediately began fussing. "Hey, don't start," Fitz said gently. "You're out of her belly now, you don't need to be attached to her all the time."
Fitzy's fussing quickly escalated into crying.
Olivia chuckled, taking another bite of her sandwich. Fitz attempted to soothe the baby, bouncing him lightly in his arms.
"I think he's hungry," Olivia suggested.
"You just fed him before we left the hospital. It hasn't even been two hours," Fitz replied, puzzled.
"Maybe I'm not producing enough," Olivia murmured, setting her sandwich down. She stretched out her arms, and Fitz handed Fitzy back to her. Olivia lifted her top, exposing her breast, and guided her nipple into his mouth. Fitzy latched on immediately, his cries ceasing in an instant.
"Wow," Fitz said, laughing. "So he really does need more feedings?"
"I think so," Olivia said, watching their baby nurse. "I know I can't stick to a strict schedule just yet. I'll need to feed him intuitively until he's a little older, then we can try to put him on a routine."
"But feeding him intuitively means he'll always be on your breast. How will you ever get a break?"
"I'll manage," she said softly. "I'll try pumping, like we discussed. If he takes a bottle, maybe he'll drink more at once and stay full longer."
"Yeah, please try that. We can do both," Fitz agreed, sitting beside her on the bed. He picked up her sandwich, feeding her a bite before taking one himself. His brows lifted in surprise. "Whoa, this is actually really good."
"I'll be right back," he said, standing abruptly and heading out of their bedroom.
Olivia laughed and continued eating.
Fitz went downstairs and found Lily and Sonia in the kitchen. Lily sat on the counter, munching on Oreos, though a sandwich rested on her plate. Sonia stood beside her. Their chef was prepping ingredients for dinner.
"Lily, I just stole a bite of the sandwich you made for your mom, and it was amazing. What the heck did you put in it?"
Lily giggled, clearly pleased with the praise. "It's a secret. If you want one, you have to ask only me to make it."
"Okay," Fitz said, dropping to his knees dramatically, clasping his hands together. "Please, please, can you make me one of your amazing sandwiches?"
"You have to buy me a toy," Lily bargained, grinning.
Fitz's mouth fell open. "I don't remember your mom having to buy you a toy to get a sandwich."
"Mommy just had a baby, so I have to take care of her. You didn't have a baby, Daddy," Lily said matter-of-factly.
Fitz stood, and Sonia couldn't suppress a snicker.
"You know what? That makes a lot of sense. How about I take you and your sisters out for a daddy-daughter day? Maybe tomorrow? I'll get you plenty of toys."
Lily's eyes lit up. "Yessssssss!" She hopped off the counter and ran outside to find her sisters.
Fitz turned to Sonia and stole the half-eaten sandwich from Lily's plate, chuckling as he took a bite.
"You know she's gonna be on your case when she gets back," Sonia teased.
He shrugged. "Have you seen Esther? We're letting her go."
"I think she's in the den. I haven't seen her since we came back downstairs."
"Alright. And did you let Lily's nanny go?"
"I told her she could head home for the day, but I wasn't planning to fire her or anything. I wanted to keep Lily but she can still help out. I didn't want to just fire her, she didn't do anything wrong."
"Okay, that's totally up to you," Fitz said. "I'll be right back."
Fitz went to speak with Esther. Meanwhile, the twins finally came inside, covered in mud and dirt from the garden. Their nanny followed behind them.
"You girls finally ready to come inside?" Sonia asked.
They nodded. "I'm hungry, Sonia, so we're going to have a snack," Isabelle announced.
"Okay, you want a bite of my sandwich?" Sonia offered.
Isabelle eagerly ran over and took a bite. When Lily walked back to her plate, she noticed a large bite missing.
"It was Daddy, wasn't it?" she asked, arms crossed.
Sonia nodded, chuckling. "Yes."
Lily laughed, then finished what remained of her sandwich. Their nanny led the twins to wash their hands before helping them pick out snacks. Fitz returned just as they were nibbling on dried mango slices and fruit bars.
The twins ran to him. "Daddy!" Daisy squealed, stretching her arms up. He scooped her up, noting she was still slightly damp from washing off the mud.
"I was wondering where my twins were," Fitz said before lifting Isabelle as well.
"Lily said we're getting toys tomorrow?"
"Yep! It's daddy-daughter day. We'll have fun, then pick out some toys."
They beamed. Fitz set them down so they could finish eating. He then turned to Sonia. "I'm gonna check on Livie."
"I'll be right up behind you," Sonia said, then she turned to the twins' nanny, Natalie, as he was heading off. "You can just give them a quick bath and then you can head out for the rest of the day. I'll be here."
"Really?" she asked.
"Yeah, you've been with them 24/7 for a few days now so go home and get some rest but before you go I just want to check in to see how it's been."
"It's been great," she said with a smile. "They're so sweet and honestly, they just want to play and eat. They haven't given me a hard time listening or anything like that so I'd definitely say we're off to a good start."
"That's great to hear, you know I like to say I raised them myself so I know they're good girls - and I don't mean by myself, I just mean I've been with them for such a long time but they're parents are very involved as I've mentioned before and sometimes it won't even feel like you're working because they'll be days were you're working and you won't see them because they're with their parents. Speaking of, I think tomorrow might be one of those days. They're dad will be taking them out, he may want your help or he may not. I'll try to let you know as soon as I can."
"Okay, thanks so much. I just want to say, I've really enjoyed working here these past few days. It really feels like a good fit."
Sonia nodded, "I think it's a good fit too. I just ask that you respect their privacy and be good to the girls. If you can do that, you'll love working with them."
Natalie smiled, "I can definitely do that."
"Alright, I'm going to head upstairs to check on Olivia and Fitzy. Just text me when you're done with them," Sonia said.
Fitz climbed the stairs. When he entered their bedroom, Olivia was just pulling Fitzy off her breast.
"He just finished?" he asked.
"Yeah, he's finally full," Olivia said with a soft smile.
Fitz took the baby, cradling him against his chest while lightly tapping his back. "So, I'm taking the girls out tomorrow. I've titled it 'daddy-daughter day.'"
Olivia chuckled. "That sounds wonderful."
"Am I invited?"
"It's daddy-daughter day."
Olivia laughed. "No invite for me, then?"
"I figured we'd eat, then let them pick out toys and get ice cream or something."
"They'll love that. And I think it's important, so they don't feel like Fitzy is getting all the attention."
Fitz nodded. Just then, Fitzy let out an adorable burp. Fitz kissed the top of his head. "You gave us four perfect little babies. I still can't wrap my head around that."
Olivia grinned. It amazed her how awestruck he still was, even after their fourth child. For him, it was a miracle every time.
"I have to give you something more… any ideas?"
"Fitz, I have everything I could possibly want," she replied. "Honestly, it's ridiculous how wealthy we are. What else is there?"
"I had an idea," Fitz said. "Since you love charitable giving, I want to set up small trust funds for all the babies born in New York City on Fitzy's birthday—just a few thousand dollars each, maturing when they turn 18. In your name."
Olivia's mouth fell open. "That's brilliant! I can't believe you thought of that yourself."
"I can be nice," Fitz defended with a smirk, kissing Fitzy again.
Sonia knocked on the open door before stepping in. "How are you doing, Livie?"
"Great," Olivia said, smiling. "Fitz is just thinking of new ways to reward me for birthing baby number four over here."
Fitz laughed, lifting Fitzy again. Suddenly, a loud, wet fart filled the room.
"I'll be right back," Fitz said, heading to the nursery to change him.
"Change his outfit too, darling," Olivia called after him.
"On it!" Fitz responded.
Olivia chuckled and leaned back, grateful for the love surrounding her. Olivia chuckled and sat up against the pillow on the bed. "I need to change my diaper too—it feels soaked."
"How long do you think you'll keep bleeding?" Sonia asked.
"It really varies," Olivia replied. "After Lily, it lasted about three weeks, but after the twins, it went on for seven. I'm hoping for the shorter end of that spectrum this time… But Sonia, aren't you going to head home? You must be exhausted."
"Olivia, leave me alone," Sonia said with an easy smile.
Olivia guffawed. "Sorry—I just don't want you to wear yourself out."
"You just pushed out a giant," Sonia teased. "You're the only one who has exhausted themselves here."
Olivia laughed. "Okay, okay, I'll stop bothering you."
She grabbed her hospital bag and walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. She took a short, warm bath with the products the nurses had provided, letting the heat soothe her tender body. When she returned to the bedroom, her heart swelled at the sight before her. Lily was sitting on the bed, cradling Fitzy, while Fitz sat beside her. The twins hovered nearby, shifting from foot to foot, waiting impatiently for their turn.
The moment Olivia stepped out, the twins squealed and ran to her. "Mommy, you're home!" Daisy screamed.
Olivia bent down, wincing slightly, and wrapped them both in a tight hug, kissing their soft cheeks. "I missed you both so much."
"I missed you too, Mommy," Isabelle said. "I'm so glad you're back home."
"So am I," Olivia murmured as she guided them toward the bed. "What were you up to that was so much fun you didn't come to see me and Daddy right away?"
"We were playing in the garden and the backyard!" Daisy grinned, hugging Olivia tightly.
Olivia leaned down and sniffed her daughter's slightly damp hair. "Mmm, did you take a bath so you could be all clean and fresh again?"
Daisy nodded, giggling.
"Daddy keeps farting on me!" Lily whined from the bed.
Olivia turned to see Fitzy dressed in a white long-sleeve footie, sucking contentedly on a pacifier.
"Well, he's a Grant. What did you expect?" Fitz quipped, smirking.
Lily rolled her eyes but laughed.
Fitz turned on the large TV across from the bed, flipping through channels before settling on a movie he knew the girls would love. After a few minutes, Lily shifted uncomfortably, adjusting Fitzy in her arms. "Daddy, he's too heavy. Can you take him?"
Fitz chuckled and leaned over, lifting Fitzy effortlessly against his chest. "Darling, you probably want a shower by now. Go ahead. I've got him."
"I do, actually," Fitz admitted. He kissed Olivia on the forehead before disappearing into the bathroom. Olivia, meanwhile, sent a quick text to their chef, checking on dinner.
The reply came swiftly: black truffle and parmesan pasta with pan-seared halibut, ready in fifteen minutes. Olivia's stomach rumbled in approval. After, she texted her nutritionist to meet her for a chat
A few minutes later a knock on the door pulled her attention away. "Hi," Hannah, the nutritionist, greeted. "Is it okay if I come in?"
"Of course," Olivia said, shifting Fitzy slightly. "Let's have a quick chat before you head home."
Hannah nodded and stepped inside. Lily and the twins were engrossed in Beauty and the Beast.
"I know we've been meaning to talk," Olivia said, "but my little Fitzy had other plans." She smiled. "I just wanted to hear your thoughts on how we move forward with my diet."
Hannah returned the smile. "My approach is always to make things as sustainable as possible. No drastic changes, just balanced meals that will help you heal and support breastfeeding. There's no magic food, but there are certain meals that will be especially beneficial for you."
They spent a few minutes discussing Olivia's preferences before Hannah left. Fitz reappeared, freshly dressed, and Olivia stood from the bed. "Girls, pause the TV. We're going downstairs for dinner."
Dinner was a delight. Fitz and Lily went back for seconds, and Fitz even helped himself to thirds. Dessert was a divine yuzu lime eclair. Olivia savored three while Fitz, who rarely indulged in sweets, devoured five.
Just as they finished eating, Fitzy stirred for a feeding. They took the girls to their playroom and Olivia sat on the sofa and breastfed Fitzy while they played.
Sonia finally headed home after telling them goodbye. After the girls played for a while and Olivia finished breastfeeding, they headed back to their bedroom. The girls finished watching beauty and the beast then finally Fitz took the girls to brush their teeth and choose bedtime stories.
They returned with a small stack of books. Lily read the first one, a tale of a unicorn and a kitten who became best friends. Fitz took over, reading the rest. By the time they finished, it was just past 8:30 PM.
"Alright, my loves," Olivia murmured, kissing each of them. "Goodnight."
Lily climbed into Fitz's arms. "Goodnight, Daddy."
"Goodnight, Rosebud," Fitz said, lifting her effortlessly. The twins moved over to Olivia and hugged and kissed her goodnight.
"Mommy, can we bake cookies together like we did in our old house?" Isabelle asked.
"Sure, we can do that- well not tomorrow because tomorrow is daddy-daughter day, how about we do that on Sunday."
"When is Sunday?" Daisy asked.
"Well, after tomorrow, there will be one more day and then it's Sunday," Olivia explained.
"Okay mommy," Daisy said as she ran over to Fitz. They headed down to their bedroom and Olivia stood from her bed and laid Fitzy into the Snoo bassinet on her side of the bed. She turned on the little control pad that allowed her to monitor the girls room.
Fitz turned a few moments later, "they're down. Daisy is sleeping in Izzy's room."
Olivia nodded as she sat back in her bed.
"You're gonna keep him on your side?" Fitz asked.
"Yes, I think it'll be easier to just grab him and feed him if he's right beside me," she said. "One sec, I need to freshen up and brush my teeth." She said before heading to her bathroom. Fitz headed to his bathroom and brushed his teeth as well. When he returned to check on Fitzy, he was still fast asleep. Fitz checked his diaper and it was a bit wet so he took him to the nursery and changed him then swaddled him before he brought him back to their bedroom and laid him in his bassinet on his side of the bed. When Olivia stepped out of the bathroom Fitz was already in bed sitting up with the nightlight on, checking his phone.
"Anything interesting," Olivia asked as she climbed into bed slowly and pulled the sheets up her body. She saw Fitzy in the bassinet on Fitz's side of the bed. He was swaddled and looked quite cozy.
"Nothing really, I just have John make some reservations for lunch with the girls and coordinate with the agents about travel. I think we could actually just walk- 5th avenue is right there."
"Yeah, that's the great part of it all," she said. "Rumi is coming in for the day tomorrow, I have a lot to do."
"Like what?" Fitz asked.
"Just a lot of planning, on my end. I'm returning to Dior in February but for my own company, I need to start laying some concrete plans about what the next year looks like and how involved I'll be and what that will look like."
Fitz nodded and rested his phone on the nightstand then he moved closer to her. She smiled and waited to feel his arms around her. Fitz wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. She turned around and faced him, so her face was just inches away from his.
"So there's something I want to talk about."
Fitz arched a brow. "What is it?"
She took a breath. "I think I'm ready for you to have the vasectomy."
Fitz chuckled. "Fitzy traumatized you, huh?"
Olivia chuckled and nodded, "I mean- sort of but not in a horrific way I just, now that he's out I just don't think I can do it again, especially if it would be another large boy. He was so big and not even just pushing him out, carrying him too, he was so heavy. I feel so light now, I'm having to constantly readjust my balance because I feel like I'll fall over."
Fitz chuckled, "I'll set it up."
"I'll come with you…and this is just to prevent any accidents, who knows, maybe in ten years when all of our babies are older I'll forget about this and want another one."
"Whatever you want," Fitz said. "We have 4 amazing kids, I couldn't ask for anything more."
Olivia smiled, "when you talk like that I want to give you unlimited babies."
He chuckled, "okay, I'll shut up for now."
She nodded and smiled, "Your birthday is in a couple of days. For a moment there I swore you and Fitzy would have the same birthday but he beat you by a week."
Fitz laughed, "yes, he'll have enough identity issues with my name, at least he has his own birthday."
"Are you excited? I feel like we've never really gotten the opportunity to truly celebrate your birthday together."
"I'm happy to be alive and I'm happy to be with you and our kids. I don't really care to celebrate my birthday outside of that and I never have."
She pinched his nose playfully and then kissed him. "This year you'll celebrate."
He laughed, "whatever you say, ma'am."
"Also, I think in about a week, when my little Fitzy is a bit stronger, after his check up, we should go to the hamptons and spend some time in the house there."
"That's perfect," he said. "I think the girls will love the beach. I ordered some miniature goats for them too so John is getting a little barn set up for them. He's working with a local farmer."
Olivia laughed, "You're really putting John to work, aren't you."
"He might as well be useful if I moved him all the way to New York," Fitz said."By the way, dinner tonight? How good was it?"
"It was fantastic," Olivia said.
"I told you we should've gotten rid of Gregg ages ago."
Olivia laughed, "Fitz, Greg specialized in healthy recipes but in the end you had him cooking you bacon wrapped lobster tails. Our new chefs specialize in food that taste good-"
"-good riddance!"
Olivia laughed again and shook her head."I can't deal with you."
"Anyways, how does your body feel?"
"I'm bleeding alot but that's to be expected along with a bit of soreness. Apart from that, I just feel so light and when I breathe, I feel like I'm actually getting air into my lungs again, it's amazing. I'm readjusting to not being pregnant again and it's great."
He laughed, "Get some rest, Fitzy should be up soon to get his fill."
She nodded and leaned up and kissed him softly before she turned around. "Hold me tighter," she asked.
Fitz wrapped her tighter in his arms before she drifted off to sleep.