Georgia on my Mind

AN: As promised I brought all the updates for this canon correction into their own story. I will revise the one-shot collection to reflect the change. Thank you for your reviews and encouragement. This version would not be possible without all of you.

Canon compliant until the diner

"I can't do this anymore," Mellie offers despondently pushing her plate away and sitting up straight.

"Mellie," Fitz questions hesitantly. She is going off script.

"I cannot pretend anymore," her voice is shaky and filled with tears. She turns to the gathered patrons. "I know you have sensed the distance between us, but the campaign is stressful and my body couldn't handle it and we lost our child…"

Fitz listens to her well rehearsed lie. His political brain knows beyond a shadow of a doubt Mellie's performance will secure the women's vote he needs to win the nomination. Fortunately his heart is stronger. The incredible woman he loves is watching. He was a coward before she walked into that Iowa auditorium but not any longer.

"Stop…enough," he shouts. He turns to the shocked patrons in the audience. "I am sorry you have been subjected to this reprehensible performance. There was no miscarriage because there was never a pregnancy."

Fitz turns back to her shaking his head. "I no longer know who you are…this is low even for you. I want to serve the American people, but I refuse to sacrifice all of my integrity to win. I made myself clear…my campaign will be clean and above board-win or lose."

The room is deadly silent. He observes the stunned faces of campaign staff, the reporters furiously taking notes while the cameras continue to record footage. We will definitely win the news cycle. He stands abruptly and exits the establishment. Half of the press pool follows him shouting questions: "Did you plan this together? Do you think your marriage will survive?"

The other half of the press pool rushes forward and traps Mellie at the table. "Why would you lie? Where you pregnant by someone other than your husband? Where the affair rumors true?" Mellie stares at the vacated space next to her. She searches the crowd desperately for Cyrus or some senior campaign staff. The truth lands like a boulder in her gut-she is on her own. The political risk she took exploded in her face and for the first time Fitz left her alone to handle the collateral damage.

Olivia stands sentry in front of the campaign bus door addressing the clamoring reporters. "Look, I know this is the hottest political story of the moment; maybe even the year, but you have to give me time. Every one of you owes me at least one favor. Give me two hours…deal?"

They all nod reluctantly as she climbs on board. The scene on the bus is exactly what she expects: Cyrus rants dramatically his faced flushed and his arms flailing. Fitz stands silently at the end of the aisle facing the wall with his hands laced on top of his head. She speaks breaking the tension, "I bought us two hours. We have enough time to develop a new strategy and game plan." I cannot believe this man.

Cyrus turns sharply, "A new…we do not come back from this." He turns back to Fitz shouting, "Why now…you have lied and pretending for as long as I have known you…now that the White House is within reach you develop a conscience-this makes no damn sense," he drops dramatically into the closest seat.

"That's it," she exclaims, "You hold a press conference and you continue to tell the ugly truth. You can no longer be the politician that maintains the status quo. You will be different because the American people deserve better. Grant for the people-a man of the people."

Fitz turns slowly and allows his eyes to take in her demeanor. Her eyes dance with excitement and he can almost see the sparks firing from her brilliant mind. "Yes, this is how we win-let's prep," a smile animates his entire face. She is on my side. I already won.

"Governor Grant, we are all set up. Remember to take a breath before responding to each question. We don't want this to look and sound rehearsed," Olivia coaches in a professional tone.

"Got it…you are going to be there-by my side," he asks with hope.

"Of course, every circus needs a lion tamer," she teases. They both share a laugh. The bus door opens and Olivia exits and moves to the side followed by Fitz who stands behind the traveling podium covered in microphones.

"Thank you for coming. I will answer as many questions as I can, but my time is limited based on our itinerary," Fitz opens the press conference.

"Governor, did you know in advance that your wife was prepared to lie? Governor, are you afraid this may cost you the nomination? Governor what was your wife hoping to accomplish? Governor, how will your wife's campaign stunt affect your marriage?" The reporters shout over each other.

Fitz holds up his hand to stop the onslaught of questions. "First, I was not nor were any off my staff aware of her intentions. She acted alone. You need to ask her what she hoped to accomplish. I am a man of the people and they deserve a politician willing to tell the ugly truth and not maintain the status quo because it is convenient. I trust the voters to choose the most qualified candidate with the best ideas, proposals and policies to improve their life. Her choice to manufacture a lie of that magnitude is not simply a campaign behavior; but a reflection of her core principles-principles I do not share. Thus, I directed my personal attorney to file the documents necessary for a legal separation. She no longer speaks for me or on behalf of my campaign," he checks his watch. "Thank you for your time, but we need to get on the road to our next campaign event," he ascends the steps and moves toward the back of the bus.

Olivia waits patiently as questions are shouted at her. Now is the time for the optics to seal the deal. She has a staff member remove Mellie's bags from the luggage compartment and hand them to the hotel staff. "Is that Mrs. Grant's luggage? Is she literally being kicked to the curb? Will she return to California?"

"As the Governor explained Mellie Grant is no longer part of this campaign. Therefore, none of the Grant campaign staff can speak on her behalf nor do we have any information on her next course of action. You will have to speak to her directly. This concludes our press briefing. See you at our next stop," she turns to enter the bus.

They travel down the interstate in silence. Most of the staff sleeps while a small contingent monitors websites, news outlets, and social media to determine the public's reaction to the recent chain of events. Olivia's mind and heart compel her down the aisle to occupy the seat next to Fitz. "Governor Grant, I can move things around if you need time or," her sincere offer is interrupted.

"I am looking down at myself wondering how I let things get this far. Why was I such a coward before you showed up," he stares at her beautiful profile.

"Governor, I do not think your choices have anything to do with me," she responds firmly.

"You and I both know they do. I am trying to earn your vote," he flirts shamelessly.

She giggles in spite of herself, "Well you definitely have my attention."

"Good to know…now what would it take to get you to say my name?" he implores seductively.

Olivia's head snaps towards him and he wiggles his brows playfully. She laughs fully, "You are incorrigible…Fitz," his name is a whisper on her breath.

His heart stops and begins to beat in earnest for her alone. Fitz slides his hand from his lap to the space between them and he holds his breath. They exhale in sync when her hand joins his and their fingers intertwine. In this moment everything makes sense. Every heartbreak and life disappointment has led them to each other-and they refuse to let go of what it possible.