Happy Sunday #Gladiators

First I'd like to apologize for the length of time between chapters. I realize the wait has been a long one. Forgive me. Life gets in the way of writing but I'm happy to give you this chapter.

I know many of are concerned about The Watcher and most importantly the person behind him. It will all be revealed, and trust me they will be caught.

This chapter is kind of dark in the beginning. Nothing to major but I wanted to warn you. As always keep an open mind when reading and I look forward to reading your reviews on the flip side.

Have a great week and thank you for reading…Me's

/

Chapter 36: "Claiming What's Ours…"

"You reminded me what it feels like to love. You made me fall in love and, heck, I don't want to lose that. I don't want to lose you.' – Nyrae Dawn

September 3rd

Falling Apart…

Olivia was extremely quiet after her heated encounter with "The Watcher" for the remainder of the car ride back to their hotel. Fitz did not try speaking to her, he just held her close as humanly possible for the entire ride. If she was asked a question, she would nod. She was in his arms, in a bullet proof SUV, with armed agents and guards.

She was surrounded by men with guns, in Fitz's arms, she felt anything but safe.

She's scared.

Terrified.

Numb.

The protective barriers Fitz had built around her where crashing down. All of it was falling apart, she in the center.

"We're almost to the hotel Governor," Tom speaks facing Fitz in the rear of the SUV.

"Thank you Tom," he eyes Olivia. Her face in blank staring out window. "Sweetheart we're almost there." No response. "When we get in the room, go take a shower to help you feel better. We have time before we have to leave for the Convention."

He messages Cyrus. "Going to be late. Liv is not all right. Delay her speech for as late in the night as possible." Cyrus sends a quick response stating he'll do what he can do delay their arrival. If her appearance has to be postponed till the following evening when he accepts the nomination so be it.

SHE is more important.

Not even ten minutes later they are at the hotel, inside the room.

"No one disturbs us Tom until we are ready to go. Not her brothers, our parents, Cyrus. Are we clear," Fitz utters before Tom stands guard outside their door.

"Yes Sir," Tom confirms messaging the other agents.

Fitz closes the door to see Olivia standing in the center of the room. She's made no attempts to strip out of her clothes to head to the shower. He steps in front of her. She's been sick on and off all day due to her period. This is not helping. "Do you want some water?"

"No," she nods. Her eyes are staring off in the distance.

"Can I take your heels off," he questions. She raises her feet for him to slip off her heels.

"I am going to start the shower alright," he informs her kissing her brow. She's unresponsive when his lips touch her skin. He touches her cheek hoping she'll show him she's there with him, but nothing. Now he's getting worried. He slips off his jacket, and shoes leaving them outside their bedroom.

Quickly he returns when the water is the correct temperature. She has not moved. His heart breaks.

"Liv," he coos tilting his face to meet his. She looking in his direction but there is no one home. Her pupils don't move an inch. Her eyes are empty. Void. Dead. It further crumbles his heat. He feels helpless.

"I'm going to help you take off your clothes all right," he speaks calming doing his best to not allow his tears to spill. Ever so gently he slides off her skirt, top, and bra. Only in her underwear, he walks her by her luggage reaching for a new pair of panties and a pad.

Once she's in the bathroom he begins to slide down her underwear but her hands stop him. "Liv I don't mind seeing a little bit of…," he's halted in his words when she brings his face to hers.

"Let me," she whispers feeling embarrassed and self-conscious. "I've got this part."

"I'll be just outside if you need me," he kisses her. She takes off her panties, disposes of her pad. Her hair is up in a bun with shower cap. She barely looks at herself in the mirror before stepping inside the large shower.

Slowly her encounter with "The Watcher" floods her mind.

His words - "Because you are not meant to be together. She is not the one for you. Deep down you know it. People around you may seem happy with your choice for a bride but deep down they hate it. It's not that Miss Pope is not pretty enough because she is, but her beauty is NOT MEANT FOR YOU. She is destined to be with another and you feel it."

Gradually everything that's happened this afternoon appears front and center. From her first glimpse of The Watcher at Fitz's debate threatening to slice her throat, the photos thrown across her bed, the Grant Ranch where he invaded their space stealing her things. She's certain he's been at campaign events, waiting…no watching her leaving roses behind.

Her beauty is NOT meant for Fitz. Who is he to say whom she belongs with? Her heart, body and soul belongs to Fitzgerald Grant, no other. It hits her, what if she is not the desired target what if it's Fitz. Could it be him all along? This whole ordeal is not just affecting her, it's nearly ruining Fitz.

At every corner, event, campaign stop, he's on high alert. He greets benefactors, donors, volunteers, supporters who make the trek to see them. Fitz the graceful politician speaks to everyone he can within his reach. He takes time really listen to "little guys" concerns, those who don't make hundreds of thousands or millions a year.

He's made it a point at every event to assure voters, "I'm here for those of you who live pay check to pay check, who cannot afford to be without a job, have your tax refund cut, or God Forbid the Government to Shut Down. I'm running for President to see that no matter class in this country whether it's lower, middle, upper, everyone in this country has the a voice, and benefits."

Over the last few months, her Fitz, has shown he's the man of the people. Each rally, he shows the World more and more of the man he's always been destined to be. The man who would not be, if he did not have her. She's the key – she unlocked his potential that was always there. He believed in himself, but through her eyes, he saw it.

If Fitz loses her, she doubts he'll be able to take the White House in November. He's pulling ahead of Reston but it's still a tight race for the Presidency. If he was killed, gravely hurt, Peter would gladly step up, taking upon himself to see Fitz's vision through for this country.

No matter the cost, even if it's her, she'll see to it, Fitz wins the election. She will be there with him when he takes the Oath of Office on January 20th.

If he doesn't win, it's more than all right. They'll return to California, where she'll be First Lady of the State, help him push his vision through for the state. Either way they'll have a life they've dreamt about. No one, not this Watcher, of the people pulling the strings, will tear them apart. She will not allow it.

"I won't let them hurt us," she speaks as the hot water falls down around her. "But what if the agents, I'm not fast enough and I lose Fitz."

She shakes her head.

"What if he ends up getting hurt and…," she stops herself before she can speak the words. The bile within her stomach turns. Before she can stop it, she's throwing up, and crying.

"LIVY," Fitz screams rushing into the bathroom, shoving the shower curtain to the side. "OH GOD," he's too her in seconds, in his white undershirt, and dress pants.

Her hands fly up and out, to keep him out of the water, but it's futile. "STOP IT," he hisses now on the shower floor soaked to the bone. "I AM NOT SPENDING ANY MORE TIME AWAY FROM YOU," he warns, wrapping an arm behind her as she dry heaves.

It hurts. Everything.

He's never seen her this way.

He rubs soothing circles on her back, hoping she'll stop dry heaving. Whatever she had in stomach is gone, down the drain. She lifts her face to meet his tearful grey eyes.

"Oh Fitz," she coos reaching her wet hand to touch him. Her eyes gloss over his wet closes.

"They're only clothes. I have plenty. You are more important." He sits her on the bench. He strips out of his wet clothes, tossing them in the hot tub directly across from the shower.

"Can you stand," he pleads. She lifts her arms up. Slowly she's up in his embrace allowing the hot cascading water to run over them both. He reaches for her body wash and cleans her. She relishes in his touch, the ability of his hands to remove all the worries and fears in her mind. He washes himself off quickly then turns the water off.

"Do not move," he warns.

"Yes Governor," she quips earning a smirk from Fitz.

He reaches for her towel, helps her dry off. He turns around so she can get into her panties, and a pad to feel more secure. He wraps a towel around his waist, then locates her fleece fluffy bathrobe.

"Are you really helping me dress," she sighs once he ties her robe.

"I am," he mutters keeping her close. Her eyes meet his. He gulps. He's never seen her so lost, sad, and afraid. "Liv?"

"Can we just…," she stutters not wanting to talk. She eyes their bed.

Without another word, he lifts her carrying her to their bed. He places her gently on the duvet. She strips out of her robe, then lifts the covers sliding inside. He puts on a pair of boxers then is in the bed with her. She's on his chest wrapping herself around him.

"I won't ever leave you Livy. Nothing on this earth will keep me away." Her eyes close. "I am going to marry you. We are going to have babies. Lots of babies." Her throat tightens. "I will not allow anyone or anything to hurt you."

"What if?"

She exhales deeply willing herself to calm the dread, dismay, uneasiness coursing through her body. She wills herself to keep it hidden, not to alarm Fitz. Unhurriedly she closes her lids nestling her face into his chest, permitting the smell from his soap to enter her lungs, hoping his scent eases her fears.

"Livy," he whispers into her hair. He draws her into his body, shaking himself. The idea is always there – what if someone kills her, he'd lose it all. He's never loved another person, the way he loves Olivia. She is in every piece of him, from the ends of his hair, to the tip of his toes. There is no Fitzgerald Grant without Olivia Pope.

"Can you look at me," he beseeches keeping his tears back.

"Ah uh," she sniffles into his soft chest hair. One look, she'll be a goner. He'll see right through all the fears she'd kept buried over the last months. Healing from her near death accident, the campaign. Both their families have kept her busy, her mind off things, but seeing – meeting The Watcher face to face, broke the final straw on the camel's back.

Little tremors are felt. His eyes close rubbing soothing circles on her back, arms, anywhere he can reach on her mocha skin.

"Talk to me," he pleads. "We're in this together – remember." He lifts her head to meet her eyes. She cannot say it.

"But," she mutters. "If Tom, the other agents weren't fast enough…," her hand covers her mouth to stop the words. If she speaks them, it will be real.

"If they want me. Not you," he affirms. "If I die." His admission opens the flood gates.

"FITZ," she cries. "I CAN'T," her body shakes. Tears stream down her cheeks like raging river after a rainstorm. "You can't die. I'd wouldn't be able to…,"

"Oh Sweetheart," he can only rock her, sway her side to side in their bed, listening to her cries. He cradles her face, placing kisses hoping to stop the tears but it's no use. His lips touch her offering reassurance nothing will keep him from marrying her, but her cries transform into full blown wails.

The agents hear her outside. "Sir," Tom rushes into the room, stopping outside their bedroom, not daring to enter without permission.

"She's all right," Fitz answers. "Call Cyrus. Tell him to reschedule Liv's speech, turning it into an introduction for me tomorrow night. She cannot go out this upset. Today was too much. She…,"

"We," she blubbers into his neck.

"We need a night just to be…," Fitz utters clearly affected by his fiancé's state.

"Together." Tom answers. "I'll take care of it Sir. Would Miss Pope like to see her Momma?" He finishes the statement the manner getting Olivia's attention.

"Yes," Olivia lifts her head stopping her cries. "We'll message you and send for Lillian." Fitz eyes raise shocked by her request for his Mother. "I need both." Her parents and brothers stayed behind in their rooms while they were at the police station. Fitz's two sisters arrive tomorrow morning.

"Anything for you," he mumbles softly.

"Thank you Tom," Fitz responds.

He hears Tom leave the room, instructing the agents to not leave their posts for any reason. Like he promised, he went to Cyrus. He nearly blew a head gasket, but when Tom left no room for argument, and heard where Olivia had gone, his mood changed.

"I'll call the staff at the Convention. Consider it handled," Cyrus explains. He offers to stop by to see Olivia.

"She'll call for you when she's ready Mr. Beane." With no other words exchanged Tom leaves, headed for her parents room, and the Grants.

/

Great Coffee Debate...

September 4th

The following morning, Olivia rouses in bed alone finding Fitz's side of the bed empty. She glances at the time, noting it was nearly 8pm. She had not intended to sleep this late but after speaking to their parents, Jared, Lucas and Cyrus, it was settled who would speak on her behalf at the Convention.

Lillian willingly stepped up to give a speech, until her mother offered. It was a bold move by Alice Pope, one that would be talked about for ages. Her reasoning was, "Well she's my daughter, I should be the one who should do the talking – on her behalf."

"Allie there's going to be hundreds of thousands of people in the arena and watching at home, are you up to this," Olivia recalls hearing her Father question her mother.

"I got this Louie," Alice assured him. "Plus Jerry and Lillian will be there with me on stage right. I won't be totally alone."

"We got you," Lillian guaranteed.

Once it was agreed upon, Alice hope stood up in front of the entire Republican Party and its delegates to speak about her daughter and Fitzgerald Grant. From the comfort of their hotel room, Olivia watched her mother proudly. After a long applause she gave her speech.

"Thank you. Thank you for you all having me and allowing me to speak to you all this evening on my daughter's behalf. Olivia along with The Governor would have loved to have been here with you this evening, but Olivia fell ill. I can assure you as her Momma she is fine only a tad bit under the weather. The Governor is at her side, ensuring she's resting up to return to you all tomorrow evening when Fitzgerald Grant accepts your nomination for President of the United States."

The crowd erupts into a thunderous applause. She waves her hands up and down to calm everyone to finish her speech.

"But before Fitzgerald Grant accepts your nomination for President let me tell you a few things about the man who's captured my daughter's heart."

There is light chatter through the arena.

"Governor Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III has a journey planned for our Great Nation that will bring us higher in the sky where we as a Nation can reach the stars. I am not one that understands politics and how to run a country. But I do know a good human being – a man of good character. A Gentlemen who's not only shown my family a great deal of respect and honor, but for daughter who owes his heart."

"The Governor, loves my daughter with every fiber of his being. He gets her on a level I cannot even being to understand and vice versa. There is no way a man of less caliber, who's superficial on the inside would have won her heart, and love. The love Fitzgerald Grant has for this country, stems from the love inside he gives willingly to his parents, sisters, our family, and most of all my daughter."

"The Governor you all witness on the campaign trail, is the man we see behind closed doors. He's good, kind, caring, loving, eager to help, not one to sit on his rump and not offer a helping hand. He was brought into this world by loving parents, who raised him from privilege but instilled values he had to earn – like respect and friendship from his peers.

"I truly believe, our Great USA will be in capable hands if Fitz," she coos his name wistfully "wins the election in November. It's not only our responsibility as a party to get him to the White House but as a Nation. We all want him there. It's where he belongs. So let's vote Grant – Caldwell for the People in November and make it happen. Thank you."

Miss Alice steps away from the podium with a huge applause. Olivia went to bed extremely proud of her mother. Now tonight all eyes would be on her and Fitz. She would be introducing him. locates Fitz's white undershirt, slipping it on before getting out of bed and a pair of her sleep shorts.

She hits the bathroom to take care of business, then walks to the hotel's window staring outside. The City is awake bustling with activity. Her eyes find the Convention Center. She closes her eyes reviewing her speech for later that evening in her head, when a pair of strong arms wrap around her from behind.

He went to see Cyrus ironing out the last details for this evening. In his absence, two agents stood outside their closed bedroom doors for added security. Another set their door. Luckily Cyrus's room was only a few doors down the hall.

He did his bed to sleep in the night but he woke up constantly to check on her. If she rolled out his embrace, he felt her shake in the night. She was only this way after her car accident. He had to coral her back in his arms, and lull her to sleep. Olivia the strongest woman he's ever met. To see her this way breaks his heart.

"Good Morning Governor," she sighs leaning her head on Fitz. His grip on her tightens. Even away from her for an hour was torture.

"Mrs. Grant to be," he murmurs kissing her neck. He lifts her left hand kissing her engagement ring. It sparkles in the morning sunlight.

"You left me," she teases turning her face to meet his gaze.

"I was hungry," he quips sucking her sensitive pulse point under her ear.

"Fitz," she hisses wishing she could have him for breakfast. He hums into her soft skin. She lifts his head. "If you went and good food and…," he quiets her with a kiss. She yanks her face from his. The bitter coffee taste is on his lips. "You best not have gotten what I think you have…,"

He smirks.

"Governor," she warns struggling to remove herself from his grasp.

"Yes," he teases edging his lips closer.

"You had one the agents get you Starbucks," she snips shifting her head from his hungry lips. He's quiet. "Do not lie to me Mister. I can taste it on your lips."

He laughs. "Come with me Mrs. Grant to be," he snickers stepping backwards with her in his arms until she can see breakfast sitting on their table. Her eyes widen.

"You got Dunkin Donuts," she squeals spinning in his arms seeing the box and her frozen coffee with whipped cream. She squeezes him tightly as he lifts her off the floor.

"That's not all," he coos over her lips. He wraps her legs around his waist, bringing them over to the table. He spin her forward then sits with her in his lap. "Smell…,"

She sniffs the coffee, then he lifts the box. "YOU GOT ME PUMPKIN," she screams seeing the tasty treats and her favorite, a muffin. The frozen coffee is pumpkin spice as well. "How," she questions gitty as a school girl.

"I saw on TV this morning, it came out this weekend. I had the agents go and get your favorites," he explains. Her eyes travel seeing his empty Starbucks cup in the trash. She crosses her arms huffing. "It's a Pumpkin Spice Latte," he impishly grins.

"Is it," she warns. "It better be because you know it's the only time I'll let you get it."

"Oh it is," he crashes his lips to hers. He opens her mouths with his tongue allowing her taste the pumpkin spice latte in his mouth. She growls believing him, enjoying it far too much. He's getting her all hot and bothered, and they can't do anything. When he separates their lips the room is spinning.

"I hate you," she sighs holding his face.

"Good more pumpkin for me," he teases.

"Don't bet on it Mister," she warns before sipping her drink. She sighs as it enters her body, then moans seductively eating her pumpkin goodies. She rotates her bottom over his crouch. Fitz has to grip the table to stop himself from losing control. "Behave."

"I'm trying," he admits. "Stop moving your ass that way and I'll be fine. " She rolls her eyes. She eats in his lap feeding him in the process. After breakfast he brings her to the couch. He kneels in front of her. "Liv?"

"Cyrus wants to come by around 10:00 to go over the plan for tonight. I know Fitz. It's okay. Our parents want to meet us for lunch. We are staying here until the convention tonight. No campaign events or stops," she explains meeting his worried gaze. A soft confident smile graces his lips.

/

Let's Handle It…

Fitz only wants what is best for her. Rest, here, in his arms where no one can harm her. If he is not at her side, despite the agents, it's not right. His hands link with hers. He lifts her engagement ring to his lips. It shimmers. His breath catches. He spreads her legs to kneel between them. He cups her cheeks.

"What," she questions noting the twinkle within his eyes.

"Marry me," he blurts out.

"Fitz I already said yes...," she exhales. She wiggles her ring finger. "I'm not getting cold feet."

"No," he cuts her off. His curt tone shocks her. She scoots back on the couch. "I mean this afternoon before the convention."

"What!" Her abrupt tone carries in the room. He can't be serious.

"Let's get married, today," he exclaims. She's quiet. Staring into his eyes gauging how serious he is. He sits next to her. She scoots to separate them but he only sits closer. He covers them both with a blanket. One arms snakes around her back, drawing her close, his free hand cradles her face. "I'm serious Livy. Become Olivia Grant today."

"I…," she mouths. She avert his gaze. This is not right. The last thing she wants is for him to feel obligated to marry her because of last night and there is someone else after her. Yes she's afraid she'll lose him but to rush and get married because is wrong.

"Hey," he coos lifting her face to meet her eyes.

A quick breath escapes her mouth staring into his eyes. This IS what he wants. He does not want to wait. There is no hint of second thoughts in his mind.

"Fi…," she begins.

His fingers cover her lips. "I don't want to wait any longer to make you my wife. It's dumb. We love each other. We belong together. We can have a huge wedding later. I'll give you whatever kind of wedding you want. We already decided on the date and time. It doesn't have to change. I just…," she sees the tears forming.

"You have me more protected than gold at Fort Knox," she chastises. "Even Goldfinger couldn't break through."

He chuckles. "Good," he presses his forehead to hers.

"Then why now," she questions keeping her voice calm, and low. "I'm never going to leave you for another man. There is no one else nor will there ever will be," she cups his face. "Please tell you me you believe me?

"Of course I do," he affirms.

"What is bringing this on? Whether you win in two months or not, I'll still be with you," she assures him with a soft kiss. He melts. Her eyes lock with his. "Why now?"

"Life is short Livy. I almost lost you because of your car accident. You could have died." She wipes the corners of his eyes. "I lost it, seeing the paramedics release you from the car. You were unconscious in the hospital bed." He does not dare mention find Richard with her. He does have to.

"Fitz Richard is a non-factor between us," she speaks his inner most thoughts. "Please tell me you know that."

"Of course I do. He'll never close to you again. Tom has my permission to throw him across the room if he's even spotted in the area." His words shock her. Has he been at events? If so, no one has mentioned it to her. "Then all this Watcher bull shit."

"That prick will never hurt me again, or you."

"We caught him Livy but…," he exasperates.

"But," she creaks. Their Watcher problem is not over. Far from it. There is more. It's only a matter of time before the head of the snake strikes. They have no leads only speculation. Without cold hard evidence there is nothing that can be done. They have to wait.

"We – you and I only get to live once. I don't have Hermoine Granger's time turner to turn the clock back to meet you sooner. If I did, trust me, I would in a second," he creeks. He releases a shaky breath. "I was a coward but I'm not anymore. You made me stronger. For you – us, to be President. Neither one of us will ever get to live our lives over again. I refuse to waste another day without being your husband."

"Fitz you cannot marry me out of fear I'll be killed," she clips harsher than she intended. "Or I'll be taken." Her words hit him. He stands walking away from her. "FITZ!"

He whips to face her. "I DO NO NOT WANT MARRY YOU OUT OF FEAR YOU'LL DIE OLIVIA." Her eyes widen at his tone. She wraps herself in a blanket shielding herself. He's too her in seconds. "I'm sorry," his head falls into her lap. He softly beings to sob into her legs. Losing her to anything or anyone is not an option.

She rests her head on top of his. "I'm right here. With you," she babbles through her own tears.

Her hands lace into his messy curls. His eyes close relaxing. Once his breathing calms she asks, "Give me a reason to say yes," she pleads in a hushed tone. His head pops up. "If we get married today you know you'll have to wait for wedding night sex."

He chortles at her comment. "You're worth the wait." He had to wait six weeks after her accident. What's a few nights? She'll be his wife. It is what is more important.

"Damn straight I am," she admonishes fluttering her eyes.

He smirks. "Livy…," he cups her face. She softens. "I've come to realize since you came into my life flipping it upside down, in order to be the man you deserve, I had to change. I had to grow." She nods. "Since the second our eyes met, I knew you were the one for me. I'd do anything and everything to make you happy."

"You have." She grins. "I am the happiest woman in the world because of you."

"Good," he quips. "But all the events leading up to now, almost losing you, the Watcher, Richard, there will always be someone or something trying to keep us apart. I do not want that. I love you Olivia with all my heart and soul. I was born to be your husband."

"And the father of my children," she utters. His large hand sprawls across her flat stomach. He longs for it. More than life itself. "Four remember."

He yanks her closer. "I've spent much of my adult life waiting for things to happen, only letting people close help when they must. Until you came along. My relationship with my Dad is totally different because I have you. You changed me – my family forever. Not only did you give me a reason to push myself to be a better man, but your love lit a fire within my soul, no other could have before."

She tears up.

"I don't want to marry today because I'm afraid I'll lose you, or one of us could be killed. The good Lord could take us at any minute. I want to become your husband Sweetheart because I love you with all my heart," he murmurs pulling her face to his. "Tomorrow morning I want to wake up in your arms as your husband – you my wife. We've wasted so much time not being married, and I'm done. So marry me Olivia Pope," he implores cradling her face gently in his hands shifting her ring on her finger.

"The press will have a field day if we do this," she harshly reminds him.

"And I should care because," he counters. She nearly shoves him off her with his flippant remark.

"Fitz they do not even know we are engaged. We were supposed to announce it at the convention tonight after you accept the nomination after the delegates." He did not forget but plans can be changed. He sits there allowing her to come up with a new plan in her mind. It won't take her long. "Presidential Candidates do not get married in a shot-gun wedding by Elvis."

"We aren't in Vegas so it don't be a problem."

"FITZ," she chastises reading to smack him across the head.

"I don't have a gown," she points out.

"You could marry me in a sheet, bathrobe or towel for all I care," he chastises. She whacks his head. He laughs rubbing his head. "We will get you one. Abby I'm sure would love to help."

"There will be no...," she pauses. He already knows they couldn't have wedding night sex tonight. It does not matter. Their love is more than rolling around in the sheets. They will have their big wedding and the sex afterwards will be off the charts. "Our…,"

"Our parents are here," he points out. "So are Jared, Lucas, and my two over the top annoying sisters who would jump at the idea of a last minute wedding Livy." She giggles. She can already picture his sisters going crazy at this idea.

"Fitz my Momma…,"

"Will probably want to put me over her knee, but she'll get over it. Your Dad will approve. My Mom just wants to be there. She does not care where. Abby and Peter are here – our best man and maid of honor. Do we really need anyone else because all the important people we love are here," he reminds her with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

"The campaign staff," she reminds him.

"We will tell them when the time is right. No today. I only need you." She holds her breath staring into his eyes.

"Rings," she lifts his hand.

"I have your wedding band," her eyes widen. He reaches into his pocket. Out of a velvet bag drops a ring to match her engagement ring. Another family heirloom. "It was my Great-grandmother's on my mom's side. And I know you have my wedding band." Which she does. He walks to her suitcase before setting it next to hers on the end table.

"Cyrus…,"

"He'll deal with it," he grouses. "I promise you, I'll give you the wedding of your dreams. Nothing has to change. I just can't go through the next two months and not have you as my wife. I love you. You are the love of my life. I wait and watch for you. I exist for…," he's silenced by her lips.

He lifts her into his lap, dipping her backwards gradually increasing the intensity. They are lost in each other forgetting everything and everyone around them. When she lifts her lips from his, they are tears in her eyes. He cradles her in his arms.

"For the love of God, Marry me," he mutters ghosting his lips over hers. "Today."

She bites her lip ready to answer.

However they are interrupted when a knock is heard on their door. Miss Alice enters. "How's my baby girl this morning," she coos seeing her daughter swaddled in Fitz's arms.

"Momma," Olivia whispers alarming her Mother.

Miss Alice is too her in seconds. Her hands touch her daughter just about everywhere. She's warm. "Now Fitzgerald," she scolds. "Stop overheating her. You know she can't handle all your good loving when she's like this."

Fitz blushes. He buries his face behind Olivia's head.

"Momma please," Olivia takes her hands. "Fitz and I need to talk to…," she begins to explain but something catches Miss Alice's eye.

"You two got some explaining to do," Miss Alice clips glaring at Fitz and her daughter. "Get presentable. I'll be back in thirty minutes with the others." Olivia and Fitz gulp. "You two hear me now."

"Yes Ma'am," they speak at the same time.

Miss Alice hurries out of the room in a huff.

"Fitz," Olivia squeaks burrowing her face into his neck. "My Momma is going to knock us out. She saw…"

"Our wedding rings," Fitz kisses her cheek. "It will be all right."

"Fitz she's going to…,"

"Make me pick the biggest stick and hit me with it," he jests shrugging his shoulders. "I do not care. You and I are all that matters. If THIS," he lifts their rings. They hold them in each other's hands. "Is what WE want – I do not care. All right."

She still hasn't given him an answer. "We have twenty five minutes left."

He smirks lifting her off the couch bringing her to their bed. He does not care if they cannot do anything, he just wants to be close to her. "Then we best make use of the time we have left before the cavalry arrives." He lowers his head to kiss her.

"Fitzgerald," she hisses. "We can't," she breathes when his lips attach to her neck.

"Yes. We. Can," he stresses sucking the pulse point under her ear.

"St-aaaa-ppp," she whimpers.

"Never," he seethes nipping her neck.

"F…," she just sputters when lips hover over hers.

"Stop talking Miss Pope for the next fifteen minutes," he commands. She smirks. "I'm working here." When his lips connect with hers, she relents permitting Fitz to do anything he wants until their fifteen minutes are up and they rush to get dressed before their entire family, Cyrus, Abby and Peter arrive.

/

Republican National Convention (12 Hours later)

Nomination for President….

Fit continues to pace the secure room he's been in since his arrival an hour ago. He asked to be left alone to prepare not wanting to be distracted. The only person he wanted in the room was Olivia but she opted to give him some space. Not showing until the very last moment was a wise decision but now he's even more nervous.

What if the crowd hates his speech? What if it is not received well? His heartfelt words will be picked apart and examined by every new channel, paper, social media site until the end of his days.

"I hope I know what I'm doing," he grouses before hearing a soft knock on the door. "Enter." He hopes it's Olivia.

"Peter," he smiles clearly surprised to see him.

"Liv sent me to check on you," Peter explains shaking his hand. "I just ran through my speech and got the seal of approval from her and Cyrus. I'm due on stage right before her." He glances at his watch noting he only has a few minutes.

"I'm just a little bit nervous," Fitz admits. His palms are sweating.

"You got this in the bag. You have done well on the Trail the last few weeks. The polling numbers are climbing. The nomination is yours. If it wasn't you wouldn't be here," Peter assures him. "And most of all Olivia is with you." A wistful smile appears on his face.

"What?"

"I always knew she was meant for greatness. You should see her. Abby, your Mom and Miss Alice totally have her glammed up. She looks like a First Lady already," Peter admits proudly. Fitz does not get jealous over his words. There is no animosity between the two. "When she steps onto the stage tonight, she will not only take your breath away but the entire convention center. Just wait."

"I don't get to see her," he protests clearing not agreeing with this idea.

"According to Liv…No." He huffs crossing his arms. "Relax."

"Ha. Easy for you to say. I hate being away from her," Fitz snips clearing annoyed. "I swear she's doing this to torment me."

Peter touches his arm. "No she is not. She's wants her look to be a surprise even for you. I've been told to tell you as I reach the closing moments of my speech, you'll be standing just off stage to see Olivia emerge from the opposite side. You are not to walk out to unless you cannot help it. She's ready for any PDA you have in store for her once you see her," Peter quips with a wink.

"Hmm," Fitz chuckles. "Then I cannot wait to see her."

He glances down at his watch. "Look I have to…,"

"Go Peter. And thank you for everything…," Fitz shakes his hand firmly before watching Peter walk out the door. Fitz the monitor from inside the room for Peter to take the stage. He walks out to a thunderous applause hand in hand with Abby. She looks beautiful in a knee length green dress with white heals.

Fitz watches Peter's speech until Cyrus and the Secret Service arrive to escort him to the stage to watch Olivia. His pulse quickens to closer he becomes. Tom sent reports she is safe, with 6 agents, and their parents. No one has gotten close to her without prior approval.

"You ready Governor," Cyrus asks as they head for the stage. He's behind a curtain.

"Cyrus I've been waiting for this moment since you brought Olivia into my life," Fitz answers proudly. "You should have introduced us when I was running for Governor the first time."

"I should have," Cyrus agrees. "Good luck tonight. This is what we all have been working for. I'm proud of the man you have become. I'm honored you chose me to help get you here."

"Thank you Cyrus," he utters just as Peter readies himself to introduce Olivia. Fitz steps out slightly, not enough to be seen but to have a clear view of her across the stage. He grimaces only seeing Tom and her detail.

"Now Ladies and Gentlemen," Peter announces into the microphone. "Thank you for listening to my speech but I know you are all here to see this next guest and who will follow her. It is no secret I have known this incredible woman since college. She is good, kind, and has been my wing-woman on my occasions."

The crowd begins to chant Olivia's name. Peter waves his hands to quiet them down. The energy is electric.

"Without her, I can say with certainty I would not be here with you all this evening. She is one of my dearest and truest friends and the light, heart and soul of this campaign. Without her, I would not have found Abigail, whom I love dearly." Abby steps to him. She kisses his cheek. She glances backwards seeing Tom and the agents keeping Olivia hidden.

"It is a great honor and privilege to introduce our next guest who will then have the pleasure of introducing our next President of the United States."

The crowd goes wild.

"Ladies, Gentleman, fellow delegates from all fifty states and territories, it is an honor to welcome to the stage, half of OLITZ, your next first lady of the United States of America, Olivia…" before Peter can speak her last name Olivia walks out onto the stage drowning out his last word.

Fitz just off camera feels the air leave his lungs looking at her. His stance falters as he takes her in fully. He catches himself before he topples over. Olivia chose wear a Jovani off the shoulder A-line satin and chiffon cocktail black and white dress with floral embroidery from her knees to waist.

She paired the dress black heels. Diamond studs and a single diamond necklace compliment her look. A gift from Fitz's parents. Her hair is in long loose curls which bounce as she walks across the stage. Her nails are painted white with blue tips. Her toes white with red tips. She keeps her eyes on his until she faces and waves to the crowd.

Her hand sways back and forth vigorously while keeping an eye on Fitz. "Stop," she mouths as he begins to step out onto the stage.

"No," he shakes his head already on his way to her. "I don't think so."

"Fitz," she grouses.

But's it's too late, the cameras spot him, displaying him on the monitors around the convention center. He's too her in seconds while the crowd leaps up from their seats cheering and screaming. His hands connect with hers. "My God you are gorgeous," he murmurs before leaning in for a kiss. This is the happiest he's ever been and he will not hide it.

Keeping hidden in the back of the stage is not an option.

"The World is watching," she clips reminding him steering her lips out of his path. "You'll mess up my lipstick."

"And your point is," he counters before his lips connect to hers. He kisses her lips softly earning more screams and yells from the crowd. He cups her face. "Have I told you how happy you make me," he mutters next to her ear.

"Yes." She squeezes his hands leaning her forehead to his. "Now stand there and let me give my speech to introduce our next President."

"As you wish," he jests winking staring lovingly into her soft brown eyes.

He escorts her to the podium. Fitz kisses her cheek before stepping off to the side, allowing Olivia to take command of the massive arena. He poses dramatically vividly waving his hands up and down earning more screams from the audience.

She motions for the crowd to calm down before she begins her speech and Fitz's introduction.

"Thank you. Thank you."

The crowd slowly quiets.

"I am so happy to be here with you all this evening. I apologize for my tardiness but as my Mother informed you all last evening I was under the weather. She raised me to never argue with her when she's right. Last night, she knew I was not well and stepped in to address you all. I am grateful to her."

Olivia pauses.

"My Mother, Alice Pope raised me to be a strong, independent, brave, courageous, woman of color unashamed of who I am and most importantly of where I come from. Her love guided me from the moment I was born, into my childhood, teens, and the woman before your very eyes today. My Father, Louis Pope, never allowed me to shy away from my fears.

"My family is your everyday normal family. We fight, bicker, make up I'd like to think like any other in our country. I grew up in middle class loving home where Sunday dinners were a tradition where we sat around the table and talked about our upcoming week. My two older brothers were always there, even now as adults. They are my biggest supports and also pain in my neck."

The crowd laughs at her remark.

"Because I grew up in a house primarily of men, I learned at an early age to hold my own. My brothers and father can tell you all I had no trouble. I had to learn to do things myself, in a World, as an African American was brought up to believe one to be twice as good as those around him."

She pauses finding her parent's eyes off stage. They smile at her proudly.

"I'd like to admit to you all here today, in this massive arena, I believed for most of my life I had to be twice as good to succeed. I pushed myself to near perfection hoping one day I feel good enough. This was not only the case in my professional life but personal until," she chokes up. Her eyes meet Fitz's soft blue eyes. God she loves him more than life itself.

He grasps his heart then mouths "I love you."

"This man, to my right, Governor Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III stepped into my life, or has he likes to point out, I came barreling into his turning it upside down. Our first meeting is one of the record books. One look into Fitz's eyes, I knew my life changed forever. Gradually he brought out a side I didn't know existed nor believed in. Through his eyes, and his undying love and devotion to me, us, Fitz made me believe I no longer had to be twice as good as everyone else because from the very start I was their equal."

Fitz steps closer. He's aching to touch her.

"The man you see before you tonight, is not any different behind closed doors where it is only him and I. He's good. Kind. Loving. Highly protective. No matter the circumstances he's give his shirt off his back if it meant your happiness. Fitz has a vision for our country, one I believe will bring us into the future."

"He is not only a good man, but the BEST man for the job as President of the United States. His love for this country is like nothing I've never seen. I have no idea what I did to earn his love, and respect but I assure you I'll spend the rest of my life with him figuring it out."

The crowd begins to chant President Grant.

"It is with great pleasure and an honor that I stand before you all this evening to introduce my soulmate, better half, and the love of my life, the Governor of the great state of California Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III, our next President of the United States of America."

Olivia steps away from the microphone just as Fitz's is beside her. Now the stage is ALL his where he'll accept the Republican Nomination. She's at his side where she belongs.

She cups his face with both her hands.

"You ready Governor."

"I am." He leans in to kiss her.

"Good." He removes her hands from her face holding them in his own for a few moments enjoying this moment before their World changes forever. "Now show them who you are."

"No Livy," he voices with conviction pressing his lips to hers one more time. "I'll show them who WE are."

/

TBC….

Yes my darlings that is it for this update. I know I left things kind of vague. Did Olitz get married or not? What do you think? Did they become husband and wife? Fitz truly did not want to any longer not that I blame him. I promise all your questions will be answered in the next chapter.

The next installment will continue Fitz's convention speech and probably one debate against Reston. I do not have plans to write all three Presidential debates.

As election night continues to approach, this story is reaching its conclusion. I am unsure on the amount of chapters, but I figured I'd give you all a heads up. To those of you who have been reading this since I posted it all those years ago, thank you so much to anyone knew I hope you enjoy it.

I look forward to hearing from you all so please drop me a #Crumb so I can follow you home. I also started a new fic "Heart of Midtown." If you have not read it, please check it out.

Thank you for reading and have a fantastic week….

Me's