Hello, readers. Now begins the sequel to Alone Together. This picks up in mid-October, 2017. I left you in Chapter 42 with a lot of things up in the air—what's up with Sarah and Isaac? Will Brooke run away from her chance at love with Carisi, and…will Ed and Olivia try for a biological child? These chapters will follow the family as they navigate through some major changes in their lives.

One.

The shower clearly was not large enough for two people in love.

The thuds, clangs, and giggles induced an annoyed-sounding series of thuds from the neighbor.

"Shhhh. Mrs. O'Malley can hear us."

"Who cares about Mrs. O'Malley? What about Noah?"

"He's asleep. He sleeps like the dead."

"Are you sure?" The two of them stood still. The only noise came from the water streaming over their bodies and falling in droplets against the tile. "I thought I heard something."

Sonny poked his head out and listened. "Maybe it's Sarah," he concluded hopefully.

Brooke slid her arms around Sonny's waist. "Relax." She played with the soaking wet strands of her boyfriend's hair and pulled him close for a kiss. "We have at least another hour."

"Brooke," Sonny mumbled as she kissed him. "He's knocking."

"What?"

Again, they froze and listened.

Two faint knocks, and then, and innocent-sounding, "Brookey?"

"Fuck."

"Brookey you okay?"

The concern in Noah's little voice melted her heart. "I'm fine, No, hang on," she jumped out of the shower, hurriedly dried off, and wrapped herself in her robe before slinking out of the bathroom, opening the door as narrowly as possible. "Hey buddy," she took his hand and led him to the living room. "You didn't sleep long."

"Nope." Noah walked with Brooke but craned his head backward, "Where Sonny?"

"He's…he's asleep."

"Uh-uhhhh." Noah protested. "I hear him! Wanna see Sonny!" He looked up at Brooke indignantly.

"He'll be right out," Brooke assured.

"He in da shower?"

"Yes."

"Brookey in da shower?"

"Ummm…yes." Brooke searched the room for a distraction. Food, she thought, food was good. "How about some cheese and crackers?"

Noah scrunched up his nose. "For dinner?"

"It's too early for dinner. This is a snack."

"Okay," Noah tried to hoist himself into a barstool, but Brooke had to give him a boost, "I eat a snack and Sonny cook da dinner." He drummed on the island with the palms of his hands. "I play da bongos at school, Brookey!"

"Oh yeah?"

"Uh-huh!"

"Maybe Mommy and Daddy will get you some bongos for your birthday."

"I play 'em on da iPad, too!"

"I bet they miss you playing the bongos." Brooke felt guilty about being sarcastic, but after two-and-a-half days playing mommy and also testing the waters of living with Sonny she longed for some alone time. Ed and Olivia decided to go upstate for the long Columbus Day weekend after one of Ed's coworkers offered him the use of his lake house, and Brooke and Sarah agreed to care for Noah. Wisely, Brooke suggested they pack Noah's bags and let him stay at their apartment rather than bring back bad memories of the last time Ed and Olivia were away. Besides, with Sonny now living with Brooke and Sarah, sleeping arrangements were less tricky and awkward if they remained at their place.

"Hey, Noah!" Dried and dressed, Sonny appeared. Brooke sized him up as she had done every day since he moved in two weeks ago. She liked seeing him so casual with his hair free from product and clad mostly in well-worn jeans and sweatshirts.

"Hi!" Noah greeted him brightly.

"Have a good nap?"

"Yep! You have good shower?"

Brooke doubled over with laughter and Sonny cracked up. When they calmed down they locked eyes, silently entertaining the same thought.

Someday, this will be fun to reminisce about.

"It was good," Sonny quickly replied and then just as quickly changed the subject, "Cheddar and Ritz, huh?" He eyed the food. "Mind if I join ya?"

"Nope! Snack time, sonny!" Noah plucked a hunk of cheese and a cracker from his plate and held it out, "Here ya go!"

"Thanks," Carisi replied and cast an amorous gaze at Brooke, "I'm hungry."

"We eat sagetti?"

"If that's what ya want."

Noah bit into a cracker and nodded happily. She, Sarah, Sonny, and Noah would have one final "family" dinner together before Ed and Olivia returned the next day.

"Know what I need to buy sometime for a snack?" Sonny asked as he studied the cracker sandwich he'd constructed, "Easy Cheese."

Brooke furrowed her brow. "What?"

"Easy cheese," Sonny repeated, "You spray it."

"Spray da cheeeeeese?" Noah giggled.

Sonny recalled a childhood memory, "Yeah, me and my sisters would see who could fit the biggest mountain of cheese on the cracker and into our mouths without spilling."

"Gross," Brooke muttered. "I don't think Liv wants Noah eating that crap."

"It crap, Brookey?"

"Ugh, sorry No, don't say crap, jeez, we gotta get your parents back. You're gonna be corrupted to the core."

"Noah, you have corrupt sisters. But, me? Your Sonny? I'm all good."

"Sisters k'rupt." Noah agreed nonchalantly then batted his eyelashes at Carisi, "What k'rupt?"

Sonny leaned forward on his elbows, "It means they say bad words sometimes and they shouldn't."

"Brookey you talk bad at da big kids?" Noah asked, wide-eyed.

Stifling laughter, Brooke answered, "No. And I shouldn't talk bad around you. Sometimes I just forget, little man. You're family but you're still little. I'll try harder."

"Dat's what my teacher say!" Noah exclaimed, "Jus' try hard!"

…

Ed stretched and gripped the balcony railing firmly, stretching his hamstrings and calves. He and Olivia biked at least ten miles along the Adirondack trails and, while both he and his wife were in excellent shape, he was certain, come morning, he would be stiff as a board. Olivia came up behind him and massaged his back. Ed let her knead his delts for a while, but he couldn't resist leaning into her after a few minutes. The weekend had gone off without a hitch so far. Traffic hadn't been a problem. They'd had two exceptional, intimate meals in town, and the weather was cool enough for them to relax around the fire pit at night, curled together in one lounge chair.

Just the two of them.

At home, it was rarely just the two of them and every vacation they'd taken except for their honeymoon included Noah. They could've easily left Noah with Brooke or Sarah or both of them before, but vacations didn't seem quite right without him. So, when Ed informed Olivia of his buddy's offer, he was surprised when she immediately suggested they ask the girls if they could possibly be convinced and maybe inconvenienced to take Noah for the weekend.

"We'll pay them," she said.

"They don't need to be paid."

"Well, it's a little bit of an imposition. And they won't want to say no."

Ed was right. Both Sarah and Brooke refused the money and were, as usual, happy to help. Brooke hadn't planned to be away anyway; she was still getting back into the groove of the school year, and Sarah never planned anything elaborate, especially outside of the city. When Ed and Olivia thought about it, they were sure she hadn't left New York since she and Ed went to Philadelphia to pick up a few things last spring.

"They're living practically rent-free," Ed had gruffly muttered, "And with Carisi there now…even cheaper. Wish I had that deal when I was their age."

"It wasn't that expensive then," Olivia had pointed out.

"No, but you get it."

"I do."

Their last full day at the house on Lake George began the same as the two previous mornings—with either Ed or Olivia initiating a sweet round of lovemaking as the sun rose and, afterward, they moved to the balcony wearing robes and blankets and sipped coffee until they mustered enough will to either make breakfast or go to the local diner.

The constant close proximity to his wife thrilled Ed. Fall proved to be a challenging time for their still-fledgling marriage. Tricky cases consumed both their professional lives and every moment they had at home was spent with Noah as they ushered him through his first weeks of pre-K. The first few hours at the lake seemed awkward at first as they adjusted to being alone together in the peaceful, idyllic surroundings, but it wasn't long before the two of them glued themselves to one another's side and reignited old, giddy feelings that reminded them of why they fell in love in the first place.

After each lazy morning they either went on a hike or took the bikes for a spin along the well-marked trails. They ate a light lunch and ended each afternoon with a boat ride.

At first, Ed was hesitant to take his colleague's boat on the water even though the man practically made him promise he'd use the vessel. Captain Tucker had a lot of talents, but he had never operated anything more complicated than a small fishing boat and an NYPD inflatable; however, with Olivia's encouragement, they took the eighteen-footer for a couple of late afternoon cruises and, once Ed got comfortable with the operation and got his bearings, he killed the engine, dropped anchor and left the controls to sit next to Olivia on the bow's bench seats.

"Want a drink?" She asked sweetly, resting her legs on their small cooler.

He kissed her cheek and held her close. "Nah. Not right now. Right now, I want this."

Olivia rested her head on the shoulder of the man she loved so much that sometimes it paralyzed her. The simple feeling of her cheek against his body was enough to send shooting pangs of desire through her midsection.

Waves gently rocked the boat. Both pairs of eyes gazed into the distance at the evergreens and the deciduous tree leaves now heartily colored in deep red, orange, and goldenrod. A few other boaters dotted the lake, but the peak watersport season was just about over and visitors and residents retreated to land to await the advent of the snowmobiles and ice fishermen.

"Too cold?" Ed asked as Olivia completely zipped her coat. "Wanna head in?"

"I'm okay for now. The sun's going down anyway. A few more minutes."

"Where do you wanna eat tonight?"

Olivia answered immediately, "The Boathouse." On the drive up she'd researched local restaurants. This particular establishment was right on the water, so she figured she'd save the best view for their final night.

"Yes ma'am."

"Reviews said they have a great filet."

"Everything tastes great when I'm eating with you."

Olivia chuckled, "Oh come on."

"I'm serious. Lo mein for lunch? When we have lunch together it's so much better."

"That's because you think there's a tiny chance we'll have office sex again."

Ed grinned into her hair, "Maybe." A few seconds passed and then he asked, "Um, will we have office sex again?"

Olivia tilted her head back for a kiss, "You could get lucky again, Captain. Just…be prepared."

"I'm always prepared." Ed noticed the sun starting to dip below the tree line, "Well, we should probably get goin."

"Yeah."

"But it's the last time we'll be out here, so…" Ed took her face in his hands and initiated what turned into a zealous make-out session.

"God, Ed," Olivia moaned into his mouth.

He refused to let her break away, but he mumbled, "Kissing you is one of my favorite things."

Olivia finally made some space between them so they could breathe, and she ran her fingers through his short hair, "What are the others?" She teased, knowing how he would answer.

"Making love to you," he replied, smirking, "Seeing you just about to wake up in the morning. Kissing you goodbye, well, I don't necessarily like saying goodbye, but knowing I'll see you later." He dove at her again, practically consuming the lower half of her face and then, just as abruptly as he began, broke away and continued his thought, "Seeing you with Noah. Seeing you really laugh."

"That's a lot of favorites."

"What are yours?"

Olivia gazed soulfully into his eyes, "There needs to be a word…that combines being in love and feeling so secure that you're convinced no harm will come your way when you're with a person. Because that's how you make me feel. And…that's my favorite thing."

"I think that word is us. My number one favorite thing. It's us."

….

Carisi kicked everyone out of the kitchen so he could put the finishing touches on the crew's Sunday dinner. He prepared spaghetti with simple marinara sauce, meatballs stuffed with mozzarella, and a white pizza, specifically requested by Sarah. Sonny insisted the pizza was not authentic Italian food, but he'd made it once before and it quickly became Sarah's favorite.

"Ya know, we really need a dining table," he called out to everyone.

Sarah shot back, "We don't have room for one. And, if you wanna talk to us, at least allow us at the island."

Sonny ignored part of the comment, "Italian food is not meant to be served buffet style. It's meant to be passed around the table."

"Well, we'll pass it around the fu, er, freaking island."

Brooke fired a warning glance at Sarah. "Well, at some point we'll move."

Sarah looked back and forth between Sonny and Brooke, "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"Nah," Carisi replied as if Sarah had nothing to worry about, "Not right now at least."

"But we're saving so much money," Brooke pointed out, "At least, I am. And, in a year or so, I think I'll be ready to buy my own place. I'm sure Dad would let you stay here as long as you want, but…this place is kinda small for the three of us. Or even the two of us," she glanced sweetly at Carisi, "And eventually, well, Dad deserves to be able to sell. He's gonna make so much money."

"I don't know if I can live by myself," Sarah mumbled, looking forlorn, "But I understand."

"Hey," Brooke said softly, "It's not gonna be for a while. You don't know what'll happen. And if I buy a place and you want to stay there for a while that's fine. It's just…"

"You need to move on with your life," Sarah concluded. "Like I said, I understand. It's just…all this change. I struggle with it."

"I know. We all do."

"Sonny doesn't."

"What?" Carisi said as he ducked his head into the oven.

"You don't struggle with change," Brooke called to him.

"Nope."

"I'm glad you're patient," Sarah remarked, "It's taken Brooke like a year to let you move in here."

Brooke cast her sister and admonishing expression, "We haven't been together a year."

"Whatever," Sarah said, "The point is that Sonny here is so in love he's willing to put up with not only your bullshit but also mine."

Hearing the word bullshit, Noah, who had been engrossed with the iPad, looked up. "Sare bear," he warned, "you say bad word."

She clasped her hand over her mouth, "I'm sorry Noey Boey. Timeout for me?"

"Uh-huh!" Noah announced gleefully. "Sare bear, you always in timeout!"

Pots and pans and plates clanged in the kitchen.

"Everybody's released from timeout," Sonny declared, "Because dinner is served."

…..

At The Boathouse, the host escorted Ed and Olivia to a table for two overlooking the docks. A glimmer of daylight still remained, and they admired some of the larger boats. Ed joked he could've driven them over in the boat. Olivia's polite nod made Ed laugh.

"You don't think I coulda done it?"

"Oh, no, you could have," she said, "It's…I don't think it's a good idea to take the boat out at night when we don't know where we're going."

Ed unwrapped his silverware and placed the napkin on his lap, all the while smirking at his wife, "Nice save, Lieutenant."

She simpered back at him. "Thank you."

"I love that sweater."

Olivia looked down at her attire. Formal clothing didn't make its way into the Tucker suitcases on this particular weekend, but even she had to admit that her burgundy v-neck sweater, jeans, and riding boots combo was a good choice.

"Know why I love it?"

"Why?"

"Cause that necklace…" Ed peered at the stone cluster hanging from a gold chain and resting just above her cleavage, "That necklace looks so good with that color." The bauble consisted of all three of their birthstones intertwined together.

Self-conscious under the scrutiny, Olivia scratched at her neck. "I love this." She said in a voice barely above a whisper.

"What can I getcha to drink?" An overly-eager server approached with a too-wide grin and did not realize at all that he'd just interrupted a sweet moment.

Ed fixed his eyes on Olivia. "Red?"

"Sure."

"Have any local reds?"

"We have a few. I recommend the Bully Hill Merlot."

"We'll have that," Ed requested and quickly turned his attention back to Olivia. "I love that necklace, too." Ed purchased the jewelry on a whim after hearing Cole tell him about a similar gift he'd purchased for his wife.

"I'm wondering though," Olivia mused slowly, "Wondering if…are we going to have to add to this at some point?"

Trying to stifle a smile, Ed raised his eyebrows curiously. "Are we?"

The baby conversation had come and gone throughout September, and, as of now, they hadn't spoken of babies since Sarah's birthday at the end of the month. At one point, Ed resigned himself to the idea that they wouldn't talk about it again; their lives were simply too full, too busy, and bringing in another young life would be irresponsible.

Olivia's resolute response stunned him.

"I want to."

Outside, a family of eight had just docked their large boat and disembarked. They were now walking in a boisterous line into the restaurant, attracting the attention of everyone but Ed and Olivia. Across the room, a three-piece jazz band cranked out soulful standards. The waiter dropped off their wine.

But Ed and Olivia were in a world of their own. They noticed none of it. Only when the server loudly and intentionally cleared his throat did Ed wave him away.

"We need a minute."

Olivia repeated herself. "I want to." She slid her glass aside and reached for Ed's hands. "I don't want to put it off or ignore it anymore. I want…I want..." she lowered her voice ever so slightly. "I want our baby."

Olivia swore Ed looked exactly like Noah just then. Innocently excited. His hands trembled ever so slightly, but his eyes conveyed such sincerity that she knew he felt the same way.

"I want our baby, too."

The server returned.

More accommodating this time, Ed ordered the vaunted filet mignon and when Olivia ordered the shrimp scampi he suggested, "Maybe we can share those two? Medium rare okay on the steak?"

She nodded.

The server obliged. "I'll bring a couple of extra plates."

"Thanks."

Overcome with emotion, Ed wasn't sure what to say next. Tears burned in the back of his eyes, yet he remained focused on his wife who seemed oddly composed for such a pivotal moment. He took that as a good sign.

"I made an appointment with my doctor," Olivia said, "And we'll go from there."

"Okay."

Ed seemed content to follow her lead for the time being.

"And…depending on what she says, we may need to start looking for a surrogate." Ed was soaking up and agreeing with every word she said, "But, ideally, I want to carry this child."

Ed's smile overflowed with all of the love and admiration in the entire world. He'd come to know Olivia Benson, now Tucker, as a fierce and independent warrior, and now that she was his wife he rarely saw that side. But he liked it. Yet, he also was concerned for her health.

"Ideally," he echoed. "But what if…"

"There're other options."

"Yeah." He couldn't help but grin. "So we'll go with the next step. You want me to come with you?"

"Not this appointment. Kinda routine, this one."

Ed leaned across the table, "I'm gonna be there. Every time."

"Ed, this—"

He shook his head back and forth. "I. Will. ." Sitting back, a more playful expression crossed his face. "Noah's the perfect age…not too old and not too young. I can't wait to tell him."

Olivia let out a gentle laugh, "We're not there yet."

"But we will be," Ed said softly. "One way or the other. We will be."

The cacophony of the restaurant proved to be no match for their connection at that moment. Ed raised his glass.

"To us," he said with a smirk, "And the new one of us."

They drank, but that wasn't good enough for Ed. He stood up and knelt in front of Olivia.

"Ed?"

"I love you, Liv."

"Ed?" She peered over his head, "Everyone's watching us."

"I don't care."

Olivia looked down at her wedding and engagement rings and tried to make them evident to the observers. Whatever her husband was doing, he was not proposing marriage.

"Olivia," he reached up for her face and then her shoulders, not really sure what he wanted to hold at the moment. His eyes traveled from her hands to her shoulders, and finally to her eyes. "We're gonna have a baby together."

"Yeah," she replied, "We are." She ran a hand lightly across his cheek. "And he'll be handsome like his Daddy."

"How do ya know it'll be a boy?"

"I have a feeling."

"I have a feeling this is…like the icing on the cake of our family."

"Me too." Olivia kissed the top of his head. He'd been on bended knee for too long, and the people who'd been staring went back to concentrating on their meals. "Wanna go back to your seat?"

"Oh," Ed replied, genuinely startled, "Yeah."

"Food'll be here soon."

Ed turned to survey the dining room. "Honestly, Liv? I'm ready to get started on the whole making the new Tucker thing right now." He peered at her, "You stop taking, uh, the pills?"

"I did."

"So…it's just us and nature for a little bit?"

"Yeah."

When the food arrived at that moment Ed smiled triumphantly, "Eat up, Liv. Then we'll go back to the house…and…maybe in nine months we'll name this baby George?"

Olivia speared a shrimp and cocked her eyebrow, knowing Ed loved that little move.

"Maybe, Captain. With us, anything is possible."

….

#Tuckson