This is gonna be my last update for a while, because I'm going out of town and I'm gonna be gone for the whole week. So, any old updates of stories that I have left behind will be updated this week and when I come back. I finally finished up 'How To Deal', my CI story, so now I can update and finish on my other stories that I abandoned because I've been coming up with new ideas. Besides, I have roughly two more chapters of this story and then I'll be done. So, sit back, relax and enjoy this brand new chapter!

BTW, who's gonna be watching the Olympics on 8.8.08?

Enjoy and happy reading!

Lots of love, hugs and kisses from your resident writer and friend, Nina!

X

Special Victims Unit Squad room

16th precinct

One Police Plaza

Manhattan, New York

December 24, 2008 (Christmas Eve)

It was a short day at the 1-6 since it was the holiday and no new cases came in, everyone was just finishing up paperwork before they can go home and spend some time with their families. And the squad was definitely in Christmas spirit. The bullpen was decorated with colorful Christmas lights, red and green streamers and a huge tree was set up by the captain's office; decorated with ornaments, lights, candy canes and so much more. Beautifully wrapped gifts were set up under the tree.

Elliot smiled because for once, he was in the holiday spirit. He was spending the holidays with his family; his children and his pregnant girlfriend. He couldn't remember ever seeing Olivia look so beautiful and so full of life. He couldn't wait to see their daughter being brought into the world. The brunette was now eight months pregnant and she just looked breathtaking. He wondered what did he do so right in his life for her to capture his heart after nearly ten years being his partner.

God surely works in mysterious ways, a voice in his head said. Even his beloved mother told him that once. And it was during the time Kathy was pregnant with Maureen.

"How goes it, Elliot?" Cragen called out as he stepped out of the office for a moment.

"Fine. I'm almost done. I should be out of here in about fifteen minutes," Elliot responded.

"How's Olivia? I know staying at home bores her to death," Don chuckled.

Elliot laughed. "Well, she's been keeping busy. She's helping around the house, which she didn't have to do, but she's been so helpful. Matter of fact, can I ask you something important?"

"Sure," Don said, shrugging his shoulders.

Elliot got up from his desk and went over to where his boss was standing. He reached inside his pants pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box, then he opened it, revealing a sparkling diamond engagement ring. Don was shocked to see how big the ring was. He knew it was about time Elliot and Olivia realized how much they mean to each other.

"Elliot, it's beautiful. When are you gonna do it?" Don asked, still looking shocked at the sight of the ring.

"Tonight, when the kids go to sleep. Listen, Liv looks to you like a father and since we know she didn't have one in her life, you're the closet thing to a father she ever has. And you know we had our share of good times and bad times, but I learned a lot from you. May I have permission to have your daughter's hand in marriage?" Elliot asked nervously.

Don smiled. It wasn't a sarcastic smile, but it was more like a genuine smile. He knew this day was coming. Even he was rooting for his two best detectives to realize their feelings for each other. No wonder Elliot punched Kurt's lights out that day he confronted Olivia about her pregnancy. No wonder Elliot wanted to kill any man who dare messes with Olivia Benson. Without warning, he wrapped his arms around Elliot and hugged him tightly.

"You may. Oh, and just so you know, if you ever hurt my little girl, I will hunt you down and put a bullet in your heart," Don warned in a light tone.

Elliot just smiled. "You don't have to worry about a thing, Cap. Olivia Benson, soon to be Olivia Stabler, is in good hands."

"Now, as you know, partners can't be married and remain partners. But, since I love you and Olivia so much, I'm gonna try to pull some strings so you both can stay with this unit. I can't afford to lose you," Cragen assured the blue eyed hunk.

"Thank you. And if things don't work out, hey, I can always go somewhere else. I hear Queens SVU is looking for an opening. That way I can be close to home," Elliot reminded him.

"I know. Let me take care of it. Go home and be with Olivia. It's the holiday and I know she's gonna be happy when she sees this ring," Don smiled before he stepped back into his office.

Elliot kept smiling as he went to his desk and began gathering up his things. Thank God he managed to get his Christmas shopping done a lot sooner, because he knew he was gonna have a lot of explaining to do if he came home with bags of gifts in his arms. That wouldn't be good.

After bundling up and getting all of his things together, he braced himself and went out into the freezing cold air, groaning because it started snowing as well.

But, going home was gonna be well-worth the wait.

X

Stabler residence

Queens, New York

December 24, 2008 (Christmas Eve)

Olivia yawned as she flopped down on the sofa carefully. Man, what a day. Her back was sore, her feet were swollen, she was hormonal and she was tired. She did so much walking around today and it wasn't a joke. With Elliot being at work, she became 'Mom'. First off, the twins was in their school Christmas pageant so she had to put the finishing touches on their costumes so they won't miss it. Kathleen came home from college, but she brought her boyfriend Jason with her, so the house was gonna be full. Furthermore, Maureen came home straight from her publishing job to spend time with the family, so Olivia was overwhelmed with everything that's been going on.

Now, things are much quieter around here. Elliot should be home by now, but given the fact that the weather outside was freezing cold and it was snowing heavily, she knew it was gonna take him a long time to get home. Now, she was glad she was on maternity leave. She couldn't bear being out in the cold.

Her heart thumped in her chest when she heard the door open. Elliot walked inside a moment later, shaking the snow off of his hat and his coat. She looked over her shoulder and smiled as she watched him take his coat off and hang it on the coat rack. Once he laid his eyes on her, his smile appeared.

"You made it home okay," she beamed.

"Traffic was a bitch out there. And being out in the cold didn't help matters, not to mention it's snowing heavily. I thought I was never gonna get here safely," he muttered. He looked around and noticed Olivia was the only one sitting the living room.

"Where's the kids?" he asked, looking frantic.

"The twins are at a Christmas party at their school, Kathleen's over her boyfriend's house and Maureen's sleeping upstairs," she told him, which made him breathe a sigh of relief.

"Looks like it's you and me, then," he grinned as he went over to where she was sitting and took a seat next to her on the sofa. He then took her in his arms and planted a searing kiss on her forehead.

"I missed you today," she whispered.

"You could've called. You know where I was. No new cases came in, thank God. We've been swarmed with paperwork," he laughed.

"Awe, poor baby," she giggled.

"How are you feeling? How's baby girl?" he asked softly. His hand made his way across her swollen belly. Baby girl started kicking furiously.

She laughed. "Baby girl is fine considering she kept her mother on her toes all day. Man, I'm so tired. But, you being here made it much more brighter for me."

He leaned over and kissed her softly. "I love you, Liv."

She smiled. "I love you, too, El."

"No, you don't understand how much I love you. I'd loved you since the day you came into my life. I hated the thought of having another partner when you came along. Then, my life changed for the better. We've been through hell and back, but we still managed to keep the close bond between us. Now, I'm so happy that I can call you mine. I wanna make you mine forever," he told her seriously. With that being said, he got off the couch and got down on one knee, causing Olivia to go into shock.

He can't be serious! Elliot Stabler is asking me to marry him! Oh, my God! I can't believe this! Am I dreaming or something? God, I'd always loved him, but this is better that what I dreamed of!

"Olivia Marie Benson, I'm so in love with you. My children loves you and I love you with everything I have to offer. You're gonna be a wonderful mother and I believe fate brought us together. Olivia, baby, will you do me the honor of being my wife? Will you marry me to make our family truly complete?" he asked as he reached inside his pocket and pulled out that diamond engagement ring, then he slid it on her finger.

"Yes, Elliot. I will marry you," she whispered softly. He smiled as he reached over and cupped her face in his hands and drew her in for a passionate kiss. Both of them were extremely happy.

"I can't believe this. I'm gonna be Mrs. Elliot Stabler. This is a dream come true," she sobbed against his neck and shoulder. He just kissed her forehead gently and wrapped his arms around her tightly.

"I love you, baby. I love you. When would you like to be my wife?" he whispered in her ear.

"How about after the baby's born? I need to get my figure back, you know?" she joked.

"I love you just the way you are, sweetheart. But, if you want us married after our baby's born, then so be it," he said with a grin on his face.

"Which reminds me, we still need to come up with a name," she told him.

"I have a few in mind. Wanna hear them?" he asked as he returned to his seat on the sofa.

"As long as it's not a fruit or something totally weird, I'm game," she laughed.

Elliot snorted playfully. "Dully noted. Well, so far, I came up with Hannah, Sarah, Kelly, Alison, Alicia, Brianna and Jennifer. What about you?"

"Melissa, Angelina, Julie, Julia, Juliana, Christine, Christina, Faith, Hope and Eternity," she sounded off.

"Okay. How about we name her Faith Eternity Stabler?" he suggested with a grin.

"Faith Eternity Stabler? You want her to carry your last name?" Olivia asked, her eyes twinkled with happiness.

Elliot smiled. "Of course. We're a family, remember? I said was gonna be the father regardless. Matter of fact, I even got Casey and Alex to draw up the necessary papers for me to sign. So, I'm gonna be her father legally."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. She never knew a man quite like him in her life. For him to open his heart fully and loving her unconditionally meant more to her than anything in the world. Now, he was honored and excited to be the father to her child.

Olivia realized that if she didn't know she had a family then, she'd know it now. For years, she's been all alone, but now, she was truly happy with her life. A wonderful man, four beautiful children; she wouldn't have it any other way.

Okay, if I have the time, the story could come to an end by the time I go on vacation! But, if not, it'll be updated when I come back. In the meantime, please be on the lookout for my long-awaited update 'Safe and Sound' tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Please review!