A/N: Thanks for all the reviews. I appreciate them. I own nothing.

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Chapter 10

Alex stared at Olivia, Olivia stared back. No one said a thing. Maura and Angela ping-ponged their looks back and forth between the two women, hoping someone would say something.

"Liv. Are you pregnant?" asked Alex after what seemed like an eternity of silence.

Olivia paled even more and sat down on the couch before looking up at her friend and whispering, "Yes."

"When? Who? Were you going to tell me?" Alex asked in rapid-fire succession.

"Please sit down, Alex and I will tell you everything." Olivia said as she leaned back against the back of the couch and rubbed her stomach.

Maura linked arms with Angela and turned her toward the kitchen. As they were almost out of the living room, Jane appeared with a tray of ginger ale and Maura motioned for her to turn around and go back to the kitchen.

"What?" Jane asked. "I have drinks."

Maura shook her head and again motioned for her wife to head back to where she came from.

Once they were in the kitchen, Jane sat down the tray and turned to look at her wife and mother.

"Will someone tell me what's going on?" she demanded.

Maura put a finger to her lips and shushed Jane.

"Did you just shush me?" she whispered, loudly.

"Yes. I did. Please keep your voice down. Olivia and Alex need time to, um, catch up." Maura said.

Jane opened her mouth and went to speak when Angela broke in, "They obviously haven't seen each other for a while and Alex, um, accidentally just found out about Olivia's pregnancy."

"Ma. Did you spill the beans?"

"No Janie. I did not."

"How did she find out? Liv has a bulky sweatshirt on and it isn't that obvious yet."

"When I was helping her take off her coat," Maura said, "her shirt came up and it became clear that she was pregnant. Apparently Alexandra knows how fit and slim Olivia usually is and the change in her body was obvious."

Jane mouthed Oh but didn't say anything.

"We may as well sit down and enjoy these beverages." said Maura. "I think we need to let them talk. Will dinner hold, Angela?"

"I'll turn down the oven and cover the chicken with foil and it will be fine. I haven't put on the beans and will start the boiled potatoes in a bit."

Jane looked at Maura then couldn't resist asking, "Do you think they..."

Maura shrugged.

Back in the living room, Alex sat down beside Olivia and waited for her friend to begin telling her the story of how she became pregnant and why she was really in Boston, apparently alone.

Olivia took a deep breath then let it out slowly as she turned and looked Alex in the eyes.

"I've missed you so much, Alex." she began. "It nearly killed me not knowing where you disappeared to."

"I've missed you too, Liv."

"I guess you want to know why I'm in Boston, don't you?" said Olivia.

"That amongst other things." Alex said as her gaze traveled down to the swell of Olivia's belly which was more obvious when she was sitting down.

Olivia unconsciously rubbed her belly. "Yeah, I guess you do have questions."

Alex cocked her head to the side and asked, "Is it Stabler's?"

"What? No. No!" Olivia said as she clasped both hands over her swell.

"Fair question." said Alex. "You two have been partners forever and are very chummy with each other."

Olivia glared at Alex for a moment then said, "We are chummy but not that chummy, Alex. We have never crossed that line. Never. We're professionals."

"Sorry, Liv. I didn't mean to imply you and Stabler weren't professionals. So if it isn't him, who is the father? Not Cassidy, is it? Please tell me it's not him."

"No. Not him either?"

"Come on, Liv. Tell me who you've been with and why he let his knocked-up girlfriend travel to Boston alone over Christmas."

Olivia shook her head and said nothing. A single tear slid down her cheek and she quickly flicked it away.

"I'm sorry Liv." Alex said as she reached over and grasped Olivia's hand in her own. "I didn't mean to upset you. I'm just shocked and curious."

Olivia squeezed Alex's hand back and said barely above a whisper, "I haven't been with anyone since you, Alex."

This pronouncement took Alex back even more.

"Then...how did that happen?" Alex asked, pointing to Olivia's stomach.

"I was inseminated." Olivia said matter-of-factly.

"You were what?"

"Inseminated." Olivia said as a flush crept up her neck. "I was inseminated. I chose a donor and went to my OB/GYN and she inserted the sperm into my uterus and on the third try, I got pregnant."

"Why, Liv?"

Olivia looked down at her stomach and gently caressed it with her free hand then said, "I was lonely and wanted someone to love and who would love me in return."

Another tear slid from Olivia's eye and down her cheek. Alex gently wiped it away then leaned over and kissed her on her forehead. They stayed like that for a few moments before Alex sat back up.

Olivia finally looked up at her friend and former lover, tears freely flowing now and said, "I thought I'd never have again what we had and I just needed someone to love. I didn't want to find anyone else and I've always wanted a child so this seemed the best solution for me."

Alex also had tears in her eyes and said as she reached out to caress Olivia's cheek, "I'm so sorry I had to leave you, Olivia. I didn't want to go but I was forced to. After I was shot, I had to go into hiding and they wouldn't let me contact you, except to tell you good bye then that was it."

Tears continued to roll down Olivia's face. "Alex. I didn't think I lost you forever. We caught your shooter almost a year ago and I heard nothing from you. Why didn't you let me know you were still around? I thought we meant more to each other than that. I loved you." Olivia pulled back from Alex's caresses and tried to pull her hand loose but Alex held tight.

"I tried so many times to contact you but for the longest time I wasn't allowed then I figured you had forgotten about me and moved on. I loved you too. I still love you. Do you still love me?" Alex asked as her tears continued to fall as well.

"Yes. I do love you." Olivia whispered. "There has been no one since you and there wasn't going to be. You were my one true love and if I couldn't have you, I wanted no other."

"Do you love me enough to give me a second chance, Liv?"

"I think I do but what about him?" Olivia placed her hand on her stomach.

"Him who?" asked Alex, confused.

Olivia grabbed Alex's free hand and placed it on her stomach, "This him, that's who." she said with a smile.

"Oh my god, Liv. Are you really having a boy?" Alex asked as she gently rubbed the swell of Olivia's stomach.

"As far as they can tell." Olivia replied.

"Yes, Liv. Yes. I can love you and any baby that comes out of you. I'm just so happy that you are willing to give me another chance. What did the guys at the 1-6 have to say about you having a baby?" Alex said.

"I haven't told them yet. Jane and Maura and now you are the only ones that know." Olivia said.

"I feel honored to be on the know." Alex said with a smile.

Olivia scooted closer and wrapped her arm around Alex and placed a firm but gentle kiss on her lips.

"I love you Alexandra Cabot and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you exactly how much I do love you."

'I love you too Olivia Benson. Thank you so much for giving me a second chance to prove to you how much you and now your son mean to me."

They kissed again and snuggled for a few minutes before they realized they were in Jane and Maura's house.

"Oh my god." said Olivia as she dried the last of her tears with her shirt sleeve. "We need to find Jane, Maura, and Angela. How long were we talking?"

"I'm not sure." said Alex, drying her tears as well. "Wonder where they are?"

Olivia stood up and extended her hand to Alex. "Come with me. I know where they are."

"Alright." said Alex, accepting Olivia's extended hand. "How are you feeling, by the way?"

"A bit sore and somewhat nauseated but overall, not bad." Olivia said with a smile and placed a kiss on Alex's cheek.

Olivia and Alex walked hand in hand into the kitchen where Jane, Maura, and Angela had been playing a game of Uno. Hearing the women approach, the trio looked up.

"Sorry to keep dinner waiting." said Olivia as she flashed a sheepish grin at her friends who were looking at hers and Alex's joined hands.

"That's alright sweetie." said Angela as she jumped up from the table and began busying herself at the stove. "The chicken is ready, the potatoes are boiled, all I need to do is heat the green beans."

"What can we do to help?" Alex asked, letting go of Olivia's hand.

"You don't have to do anything, Alex." Jane said. "Maura and I can set the table. What would you like to drink?"

"I have an idea." Alex said. "Why don't Liv and I set the table and you and Maura can get the drinks. Just show us where the plates and silverware is and we will tend to it."

"Really, Alexandra. We can handle it." Maura said.

"Let's all tend to everything." said Olivia. "Come on, Alex. I know where everything is."

The women got the table set and Angela served the dinner. They ate and talked and laughed until Olivia clutched her right side and let out a moan in obvious pain.

"Liv are you alright?" Alex asked in concern.

Maura was out of her seat and to Olivia's side quickly despite her advanced pregnancy. "Olivia. How bad are you hurting? Do you need to go back to the hospital?"

Jane hauled herself out of her chair and was rubbing Olivia's back, at a loss what else to do for her friend.

"Give me a minute." said Olivia, panting lightly. "The pain is easing already."

"Why don't we go and sit in the living room." said Jane. "I think you'll be more comfortable in there, Liv. We can watch a movie or something."

"That's a wonderful idea, Jane." said Maura.

"What about cleaning up?" asked Alex. "I can't come here and eat then leave a mess."

"That's alright honey. I'll clean up." said Angela. "You go in the room and look after Olivia. She needs you now." Angela gave Alex a knowing look.

"Okay." said Alex and helped Olivia to her feet and together, they followed Maura and Jane into the living room.

"Choose a couch." said Jane as she gestured to the three couches.

Olivia walked over to the one she and Alex had been using earlier and sat with her back against the arm. "Have a seat, Alex. This one seems to be mine." she smiled and patted the cushion beside her.

Alex sat down and Olivia put her feet in Alex's lap. Alex placed a hand on Olivia's ankles and grabbed Olivia's hand with the other.

Jane and Maura chose the couch opposite Olivia and Alex and Jane sat with her back against the arm of the couch and put one leg up on the cushions while Maura scooted back against Jane's bump and put her feet up too. Jane wrapped her other leg around her wife's thighs and relaxed with one hand on her belly and the other rubbing Maura's arm.

"Oh great." she said with a laugh.

"What's wrong, Jane?" Olivia asked.

"We all got comfortable and no one thought to put in a movie. What do you want to watch?" Jane said.

"Well, since I'm the only non-pregnant one here, tell me which movie you want and how to turn on everything and I'll do it." Alex said.

"Do you like foreign films, Alex?" Maura asked.

"Um...not really." Alex said, hoping she didn't offend her hostess.

Jane and Olivia started to laugh.

"Sorry sweetheart." said Jane as she tried to lean forward to kiss her wife but her swollen abdomen prevented the gesture.

Maura harrumphed and asked, "What kind of movies do you like, Alexandra?"

"Please call me Alex and I like comedy, action, adventure."

"Maura calls everyone by their given names, Alex. Get used to it." Jane said with a smile as she rubbed Maura's back.

"Do you have Salt? I love Angelina Jolie and that is a fantastic movie." Alex said.

Olivia laughed.

"What's so funny Liv?" asked Alex.

"Well...Jane has a thing for Angelina." she said with a giggle.

"I do not." said Jane as she threw a pillow at Olivia.

"Oh yes you do Jane" said Maura as she tried and failed to tickle Jane. "Hey no fair. Your arms are a lot longer than mine."

"Did I say something wrong?" asked Alex.

"No." said Jane as she continued to wrestle with Maura. "Good choice and yes, we do have it."

"Alright. Tell me where it is and how to turn everything on and I'll do it."

Alex got everything turned on and loaded in under the explicit instruction of Jane. The movie was just beginning when Angela appeared in the living room.

"What are you watching?" she asked.

"Salt with Angelina Jolie." said Alex.

"Oh. Did Janie choose that one?" Angela asked with a chuckle.

"No. I did not." Jane said as she paused the movie.

"I've seen it before. I think I'll just head home." Angela said with a yawn.

Alex crossed over to her and gave her a hug. "Thank you so much for a delicious dinner, Mrs..."

"Oh no. That's Angela to you and you are very welcome, Alex." Angela said as she patted Alex's cheek. "Go sit down and enjoy your evening. Take care of Olivia, would you. Someone needs to." Angela gave her a wink then grabbed her coat and headed across the patio to her house.

"Scoot forward." Alex said to Olivia.

Olivia slid forward and Alex scooted in behind her. Olivia leaned back and felt Alex snake her arms around her and caress her belly.

"I could get used to this." Olivia said over her shoulder to Alex.

"So could I." said Alex and she kissed Olivia on the temple.

"If you two are finished playing kissy-face." said Jane, "I'll start the movie."

"Oh stop, Jane." said Maura. "They haven't seen each other for almost two years."

Olivia blushed and said, "Sorry Jane. Start the movie."

Alex squeezed her tighter and Olivia laid her head back on Alex's shoulder then grabbed the afghan from the back of the couch and covered them both.

They all relaxed and enjoyed the movie and when it was over, Jane said, "Good choice Alex."

"Yeah. I forgot how good it was. Did you enjoy it, Liv?"

No answer.

"Liv?" Alex asked.

Maura got up and came over to check on their friend. "She's asleep." Maura said.

"I thought she felt heavier a while ago." said Alex. "She stopped tensing and relaxed. She must be wiped out. She loves action movies or at least she did."

"She still does." Jane assured Alex.

"She's just had a really rough day. I'm actually surprised she didn't fall asleep before this." said Maura.

"I hate to wake her but I should be going home." said Alex.

"You don't have to go." said Jane. "You are more than welcome to stay here with Liv."

Alex blushed. "Well, I'm not sure she's ready for me to spend the night with her. I hurt her pretty badly when I left."

"She knows you didn't have a choice in that, Alexandra." said Maura.

"I know but..." Alex started but Olivia chose that moment to turn on her side and snuggle in closer to Alex.

"I guess she just gave you her answer." said Jane with a chuckle. "You wake sleeping beauty and we'll show you up to your room."

"I don't have anything to sleep in." said Alex lamely.

"Jane has pre-pregnancy clothes that will fit you, Alexandra." said Maura. "We'll dig them out. Will a t-shirt and sweats work?"

"Um, yes. Thanks. They will be fine." Alex said and she started to wake Olivia.

"Liv. Liv, honey. I need you to wake up." Alex said gently as she brushed a few stray locks of hair out of Olivia's face. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's go up to bed."

"Stay with me." Olivia mumbled as she grabbed the front of Alex's sweater and held on.

"She's staying Liv. Come on. Let's go upstairs." Jane said.

"Alright." Olivia said with a yawn as she struggled to sit up. "Oooh. My side hurts."

"Let me help you, Liv." Alex said as she slipped out from behind her girlfriend and pulled her to her feet.

"Thanks sweetie." Olivia said as she wrapped her arms around Alex's neck and laid her head on her chest. "I can't seem to stay awake. Sorry Alex."

" That's quite alright Liv. Come on sleeping beauty. Let's get you into bed."

Jane and Maura led the way and Alex followed, practically dragging an exhausted Olivia behind her.

"Good night Liv, Alex." Jane said as she pointed to their room. "If you need anything, Maur and I are right across the hall."

"Thanks for everything and I mean everything." Alex said. "Good night."

"Night night guys." said Olivia. "Love you."

"We love you too, Olivia. Good night." said Maura.