TITLE: Law & Order – Stolen Moments

AUTHOR: D M Harper.

SUMMARY: First meetings often go horribly awry, leaving bad impressions. A/U

RATING: Rated MA for sexual content

PAIRINGS: ADA Abbie Carmichael & OFC; Detective Olivia Benson & ADA Alexandra Cabot.

DISCLAIMER: This story is the work of an over imaginative mind and the basic wish of many gay women who watch and enjoy certain television shows, to see a little v-vroom between two female characters. I like to dabble with the subtext and do so for fun and not for profit. There is no intent to infringe on the copyright of NBC Universal Television or Dick Wolf. This entertainment does feature consensual sexual interaction between two females, so if you are underage or unable to view due to restrictions in your part of the world, be gone with you and take my sympathy with you. If you find such material offensive, too bad, so sad, you chose to enter this web site of your own free will, hence you have no one to whine to expect yourself - now bugger off!

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Please take the time to review; it's what feeds to the Muse and keeps the stories coming!

Chapter 14

As the plane touched down on the tarmac at William P Hobby Airport, Abbie held onto Stephanie's hand and said, "My family are going to adore you."

"And why is that?"

"Well for one thing, you are not married and two, you're not bisexual and likely to cheat on me with a man."

Stephanie erupted into laughter, "That is a good start honey."

"I have to warn you about my niece Crystal and nephew Matthew, they won't leave us alone the entire time."

"I can handle that Abbie, but let me get this right, Crystal is six and her brother is four?"

"Well done."

The plane continued to taxi down the runway and Stephanie leaned into Abbie's ear, "Thank you for inviting me for the weekend."

"You are welcome sweetheart."

Kissing Abbie's ear, Stephanie confessed, "I really like you Miss Carmichael."

Abbie turned her head and locked eyes with the blonde, "I'm very happy to know that and whatever you do, don't mention football in front of my father. He will go on for hours on the subject and insist we play in the front yard."

"In that case, I better hide my Jet's jersey."

"Oh god yes baby, he will hound you relentlessly."

Stephanie kissed Abbie quickly as the plane came to a halt. The passengers were advised over the speakers it was clear to disembark and Abbie lifted Stephanie's hand and kissed her fingers.

"Let's wait a minute for the crowd to thin out before getting up," Abbie suggested.

"That sounds good to me honey, so who is picking us up?"

"Dad, he's coming straight from work and be prepared for the lengthy interrogation."

"Now I am nervous," remarked Stephanie honestly.

"You'll be fine." Abbie stood and reached for their walk-on luggage in the overhead compartment. Handing a bag to Stephanie, she added, "Mom will be overprotective of me and will be somewhat standoffish."

"Honey, if you are trying to settle my nerves, it's not working."

Abbie chuckled and headed down the centre aisle, "Sorry."

Stephanie followed and had second thoughts about meeting the Carmichael family so early in the relationship and by the time the couple exited the arrivals tunnel, she was beyond anxious.

Abbie gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, "There's dad now."

Looking to her left, Stephanie spotted a six foot, black haired, fifty two year old man wearing a police uniform and noted his chiselled features. He shared the same cleft chin and smile as his daughter and it was easy to see where Abbie got her good looks from.

Noting the rank insignia, Stephanie was going over her greeting in her mind when Abbie let go of her hand to hug her father.

"It's so good to see you honey," he said before kissing her on the cheek.

"It's great to be home," replied Abbie effervescently. Letting go of her father, she reached for Stephanie's left hand, "Dad, I'd like you to meet Stephanie Richards."

Extending her right hand, Stephanie shook Thomas Carmichael's hand firmly, "Pleased to meet you Lieutenant."

Thomas smiled warmly, "Likewise Detective. So, you are the reason why my daughter is so happy and excited?"

Blushing, Stephanie answered, "Uhm, I hope that is the case Sir."

"Don't be so modest Detective. Abbie called last weekend and couldn't shut up about your finer qualities and character."

Abbie glared at her father, "You know the embarrassment could have waited at least until we got home."

"Where's the fun in that," countered Thomas frolicsomely as the trio headed to the baggage carousel. "I hope you girls are mighty hungry, Vivian has been cooking all afternoon."

"Good lord," griped Abbie. "Are Andrew and Dawn at the house dad?"

"No honey, they will be joining us in the morning."

"Okay, I guess we can wait until then to see them."

"Have you been to Houston before Stephanie?" inquired Thomas.

Stephanie reached for their bags, "No Sir, but I had the opportunity to visit Dallas a couple of years ago to extradite a felon."

"So you didn't get to see much of Texas then?"

"No Sir. My partner and I flew in, saw the inside of the Courthouse and Police Station then flew straight back to New York."

As the threesome walked towards the exit, Thomas said, "Abbie says you've been on the job nearly seven years."

"That's correct Sir."

"Which do you prefer, Vice or Homicide?"

"Homicide without a doubt Sir, I haven't had to dress up as a prostitute or go undercover as a Skell yet."

Thomas laughed at the joke then noted, "Yes having to dress up has always been a drawback for women detectives." He pointed to a gold Lexus sedan, "I'm parked right here, the uniform got me prime position."

For the following thirty minutes, Abbie listened as her father asked Stephanie question after question and smiled at her polite and informative answers.

-0-

Thomas pulled into the drive alongside the two storey Colonial house and turned off the engine. Vivian Carmichael, a fifty one year old brunette with classical beauty, came running out the front doorway and embraced Abbie as she climbed out of the front passenger seat.

"Welcome home honey," she said joyfully. Pulling away, she looked at the stranger collecting the baggage from the trunk. "She's gorgeous," Vivian whispered while leading her daughter inside.

"Yes she is," replied Abbie brightly. "She's the one mom."

Vivian's eyes lit up with the comment, "Really, you already know?"

"Yes mom, Stephanie gets to me in a way no one else ever has."

Thomas patted Stephanie on the shoulder, "My wife will eventually greet you. She will be drilling Abbie for information. I'll take you to the guest apartment above the garage. You and Abbie will be afforded some privacy up there."

"I appreciate that Sir." Stephanie followed him to the rear of the garage then climbed the staircase.

Thomas opened the door, stepped inside and turned on the light, "I hope you like football Stephanie?"

"I love it Sir."

"That's good to hear and I suppose you are a Jets fan?"

"Yes Sir, been a fan since I could walk. My dad used to take my brother and me to all the home games. I even played quarterback when I was a kid until they banned girls from playing at my school."

Thomas grinned pleasantly, "I like you already Stephanie. Now do you drink beer?"

"I do indeed Sir."

Thomas went to the refrigerator in the kitchen and withdrew two bottles of Lone Star. Handing one to Stephanie, he remarked, "Abbie is fairly taken with you and has never brought any of her girlfriends home to meet us this soon before. How long have you two been dating?"

"We met over a month ago, but only started dating a week ago."

"So it's way too early to hit you with the "what are you intentions with my daughter" speech?"

"Yes it is Sir, although I'm happy to admit they are nothing but honourable."

"Good to know, did Abbie discuss her ex with you?"

"Yes she did. We have full knowledge of each other's past."

"I'm glad to hear that. We better go into the house."

"Yes Sir and thank you for the hospitable welcome."

"It's been a pleasure."

Turning off the light then closing the door, Thomas ushered Stephanie into the kitchen via the side door. Abbie and her mother were placing dinner on the table and Thomas put his beer on the counter and said, "If you'll all excuse me, I'll just take a quick shower." He hugged his wife and added, "Play nice now honey."

Vivian kissed him before replying, "Yes dear." She turned to the visitor and commented, "It's nice to meet you Stephanie."

"The pleasure is mine ma'am."

Abbie reached for Stephanie's beer and took a long swig, "Be prepared baby, mom is about the quiz you."

Stephanie smiled at the two women, "I can handle that."

Opening the fridge, Vivian handed Abbie a beer, "Abbie tells me your father was on the job and your older brother is a serving officer."

"Yes ma'am. My dad was a twenty eight year veteran and Jeffrey has been on the force for nine years."

"Come sit down," directed Vivian with a wave of a hand at the table.

Abbie sat and Stephanie took the chair beside her.

"Help yourselves girls," instructed Vivian before asking, "Your mother is a nurse Stephanie?"

"Yes ma'am, over at Mercy General. It's where my father met her. They were both eighteen and mom was a student nurse there when dad came into the Emergency Department with a broken arm received during a football match. It was love at first sight and they married a year later then my brother arrived the following year."

"That's a wonderfully sweet story," declared Vivian.

Abbie narrowly avoided choking on her Southern fried chicken when her mother asked the next question.

"So Stephanie, what are you intentions with Abbie? I hope you're not a player like her last girlfriend?"

"No ma'am. I am definitely not a player and have no plan on hurting your daughter. I believe Abbie deserves better than that."

"I'm thrilled to hear that," responded Vivian with a nod of satisfaction.

Abbie glanced at Stephanie, winked then mouthed the word, "sorry". She wasn't prepared for the next comment from her girlfriend.

"Mrs Carmichael, I have a deep affection for Abbie, but it's a little too early to start with the wedding plans. Can you perhaps leave it for at least another week?"

Vivian laughed, "I asked for that and I apologise for being so rude."

"It's okay ma'am and Abbie will be in for the same third degree from my family when they meet her."

Thomas joined them and took his seat at the head of the table, "Nice come back Stephanie."

Everyone laughed and the interrogation came to a halt.

"Are you up for a game of football tomorrow Stephanie?" inquired Thomas.

"I certainly am Sir."

"Excellent, you and Abbie can take on me, Andrew and the guys from the station."

The conversation for the rest of the meal centred on football then Abbie helped her mother with the dishes while Thomas took Stephanie through to the living room where they discussed police work over a cold beer.

Ten minutes on, Abbie sat down beside Stephanie on the couch and Vivian perched herself on the armrest of Thomas' chair.

"Abbie, Andrew and Dawn will be here by ten in the morning and Aunt Claire and Uncle Seth will be arriving around noon. Your father's work buddies will be here then too and the other family members will get here for the party at seven."

"How much help do you need with the food preparations?"

"We'll just have a barbeque for lunch then you can lend a hand with dinner around five."

"If you need extra help ma'am, I'm at your service," offered Stephanie.

"I'll take you up on that offer as long as you are not too battered from the football game."

Stephanie grinned slyly, "I'm sure I'll be just fine ma'am."

Abbie rubbed her hand down Stephanie's left thigh, "I'll warn you now, some of dad's friends get a little rough."

"That's okay honey, I can play dirty too." She noted the sparkle in Abbie's eyes and smiled broadly.

Abbie yawned then announced, "I think it's time for bed." She stood and Stephanie followed.

"Thank you for dinner Mrs Carmichael, it was superb."

"You are welcome dear and I'll see you both in the morning."

Abbie leaned over and hugged her parents goodnight then Stephanie shook Thomas' hand.

Taking hold of Stephanie's left hand, Abbie led her up to the studio apartment and opened the door, "Sorry about the inquisition baby."

Stephanie wrapped her arms around Abbie's waist and pulled her in close, "It was better than I expected and your dad is way cool. Your mom has spunk honey and is only looking after the interests of her youngest."

Abbie pecked the left side of Stephanie's jaw leisurely, "You were awfully polite."

"There's no excuse for bad manners Abbie. So did your family ever get to meet your mysterious detective ex?"

"No, so there's no sense in asking them questions. We only dated a few times. We were both too busy at the time then she started dating the love of her life when they joined the unit."

"Do you still see them?"

"Yes, we are good friends. They are very happy and I'm elated for them. We catch up for dinner or drinks every now and then."

"I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who stays on friendly terms with exes."

"If you were friends before you dated that shouldn't change just because you are no longer romantically involved."

Stephanie smiled slyly at Abbie, "What happened to us? We certainly weren't friends beforehand."

Abbie laughed throatily, "No, but we were attracted to one another."

"Indeed we were, very much so on my behalf."

"That first day when we met, you were so calm and I was a raving lunatic."

"Yes, but an extremely beautiful one."

"Thanks, now let's have a shower and go to bed."

"Okay and this is a really neat set up."

"I used to live up here. It's a great apartment." Abbie stepped out of Stephanie's arms and grabbed the toiletries bag out of her suitcase.

Stephanie followed suit then raced Abbie into the bathroom.

After showering, the couple prepared for bed and Abbie locked the door. She eased in beside a naked Stephanie and moaned when the blonde reached for her and dragged her onto a warm body.

"I want you Abbie," whispered Stephanie as her hands softly pressed into the taut muscle of her lover's back.

In answer, Abbie lowered her lips to Stephanie's and kissed her eagerly.

-0-

Abbie slowly opened her eyes and smiled when she found Stephanie staring at her. Reaching out, she tenderly cradled the side of her face, "Good morning."

"Hi", replied Stephanie before kissing the inside of Abbie's wrist.

Abbie stretched then snuggled into her lover's chest, "What time is it?"

Stephanie checked the dial on her pilot's watch, "Seven ten."

Abbie kissed the soft skin beneath her lips then asked, "How long have you been watching me?"

"Since six o'clock."

Smiling at the response, Abbie ran her left hand over Stephanie's hip, "You know I really like waking up next to you."

"I do too Abbie, it's a wonderful way to start the day."

The brunette's tone grew smokier than normal, "I can think of a better way."

"Oh lord I adore your voice Abbie."

"Thank you baby," replied Abbie before kissing her way slowly along Stephanie's throat. "Do you want to share the shower with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

-0-

The revitalised couple found Vivian in the kitchen preparing pancakes on the stove top. "Good morning mom," greeted Abbie as she hugged her.

"Good morning girls."

"Do you need a hand?" inquired Abbie while withdrawing a jug of orange juice out of the refrigerator."

"Yes, you can set the table and Stephanie, you can go rustle up Thomas from the garage?"

Stephanie turned to Abbie with a look of absolute horror on her face.

Abbie walked over and whispered in her ear, "It is okay honey, the studio is soundproofed."

"Phew, thank goodness for that because you were very loud in the shower," joked Stephanie in a lowered voice. "I would hate to have to explain that to your father."

Abbie kissed her girlfriend on the lips then pulled away, "He'd be happy to hear how damn good you are at satisfying me."

Blushing brightly, Stephanie retorted, "I think this conversation can wait until later." She left the kitchen without delay and entered the garage via a side door.

She found Thomas hunched over the side of the engine bay of a dark blue '68 Mustang. "Oh Sir, she's a beauty."

Lifting his head, Thomas replied, "I fully restored her last year."

"You did an excellent job, she's magnificent," cooed Stephanie while taking a closer look.

"I've just tuned her. We can go for a ride after breakfast if you like."

Stephanie grinned madly, "I'd like that Sir."

"I gather breakfast is ready."

"Yes it is and I was sent to get you."

"I'm done, so let's go."

Thomas removed the electrical leads from the spark plugs and replaced the rubber covers. Turning off the diagnostic machine, he lowered the hood and walked out the garage with Stephanie by his side.

Upon entering the house, Thomas went into the bathroom to clean up and Abbie asked, "Did you see dad's girl?"

"Oh yeah."

"She's beautiful."

"Not as beautiful has you," replied Stephanie boldly.

Vivian glanced at Abbie, "You better hold onto this one, she's good for your ego."

Abbie tittered, "Yes she is and I have no plans on letting her slip away."

Stephanie cleared her throat, "I think I may be out numbered here."

Vivian put an arm around her shoulder, "Get used to it dear."

"Yes ma'am," conceded the blonde light-heartily.

Thomas joined them and the foursome sat down for breakfast. After the dishes were done, Abbie and her mother went to the supermarket while Thomas took Stephanie for a spin in the Mustang and a tour of the Houston Police Department where he was stationed.

-0-

Abbie's thirty year old brother Andrew, his wife Dawn and their two children arrived at the house a little after ten. Crystal and Matthew both with a mass of curly black hair, immediately commandeered Stephanie and took her out into the backyard to play on the gym set.

While nursing a beer, Abbie watched from the porch swing.

Andrew joined her and noted, "Mom likes you girlfriend."

"And so do I," replied Abbie. "She is stunning, intelligent, funny and a damn good cop."

"It sounds like you are hooked little sister."

"I am Andy and every day I'm with her, I fall deeper."

"Mom also mentioned Stephanie treats you well."

"Yep and dad likes her too."

Looking out across the lawn, Andrew stated, "The kids don't seem to mind her either."

Brother and sister sat quietly for some time and observed Stephanie chasing the children around the jungle gym, catching them and tickling them until they giggled boisterously.

Andrew glanced at Abbie and noted the contented glaze of her deep brown eyes, "You really do have it bad."

"I do, but I'm holding back in telling her how I feel. I've never lost my heart to someone this fast and I know it's far too early to profess my love. I don't want to scare her away."

"Why do you feel like that?"

Abbie explained the situation with Peta and her own misgivings in pushing the relationship too fast.

"Abbie, love has no time restrictions. Look at Dawn and me, by our second date I was hopelessly in love."

Abbie ruffled her brother's black hair, "That's true, but Steph is still dealing with her feelings for Peta."

"I can understand your hesitancy, but does Stephanie demonstrate her feelings for you are anything other than genuine?"

"God no, she is very open and honest with me."

"Then tell her Abs. When the moment is right, you'll know. Gosh, she is really good with the kids."

Matthew was currently receiving a piggyback ride and Crystal was swiftly making her way along the lawn towards the porch. She ran up the stairs and yelled, "AUNTIE ABBIE, ARE YOU GOING TO PLAY WITH US?"

"I'll be there in a minute when I finish talking to your daddy."

Crystal screwed up her nose, "I like your girlfriend. She's a lot of fun." The six year old turned and raced back to the play gym.

Abbie laughed, "I swear that child of yours is six going on sixty. How the hell does she know Stephanie is my girlfriend?"

Andrew threw up his hands in mock despair, "Don't look at me, I didn't tell her."

Standing, Abbie tossed her empty beer bottle into the nearby trashcan and joined the play group.

-0-

Stephanie looked up from tickling a giggling Matthew on the ground, "Hello Auntie Abbie."

Abbie reached down and stroked the top of Stephanie's head, "You having fun?"

Crystal shouted from the top of the slide, "WATCH OUT DOWN BELOW."

Everyone moved out of the way and Stephanie threw Matthew onto her shoulders. He chuckled and held onto her head. The threesome watched as Crystal flew down the slippery dip and landed feet first in the sand.

Abbie glimpsed at her watch and declared, "It's time you kids got washed up for lunch."

Stephanie put Matthew down and he raced his sister into the house.

Reaching down, Abbie interlocked her fingers with Stephanie's, "You have made quite the impression on the children."

"They're really a lot of fun," admitted Stephanie gleefully.

"Crystal told me she likes my girlfriend."

Stephanie chuckled, "She asked if I kissed you like her daddy kisses her mommy. I didn't answer then she told me Dianne used to but she made you cry. Seriously, how old is that child?"

Abbie placed her left hand behind Stephanie's neck, "Sixty."

"That's what I thought and she seems totally fine with it all."

Closing in, Abbie kissed Stephanie slowly. When they parted, she said, "So am I. We better go in and help with lunch."

"You got it Abbie," replied a slightly out of breath blonde.

-0-

After lunch, Thomas' friends and their families started to arrive. Dustin Peters and his wife Linda, both in their mid-thirties knocked on the front door. Their two sons, Julian six and Mitchell eight, went to play with Crystal and Matthew while Thomas introduced Stephanie to them.

Five minutes later, she met forty year old John and Sharon Parsons. Next were Susan Cohen, forty five and her partner Max Ballard, fifty. Last to turn up were Andy Jefferson and his wife Laura. Both were in their early fifties.

Once everyone had a drink in hand and presents handed over, Thomas brought out a football and he and Abbie chose players for their respective teams.

Abbie's team consisted of Stephanie, Dustin, Vivian, Susan and Andy. Dawn volunteered to keep an eye on the children while Thomas and Abbie huddled their players together on opposite sides of the lawn.

"Okay," began Abbie. "Andy, you make a break down the left, I'll veer right and Stephanie you throw the ball to Andy."

Forty minutes passed and Abbie's team were leading five touchdowns to two when Vivian made a run for the open and Abbie stared as Stephanie tossed the ball 100 yards straight into her mother's hands. Everyone laughed when Vivian slammed the ball down onto the lawn and started to dance. Her fellow team mates congratulated her and Abbie patted Stephanie on the back.

"You've got one hell of an arm baby," she attested cheerfully.

"Thanks honey and you've got a great ass," countered Stephanie while running a hand over a taut buttock for emphasise.

Thomas called for half time and all and sundry went out back for fresh drinks.

-0-

As three o'clock approached, Thomas and his team were trailing by six and as Stephanie fired a direct throw to Abbie, she sped into the imaginary touchdown zone and sealed the game.

Vivian embraced her out of breath husband then commiserated with him briefly before racing over to her team and celebrating their victory.

Returning to the back landing, everyone engaged in conversation until Stephanie was dragged down to the play gym by the children.

Abbie took the opportunity to sneak away to the studio apartment to shower and change her clothes. She was undressing when Stephanie joined her in the bathroom and immediately drew her into strong arms. Stephanie kissed Abbie passionately for some time before the couple made love slowly and affectionately in the shower, culminating in a fevered release for them both.

While dressing later in blue denim jeans and a navy blue dress shirt, Stephanie tilted her head at the black jeans and yellow shirt attired Abbie and asked, "Do you want to have children?"

Abbie raised her eyebrows, "I would like to someday."

"You would make a terrific mother."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, what about you?"

"It would be nice."

Stephanie smiled then went into the bathroom to brush her teeth and was disappointed to find the living room empty when she returned. She was about to go downstairs when her cell phone rang. Pulling it out of her pocket, she answered, "Hello, Stephanie speaking."

"Hey kiddo," replied Lennie sullenly.

Stephanie noted his tone and hesitated, "What's happened Lennie?"

"Uhm there's no easy way to say this, J.J.'s been involved in a shooting honey."

Stephanie's heart stopped beating, "Oh crap, is he all right?"

"He is in surgery right now at Mercy. He took a hit to the stomach."

Panic started to rise, but Stephanie held it at bay for just a little longer, "I'm on my way."

"Okay, I'll see you soon."

"How's mom doing?"

"She's holding on."

"Tell her I love her and will be there as soon as I can get a flight out."

"I will Steph, bye."

Stephanie ended the call, grabbed her suitcase, packed her belongings then found the phone number for the airport in the directory sitting on the kitchen counter. Arranging a seat for a five fifteen departure, she called the cab company before rushing downstairs with her luggage.

She located Abbie talking to Dawn and Andrew on the back porch. Taking her hand, Stephanie quickly apprised her of the circumstances, "Abbie, I have to leave and get back to New York."

"What's wrong?" enquired Abbie worriedly.

"J.J.'s been shot and is in surgery now."

The colour drained from Abbie's face, "Oh god, I'll go pack and come with you."

"No honey, you stay with your family. I'll call you when I can."

Abbie wiped away the tears from Stephanie's face and was about to speak when a horn sounded.

"That will be my taxi. Can you please make my apologies to your parents?"

"I can Steph and I hope your brother will be okay."

Stephanie kissed her then ran off towards the front of the house.

-0-