Well, you asked for it, and now, I'm gonna deliver. It's Cragen and Donnelly's wedding! And, if anyone wants a Munch/Alex wedding chapter, let me know in advance because I'm already working on a EO European smut chapter! If I get enough reviews concerning that, then I'll put the smut on hold, okay?
BTW, for all you Bobby/Alex shippers out there, I haven't forgotten about them. They will be back, I promise you!
On a side note: Tova and Sammy, you're making an appearance in this chapter. And, Sammy, I'm bringing back Bailey, too.
Enjoy and happy reading!
Lots of love, hugs and kisses from your resident writer and friend, Nina!
X
6 months later
Central Park
Manhattan, New York
After months and months of planning, Don and Elizabeth were excited because today was the day. They were getting married.
Olivia was so happy for her father. He deserved to be happy for a change. After the ordeal they went through six months before, they all needed a break. And she can finally breathe. Her and Elliot were able to keep their jobs, their kids were recovering, Elliot's cousin and his wife were doing fine and all was well at the 1-6.
Just days before, Katie, Moira and Sarah stopped by, thanking the Special Victims Unit for helping them out. Now, they were able to move on with their lives. Sure, the pain and the image of what Richard White did to them will never go away, but, at least they can look back and realize that they survived. Don and Elizabeth invited them to come to the wedding, and, sure enough, they accepted.
Don looked around and made sure everything was in place. His stomach was in knots and he was pacing around. He just wanted everything to work out. He had waited for a long time for this day to come.
"Nervous, Daddy?" Olivia asked when she approached him.
"No," he simply said.
"You're a liar. You're sweating," she pointed out, referring to his forehead.
"So, I'm a little nervous. Were you nervous when you married Elliot?" he countered.
"No. I was so excited. I couldn't wait another day to be with him. You feel the same with Elizabeth. Daddy, don't worry, everything's gonna be all right," Olivia assured him.
Don took her in his arms and held her. "I love you, baby girl. I'm so happy you're here."
"I'm so happy I'm here, too," she replied. And she was happy. No more drama. No more pain. No more suffering. And no more having to live in fear of Richard White.
X
2 hours later
Coffee shop
Queens, New York
Sammy needed some coffee big time. She rushed out of her apartment earlier this morning without eating and she didn't have time to stop at a local deli to get something to eat. She had classes to go to and she also had her weekly therapy sessions to attend, also.
She was standing in line, contemplating on what she was gonna get when she saw a familiar face sitting at the table, reading today's newspaper and drinking herbal green tea. A genuine smile appeared on her face when she saw him.
"What can I get for you, Miss?" the cashier asked.
"A white chocolate latte, please," Sammy said faintly. She kept looking at him, with a grin on her face.
"Here you go," the cashier said a few moments later. The money and the cup of latte were exchanged and they went on their way.
She decided to go and say hello to the man who helped her out. After taking a deep breath, she went over to him.
"Mind if I sit here?" she asked casually.
"Have a seat. No one else is sitting..." were the last words he said before he looked up and was surprised to see who he was talking to.
"Sammy?" he asked, still looking surprised.
"Hi, Bailey. I didn't think I was gonna ever see you again," she said, smiling.
"Me, either. How are you doing? Please, have a seat," he suggested with a grin. She took a seat right across from him.
"So, what's been going on with you? How are you doing, beautiful?" he asked.
She smiled. "Well, I'm doing better. I'm going to school, I'm working and I'm going to therapy every week. I'm taking the next step towards healing."
He placed his hand over hers gently. "I'm so proud of you, Sammy. I told you everything was gonna be okay. You will get past this."
"And I have you to thank. If it weren't for you helping me out, I would've been dead," she said, tears forming in her eyes.
"Hey, it was my pleasure. I just wanted to make sure you were safe and sound. I think you're a beautiful woman and he had no right putting his hands on you," Bailey declared.
She began to blush. He thought she was beautiful. No man has ever said that to her before.
"You're so sweet, Bailey. Thank you," she said softly.
"Listen...I was wondering...and feel free to say no, if you would like to go out with me sometime?" he asked, a bit nervous.
She was surprised. Bailey just asked her out on a date! She hadn't thought about dating since what happened to her six months ago.
"I know I'm being a little bit too forward, but, I like you a lot and I couldn't stop thinking about you since we met that day. I'm sorry, I'm rushing things and..."
"Yes."
He didn't hear her right. "Yes? Did you say yes?"
"I sure did. I said yes. Bailey, I think you're a handsome man. I would love to go to dinner with you," Sammy said, smiling.
She knew Bailey could be the one for her after all. She couldn't wait to see where they were going.
X
1 hour later
Tova Rich's apartment
Brooklyn, New York
Packing everything that concerned her now dead father into one box, Tova knew she couldn't keep them here in her apartment any longer. Her father was dead and there was nothing she could do to change it. But, come to think about it, she really didn't wanna change anything. He had it coming for a long time.
She wish she could thank Elliot and Olivia for taking care of him once and for all. But, she decided against it, focusing more on herself and what she's planning on doing in the future. Having no family and no friends, she has to make the most of the situation on her own. Her mother was dead, her father was dead, her surviving relatives refused to have anything to do with her and she was almost dead herself.
After putting everything together into one box, she closed it up and sealed it with duct tape. Tomorrow, she was gonna take it down to the goodwill store to sell it. It was the least she could after everything her father put her through.
Tova couldn't think about that anymore. She had to move on with her life.
She had no other choice.
X
1 hour and 30 minutes later
Central Park
Manhattan, New York
Soft violin sounds filled the air as the sun beamed down on the beautiful botanical gardens. It was a beautiful day and you could hear the birds chirping in the background.
Olivia knew this. Two years ago, her and Elliot were married in a beautiful, romantic candlelight wedding. Well, today, it was all about her father. Don was getting married and she couldn't be happier.
And Elizabeth looked beautiful in a long, ivory laced wedding dress. Her short platinum blond hair was pinned up to a neatly tight bun and her face was glowing. Every judge, policeman and precinct came to witness the holy union of Judge Elizabeth Donnelly and Captain Donald Cragen.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today, in front of God, to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. If there's anyone, who feels why these two should not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold your peace."
When no one said a word, the minister continued, "At this time, I understand you two would like to recite your own vows. Elizabeth, you may go first."
She handed her bouquet of flowers over to Alex, who was her maid of honor. Then she turned back around and linked her hands with Don's.
"Don, I love you with all my heart and soul. You're my lover, best friend, confidant and so much more. When I was going through my ordeal, you stood by my side and made sure I was safe. Every single day, you'd bring a smile on my face and give so much joy in my life. I can honestly say that I have never loved anyone the way I love you. When you hold me in your arms, you make me feel like I can do anything. And I promise you, right here and now, that I will continue to love and respect you until my dying day. I love you, Don."
He smiled as he raised both of her hands up and kissed them gently. He cleared his throat, the smile never leaving his face.
"Elizabeth, you're the greatest love of my life. You helped me when I was going through my personal trauma. You personally made sure that I was healing and, for that, I love you so much. You're my joy, my inspiration, my reason for living. I thought I was lost when Marge died, but you came along and helped me find my way back. I love you, Elizabeth, because you came into my heart and never left. You believed in me when no one else did. You never gave up on me. On us. I love you so much and I plan to continue to love and cherish you for the rest of my life."
Olivia was crying. But, she was crying out of happiness. She reached over and grabbed Elliot's hand. He looked at her and smiled. She leaned over and kissed her cheek. She was so in love with him.
"Donald, do you take this woman as your lawfully wedded wife?" the minister asked.
"I do," Don said without hesitation.
"Elizabeth, do you take this man as your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," she said through her tears.
"Do you have the rings?"
Mike Logan handed him the rings. He looked at Don and winked at him. (a/n: Sorry, I just had to put him in there. I love the guy, what can I say?)
The minister handed the rings over to Don and Elizabeth. They looked at each other and smiled. She had tears in her eyes. He winked at her.
"Don, place this ring on her finger and repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed."
"With this ring, I thee wed," Don repeated as he slid the ring on her finger.
"Elizabeth, place this ring on his finger and repeat afer me. With this ring, I thee wed."
"With this ring, I thee wed," she said as she slid the ring on his finger.
"By the power vested in my, in the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."
Don lifted the veil away from her face. Then he took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. Everyone in the park started clapping and cheering for the newly married couple as they made their way down the aisle. All the guests started throwing rice and loose flowers at them.
Olivia and Elliot were the only ones left. She went into his arms and laid her head against his chest. He kissed her forehead gently and tightened his arms around her.
Yep, this day turned out to be perfect.
Unless you want me to do a Munch/Alex wedding chapter, the European smut chapter will happen next. So, let me know and quick!
Please review!
