The delay for this chapter is brought you to by work, writers block and a road trip! Enjoy!
Chapter 21
"Are you sure you have to leave?" Casey asked as she nuzzled her nose against Olivia's. Her arms were wrapped around the detective's waist and her hands had taken up residence in the back pockets of the shorter woman's jeans as she held her close.
"It's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding and since we are both brides then it could be double the bad luck." Olivia told her.
"It's bad luck to see the bride IN THE DRESS before the wedding and you're not wearing a dress so it doesn't count." Casey argued.
"You're not getting out of this one Novak. I am spending the night at Elliot's and we won't be seeing each other until the ceremony."
Casey smiled, "That's Benson-Novak to you."
"In 24 hours, yes, yes it will be." Olivia grinned back before capturing Casey's lips with her own.
They had decided to hyphenate both of their names rather then go with one or the other. Their children's last names were hyphenated so now they would all be the same. They had agreed to continue using their given last names in their professional lives so that things didn't get confusing. It also kept suspects from knowing that they were together during cases which they were happy about. No need for some sleazebag to know their business.
Casey buried into Olivia's shoulder as their kiss broke, "You know I don't sleep well without you. I've gotten kind of attached to you after 15 years."
"Well I guess that's a good thing since we will be legally attached tomorrow." Olivia smiled.
"How about you still stay here tonight but sneak out before I wake up in the morning?" Casey suggested not giving up.
Olivia laughed, "Because I have a feeling that that will not be as easy as you think it is. I've already sprayed some extra perfume on my pillow."
"That's not the same!" Casey whined.
"And the t-shirt that I slept in last night is on the bed so you can wear it tonight."
The ADA sighed, "That might help a little more. T-shirts don't snuggle back though."
"No, they don't." Olivia chuckled. "But I promise you that tonight will be the last time that I will ever willingly leave you – and even now willing is a slightly strong word."
"Alright," Casey finally gave in, "Have fun tonight with the boys but not too much fun without me."
Olivia smiled, "Trust me. It won't be nearly as fun without you. I love you."
Casey kissed her one last time before removing her hands from the detective's back pockets, "I love you more."
"Mama I can't find my other shoe!" Braya called from her bedroom.
"You had it an hour ago how have you lost it already?" Casey yelled back from her room.
Alex placed her hand on Casey's shoulder, "I will help her find it. You stay here and finish your make up."
"Thanks, Al." The bride smiled.
Today was the day. She couldn't believe that it was actually happening. Casey had always thought that they day that they brought Braya home from the hospital would be the best day of her life but then they had Braydan and the day of his birth was added to the list; and now – her wedding day. She was officially going to be married to the love of her life. They had a house, two of the most beautiful children in the entire world and Braydan had been begging for a dog. Maybe they should get one to complete the picture. Olivia had been joking about painting the picket fence around their house white. She never imagined that her life would turn out so perfectly.
Applying one final bit of lipstick she sat back and looked at herself. She had just the right amount of eye shadow to really make her green eyes pop, just a touch of blush to give her cheeks some color and the perfect pink/red shine to her lips. Part of her hair was pulled back out of her face but most of it was curled and left flowing down her back. Olivia loved her hair down.
"You look perfect."
Casey turned to see her mother standing the bathroom doorway.
"Hi Mom!" She smiled as she rushed to hug her mother.
"Hi sweetheart. I'm sorry that we are so late. Our flight just kept getting delayed over and over again."
"That's ok! As long as you are here now that's what matters. Where's everybody else?" Casey peered around the doorway looking for her father, brother and sister in-law.
"They dropped me off and then headed to the church to make sure that everything else is ready. I saw Braya on the way in. She looks so beautiful. I can't believe how grow up she is now. Is Braydan with Olivia?"
"Yes, they spent the night at Elliot's last night. Knowing how quickly Olivia can get herself ready, they will probably beat us to the church."
"Well then, sweetie, I think it's time to get you into your dress."
"Do I have to wear this stupid tie?" Braydan whined as he pulled on the offensive piece of clothing.
"Yes, you do. It makes you look very handsome." Olivia told him as she straightened it back into place.
"Can I take if off afterwards?"
Olivia smiled. Braydan was just like Casey – never taking 'No' for an answer and always bargaining for a deal. They might have a little lawyer in the making. "When we are done taking pictures then you take it off ok?"
"Ok." He sighed.
Olivia kissed his forehead, "Thank you."
"You ready to do this Benson?" Elliot asked as he entered the room with a giant smile on his face.
The female detective took a deep breath, "More ready then I have ever been in my entire life."
"Then let's go!"
Olivia took Elliot's arm and Braydan's hand as they made their way to the foyer of the church where they found Alex, Braya and Captain Cragen waiting.
"You look great, Mom." Braya said as she gave her a hug.
"Thanks baby! How's your Mama doing?"
"She's great, really excited. She and Grandpa are in the other room waiting for her turn to walk down the aisle. She said that you were really adamant about the whole not seeing the bride before the wedding thing so they decided to stay there."
"Alright then, I guess it's time to get this show on the road so that they don't have to wait any longer. You two remember what you have to do?"
"We're walking down an aisle Mom, even Dork Brain here can handle that!"
"Hey!" Braydan exclaimed as she playfully hit his sister on the arm.
"Come on you two, it's my wedding day! Behave yourselves!" She kissed both of them on the head before pushing them towards the doors they were about to walk through. The kids took their place in front of the large doors and Alex and Elliot stepped up behind them.
"You look beautiful Liv." Alex told her as she took Elliot's arm.
"Thanks Alex. How's Casey?"
Alex chuckled, "Dying to see you. She wouldn't stop talking about you last night. I can't believe that you guys have been together for as long as you have and are just as clingly and mushy as you were in the beginning!"
Olivia smiled but before she could respond the doors opened and the music began to play. Braya and Braydan began to make their way down the aisle as they had rehearsed while Alex and Elliot followed.
Don stepped up to Olivia and extended his arm to her. He had been touched when she asked him to escort her down to the alter.
"You look amazing, Olivia."
"Thank you, Captain." She smiled, "Thank you so much for doing this. I can't even begin to tell you how much it means to me."
"Anything for you, Liv." He smiled.
As Don and Olivia began to make their way down the aisle they heard the doors behind them open. Olivia knew that Casey and her father were taking their place in the lobby. She could barely resist the temptation to turn around and catch a glimpse of her.
The detective smiled at their guests as she made her way to the alter. It was a small guest list; mainly consisting of Casey's family and friends from work. Olivia beamed at Elliot, Alex and her children as she took her place. Her smiled widened even more when she turned around to see Casey coming down the aisle.
Not wanting anything too extravagant, Casey chose a simple strapless white dress that flowed to her knees. A green ribbon that sat just below her bust line added a splash of color. The ribbon matched Braya and Alex's dresses, Elliot and Braydan's ties and the vest that Olivia wore with her white pant suit. She wore a veil that hung down her back over her curls and a pair of white strappy heels to finish off her look.
Casey's eyes feasted over Olivia as she met her at the top of the aisle. Starting at the bottom Casey admired her white heels and raked her eye's up the white slacks that were covering her favorite pair of legs. The green vest was just visible under the white fitted jacket and she appreciated that the jacket, vest and white shirt were just low cut enough to give her a great view of her ample cleavage.
Casey's smile mirrored her lover's as they made eye contact. Olivia's hair was falling perfectly to her shoulders and she had used her smokey eye shadow that Casey loved on her.
Daniel Novak handed his daughter over to her soon to be wife and smiled proudly. The couple instantly intertwined their fingers as they nuzzled their noses together in a silent hello.
"You ready for this?" Olivia whispered with a smile.
Casey returned her grin, "I've been ready since you asked me who the hell I was 20 years ago."
The detective chuckled as she resisted the urge to kiss the redhead in front of her. Finally able to pull away the couple turned to face Judge Donnelly who was more then happy to preside over their ceremony.
"Dearly beloved," Elizabeth began, "We are gathered here today to bear witness to the bond of love between two members of our SVU family – Detective Olivia Benson and Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak. Before we begin I must ask if there is anyone here that objects to this marriage please speak now."
Elliot shot death glares across the room, daring anyone in attendance to say a word.
After a brief silence the judge continued, "Very well, I believe that our brides have written their own wedding vows." Both women nodded with a smile. "Olivia, why don't you begin."
The detective took a deep breath before speaking,
"Who the hell are you? Those were my first words to you so many years ago." Casey, as well as the guests in attendance, chuckled, "As it turns out, you are the woman who completes me, who I cannot live without, who holds my heart, the woman who makes me want to run through the streets of New York City and proclaim my undying love for. You are the last one I see before I go to bed at night and the first one that I see when I wake up the next morning – something that I am looking forward to doing for the rest of my life. You're the mother of my children, my soul mate, the love of my life. That is who the hell you are. You make me want to be a better person and I promise that I will do everything I can in my power to be the person that you want me to be and to show you everyday what an amazing person you are."
"That was beautiful Olivia." Donnelly told her, "Casey?"
"When I first transferred to SVU, I was scared. After the first case I didn't think that it was something that I could do everyday but you were the one that drew me back. You were the one that gave me the strength to continue. When Zurgin attacked me in my office you were the one that stayed with me. You were my light in a dark place. You've always been my light, my constant. Now that I've been with you for all these years the light has just grown brighter and brighter. Years ago, the thought of spending the rest of my life with you was just a dream and now it is a dream come true. I promise to stand at your side for the rest of our lives to help be the light in the dream that you have been for me all these years."
Both women had tears in their eyes as Judge Donnelly pushed forward, "And now onto the rings."
Elliot reached into his pocket and handed a ring to Braydan who then handed it to Olivia. The same happened with Alex passing a ring to Casey via Braya.
"Olivia, please repeat after me as you place the ring on Casey's hand. This ring I give to you as a token of my love and devotion to you. I pledge to you all that I am and all that I will ever be as your wife. With this ring, I gladly marry you and join my life to yours."
The detective did as she was told. She smiled broadly as she slipped the wedding band onto Casey's elegant finger.
"Now, Casey," Judge Donnelly said turning to her.
The ADA repeated the same words that Olivia had said as she placed the ring onto her finger. She fought tears of happiness that were stinging the back of her eyes.
Elizabeth smiled at the two women, "Casey and Olivia, by the power invested I me by the state of New York I now pronounce you married and bound together body and soul. You may kiss your bride."
Both women smiled widely as they closed the gap between them. Their friend's cheered as their lips came together for the first time as a married couple. The broke the kiss quickly, careful not to get too hot and heavy in front of their friends and family. The processional music began and the couple made their way back down the aisle hand in hand. Alex, Elliot and the children soon followed before the guests began to file out as well. Olivia and Casey were already waiting in the hall to receive their guests. Casey's family was the first to congratulate the women.
"It was beautiful Lady Bug." Casey's father told her as he embraced her tightly.
"Thank you Daddy!" The redhead smiled.
"Olivia," Casey's dad began as he rested his hands on her shoulders, "I will admit that when Casey came out to us all those years ago I was skeptical that she would ever find true happiness, but I know that she has truly found it in you. Thank you for being such a wonderful partner to my baby girl."
Tears sprang back into Olivia's eyes as she hugged the older man, "Thank you sir. It means so much to hear that."
He stepped out of the way to allow other guests to pass through the line. Olivia giggled when she saw her father-in-law pick up his grandson and begin to play with him. Casey mother was the next to step up to her. She held a tissue to her nose as she smiled brightly. She didn't even say anything to the detective; she just took her in her arms in a tight embrace before going to be with the grandkids.
"Welcome to family sis!" Casey's brother said as he hugged her tightly. Olivia laughed when he lifted her up off the ground.
"Thanks Jimmy!"
Placing the old woman back on her feet he continued, "You know that we've thought of you as family for years now but I am glad that you two could finally make it official." Olivia opened her mouth to respond but Jimmy kept talking, "However, this doesn't mean that I won't come after her if you hurt her. What a said years ago still stands."
Olivia chuckled as she remembered the protective speech that Jimmy had given her all those years ago. Casey reacted the same way now as she did back then.
"Jimmy!" she said as she smacked her brother on the back of the head, "You're threatening a New York City police officer! I thought I got this through your head the first time!"
"You know me, just trying to look out for my baby sister."
"Yeah, yeah, I know but you should know by now that you have nothing to worry about!" Casey smiled as she kissed Olivia on the cheek.
They greeted the rest of their guests before taking photos. They took a variety of shots including the kids, Casey's family and the SVU squad. Braydan was very thankful when his mothers finally allowed him to take his tie off.
Finally, the newlywed couple was able to be alone together in the limo that was taking them to their reception. The door had barely closed behind them before they were all over each other. Olivia slid her fingers through Casey's red tresses, being careful of her veil, as their lips fused together. The two battled for dominance but eventually the detective won and pinned their ADA to the back seat. Their kisses were hot and heavy before they finally had to pull away to breathe. Olivia began to trail light kisses down the younger woman's pale throat as both of their chests heaved.
"You look so amazing!" Olivia panted while she allowed her hands to wander.
Casey threaded her fingers through Olivia's brown locks and brought their lips back together, "For the past hour, I have wanted nothing more then to push you against the wall and have my way with you!"
Olivia smiled against her lips, "I don't think we have that much time right now but once the reception is over I can promise you that I will not be letting you out of bed for the next 24 hours."
The women's fiery kissed continued until there was knock on the window, "Ladies, we have arrived." Neither of them had even noticed that the limo at stopped.
"Just a minute." Olivia called as she managed to wrench her lips from Casey's.
She was thankful that she was able to find a mirror in the back and began to straighten her hair. She didn't want it to be TOO obvious that she and her wife had been going at it in the back seat – though most people would not be surprised by it.
"Here." Olivia turned to see Casey handing her a tube of lipstick. She was shocked if find that it was her color.
"How...? Where…?" the detective stumbled.
Casey winked at her as she pulled her own lipstick out of her cleavage and winked at her wife.
"How did I not feel that those were in there?" Olivia marveled. Her hands had been all over Casey's breasts just a moment ago and she had no idea that they were sharing their space with 2 tubes of lipstick.
The redhead didn't answer; she just applied the color and slipped the makeup back to where it came from. Olivia fixed her own lipstick before turning back to Casey.
"Can I put it away?" she smiled.
Casey laughed and took the tube from her, "If I let you do that we will never make it out of this car and we have guests waiting."
The ADA popped the door open and their driver opened it the rest of the way, extending his hand to help her from the car.
"Got anything else hiding in there I should know about?" Olivia asked as they made their way inside.
Casey smirked, "You will just have to wait and see!"
The guests were already seated in the reception hall having mingled during the cocktail hour that preceded it. The DJ announced the wedding party before the entered and finally it came time for the couple to join the party.
"Ladies and gentlemen, making their first official appearance as a married couple put your hands together for Olivia and Casey Benson-Novak!" Everyone cheered as the couple entered the room with joined hands.
They smiled as they took in their surroundings. The hall had turned out just as they had dreamed it would. Green and white linens adorned the chairs and tables and flowers were bundled in every corner. Their wedding planner had gotten them a deal on almost every element of the wedding. Christina Martinez sought the couple out herself after seeing their wedding announcement in the newspaper. The detective and the ADA had worked on her sister's case a few years prior and she wanted to help them plan their wedding as a thank you for all that they had done.
The ladies made their way to the center of the dance floor as their song began to play. They shared small kisses and nuzzles as they danced, careful to keep it PG in front of their friends and family. As the song ended they slowly made their way together to their table. Casey sat by Braya and Olivia by Braydan.
The DJ announced that it was time for dinner to begin and started dismissing tables to the buffet line. Before everyone began to eat, he handed Alex the microphone – the adults were splitting the maid of honor and best man duties with the couples children, the kids got to stand by their side during the ceremony but Alex and Elliot were giving the toasts. She cleared her throat before she began her speech.
"Years and years ago there were rumors going around that Olivia and I were a couple. I remember sitting with her in her apartment and giggling about it over a bottle of wine. I knew that I would be lucky to have a woman like Olivia Benson but being with women just wasn't my thing. When I returned from my time in the WPP I could instantly see a change in Olivia's behavior and I was delighted to find out that Casey was the reason why. It has been a pleasure to watch the two of you grow together over the past 15 years. I wish you all the happiness in the world and may the best years be yet to come."
The guests raised their glasses to the couple and took a sip of their bubbly as Elliot took over the microphone.
"I have been partners with Olivia Benson for over 20 years. I am pretty sure that I am the longest relationship with a man she has ever had. I never thought that there would ever be a bond between partners that was stronger then ours but then 15 years ago I was proven wrong. The day that Casey Novak walked into our crime scene I could see my partner falling and falling hard but this was one situation where I couldn't be there to catch her. The only person that could catch her was Casey – and she did. Casey, thank you for being a partner to Olivia in all the aspects that I cannot. Olivia, I am looking forward to the next chapter in our partnership and I cannot wait to see how the next chapter between the two of you unfolds. I love you guys."
Once again, a cheers was made and everyone drank. Casey and Olivia took turns hugging their friends all with tears in their eyes.
Everyone dug into their food. Their friends kept clinking their glasses wanting to see the happy couple share a kiss. Olivia brought her lips to Casey's ear after their fourth kiss, "These people better be careful, if they make us keep this up I won't be able to be held accountable for my actions." Casey just laughed and kissed her once more knowing full well that she wasn't helping the situation.
Once the happy couple was done eating they made their way from table to table greeting their friends. Since it was an intimate event they were able to make it all the way around the room before the DJ made his next announcement.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen, who is ready for some cake?" the guests cheered as Casey and Olivia crossed to the cake that was across the room. They took the knife in their joined hands and cut it together while everyone gathered to watch. They each took a piece and began to feed it to the other. Olivia delicately placed her piece in Casey's mouth and was surprised when Casey smashed hers in her face.
"I thought we agreed that we weren't going to do that?" Olivia exclaimed with a giggle.
"We did," Casey smiled, "but then I realized that if I did it then I would also get to do this." She leaned in and captured Olivia's lips with her own while slowly cleaning the detective's lips with her tongue. She smiled again as she pulled away, "Delicious."
After the cake was served, the dance floor was open and the couple and their guests danced the night away. At nearly midnight that night the DJ announced that it was time for the brides final dance. They held each other closely as they swayed to the music.
Their friends lined the lobby as they made their way out of the hotel to their awaiting limo having opted to spend their first night as a married couple in their own bed.
They stopped to hugged Alex, Elliot and the kids once more before climbing into the limo.
"Olivia Benson-Novak," Elliot asked, "you just married the love of your life what are you going to do next – and by next I mean tomorrow NOT when you get home tonight."
Olivia smiled as she pulled Casey to her side, "We're going to Disney World!"
So…there you go! I decided to skip the boquet and garter toss as well as Father/Daughter dances but I think I touched on most of the other traditional things! Sorry it took so long for me to get it to you! I think that the honeymoon will be easier to write. Yes, it is going to turn into a family vacation/honeymoon but don't worry, the happy couple will have plenty of time to themselves. Just wait and see!