A/N: Thanks as always for the reviews. I know this is a super long chapter but I just couldn't find a place to stop. Let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 34

The two weeks since they had made the decision to adopt the baby had been nothing short of chaos. From telling Laura, who was over the moon at becoming a grandmother, to getting the adoption papers sorted, Alex and Olivia felt as if they hadn't stopped. While Alex handled most of the legalities Olivia spent every free moment cleaning the apartment and trying to make room for everything the baby was going to need. Both were beyond excited but were nervous at the same time and it finally came crashing down on them.

Alex walked into the apartment late on Friday evening to see Olivia standing in the middle of the living room crying. "Liv? Baby what's wrong?"

"Where are we gonna put it all? Where are we gonna put the baby? We have one bedroom. I've moved and rearranged and I still don't think we have enough room."

Alex chuckled as she kissed her forehead. "I've been worrying about the same things but we'll figure it out. We're gonna keep the baby in our room for a while anyway and we can look for a bigger apartment. Everything's going to be okay."

Olivia shook her head as she hugged the blonde "I know it is, it's just all becoming so real. I'm guess I'm afraid I'll screw up or turn into my Mom, or…" she was cut off by Alex claiming her lips in a loving kiss.

Alex smiled as she pulled back "Olivia I'm afraid too. I'm afraid I'll suck at being a Mom, or that I'll screw the poor kid up somehow." She looked Olivia in the eye and made sure she held her attention "One thing I know for sure is that you won't turn into your Mom. You are the kindest, warmest most loving person I've ever met. Our child is going to be so lucky to have you as its Mother."

Olivia laughed "It's going to be lucky to have you too."

Late Saturday morning they found themselves at Laura's home for their baby shower. From the moment they told the older woman about the adoption she had yet to do anything that wasn't baby related. The weekend before she had taken them shopping and purchased a bassinet, stroller and car seat. She also had them pick out a crib that she would purchase once the baby was bigger. While she didn't suffer like they did over Olivia's miscarriage or Alex's failed attempts at getting pregnant, her heart did break each time.

The couple looked around Laura's patio and small backyard that had been decorated with pink and blue streamers and balloons. She had invited their closest friends and her sister and mom were coming down from Boston.

"Mom this is so amazing, thank you." Alex said as grabbed a piece of fruit from a tray.

Laura lightly smacked her hand away from the food. "You're welcome. Although I'm surprised I was able to pull this together in just two weeks. Imagine what I could've done if I had known sooner." She smirked at them.

Alex rolled her eyes as she looked at Olivia who was laughing at her "Well how do you think we feel? In less than twenty four hours we found out we were going to be adopting a baby. I think we win."

Shortly after noon both ladies found themselves mingling with their guests. Neither could get over the stack of gifts that had been set on a table off to the side. Alex was thrilled that her Grandmother had made the trip from Boston along with her aunt. Stella Harriman may have been in her eighties but she certainly didn't act like it, or look like it. Laura had gone out of her way to find friends of theirs to invite along with Casey, Melinda and even the guys. Olivia didn't really expect them to show up seeing as baby showers weren't exactly their thing. Both were surprised though when Munch, Fin, and Elliot showed up just as they were about to eat.

"It's like you guys knew it was time for the food." She said as she stood to greet them.

"It's the only reason we're here." Fin said with a smile.

"Where's the Captain?" Alex asked as she directed them toward the food.

"According to him, someone has to work and keep the city safe while the rest of us party." Munch said as he tilted his head.

Once they were finished eating they opened the gifts from the guys first seeing how they had to go back to work. Since they had been through the new baby routine several times Elliot and Kathy gave them a large bag of everyday necessities.

"Wow Munch, thank you!" Alex said as she opened the box to find a top of the line baby monitor.

"I just figured the kid should get used to being spied on and having someone listen in on what it's doing."

Everyone who knew the older detective laughed while those who didn't shared looks of confusion. Olivia noticed their old college neighbor Amy was about to ask what he meant and quickly stopped her "Don't! If you get him started we'll be here till the baby is ready to graduate high school."

Alex burst into laughter as she opened the gift from Fin. "No Fin, just no."

"What?" he asked with a sneaky grin.

Alex allowed Olivia to get a look at the t-shirt before holding it up "I'm not putting a shirt on my baby that says 'My Mommies' can kick your ass'."

"Come on counselor, we all know it's true." He grinned and winked at them "It's okay. I'll just wait till the kid is ready to go to school and get another one."

After the guys left they continued to open gifts and by the time they were done they had a large stack of diapers, wipes, bottles and toys. They had also received so many neutral colored clothing items they weren't sure where they would put all the clothes they would buy once they knew what they were having.

While the guests enjoyed the cake that Laura had ordered from Olivia's favorite bakery Alex snuck into the kitchen where the older woman was. "Thank you Mom, so much." She blinked back a few tears "This has been so great."

Laura pulled her daughter into her arms for a tight hug. "Alex I'm so happy for you, for both of you. I know this past year has been difficult for both of you. I just wanted to give you both a day where we could celebrate this wonderful occasion." She kissed Alex on the check and wiped her tears "You two are going to be amazing mothers'. This baby is so lucky to get the both of you."

Alex was so overcome that her voice was barely above a whisper "Thanks Mom."

Olivia was just about to pour another cup of punch when her phone rang. She closed her eyes and prayed that it wasn't a call. The guys had promised they wouldn't call her for anything. She didn't recognize the number but decided to answer anyway.

Alex and Laura were just about to walk back outside when Olivia came running into the kitchen, stumbling and having to take several running steps to keep her balance before finally crashing into the island in the center of the kitchen. She held her phone up and waved it at Alex.

Alex couldn't believe what she had just seen. Olivia had chased a perp two blocks in the snow and never missed a step so Alex wondered what would cause the brunette to stumble all over herself. She grabbed her partner's arm "Liv, what's wrong?"

Olivia took a deep breath but was still unable to get herself under control. "Tiffany…water…broke…"

Alex's eyes widened "Tiffany?"

Olivia suddenly found her voice, and a bright smile spread across her face as a few tears escaped her eyes "Our baby is coming!"

Alex pulled Olivia to her then suddenly remembered the urgency of the situation. Her heart began pounding and her hands shook. She looked to her mother who was crying again "Mom we gotta go."

Laura kissed each of them quickly then pushed them toward the door. She saw both of them look back to the patio "I'll let the guests know." She continued to urge them toward the door when both began rambling about not having anything with them. "I'll go to your apartment and get the baby's things." She watched as they both fumbled with their purses "Go!"

Olivia grabbed the keys from Alex and took off as fast as she could. "Liv don't get pulled over."

"I won't, I promise." She shot Alex a nervous grin "Get my badge from my purse just in case."

Once at the hospital Olivia calls June and she meets them outside the delivery room. "How is she?" Olivia asks nervously.

"She's been in labor for a few hours but I kept her home for a while. When they started getting closer I decided to bring her in. Her water broke just before we left the house. She's only dilated to a four so it'll probably be a while."

"Would she be okay seeing us?" Alex asked, a little afraid of the answer.

"Absolutely. She's been asking where you two were, she wants you both in there."

Olivia smiled "We were at our baby shower."

"Of all times to interrupt." June laughed. She started leading them back to the room but stopped outside the door. She turned and faced the couple "You have no idea what this means to Tiffany and myself that you are going to adopt the baby. Ever since you agreed I've noticed she's seemed lighter and even happier. I also no longer worry about the baby, I know it's going to have a wonderful life with you two."

Alex and Olivia began crying. Alex took June's hand in her own "You don't know what it means to us. This is what we've wanted so desperately."

When they go in Tiffany is in the middle of another contraction. Their hearts go out to her as it's obvious she's in pain. Once the contraction is over the teen leans back against her pillow and tries to catch her breath. She looks at the couple and shakes her head "Sex is bad, I'm never doing it again."

A couple hours later Tiffany had made some progress but they knew they were still in for a long night. Laura had called Alex to let her know she was in the waiting room and had brought them dinner. At first they were afraid to leave the room but Tiffany had finally given in and asked for the epidural and was now taking a nap. Alex and Olivia went out to the waiting room to eat and hopefully relax but were unable to, they were too excited about the impending arrival of their baby.

"Mom you don't have to stay here, it could be hours still." Alex said as she lay on the small sofa with her head in Olivia's lap.

"And miss the birth of my first grandchild? I don't think so. I brought a change of clothes in case I was too tired to drive back. If I need to I'll get a hotel room for the night but I'm not leaving. I also have the baby's things and the bag you had already packed." They had kept a bag packed so they could stay in a hotel near the hospital until they could take the baby home.

They had gone back to the room after allowing Tiffany to rest for a couple hours. At around midnight she was fully dilated and ready to push. Olivia and Alex stood on her right while her mother was on her left. Alex held her hand and wiped her brow with cool cloth while Olivia and her mother held her leg and encouraged her on. While they may not have been able to physically bring their baby into the world they wanted to be as involved in the process as possible.

After nearly half an hour of pushing the doctor looked up "Okay Tiffany I can see the head. We're almost there."

"Can we see?" Olivia asked. When Tiffany nodded both ladies stepped over, they gasped as they could see the top of the baby's head.

"Oh my God, it's almost here." Alex said with tears in her eyes as she looked to the teen.

Tiffany sat up and began pushing with everything she had. "Oh God! Just get it out of me!"

The adults in the room gave her a sympathetic look, her epidural had worn off over two hours ago and she was now feeling every ounce of pain.

"Come on sweetheart just one big push." Her mother said as she encouraged her daughter.

"That's it! No man is ever touching me again, I'm gonna be a lesbian!"

Of course Olivia made the mistake of laughing.

"It's not funny!" the teen growled.

The doctor pulled the group back to reality. "The head's coming out." she looked to Tiffany who nodded "Mommies, you want to help bring your baby into the world?" Tiffany waved her hand letting them know it was okay.

Both were practically shaking as they stepped down to the end of the bed. They began crying uncontrollably as they could see their baby's head was already out. The doctor motioned them to step in and take the baby in their hands. She talked them through what was happening while keeping her hands under the baby's head just in case. Alex and Olivia were both terrified they would drop the baby but the doctor continued to assure them.

With one last guttural scream the baby was out. Olivia had the better grip and pulled it into her arms. She looked down and choked out a sob "It's a boy!" she looked to Alex who was crying also "We have a son Alex!"

While Olivia cradled the baby to her chest Alex accepted the scissors from the nurse and shakily cut the cord. She turned to look back but Tiffany had her head turned to the wall and her eyes closed. June shook her head and Alex nodded. Olivia carried the baby over to where the nurse would check him out, and regretfully laid the squalling infant down.

Alex grabbed Olivia and pulled her close, placing a loving kiss to her lips "I love you."

"I love you too."

Alex struggled to wipe her tears while laughing "We have a baby!"

Olivia smiled as she looked back at their son "We have a baby."

"Everything looks and sounds good." The nurse who was checking him over said. "Seven pounds, four ounces and twenty inches long. A nice healthy baby." she said as she picked the crying infant up and handed him to Olivia.

Olivia turned and smiled as she handed him to Alex "A beautiful, healthy baby."

As Alex stared at the baby in her arms it finally began to sink in that this was her baby, this was her child. She took the time to commit his features to memory. While like most newborns his skin was still red there was a bit of an olive tint to it. His eyes were blue but were so dark they appeared almost black. She leaned down and lightly kissed his forehead "I love you."

"It's like he's a perfect combination of both of us." Olivia said as she rested her head on her partner's shoulder and admired her son.

They both took a moment to glance over at Tiffany. When they see her looking at the wall and crying their hearts break for her but at the same time they had never been more grateful to someone.

June walked over and smiled through her tears at the couple "May I see him?"

"Absolutely." Alex replied.

The older woman smiled at the infant "He looks like Tiffany when she was a baby. I can see his father in him a bit, but overall he looks like her."

Alex leans in and lowers her voice to a whisper "Does Tiffany want to see him?"

June shook her head "It's not that she doesn't want to see him, she just doesn't think she can do it right now. Maybe later before he's released?"

Alex nodded "Of course. If she wants to see him we have no problem with that. We want her to see him but only if she wants too."

One of the nurses stepped over to take the baby to the nursery to be cleaned up, and informed his parents they could see him there.

It was almost two in the morning when they stopped outside the waiting room. Olivia placed her hands on either side of Alex's face and kissed her lightly. She pushed Alex up against the wall when the blonde deepened the kiss. When the kiss ended Olivia rested her forehead against Alex's "I can't believe this is real."

"I know." Alex smiled as she gently wiped Olivia's tears "I keep thinking I'm gonna wake up and this will have all been a dream."

Olivia leaned over and looked into the waiting room to see Laura sleeping in the same chair she'd been in when they left her. "What do you say we go wake her up?"

Alex took Olivia's hand in hers and led her into the waiting room. Alex leaned over her mother and lightly shook her shoulder. Laura groaned as she slowly sat up and tried to work the kinks out from her awkward sleeping position. Her eyes widened when she saw her daughter leaning over her. Alex smiled "Wake up Grandma."

Laura jumped from her seat so quickly she practically knocked Alex over. She took off to the door leaving her daughter and daughter in law behind. "The baby's here? Where is it? Is it okay?" she began rapidly firing off questions causing both ladies to laugh. She left the room but stopped and stepped back in "Wait a minute, what is it?"

Olivia walked over and hugged her mother in law quickly "You ready to meet your grandson?"

The older Cabot burst into tears "A boy? It's a boy?"

Alex couldn't stop laughing nor crying "Yeah, we've got a little boy."

Alex and Olivia showed their bracelets at the nursery and were escorted to a private room where they could bond as a family. Olivia stood back as the nurse handed the baby over to Alex. While she wanted to hold her baby and never let go she knew Alex wanted to be able to introduce her mom to her grandson.

"Oh my God he's beautiful." Laura whispered as she looked at the infant in her daughter's arms. She lightly ran her finger along his cheek "What's his name?"

Alex was about to speak but was overcome with emotion and looked to Olivia for help. The brunette smiled as she wrapped her arm around her partner and placed a hand on her son "We'd like for you to meet John Joseph Cabot-Benson. We're gonna call him Joey."

"Hi Joey." Laura whispered as she took the infant in her arms for the first time.

They stayed in the room for a bit longer to bond with the newest member of the family before heading to the hotel across the street to get some rest. Both Alex and Olivia had worried about leaving Joey but the nurses assured them he would be fine. Not wanting to go back to the city Caroline booked two rooms so they could all rest.

Alex was exhausted but wanted a shower first. She had just stepped under the water when she heard the curtain slide back and Olivia step in. She reached out and pulled the brunette into her arms, their lips meeting in a slow, loving kiss. Alex allowed her arms to slowly slip around Olivia's waist pulling her closer as Olivia wrapped her arms around her neck.

"I love you." Olivia whispered their lips still touching. She pulled back just enough to look into the blonde's eyes "I didn't think you could ever look more beautiful but seeing you holding our baby…" she trailed off "When I saw you holding him for the first time I realized you were more beautiful than I ever thought possible."

"I felt the same way about you too." She continued to stare into Olivia's eyes as she replayed the last few hours "You know, I never thought I could love anyone as much as I love you. I didn't think there was room in my heart for anymore love, but then when I first laid eyes on that beautiful little creature I realized I could. It was like there was a little corner of my heart that was just waiting for him." She laughed through her tears "I feel as if my heart as already doubled in size just since this morning."

Olivia laughed as she kissed the blonde again "I know exactly how you feel."

By the time they crawled into bed all the excitement of the last day finally crashed over them and they were asleep before their heads hit the pillow.

When Olivia woke up it took her a moment to realize where she was. She rose up and looked over Alex at the clock, it was almost eleven am. Suddenly she shot up as she remembered exactly why they were in the hotel. She grabbed her phone and noticed the many missed calls and texts from friends, grateful there wasn't any missed calls from the hospital. She replied to a few of the messages, mostly the guys to let them know everyone was okay. She grabbed the camera off the bedside table and lay back as she scrolled through the many pictures they had taken. She had only just met her baby and she already felt as if she had always known him. She was pulled from her thoughts when she felt Alex roll over and wrap an arm around her waist.

"So it wasn't a dream, was it?"

Olivia smiled and tilted her head for a good morning kiss "No, it wasn't."

Alex grabbed her phone and replied to a few of her messages before kissing Olivia quickly and jumping from the bed "Come on, I want to see our son!"

Alex, Olivia and Laura spent most of the afternoon getting to know Joey a little better. They quickly realized he was very even tempered and calm, but he could also have a temper at times. When it came time to eat he wanted his bottle immediately which led Alex to joke he definitely took after Olivia in that way.

Late that evening they left Laura in the private room for her first chance to babysit so they could visit Tiffany. Olivia had called June and asked if she was up to visitors and she agreed.

"How are you feeling?" Olivia asked as she took a seat in the chair next to the bed.

"Exhausted, and sore. God I'm so sore." Tiffany half laughed.

Alex reached over and handed her a drink "Your Mom mentioned how much you love chocolate milkshakes so we grabbed you one from the diner next door."

The teen smiled as she took a drink "Thanks, everything here sucks."

Everyone grew quiet for a few minutes before Tiffany spoke again "So, um, how is he?"

Olivia smiled "He's perfect."

Alex leaned over and took Tiffany's hand "We can never tell how grateful we are to you. Thanks to you we have the family we wanted."

"I'm glad he's with you. I know he'll have the life he needs and deserves." She closed her eyes as a few tears escaped.

Olivia cleared her throat as she sat up straighter "I want you to know if you want to see him we're okay with that. Neither of us want you to have any regrets."

Tiffany dropped her head back on the pillow and looked at the ceiling "I might but I still don't think I'm ready. Maybe before he goes home?"

"Whenever you're ready."

The next morning Joey had his final check up from the pediatrician on call and was given the all clear to go home. June had come to the nursery and said that Tiffany would be released later in the morning and wanted to know if she could see him.

Alex grew nervous as they walked to Tiffany's room, and Olivia noticed. Olivia had Joey safely cradled in her left arm while her right hand reached down and took Alex's hand in her own. "It's going to be okay." She whispered.

Alex shook her head. "She hasn't signed the final papers." She stopped walking and looked to Olivia "What if she changes her mind?"

Olivia turned and pulled Alex to her, the feeling of her partner and her son in her arms was the greatest feeling in the world. "Alex, sweetheart, she's not going to change her mind. She only wants what's best for Joey, and she's already said it's us."

Alex knocked cautiously on the door, waiting for a reply. When they walked in Tiffany was sitting in the chair next to the window. Her eyes immediately went to the tiny bundle in Olivia's arms.

Olivia walked over "Would you like to hold him?"

Tiffany nodded nervously. She started to shake as she took the baby in her arms. She took a moment to look at him closely "He's so little."

Alex smiled "He was seven pounds."

Tiffany's head shot up "Is that all? I was thinking he was like twelve pounds the way he felt coming out." this caused everyone in the room to laugh. She looked down and ran her fingers over his head "What's his name?"

"John Joseph but we're calling him Joey."

Joey was beginning to wake up giving Tiffany a chance to see his dark blue eyes "He has blue eyes, just like you Alex." She smiled as she took a moment to memorize his face "You're gonna be a little heartbreaker one day John Joseph."

June stepped over when there was a knock at the door. She came back over carrying a folder "Sweetheart, these are the final papers you need to sign."

"Now?" Tiffany asked in a tearful voice.

Alex reached out and grabbed Olivia's hand. This was her fear, even though they had signed some papers already until Tiffany signed the final adoption papers it wasn't final. Her heart felt as if was about to stop and her breathing grew shallow. She didn't know if she could make it if Tiffany changed her mind.

Olivia felt the change in Alex and squeezed her hand tightly as she pulled her close. She knew what the blonde was thinking because she was thinking the same thing. When she had miscarried it nearly killed her, she had already begun planning her baby's life and had fallen in love with it. Just like when she was pregnant she had already began planning out Joey's life, she had fallen head over heels in love with him at first sight and when she held him in her arms it had become real. This was their baby, their child, she was pretty sure she would die if Tiffany changed her mind.

They both watched as Tiffany held Joey close as she carefully read over the paper. She had been crying but all three adults noticed how it increased the longer she read. She held her hand out to her mom for a pen. Her hand hovered over the bottom of the paper where she was to sign. She looked from the paper down to the infant in her arms. Alex and Olivia were both certain they had stopped breathing, each moment she hesitated in signing more agonizing than the last. Both released the breath they were holding when she sighed and signed her name to the paper.

After signing her name Tiffany quickly pushed the papers to her mother and turned her attention back to the baby. She placed a kiss to his forehead "I love you Joey and I hope one day, if your Mommies' decide to tell you, that you'll understand why I did this. You've got two wonderful Mommies' who love you more than anything in the world. You are going to have the best life." Tiffany kissed Joey one more time and handed him to Alex.

Alex looked to Olivia who nodded toward the door. Alex said goodbye and thanked the teen one last time before practically running from the room, a small part of her was afraid Tiffany would change her mind and try to take him back.

Olivia got down on her knees next to her sister. "Thank you, I can never tell you how grateful we are."

Tiffany nodded "Thank you too. I no longer worry about him or what kind of life he'll have." She leaned her head into her hands and tried to wipe her tears "I know you both said I'm free to see him anytime I want but I think it's best if I don't see him for a while." She took a deep breath "Please understand I didn't use you guys just to get you to adopt him, I just…" she smiled when Olivia squeezed her hand "I just need time to heal and all." she looked to the brunette pleadingly.

Olivia smiled and pulled her in for a hug "I understand completely. If you ever change your mind just let us know. We also talked to your Mom and we're going to email her pictures every so often so she can see how he's doing. I'm sure she'll share them with you if want to see them."

Tiffany smiled gratefully "I love you both," she laughed "All three of you and I definitely want to continue to have a relationship with you. I finally got the big sister I always wanted." She said causing Olivia to laugh. "And once I go off to college maybe Aunt Tiffany could drop by with a toy every once and a while?"

Olivia smiled brightly "Aunt Tiffany is welcome anytime."

Alex was standing in the nursery holding Joey when she felt Olivia standing behind her "They're just going to take his picture and then he's free to go."

Olivia nodded as she watched one of the nurses take Joey and lay him on the table under the camera to have the standard going home picture most hospitals took. When they were done Alex picked Joey up and took him to the private room off the nursery. She laid the baby in his seat and allowed the nurse to show her how to properly buckle him in.

Once downstairs, even though Olivia was a police officer, the nurse made sure the car seat was buckled in correctly before allowing them to leave. Alex was too nervous to drive with him in the car so she climbed into the backseat. Olivia looked back and felt her breath catch at the sight of Alex and their baby in the back seat. She reached back and placed her hand over Alex's which was holding Joey's "Okay baby boy, let's go home."