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Saturday, November 16, 2013

By 7:30, Astra was filled with 75 people who were near and dear to Alex and Olivia. Or, at least, 45 who were near and dear to them, and 30 others they couldn't get a way without inviting. George was able to fly in, and all of Elliot's kids were there, as well. Liv hadn't seen the older girls in a couple of years.

They had a lovely dinner, and decided they'd limit the toasts to just two. Don Cragen spoke movingly of his affection for both of them, but couldn't resist joking about the fireworks they'd often generated when working SVU cases. "I was with them the first time they met," he said. "And during many heated discussions since. Let me tell you, unequivocally, we're not only fortunate to be here today celebrating their marriage, we're also incredibly lucky they didn't kill each other 14 years ago."

The other speech was reserved for Uncle Bill, who brought both of them to tears. "My wife and I have loved Alex as our own since the day she was born, and always hoped that she'd find someone who deserved her and would take care of her. When she finally introduced us to Olivia, we knew that she'd met her match. Alex has suffered more than her share of loss, and to see her inherent goodness be repaid with a gift as wonderful as Olivia is a real blessing to us...to me." He choked up a bit, delivering a speech he'd first begun composing in his head when his wife was very much alive and well. "I'm sorry, everyone. We're a small family, made even smaller recently. But we have love in quantities that cannot be measured. My wife Jean and I had more than 40 wonderful years together, and it is my honor tonight to congratulate Alex and Liv, and wish them at least that much time, and at least that much love, as they begin their life together."

The newlyweds were applauded as they took the floor for their first dance. As It Had to be You played, they spun and dipped around the dance floor, the result of a little rehearsing Alex had insisted on in the privacy of their living room over the past several weeks. Olivia's Brut gold dress had a little more flare and swing than Alex's longer, copper-colored gown, but they both looked beautiful. After they ended their dance with a kiss, Uncle Bill took a turn waltzing around with each of them, as did Cragen, Elliot and all of the guys from the 1-6. The DA even danced with Olivia, congratulating her as he shared his admiration for Alex. "You picked a good one, Benson," he said. "She's smart and tough."

"You don't need to tell me," Olivia laughed. "Too smart and too tough, sometimes. She's been worrying me even more than normal the last few months."

"I know that, and I am sorry for all that you both went through, Olivia. Things should settle down now. I don't know how she managed to finally push Gordon into a plea deal in advance of the retrial, but he gave her all the information she needed. I think seeing the remaining evidence of her injuries convinced him that protection in federal prison was the best he could hope for. The feds have taken over completely now. They've picked up Bayardo and his lieutenants, and his organization is in shambles, so I think the protective detail can be safely removed soon." He paused for a moment, then said, "She's got a long career ahead of her, if she wants it, you know."

Olivia knew all about what had gone on with the case. Alex had downplayed the meeting with Gordon and his lawyer that had led to the plea bargain, but there was no doubt she had been masterful. She always was. The fact that her wife had a very long career ahead of her was obvious, but not something worth pondering in the middle of a celebration. "I don't doubt it," Olivia told Samuels. "But right now she has a long honeymoon ahead of her. And I'm sure you won't mind if I try to make her focus on anything but work for the next ten days."

"Absolutely," he laughed, and spun Olivia several more times, until Alex appeared at his elbow near the end of the song.

"I realize you're my boss," she said. "But surely you won't object if I steal another dance with my wife?" He graciously withdrew, and Olivia was pleased to find herself in Alex's arms. As wonderful as it had all been—the wedding, the brunch, the party—she was looking forward to having Alex all to herself for a while.

"Your wife?" Olivia repeated. "You do love saying that."

"And you love hearing it. But are you used to it yet?"

"Not even close," Olivia said. "And I don't think I want to be. It gives me a little thrill to hear you say it, to be honest."

"Good," Alex said. "It took me nearly 15 years to marry you, Liv. I would love it if you took a few months to get used to being my wife. I'll repeat it as often as possible, just so you can get comfortable more quickly."

"You're very sweet," Olivia said. "That's not going to get you the honeymoon info you're angling for, but I like it anyway."

Olivia had treated their destination as a state secret, and held it more effectively than the CIA could have dreamed of. She bought Alex a pre-wedding present of two identical suitcases, and advised her to pack one with cold-weather clothes, and the other with warm-weather garments. When they let for the airport, Olivia would bring the appropriate suitcase. Alex would find out at check-in where they were headed.

She wasn't disappointed. They flew out the next afternoon to Montego Bay, and once they were on the ground in Jamaica, they were driven by resort car out to Kingston. Liv had booked a beautiful Georgian Villa at Strawberry Hill. The resort was secluded and quiet, with access to a private beach, and a long, wrap-around veranda with a double hammock.

They had a wonderful trip, relaxing and enjoying one another's company. They swam, hiked, went to the spa and slept more than they had in recent memory. It was the longest they'd ever been away together, and Alex couldn't have imagined a better way to begin their marriage. Their last night in Jamaica had been bittersweet, as they enjoyed an exquisite meal before packing to go home.

"I'm going to miss it, Liv. Thank you, so very much. It was all perfect."

"Because you're perfect," Olivia replied. "Sad to go back?"

"Not sad, really," Alex explained. It's beautiful here, and I'd like to visit again someday. I'd like to spend time alone with you anywhere, really. But I'll be glad to get home. That's where we're us, doing what we do, and I love every minute of it."

When they got home, the doorman helped them up to the apartment with their luggage, and a few minutes after they'd arrived, Michael returned and rang the bell. He was carrying an enormous flower arrangement that nearly took up the entire coffee table when he set it inside for them. A card tucked among the orange roses and stephanotis was addressed to them both.

"Wonder who that's from," Alex said as she sifted through the pile of mail Michael had given her.

"I'm not sure, Ms. Cabot," the doorman clarified. "They were delivered early today, so someone might have known you were coming home."

After he left, Olivia opened the card while Alex went into the kitchen to pour a glass of water. She called out a moment later. "Al, come here, honey. I think you'll want to read this."

"What is it?"

Olivia pressed the card into her hands as she re-entered the room. "Just read, sweetie."

Dear Alex and Olivia,

Congratulations on your marriage.

My husband said very little about work, but he spoke of you

often, Alex. He admired and respected you, and was very

happy that you were to be married. Please accept our

best wishes for your continued happiness.

Fondly,

Mary Beth, Kimberly and Joseph Hammond

Alex read the note a couple of times and sat down heavily on the couch. "I don't know what to say," she whispered.

"I do," Olivia said, as she walked over and sat beside her wife, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and drawing her close. "Welcome back, sweetheart. We're finally home, safe and sound."