Friday
Wrapping up cases was always an accomplishment, but arriving early to her home on a Friday afternoon was a triumph. She'd sent her squad home, advised Kat and Fin of their on-call status, and had strolled out into the crisp New York air. She was shaking with excitement, having picked up a surprise pizza box on her way home to her son. Julio, from her favorite pizza place had commented on her happiness and how it made her eyes seem even more brown than they were, almost a honey color, like a glaze. She'd blushed, knowing her newfound gaiety was visible and somewhat contagious. Her heart still reeled from the prior night's shock.
He'd recruited her son for the task and afterwards, seeing how taken Noah was with Trevor left no room for doubt in her heart. She'd made the correct decision in protecting not only her heart, but also that of the little boy that depended so much on her still. She'd seen the way Noah clung to the man, hung on every word he said, and how he was starting to mimic how he spoke and carried himself.
Trevor was proving to be a powerful influence on the almost seven-year old, yet she still wanted to sit down with her boy and make sure he was truly okay with everything happening and its pace. Noah had always been nothing but honest with her time after time, so nothing would stop him from opening up to her once more.
"Noah, I'm home," she bellowed, dropping her purses by the door. She sighed, running her fingers through her hair with her free hand as she balanced the pizza box with the other. "Lucy? Noah?" she called out once more, glancing at her empty living room.
She knew Lucy liked to keep Noah busy whilst she was at work, but she had texted the young woman to let her know that she was already on her way home and that she was bringing food as well, so where could they be? Olivia sauntered to the kitchen, placing the warm box atop the counter before starting down the hall. Noah's bedroom door was ajar, and when she pushed it open she saw the traces of his presence everywhere. The bed had a dip on the comforter where he'd been sitting, there were toys and board games on the floor, and by the bed his school shoes were discarded—the ones he'd worn that morning. She furrowed her brow, making a face at the room.
If Noah's shoes were in his room and his toys and belongings were scattered all over the place, she knew that he'd been there at some point. Something wasn't sitting right in her gut, yet she didn't feel the urge to panic. Lucy had answered her text message, and nothing was weird about it. She took a step back, fishing the device from her back pocket.
Text Message: [Olivia Benson] 4:33 p.m.
Lucy, I'm on my way home and I'm bringing pizza. Don't tell Noah, yet.
Text Message: [Lucy] 4:36 p.m.
He's going to be so thrilled! I shall keep the secret, Liv.
She hummed, biting her lip, and glancing once more towards the living room. Something was off, but what? She tipped her chin and cocked her head, swiping her fingers through her hair to pin it behind her ear: silence. The floorboards didn't creak, the soft hum of the fridge was steady, and her breathing was calmed. She needed to figure out what was going on and where was her child and nanny. She scoffed, pushing forward towards her room where she found her door ajar, and when she pushed it open, revealing the vast space of her private alcove, she saw on her bed two boxes. She slowly approached them, glancing at the note tucked underneath the ribbon of the smallest box.
For you to wear and ask no questions. Noah is safe with me, be ready a quarter to six, there'll be a car waiting for you.
She knew whose hand had brought pen to paper and she smiled at the thought. "Oh, Trevor," she shook her head.
She tugged at the ribbon, undoing it quickly and lifting the lid of the first box. There was a beautiful pair of nude sandal heels, and tucked between the paper, another note.
I presume you think highly of me at the moment, but Lucy is the one to thank for these and for what's to come.
She smiled, sliding the box to the bed to open the bigger box underneath. Her breath caught once she saw what was waiting for her. A beautiful blush dress, knee length and banded off the shoulder in a romantic style. She bit her lip in awe of the fabric in her hands. Lucy always had an eye for her silhouette; always picking the most flattering lines that appraised her shape beautifully. She glanced at the clock on her nightstand, gasping once she saw the time. She wasted not a second into showering and getting ready.
She trusted the man behind the gifts and surprises to care for her son like he'd done so the prior day when she couldn't spare a moment to care for him in his moment of greatest need.
Never in a million years could she have known that after Noah's kidnapping she'd trust someone so blindly with him. It still haunted her—those days haunted her like no others. The pain and… emptiness she'd felt during those agonizing hours haunted her as if they repeated themselves every hour, every minute, and every second she spent away from him. They… taunted her, played with her emotions as if she were to be forever at their expense, but with him, with Trevor… it was as if he was the truest beacon of calm and serenity.
He was like a warm sea breeze, caressing her skin with his lips, baring her soul with his fingertips, and stripping her bare with his words. His presence was calming, and even Noah had come to embrace it. Once, he'd been a pure ball of energy, now he was a tide of tranquil, and she'd owe it all to Trevor.
She could breathe once more, be the easy-going person she once was. Before the trauma and before the beautiful perils of motherhood, she'd been fun, now she was all wound up, and with reason. Olivia enveloped herself in a fluffy towel as she stepped out of her tub. Soaking had been out of the question, but a nice, stimulating shower had proven key to start off whatever it was Trevor had in mind for them today. She'd forfeited the idea of washing her hair, she didn't have that much time, and she could always re-wand it if need be.
Running her hand through the perspiration on the mirror she smiled at her florid cheeks. In contrast with the hue of her skin, her freckles took life, and she blushed deeper just thinking about the praises Trevor had for them. A shiver ran down her spine, her mind betraying her body as it drifted to the middle of the week where he had discovered other freckles on her skin and had carved his touch on her body, not allowing Olivia to forget where each and every one of them lain. Her fingers absentmindedly roamed and lingered on her shoulder blade, where she knew he'd sunk his teeth and ran his tongue over a dark and prominent freckle there. He'd discovered it whilst roaming her back, sinking his hips further into her backside, and her applying her weight and seeking purchase on his lap.
She sighed, shaking her head in attempt to fling them out of her mind as she worked lotion on her body.
She'd walked to her dresser, undoing the fold near her breast for the towel to drop at her feet. She wasn't one to match her underwear every day of the week, but when she did, she liked to take her time in choosing the perfect pair. She chose a plum and red strapless bra with a lace band and matching cheeky underwear. The fabric of her underwear would prove seamless underneath the fabric of her dress, yet she knew that once Trevor placed his hand on her hip, he'd feel the intricate design of the lace accents on his fingertips. Before slipping the dress on, she applied minimal make-up, and styled her hair in her every day fashion.
Not long after she'd finished, a knock had rapped on her door. She'd gathered her belongings in a matching clutch and had sauntered to her door, briskly swinging it open expecting the tall man on the other side, but instead it was a complete stranger.
"Ms. Benson?" Olivia nodded. The man removed his driver's hat, pressing it to his chest before bowing his head to her, "Your chariot awaits."
Olivia made a choked sound, but clamped her mouth into a smile and followed the man out. It was a simple black car, but she appreciated the gesture nonetheless. The ride was smooth, a little slow, but smooth.
It was a Friday evening and the New York streets had mercy on no one. She'd gotten sucked in by her phone screen, managing emails, reading the latest news, keeping up with the politics surrounding her job, and making sure she stayed up-to-date in anything related with victim advocacy and new laws and reforms for victims of abuse, not only in New York, but around the United States as well. The driver cleared his throat, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. Olivia glanced up, momentarily taken aback by the sight of her son standing next to the man that her heart did more than a somersault for upon landing her eyes on him.
Noah was dressed in cream dress pants with brown shoes and a navy long sleeved shirt cuffed at the forearms. He had blush suspenders and bowtie, and a wild flowers boutonniere attached to his left suspender strap. Olivia gasped, grinning as the driver circled and stopped in front of them. She'd yet to recognize the place where Trevor had asked her to come to, but that didn't matter at the moment, what mattered was that Noah and Trevor were there, beautifully dressed, and waiting for her. She took a moment to take him in with his beautifully pressed navy suit with blush accents and intricate blush boutonniere attached to his left side lapel. She bit her lip and reached for the door handle, watching as Trevor nudged the boy for him to open the door.
The door popped open and Noah extended his hand, smiling, "Mom."
"Thank you, handsome," she complimented her son, taking his hand to step out of the car. "What's all this? Where are we?"
Noah exchanged the hand in his mother's grasp for his other one in order to shut the door behind her, peeking through the window to make sure she hadn't left anything behind. Olivia smiled at her son, tucking her waves behind her ear, before Noah turned his attention to her once more, leading the way towards the waiting man at the curb, "Mom, no questions, 'member?"
Olivia laughed, pursing her lips, and nodding. "Yea," she sighed, "I remember."
"Captain," Trevor breathed out with a smile, widening the elastic of a winsome corsage that matched both Noah and his boutonniere. It had three blush roses, white wild flowers, and navy ribbons that looked most appealing in contrast to Olivia's dress.
Olivia looked at her wrist, sighing in contentment, "What are we doing here?"
She'd smiled, and who was he to resist the beauty of her?
He really didn't have much time before he'd finally had to tell her what the meaning of this entire day was, but for now, he offered her his arm, cocking his head towards a path between tall walls of grass. It was almost a maze that the boys had memorized in order for them to reach their destination, and whilst Olivia glanced up at the changing colors of the sky, Trevor basked in the beauty of her profile.
"Trev, are you going to tell me what's going on or am I going to need to exert my civic power on you?" she spoke softly, a hint of mirth behind every word.
"Is that a threat or a promise? Because you do know I'm a lawyer," she scoffed, utilizing her clutch to pat his chest playfully. "We're here for an event… a color coordinated event."
Olivia glanced at Noah in front of them, happily bouncing and kicking rocks, bending ever so often to pick up whatever it is that he found down the path. She sighed, "You didn't have to do all this."
"I know, I wanted to. And, Lucy was the one that picked everything, including our outfits," he admitted, waving a hand between Noah and him.
Olivia chuckled, shaking her head, "She does have an eye for this, don't you think?"
"Sure does."
Silence fell between the couple and they walked slowly behind the boy, only several steps behind him when Olivia leaned her temple on Trevor's bicep. She felt completely at peace, happy, and light. The events of the week replayed in her mind, like a reel of memories where the b-roll was the highlights of the week. Important conversations, admissions of love, the unification of their bodies, and the proposal that had happened the prior day still made her weak at the knees.
Her stomach clenched, had she done the right thing? Was she doing the right thing?
"Do—Do you think we're moving too fast, Trevor?"
He hummed, contemplating the question she'd just asked. "Sounds to me like a case of cold feet, Captain," he smirked, swiveling his head to look down at her.
She averted her eyes, suddenly struck with reticence. "No, I just… keep second-guessing everything. I feel… I feel like a teenager. It's dumb."
She chuckled ruefully and Trevor reached over with his free hand, grabbing at her chin, "It's not dumb. I need to know these things, Liv, if we're going to make this work. We need to talk through our feelings to identify what's there. Do—Do you feel like we're moving too fast? Because if that's the case—"
"No," she shook her head, looking up at him. "No, this has been a… wondrous pace. Everything has been… smooth."
"But?"
She shrugged, "But nothing, that's the problem. I can't find one excuse with this and it scares me. It scares me so much."
Her voice had cracked towards the end there and it took everything in his power not to gather her in his arms and kiss away her fears. He didn't want their kisses today—or any other day—to be empty promises; he wanted them to be reassurances of their future together. He was a few hours short of it being the last of the seven days and if he could stop the earth on its axel for time to cease for the rest of eternity, he would, because time with Olivia never seemed to be enough.
But, he had to be realistic.
What he was wishing for was impossible, unattainable, and unimaginable. If he wanted time to last forever, then he needed to make Olivia a permanent fixture in his life. He wanted to wake with her in his arms, he wanted to cross the threshold of their home into the waiting joy of the growing boy that pranced about a few steps in front of them, and he wanted that every day until he was grey and old and no longer could withstand the test of time, and even then, it wouldn't matter because he'd still look forward to a new tomorrow with Olivia by his side.
"It also scares me when you go silent after me trying to pour my heart out," she smiled sheepishly.
Noah glanced back at them, smiling devilishly as they approached the final stretch between the paths of grass walls, and Trevor gave a slight nod, almost imperceptible, but when Olivia glanced at Noah, he'd already turned to his previous task. "You've nothing to worry about, Liv."
She scoffed, "Yea, says the one who kidnapped my kid and won't tell me where we are or what we're doing."
Trevor smiled, biting his lip surreptitiously, "Where are we, Liv?"
"That's what I've been trying to get you to say for the past fifteen minutes."
"You're a brilliant detective, tell me where we are."
Olivia stopped in her tracks, jolting Trevor to a halt next to her. She took in her surroundings, really took them in. The cobble stone pathway, the grass walls, the smell of wet soil… She released his arm, starting her stride until the old house stared at her.
There was a well-lit tent that blocked the view of the patio, but once she was able to fix her eyes past it she saw it, she saw them. Her friends, his family all gathered together in decorated benches. A short path that led to an archway decorated in the same colors of her corsage… the same colors she wore… the same colors Trevor and Noah wore. A color coordinated event. She gasped, bringing her hands to her face, when she whirled to find her boys standing next to each other, grinning at her and at each other.
Trevor took a step forward, "You've already said yes, Liv."
"Trevor," she whispered, barely keeping hold of her emotions.
"Old Stone House, blush and cream would be the colors, and it's a small and intimate ceremony; just your loved ones and you."
Trevor had reached Olivia, carefully hovering over her face as her eyes shone with tears. He brought his hands to her neck, his thumbs caressing her smooth skin. She'd gone quiet, only whispering his name in awe of everything that had happened in the past couple of days. She'd only shared this with him on Wednesday, when had he had the time to plan an entire wedding? He'd only proposed yesterday, how had this been possible anyways?
"When did you plan this? Who's all here?" she fired quickly, taking a step forward.
"Mom! No questions," Noah butted in.
Olivia scoffed, tipping her chin. "You were in on this, Noah?" the boy nodded, starting towards the adults. "What do you think, sweet boy? Should we do this?"
Noah glanced between his mother and Trevor, the man whom he'd become more familiar as the week progressed. He liked Trevor, and he could see the three of them being a family once and for all. He smiled, "Team You and Me?"
Olivia glanced at Trevor and back at Noah, her heart bursting at the seams as she heard the words she'd once said to him. "What do you say we add one more to that?"
He smirked at Trevor and took off running. Olivia was about to call out for him when she heard the echo of his voice, "She's doing it! She said yes!"
"Oh, you son of a bitch!" she directed at Trevor, slapping his arm, and gut-checking him in tandem.
"I would kiss you, but I want our first kiss today be as husband and wife," he said as he gathered her in his arms.
"Then, what are we waiting for?" she winked.
Who would've thought that by the end of the week she'd be a married woman?
Olivia Benson, married to a Defense Attorney nonetheless, and that Defense Attorney be no other than Trevor Langan.
Trevor had walked away from where they stood, rushing down the aisle to stand underneath the archway. Her mind reeled… if only her mother could be there to celebrate her love and joy with her, but she'd no doubt that whoever sat on the benches at either side of the aisle were people she'd come to love and cherish as if they were blood relatives. It'd taken her quite some time to come to terms with the fact that not all family you're born into, some you make along the way and end up meaning more to you than your born-in family.
She'd learned that with Stabler, with her Captain, and of course with Fin and Munch. They were the brothers life had appointed her, the ones she could always lean on no matter how gloomy the day or how cheerful the night, they were always there for her. And, when she'd finally had the opportunity to be the big sister to a little brother, she'd used the knowledge silently imparted by the two older gentlemen that served as brothers in her life. And, when Simon had crossed the line and she felt alone, Fin and Munch had been there for her. Today, today life had proven her again that family is what you make of it, because love is infinite and you can make of it as much you want when you most need it. She had her son, her subordinates, and now, the man that day-by-day groomed the fire in her heart until they both knew it could withstand every test of time.
"Excuse me, Miss?" she felt gentle fingers on her elbow. "Hello, sorry to startle you, but Mr. Langan said you had the walk-up song."
"The walk-up song?"
The young man standing next to Olivia looked completely befuddled. She hadn't known that she'd been in charge of providing a walk-up song. Truth be told, she hadn't known she'd be participating in a wedding at the moment either. She sighed, "We could always use the traditional march…"
Olivia glanced at the archway in the distance, a song sitting on her chest and she smiled. He'd done this knowingly because deep down he'd known that she would succeed if put on the spot. "No, no. I've just the song," she said, rummaging in her clutch for her cellphone.
She'd the perfect song to walk down the aisle to. It was a slow ballad, heavy with piano, and once it started the staff member that had previously stood by her side held her back. The song spoke about the feeling love gives you of running in slow motion, it spoke about struggling with letting someone go, about being hung up on someone, and though it was probably meant as a break-up song, to Olivia it seemed so much more.
It spoke about the fears of not being enough, about being stuck in one's head because they couldn't explain the feelings towards the special someone, about not being able to look into the other person's eyes and not feel like they felt before. It was all true for her! She couldn't look at Trevor any longer and feel that slight aversion towards his profession, now all she felt and saw was a brand new man, a knight in shining armor, the man of her dreams; her lover.
Though, there she stood, in front of him after having walked between rows of her squad mates, his family and friends, only to stand next to Tabitha, as the Officiate. She smiled, "Welcome, family, friends, and loved ones. We are gathered here today, surrounded by the beauty of creation and nurtured by the sights and sounds of nature to celebrate this impromptu wedding of Trevor and Olivia.
"You've come from near and far to share this commitment they make to one another, to offer your love and support to their union, and to allow Trevor and Olivia to start their married life together surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them. Trevor and Olivia thank you for your presence here today. They ask for your blessing, encouragement and lifelong support, for their marriage and life shared together. They also remember other loved ones who cannot be here to share this moment," Trevor hung his head and glanced over his shoulder to lock eyes with an older gentleman that resembled him that sat next to a blonde.
Tabitha continued her welcome remarks effortlessly, "Trev and Liv, marriage is the promise between two people who love each other, who trust that love, who honor one another as individuals in that togetherness, and who wish to spend the rest of their lives together. It enables the two separate souls to share their desires, longings, dreams and memories, their joys and sorrows, and to help each other through all uncertainties of life.
A strong marriage also nurtures each of you as separate individuals and allows you to maintain your unique identity and grow in your own way through the years ahead. It is a safe haven for each of you to become your best self."
Olivia sighed, beaming at Trevor upon hearing the words Tabitha had spoken. They were both antsy, shaking in their excitement, yet they stood inches from each other, exuding beauty, elegance, and poise. "You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship and blessing of a deep trust. You are agreeing to share strength, responsibilities and love. It takes more than love to make this relationship work. Trust me, I know," she finished, winking at her wife, and eliciting laughter from the others. "It takes trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other. It takes dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so. And it takes faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds for you both."
Tabitha looked at her long time friend and the woman whom more than once had tormented him to the point that she—as a medical professional—feared for his wellbeing. "Before we jump in to the vows, I'd like to address the married couple-to-be. I'd like to give them some wisdom; something I wish someone had given to my wife and I before we got married. And, I've no doubt that even if I never spoke these words, you would've found your way to them, but it took you this long, Trevor, to finally make a move on this beautiful woman, and time, when married, is of the essence. You've both missed out on so much already that if I don't share this with you, I fear that you'll miss out on even more.
"I'd like to share three suggestions with the both of you. My first suggestion is this: Be constantly grateful for this precious person who has chosen to make a life with you. My second suggestion is: Be generous with compliments. Be attentive and helpful. The world can be a tough place and any of us can be subject to rough handling. Each of you can, by your tenderness towards each other, kind words and thoughtful actions, make your marriage and your home an uplifting refuge. Last, and perhaps most importantly: Make truth the unfailing bedrock of your lives together. A happy, loving marriage is built on trust and respect. That trust and respect can only be sustained if you are both deeply committed to always being open and truthful in every exchange no matter how small," Trevor and Olivia glanced at each other, smiling, and itching to be in the other's arms.
Tabitha beamed at the lovely couple, just like she had done so at the beginning of the week when they thought they'd been inconspicuous in their sneaking through her home, "My hope for you is that you have many long years to delight in each other's company, to feel gratitude for your great fortune in having found each other. To make a home together that is at once sheltering and welcoming; to each do meaningful, productive work at home and in the world and to love and be loved by the friends and family who have come here today to support you."
She paused, stepping from behind the podium she was at to stand closest to the couple in front of her. If she remembered her wedding day—and she did—she knew that by this point, they were both aching to hold each other, touch each other in any kind of way, so she gave them some reprieve before the big kiss.
"Now, since I know you're longing to touch one another, why don't you hold hands for this next bit," she smiled, watching immediately as Trevor took a step forward towards Olivia and Olivia towards Trevor, causing them both to almost run into each other. "Trev—Liv, the symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, 'You know all those things we've promised and hoped and dreamed—well, I meant it all, every word.' Before this moment you have been many things to one another—acquaintance, adversary, colleague, lover, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another at some point and time. Now you shall say a few words and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this–is my husband, this–is my wife," she gestured with her hands to each of them.
Olivia's heart was in a full gallop in her chest, thundering against her ribcage at what was to happen next. Her excitement coursed through her body and if it wasn't because Trevor had a comforting and reassuring grip on her hands, she'd no doubt that her hands would be shaking. Yet, in all her nervousness and excitement, she couldn't wait for Tabitha to officially declare their intent.
"Trevor, will you take Olivia to be your lawfully wedded Wife and travel the rest of life's road with her? Will you love her, laugh with her, comfort her, honor and protect her, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
Trevor smiled and bit his lip before squaring his shoulders. His eyes never wavered from hers when he spoke the words: "I do."
"Olivia, will you take Trevor to be your lawfully wedded Husband and travel the rest of life's road with him? Will you love him, laugh with him, comfort him, honor and protect him, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
Olivia sighed, looking up into the baby blues that shone back at her. She nodded, speaking her words with elegant cadence, "I do."
Trevor squeezed her hands in his and she could see how tempted he was to lean forward and press his lips on hers, but he held on, fueled only by the power she gave him. He knew that in a matter of minutes she'd officially be his, for the rest of their lives. No one and no thing would drive a wedge between them, he wouldn't allow for it, and neither would Olivia. If there was something great that she had is that she liked communicating, even though some times it could be hard for her, she still battled through and let her feelings known, no matter what.
And, that was another thing they were both grateful for. If they'd gone into this relationship earlier in their youth, it wouldn't have lasted, as they knew now it could. They were both severely stubborn, Olivia trampling down her feelings and horrors of the job, and Trevor being cocky and mighty. Not to mention, it would've never worked because they were each on very different sides of the law then.
They both had learned valuable lessons through their lives that they could now apply to their relationship in order to nurture it and help it grow and last through time. She'd learned—by being a mother—that if she wanted Noah to communicate and be honest with her, she needed to put that in practice in her life and lead by example instead of just ordering him to do so. And, he'd learned—through slaps and hits to his ego—that true masculinity doesn't strut, it bows, and he'd teach that to Noah when his time came.
"This is the point in the ceremony where people talk about the wedding bands being a perfect circle, having no beginning and no end," Tabitha sighed, rolling her eyes. "But we all know that these rings have a beginning. Rock is dug up from the earth. Metals are liquefied in a furnace at a thousand degrees. The hot metal is forged, cooled, and then painstakingly polished. Something beautiful made from raw elements," there was lighthearted laughter from the friends and family members and Tabitha smiled. "Love is like that. It comes from humble beginnings, made by imperfect beings. It is the process of making something beautiful where once there was nothing at all.
"The promises which you have spoken to each other today are inscribed forever in your minds and in your hearts. But words are fleeting so let these rings serve as a reminder of the feelings you have in your hearts at this very moment. Now, where's Noah?" she paused, leaning forward to watch the boy step up between the couple.
Noah fished inside his right hand pocket, handing Trevor the triple row diamond band in 18k white gold. He knew that a flashy diamond wouldn't be Olivia's style and he also knew—and hoped—that she would want something somewhat practical that she could wear every day that would show that she was a married woman, but at the same time, not too fragile that it wouldn't handle the wear and tear her job demanded.
Noah smiled at his mother, fishing inside his left hand pocket to retrieve a classic band in 18k white gold. He'd enlisted Noah and Lucy to pick out his wedding band, something they knew Olivia would give to him were she given the chance to pick it out herself. The weight of Trevor's band on her fingers felt comforting, and she loved the sleekness of it. Now she couldn't wait until she had hers on her finger, ready to admire it for the rest of her days.
"With this ring I am giving you my promise," Trevor begun melodically.
"To always love you…" Olivia continued with a smile.
"… Cherish you…" he bit his lip.
"… Honor you and comfort you. I promise that I will love you," she spoke with conviction.
"And keep my heart open to you," he breathed out longingly.
"All the days of my life," they finished in unison, beaming at each other, and sliding the rings in place.
Tabitha fed them the lines as quietly as possible, making sure they each took a turn in promising each other the world, "Trevor, Olivia, no one but you can declare yourselves married. You've begun it here today in speaking your vows before your family and friends and you will do it again in the days and years to come, standing by each other, sharing all that is sweet and bitter in life. Each tender act, each loving word will be the declaration of what was made here today.
"Therefore," she paused, sighing in contentment, "it is my joyful responsibility to officially acknowledge your union as 'Husband and Wife'. Trevor, you may now seal your marriage with a kiss," she raised her hands in front of her chest, bringing them together to lead the crowd into a clap.
Trevor released Olivia's hands, bringing his arm behind her to pull her into his chest.
He'd been itching for this moment ever since she stepped out of that car looking as beautiful as ever. The soft hue of the blush dress did wonders for her olive tone and as he gazed in the fiery honey tones of her gaze, he smiled, angling his lips against hers. He could feel the ardor behind her kiss, he could feel her fingers bunching the fabric of his jacket at his sides, and he could feel her pulse at her neck.
Their mouths parted in unison and their tongues met in the middle, their kiss slowly escalating as the crescendo of the claps built in the distance. Olivia's lips pressed against his tongue and she smiled, pressing them quickly against his bottom lip when they both opened their eyes. She giggled softly and he shook her head, diving in for another kiss.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to present to you for the very first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Langan," Tabitha cheered.
The couple turned, Trevor raising their hands in the air as they took a step forward down the pathway. Noah approached them, hugging Trevor's hip. Finally, all the hard work, all the sneaking around that day and calling everyone he knew for favors had paid off. He'd begun planning this soirée on Wednesday, there had been a reason he'd wanted her to himself, and now, he could enjoy her company for the rest of his life whenever he pleased. His hand came to rest on Noah's curls, messing them up a little further until the boy looked up with a smile on his face. He not only got to be Olivia's saving grace, but he now served as paternal figure to an impressionable young boy.
At the end of the aisle Trevor directed them towards the tent, swinging his hand through the opening to reveal to Olivia a stretched out table down the right hand side, a DJ booth towards the back, a dance floor to the left, and an open bar to her immediate left. The tent looked romantic with its fairy lights and chandelier hanging from the ceiling, the scent of fresh vanilla and bergamot permeated the vast area, and everything was navy, blush, and cream. Olivia took a step forward, gasping softly as she took in the flower arrangements that served as centerpieces each divided by a glass with a floating candle inside. The centerpieces resembled her corsage and Trevor and Noah's boutonniere and weren't tall enough to block the view of the person sitting across the table.
"When did you plan all this?" she said breathlessly, turning to face her boys.
Noah rolled his eyes playfully, shaking his head up at Trevor. Trevor chuckled, biting his lip, "I can't give away all my secrets."
He pressed his lips to hers, feeling her body melt against his when they heard howling and clapping coming from behind Trevor. They smiled into their kiss and turned, watching as their friends and family slowly trickled inside the tent. Olivia could feel her heart bursting in her chest; the only thing that could compare in the happiness she was feeling at this moment was the day Judge Linden had awarded her foster rights to Noah.
She was scared, just like she had been that day, but it was more of a, 'what hides beyond this' type of scare rather than the typical, 'oh no, what have I done' type of trepidation. She couldn't stop the tears that sprung to her eyes suddenly and she clutched Trevor's waist, grinning foolishly at how much love she felt. She glanced up at him and he smiled at her, the same way he'd smiled once Judge Linden had declared Noah officially her adopted son.
"Family, friends, please find your places. Dinner will be served momentarily," Trevor spoke, sliding his hand across Olivia's back to guide her to the top of the table.
There were name cards on each of the plates and once she sat, she couldn't have felt more at ease to know that Noah was to her left and Trevor to her right. In a matter of moments, everyone was loudly speaking; getting to know each other if they didn't know the person across or next to them, and laughing together. This is what she had meant when she'd said that she wanted a small, intimate ceremony. Even though she hadn't the pleasure of planning her one and only wedding, she found herself not minding the fact that this had been all impromptu and still had managed to catch her breath in the way that she would've expected a traditionally planned wedding to do so.
She leant to her left side, placing her lips to Noah's head of hair as the boy sought momentary comfort in his mother's arms. Nothing had brought her more joy than to have the validation her son had bestowed upon Trevor. "I love you," she whispered loud enough for him to hear.
"I love you too, Mom," Noah responded with a smile, throwing his arms around her neck.
In a matter of minutes, the feast that had been spread in front of them had disappeared, and now, everybody was mingling and dancing half-drunkenly on the dance floor. Across the tent from where she stood near the bar, she caught a glimpse of her husband dancing with three little blondes. The sight would've caused nothing but rage and jealousy had these blondes been grown women, but one of them was Rollins' daughter, Jesse and the other two were whom she thought to be his nieces. She smiled, scoffing softly at the way Jesse swayed her hips and turned around to point at Trevor. A couple of bodies away was Noah, swinging his Aunt Amanda's arms to the rhythm of the song, and next to them was Fin, dancing with the youngest of the Rollins' girls in his arms.
She had a pining smile on her lips when she heard someone clear her throat next to her. She turned, met by bright blue eyes, and an uncanny resemblance to the man she'd just tied the rest of her life to. "Lorraine," she gasped, switching her glass of wine in her hands.
Lorraine smirked, narrowing her eyes at the brunette, "Olivia, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Not under the greatest circumstances, I take," Olivia looked at the ground bashfully, smiling timidly.
Lorraine hummed, shrugging her shoulders, "Trevor's never been one to do things… the conventional way. It's always good to expect the unexpected from him at all times."
"I've come to realize that," she smiled at the woman in front her, taking a careful sip out of her glass. "He's a wonderful guy…"
"Not quite what I expected from someone who just married 'the guy'."
Olivia widened her eyes; "I didn't mean it like that—"
"I know," Lorraine smiled. "I'm just teasing. I know how much you mean to him and I saw the way you both look at each other. What I meant was, in different circumstances, I would've expected my brother's girlfriend—or in this case, wife—to be all…" she gestured with her hands, not quite finding the word she meant to use. "You know what I mean!" Olivia laughed, nodding. "I just wanted to say, congratulations, Olivia. You've made him beyond happy and we all have you to thank. He loves you and your boy beyond measure, I hope you know that."
Olivia smiled, casting a glance over at Trevor that had looked up from his banter with his nieces and Jesse, almost sensing Olivia's eyes on him. He'd bit his lip and winked at her, causing in her a sudden blush, "I do know, and I want you to know, I love him, too."
Lorraine sighed, giving Olivia an encouraging nod. For her there could not have been better words uttered than the ones Olivia had said to her. Especially when the woman across her had spoken them never wavering her stare from the silhouette of her dancing brother. She needn't see her eyes to find truth lying there, nor she needed the conviction of her words as she spoke them. In reality, all she needed was to hear and feel the love and honesty behind the brunette's statement.
In past years, she'd seen women come and go, some because Trevor knew they could never measure up to Olivia's effervescence and others because of her doing. Call it a woman's intuition or a sister's scrutiny, but she'd yet to meet a woman that wouldn't cling to her brother to gain social status. For them to only be able to say, 'I'm a lawyer's wife.' She was beyond ecstatic to know that Olivia sought in Trevor true partnership and companionship.
Not only had her brother made her ear hot with the incessant topic of Olivia Benson, but also made it clear that her happiness would be his, regardless of the circumstances of their relationship. Now, she could savor the thought that their collective happiness came from being in each other's company as husband and wife. It was a most comforting thought for those who knew the couple separately: the knowledge that in one another they could find true and unmistakable happiness.
Take Amanda for instance, she hadn't the pleasure of knowing Olivia for as long as Fin had, but she did have something he lacked: a woman's purview. Olivia had allowed for Amanda to enter her life in a solidary way, even if at one point, she'd wanted something more out of the blonde.
They'd bonded over their single motherhood, Olivia serving as a mentor to her subordinate once she'd found herself in a sticky situation with an unexpected pregnancy. It's how their friendship had flourished and they'd continuously found solace in each other on days where neither was sure how to carry on. Seeing Olivia be so carefree and uninhibited on this grand day had made the fiery blonde equally as ecstatic. Olivia's happiness being an airborne contagion no one could escape. She'd yet to have a conversation with Trevor, other than that time she'd mistakenly presumed there to be… lingering tension from the both of them the first time she had met the tall attorney.
"I only see her smiling like that when she's around the kids," Amanda drawled approaching Trevor.
He'd been slightly startled, being caught gawking at his wife just as her cheeks lit up with pink as Carisi spun her around to the melody of the tune playing. "Uh, Aman—Detective Rollins—"
Amanda snickered. "Amanda is fine," she conceded. "You did just marry my best friend."
Trevor nodded, swiping his thumb over his bottom lip. "Amanda," he said, sounding surer to himself than to the blonde. "Thank you for being here for her."
"I wouldn't have missed it for the world," she smiled. "Y'know, when she told me that she had a date with you at the beginning of the week, I never expected to attend a wedding a couple of days later. Let alone her wedding…"
"The heart wants what it wants," Trevor fished.
"Or else it does not care. I know how the saying goes, but what do you want?"
Trevor swallowed the mouthful of wine he'd ingested harshly, not expecting the blonde to come back with such a punch. He shouldn't have expected any less from her, he'd heard the stories, and seen at her work. Rollins was ruthless when it came to the people she cared for most, whether it be Olivia or Carisi, her children or a victim or survivor of a case. He'd seen it firsthand during the case of Evangeline Miller. The girl had clung to Rollins to be her beacon of hope, and Amanda had not failed her… and neither would she fail Olivia.
He smiled. "What I want, I already have. It wasn't easy to attain, definitely took a lot of effort and restraint, but I got it… today," he finished, glancing back at a laughing Olivia.
Amanda hummed, narrowing her eyes. "You can't hide behind your silver-tongue and charm your way into me trusting you, I hope you know that," she shifted her feet, taking a step towards Langan.
"I wouldn't dream of it," he smirked. "I won't hurt her, Rollins. That was never nor will it ever be part of my life plan. I am in it for the long run."
Amanda hummed, tilting her head upwards, "And, Noah?"
"Oh," Trevor released a gust of wind through his nose, smiling triumphantly. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for that kid."
Amanda smirked, taking a sip of her whiskey. "They… see stars for you. They both do."
Trevor nodded, turning to find Noah sneaking another piece of cake, "And, I do too."
The lovely couple continued to work the room, finding the time to sneak glances and winks, sending each other messages by whispering through the air. Olivia had been most taken with Trevor's nieces, a couple of young girls with remarkable wit, and she couldn't help but think that somehow, this was how Trevor and his sister had behaved as children. She'd had the opportunity to sit down and talk to eldest Langan, a man of vast knowledge and wisdom through his years. He was accompanied by his girlfriend of almost fifteen years and when Olivia had posed the question of why hadn't he jumped the gun like his son had, he had answered simply with: "I love her, but I'll always be wife's husband."
Olivia had smiled abashedly, and had felt her self grow flushed at the words of her father-in-law. Now she knew where Trevor had gotten his flare for beautiful prose and the romantic. He'd done a marvelous job at raising his children, and she had commended him, from one single parent to another. He'd asked of her to have patience with him, to push him into doing the things he wanted most, and to prevent him from second guessing his choices.
The man had gone misty eyed when admitting that only his late wife could get him to follow his dreams effortlessly and without complaint, and that as much as he had tried, he'd 'failed' her when he couldn't be that pillar of emotional strength for Trevor. So, his hope for them was—more for her than for him—that they got to live the most exciting life together.
Trevor would never know what his father and wife were whispering about in the corner, but whatever it was, his attention wasn't on it for much longer. He was surrounded by Olivia's colleagues and friends, people whom had been with her since the beginning of her career, people that were more her family than not. They all had a unique love and admiration for her, for her work ethic, and resilience. They were equally protective of her just like they were a member of their immediate family, and there was nothing more inspiring in his eyes than that. He noticed that, even though in the same space, merely feet away from her, he missed her, and he longed to correct that feeling.
His arms looped around her front, hearing her audible gasp and shriek, "May I steal my wife, Tibby?"
"Took you long enough," she replied with a smile, stepping forward to press her lips to his cheek. She took a step back, looking pointedly at the both of them. "Don't get into any trouble. It's a tent, not a car, so if you must, go outside and stand away from the only thing protecting us from the elements," she finished with flourish, sending a wink their way.
Trevor scoffed and snickered, taking in consideration his wife's in awe expression. "Come on, let's escape for a little bit," he whispered softly, guiding her towards the entrance of the tent.
He led them towards the path they'd taken to reach said area, and at the first turn through the maze, he pushed her gently into the grass wall, swallowing her protest with a hasty kiss; one that she welcomed without hesitancy. She moaned into his mouth, running her hands through his hair, fisting the hairs at the back of his neck. Trevor's hands roamed her hips, and she heard him groan deep in his belly once he felt the lace underneath the fabric. He pulled her into him, allowing her to feel the quick course of his arousal towards her.
Olivia pulled his lip between her teeth, fighting her own lungs for a breath of fresh air. "Easy there, cowboy," she mumbled near his mouth, smiling at the eager pull he gave to her hips.
"I've been dying to do that since we got interrupted there earlier."
"Really?" Olivia asked mischievously, receiving a nod from Trevor. "What else have you been dying to do?" she smirked, trailing her hands down his body.
Trevor cocked his head, biting his lip to hide his smirk and without missing a beat, he ran his hand over her bottom, squeezing the flesh between his digits. Olivia hitched a breath, challenging his blue eyes with the sultriness of her own. She parted her mouth when she felt Trevor's hands bunching the fabric of her dress at her hips and she bit her lip once she felt the night's breeze tickling her bare skin. His hands caressed the skin of her supple flesh, his fingers skirting the outsides of her underwear and that's when Olivia knew just how exciting her married life was to be.
