Disclaimer: SVU and its characters belong to Dick Wolf. I own nothing.


A/N: This epilogue takes place in the future for our characters. While I may have incorporated other parts that were canon (such as David Hayden and other aspects of season 13), William Lewis does not exist in this timeline. I hope you all enjoy the conclusion to this story.


Two years later

Elliot was sitting in his office at the gym. It wasn't entirely his office, as he shared it. Coincidentally, he shared it with Nathan, who had come to work there about six months after he had. He had been the one to give his friend the recommendation, and Greg had been happy to hire him.

The work day was almost done, and he couldn't wait to stop by in the day care before leaving to pick up his sons then head home. His heart still skipped a beat every time he thought about it. His sons, plural. Eli was down in daycare right now, along with his baby brother Noah. He and Kathy had arranged an agreement where they traded off custody every other week. Then, about ten months ago, he and Olivia had been granted permission to foster Noah Porter, a baby Liv had discovered on one of her cases. He'd been bounced around from family to family through DCS, and Liv had developed an attachment to him. Finally Judge Linden had asked if they'd be willing to foster him. The one year probationary period was almost up, and soon they would be able to officially adopt the boy.

"Well, I'm done for the day. I guess I'll see you Monday."

Nathan stood up to leave, gathering his things. He slipped on his jacket and grabbed his keys from his desk drawer.

"I'll see you. If you want, come over to the house tomorrow night. We're having a few people over, you're welcome to join."

"I just might do that, thanks."

As he watched his friend leave, Elliot began finalizing his own things. He'd not had many clients this week, but his schedule sometimes varied. All he could think about now was going home. He put on his jacket and headed downstairs to the day care center. There, he greeted Sarah, the aide who watched over the children. Eli noticed his presence right away.

"Dad!"

Elliot picked up his son, happy to see him. It never failed to amaze him just how much he had grown.

"Hey buddy. Are you and your brother ready to go home?"

"Yes, dad."

Eli had adjusted well to being a big brother, and absolutely adored Noah. He helped his father and Olivia any chance he got.

Sarah brought Noah over, and Eli slid from his father's arms, so he could take hold of his little brother. When Noah saw his father, he greeted him with a toothy grin.

Once they were home, Elliot got the boys settled in the living room, then went to the kitchen to start preparing dinner. He hadn't heard anything from Liv today to indicate she would be late, so he hoped her caseload wasn't too severe.

Sure enough, just as he was about to put the chicken in the oven to bake, he received a text message from his wife.

Leaving work now, be home soon. I love you

Knowing that Olivia would indeed be home soon, he decided to do what he could to make her comfortable. Heading into their bedroom, he set out her favorite pair of leggings along with one of his tee shirts on the bed for her to change into. As he was heading back into the kitchen, he heard her coming up the stairs, and went to greet her with a kiss, but was joined by Eli and Noah, who was trying to run after his big brother, but kept falling over on the way. Picking up his youngest, he carried him to where Olivia was coming through the door.

"Mama Liv!"

Not long after they were married, Eli had begun calling Olivia 'Mama', especially when staying over with them for extended periods of time. Not wanting to step on Kathy's toes, she had tried to correct the boy. It was Kathy who encouraged him to call her 'Mama Liv', confirming that Olivia was, in fact, a second mother to the boy. She in no way felt she was being replaced, and loved that Eli had someone else in his life who cared for him.

"Hey, Eli. Did you have a good day today?"

"I did. I helped Sarah take care of Noah."

Olivia knelt down to hug the boy to her, exchanging a glance with Elliot, who still held Noah. The look of love that passed between them hadn't changed since they had been married, only grown.

"Thank you. I'm sure you were a big help."

Standing now, she reached her arms out for Noah, who went to her happily.

"And how are you, my sweet boy?"

The toddler babbled some words, and something that sounded like 'mama', but it was hard to understand everything. He was a bit behind others his age, but the doctors weren't concerned. Given everything he had been through in his young life, he was developing remarkably well.

Finally, Olivia focused her attention on her husband. As he came in for a kiss, he was careful not to crush Noah, who giggled as his parents hugged with him in the middle. Eli had since retreated back to the living room.

"Welcome home, wife. Dinner will be ready soon."

Taking Noah out of her arms, he allowed her to go in and change, while he headed back to the kitchen. It was going to be another wonderful night at home with his family.


Time passed quickly, and before they realized it, they were nearing Noah's adoption day. The closer they got to it, the more Elliot and Olivia were holding their breath. Each of them were waiting for the other shoe to drop, for some random relative to come out of the woodwork and claim the boy they had come to think of as their own.

But the morning of Noah's adoption came, and nothing had happened. They were scheduled to be at the courthouse by eleven, then would be having a small party back at the house with friends and family.

Shortly after breakfast, there was a knock at the door. It was Kathy. She had offered to come over and accept the catering deliveries and help get things set up.

"Good morning, Kathy. Thank you again for doing this."

Elliot embraced his ex-wife, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek as well. Ever since the divorce, they had continued to maintain a close relationship. It could be said they got along better now than they ever had when they were married.

"You don't need to thank me, Elliot. I'm just so happy for you and Olivia – and of course little Noah. He's getting two terrific parents."

He wanted to say more, but couldn't find the words over the lump in his throat. Somehow, though, Elliot knew that words weren't necessary. This child that he now shared with Olivia didn't negate the five children he and Kathy had raised together. That was a bond that would always connect them, no matter what.

Olivia appeared then, wearing a dress that was simple in design but no less beautiful. She carried Noah, dressed in a little suit for the occasion. Seeing Kathy standing in the living room, she greeted the other woman warmly.

"Good morning, Kathy. How are you today?"

Kathy moved forward to give Olivia a hug, wrapping her arm around Noah as well. When she stepped back, she smoothed her palm lovingly over the boy's dark hair, before answering Olivia's question.

"I'm well, thank you, Olivia. You look beautiful today, and Noah – you look so handsome!"

At her words, Noah reached out his hand and patted her on the cheek. All the adults shared a laugh then. Before anything else could be said, there was an echo of footsteps as the rest of the Stabler children descended the stairs.

"We're ready when you are Dad. Oh, hey Mom!"

Maureen was the first to comment when they all entered the room, everyone a little more dressed up than usual for the occasion. The girls were all wearing dresses, and Richard and Eli were wearing suits, like their father. Though adoptions were typically held in a closed courtroom, with just the parents present, Elliot and Olivia had received special permission to allow the entire family to attend.

Everyone began talking at once, and the sound grew a bit chaotic. Elliot made sure his voice rose above all as he called for attention.

"Okay everyone, listen up!"

Before he got the chance to say anything, there was another knock at the door. Kathy told him not to worry about it, that she would take care of it. Nodding, Elliot focused back on his family.

"Liv and I will go in my car with Eli and Noah. Maureen, I need you to drive Kathleen, Richard, and Elizabeth in yours. We'll all meet at the courthouse."

"Of course, Dad. You explained all of this last night."

Elliot realized that his daughter was right. His anxiety was getting the better of him. He had forgotten something so simple as the driving plans because he was focused on the moment when a child he had spent the past year raising and falling in love with would be officially proclaimed his son.

More voices could be heard as Kathy returned to the room. Behind her followed all of their friends from the 1-6. Don Cragen was there, along with Fin and Munch. So were Nick Amaro and Amanda Rollins. Olivia had even invited ADA Rafael Barba. Later Nathan and Greg would be arriving, along with a few other friends from where Elliot worked.

Cragen was the first to speak, and his tone held a hint of apology.

"We know we're early, but we wanted to see you before you left for the courthouse. We hope you don't mind."

This time, it was Olivia who answered.

"Not at all, you're family – all of you. We only wish you could all be allowed in court with us to share this moment with us."

"We understand, Liv. This is just another way we can show our support."

Olivia let herself be embraced by her captain then, fighting off the emotion she was feeling. It was inevitable she would be shedding a few tears before the day was over, but she didn't want to start now.

"All right. Not that I want to break up this moment, but we really need to leave, or we'll be late."

Elliot made the announcement, and stepped forward to take Noah from Olivia's arms. They said a temporary goodbye to their guests, and to Kathy, who promised yet again she had everything under control. Then they headed to their cars to officially add another member to their family.


When Elliot and Olivia arrived at the courthouse, they were met by Trevor Langan. The former defense attorney who for many years had been a thorn in their sides was now their advocate. He had been representing Ellie Porter, and continued to fight for Noah after her death. He was a great ally in their journey toward adopting the boy.

Even though it seemed like they were waiting for ever, their turn soon arrived, and before they knew it, they were in front of Judge Linden.

Elliot and Olivia stood quietly as Trevor presented their case for adoption. Before long, the judge was asking them a question.

"Do you promise to love this child, and treat him no differently than if he were yours biologically?"

"We do."

Judge Linden studied them carefully, then continued.

"I can see from what I've read that you've already welcomed Noah into your family as though he were your natural born child. I see no problem granting the certificate of adoption. Congratulations."

Now the tears were beginning to fall, not only for Olivia, but for Elliot as well. What they had dreamed for so long was finally coming true.

"I hereby grant the petition of adoption, and decree that Noah Porter shall be known as Noah Porter Benson-Stabler."

With her words, she banged her gavel on the bench, then warmly congratulated the couple standing in front of her. Truth be told, this had been a case she had found herself attached to from the start, and she was so glad to see it had such a happy ending.

Trevor shook hands with Elliot and Olivia, accepting their gratitude. He did however, decline their invite to the house, saying he had other clients to take care of.

As soon as the lawyer had left, the other Stabler children immediately swarmed around their father and Olivia. They were all happy to welcome a new member to their family. Only Eli had a question to ask.

"Dad? Does this mean Noah is really my little brother now?"

"Yes, son. That's exactly what it means. He's officially a Stabler, just like the rest of us."

A huge grin broke out over the five-year old's face.

"That is so cool!"

Everyone else had to agree that he was right. Then, they had to leave the courtroom, before they were kicked out for taking up too much time and space. The newly expanded Stabler family made their way back to their cars. It was time to celebrate.

By the time they arrived back home, there were greeted with their houseful of guests. The house had been decorated with a small banner that read 'Welcome, Noah' and there were dozens of balloons.

Olivia felt the tears of happiness that she had shed at the courthouse prick at her eyes again. Turning to Kathy, she couldn't help but ask.

"Kathy, this is lovely. How did you manage all this?"

"It wasn't all me, Olivia. I had help."

Looking around at her friends, Olivia knew they had each contributed. Her heart was so full in that moment. Meeting Elliot's gaze across the room, she could tell he was feeling the same way. As much as she loved being surrounded by all their friends and family right now, she looked forward to their quiet time alone later tonight. She knew he would need to check in and talk after the emotion of today.

Collecting herself, Olivia remembered her duties as hostess, and invited everyone to help themselves to some food. Kathy had generously set up everything that had been delivered to the house while they had been away. In addition to fixings for sandwiches, there was also some fried chicken and potato salad.

Soon, Noah had to be put down for a nap, but everyone else stayed to enjoy the food and the company of each other. Olivia thanked her friends for bringing gifts, even though she had said they weren't necessary. She also insisted that people take some of the leftovers with them, as there was so much extra food, there was no way she and Elliot could manage to eat it all.

Finally, Liv and Elliot were left alone. Thanks again to the help of Kathy and the others, everything was already cleaned up, so they had nothing to worry about other than each other. Noah was still napping, and Eli had gone home with Kathy because her week started tomorrow. The twins had left to go back to college, and Maureen and Kathleen had returned to the apartment they shared not far away.

Turning to his wife, Elliot was yet again overwhelmed by the love he felt for her. This had been a day he had never thought would come, but was finally here. He and Olivia had a son. Noah was theirs, and no one could take him away.


Later that night, long after Noah had been put to bed, Elliot and Olivia were in their bedroom. They were lying together in one anothers arms after making love. Not wanting to break the silence of the quiet afterglow, but knowing he needed to speak the words on his mind and in his heart, Elliot turned to his wife.

"I just realized something Liv. This day is special for more than one reason."

Turning her face up to meet his gaze, Olivia gave him her full attention. She didn't know how the day they'd had could get any more special than it already was.

"What is it, El?"

Cradling her cheek in his palm, he kissed her gently. When he pulled back, he looked deep into her eyes, not caring in the least that his own were starting to fill with tears.

"It was on this day three years ago that I showed up on your doorstep."

Olivia's own eyes began to well with tears at the recollection of the memory. Elliot had come so far since then. He'd faltered a little bit, a few months back, and started to slip into old habits. The nightmares had returned again, and the depression symptoms became more severe. Dr. Simpson had recommended a change in medication, and though things were shaky for a few weeks, he was doing much better now. He still saw the psychiatrist, but not as frequently as he had in the beginning.

Not wanting him to focus on such a dark time in his life on what had been such a happy day, Olivia tried to pull him from the memory.

"Don't go back there, El. Not tonight. You made it through."

He shook his head, implying that she hadn't understood. He wasn't backtracking. He was simply making a statement.

"No, Liv. What I'm saying is, this is a good day to remember. It's the day you saved me – the day my life began again. To have it be the day that Noah is officially ours, only makes it more of a reason to celebrate."

He pulled her even closer, and elaborated even further.

"I told you when I proposed that the life I was embarking on with you was all about beginnings. That hasn't changed, even now. Every day feels like a new beginning, so long as I have you by my side."

Olivia finally understood him, and added her own sentiment.

"If you think about it, our life with each other has been filled with beginnings. There was the day we were introduced as partners, then the time I returned after having left."

At her words, Elliot held her tighter. He didn't like thinking about that time in their past when they had been apart, but it was part of what made them who they were today. Kissing her forehead, he waited until she continued.

"We had a second beginning when you showed up at my place that day three years ago. It was like we were meeting all over again for the first time."

Elliot began speaking then, picking up where his wife had left off.

"Getting this house together was our third beginning, being married our fourth. Noah makes it number five. I hope I never stop having new beginnings with you, Liv."

"You never will."

As he lay there holding Olivia, who had drifted to sleep in his arms, Elliot realized how blessed he was. He had been to hell and back, very nearly lost everything he held dear. Three years ago, everything he knew was coming to an end. Now, he was in a successful job, married to a woman he loved, and had a new son. It proved the old adage true that sometimes when you least expect it, you find yourself back at the beginning. And what a wonderful beginning his new life had been. He couldn't wait to see what awaited him next. With that final thought, Elliot Stabler drifted off to sleep.