Hi Everyone!
Wow...I'm back again. And what a journey this has been to write this beautiful story. Every chapter has been so fun to write, and every review has kept me going. I have so much more to say but I'll just leave it at this for now. I just want you all to enjoy this long chapter, which is full of happiness and maybe will cause some tears (I hope not...but they'll be happy tears if they do).
I now present to you all, the second to last piece of Better Circumstances. (I just teared up. I don't want this to be over)
Please enjoy xo
Better Circumstances
Thirty-Four
Several months later – December.
The months passed in a blur. The seasons changed, the temperature dropped, and yet life could not have been any better.
The apartment that Edgar had spent the last year and a half living in had become a home five months earlier when Olivia and Noah had taken the leap and moved in. They had settled into a beautiful family dynamic over the months as they grew accustomed to living together. Noah loved it of course, and Olivia did as well. She seemed to walk around with an extra glow and bounce in her step, and she knew that came from the fact that she was now waking up with and going to bed with Edgar regularly – apart from the nights when she was stuck working, of course.
Even people at the law firm had noticed quite the change in Edgar as well. He was much happier now, and that was something that everyone he worked with loved to see. A lot of his colleagues had met Olivia recent gala that involved NYPD and several law firms, and Edgar and Olivia had boldly attended the gala together. They'd been complimented on how happy they looked, and those close to Edgar truly were grateful for the fact that he was now a much happier man. Of course, they'd also loved meeting the woman that had made him so happy.
Things between them all were beyond great, and for Olivia, it also warmed her heart to see the strong bond between Edgar and Noah. Edgar truly cared for Noah as if he were his own son, and Noah loved Edgar as if he were his father. They were always playing sports together and Edgar was always teaching Noah something, and Noah looked at him as if he put stars in the sky and was superman or something. The sight always brought tears to Olivia's eyes and she loved that her son had this wonderful man to look up to. Of course, she had been doing fine by herself with raising him, but it was a nice change now knowing that her son had yet another great example of what a wonderful man was.
Tonight was Christmas Eve, and for Olivia and the rest of the SVU squad, they had earned a few days off to spend with their families. They'd just been working an intense five-day kidnapping case that had eventually turned into a recovery, something that was truly heartbreaking during the holiday season. For Olivia, cases like this always hit her harder now that she was a mother herself and she hated these cases with a passion. Though they had recovered the child's body and gotten their perp – thus bringing some sort of closure to the family – this was still horrible. Basically, she was glad to have some days off because she needed it.
She rubbed her eyes and looked at her watch as she made her way down the hall towards their apartment. It was a little past eleven, and she was sure that Noah was asleep. She hoped that Edgar was awake though, because she needed to be hugged up in his arms after the shit show few days she'd had.
She let herself into the apartment and was met with the smell of something baking as quiet humming was heard from the kitchen. She quietly groaned to herself as slight guilt came over her; Edgar's parents had been in town for a day and she hadn't even been able to see them because she had been working. She hung up her coat, then adjusted her bag onto her shoulder as she rounded the corner to the kitchen, her heeled boots clicking against the floor as she approached.
"Edgar told me you liked to cook late on Christmas Eve."
Kelly Pierce looked up, and a bright smile formed on her face upon seeing whom had finally come home. She wiped her hands on a towel, then rushed over to greet Olivia with a warm hug; "Hi sweetheart, thank God you've made it home safely."
Olivia hugged her back; she had needed this warm hug after a long day. "I'm so glad to be home; it's been a long few days."
"So I've heard," Kelly remarked as she pulled back; "I bet you're exhausted too."
"I'm beyond exhausted at this point …" Olivia replied as she put her bag onto the counter; "But, how are you? How as the flight here?"
"Flight was very smooth, and I'm doing well, love…" Kelly remarked, a slight chuckle escaping her lips; "Are you doing alright though, seriously? Edgar told me it was a rough case, and we saw your press conference earlier tonight."
Olivia sighed and shook her head; "I'm conflicted. Glad we got some closure, but this wasn't the closure we wanted, especially not at the holidays…" She leaned her elbows on the counter; "I had a good cry earlier while I was waiting for my Sergeant and one of my unis to get back from taking the prick to the tombs. One less sick weirdo off the streets is a win."
"A lot of parents feel safer tonight because of you all, so don't beat yourself up too bad, okay? You did all you could…" Kelly gave her a pat on the shoulder, then continued; "Would you like anything to eat? I made a salmon quiche earlier, and there's some left if you want something."
As much as Olivia hated to decline anything that involved Kelly's incredible cooking, she just couldn't stomach anything right now. Cases like this always took it out of her anyway, but after five days straight, she was too emotionally and physically drained to eat right now.
"I'm good for now, Kelly; I think I'm too tired to eat…" Olivia giggled a little; "Save some for me for some time tomorrow though."
"I'll hold you to that," Kelly laughed a little; "Now go to bed, because you look like you're about dead on your feet, honey."
"Are you sure?" Olivia tilted her head; "I can stay up and help you cook if you need me?"
"You must be delirious…" Kelly let out a laugh as she looped her arm around Olivia's shoulders; "You just worked for five days straight with barely any sleep. Go on…get…go to bed."
Olivia let out a laugh, but she knew that the older woman was right; she was exhausted and if she was being totally honest, her vision was starting to blur due to the exhaustion. With a promise to talk to her in the morning and a promise to help cook, and after a quick hug and peck on the cheek, Olivia picked up her bag then made her way through the apartment. She made her way down the hall, and she quietly opened Noah's door to check on him. He was fast asleep, so she quietly crept over and kissed his forehead before retreating out of the room once more, closing the door behind her. The guest room door was closed, indicating that Ron Pierce was probably asleep behind the door.
She made her way further down the hall and into the bedroom she shared with Edgar, and she quietly closed the door behind her. Edgar was fast asleep, but she smirked when she saw that he was clutching her pillow. She put her bag on the chair in the corner and was as quiet as possible as she locked away her badge and gun before finally slipping off the NYPD hoodie. She kicked off her boots, then stripped out of her skinny jeans and her NYPD t-shirt. She quietly crept into the en suite and closed the door, then switched on the shower. Even though she was tired, she needed to take a shower and wash off the stress of work.
She stripped out of her undergarments and stepped under the warm spray of water, and she let out a breath as warm water washed over her aching muscles. She hadn't worked a case like this in a while and she was certainly feeling it. "I'm getting too old for this shit." She mumbled to herself as she closed her eyes and let the warm water and scent of lavender calm her down.
She had become lost in her own little world, to the point where she didn't realize how long she had been simply thinking. Her thoughts were broken when she heard the sliding glass door of the shower creak open and felt a rush of cold air. Before she could even turn around, she felt a strong arm curl around her waist and felt a kiss on her cheek. She smiled as she leaned back against him, and he chuckled as he pushed the door shut before turning her around to face him.
"Welcome home." He whispered as he leaned towards her. She leaned in the rest of the way and pressed her lips to his. She hadn't kissed him properly in five days, only a really short peck when he and Noah had come by the precinct a couple nights ago just to check in. So to be able to kiss him properly now was remarkable, and as much as she wanted to take things further, she was too tired.
She ran her fingers through his hair then pulled back, and she smirked up at him; "Don't try it; I'm too tired."
"I was not coming in here for that…" he chuckled, his fingers tapping against her waist as he gazed at her; "Honestly, the sound of the shower woke me up, so I came in here to say hi because I missed you."
"Couldn't have waited until I came to bed?" she raised an eyebrow.
"I could not…" he teased. He then pulled her into his arms for a hug, and he ran his fingers up and down her back in a soothing manner. She laughed a little then snuggled into his chest, pressing a kiss to his wet skin as she did so. He leaned his head down and kissed her cheek then whispered; "I'm so glad you're home."
Olivia hugged him a little tighter. Though they had been living together for months now, that warm feeling that came along with now coming home to somebody was one that would just never fade and something that Olivia still was getting used to. Every time Edgar hugged her and uttered those words, she could feel his energy and feel that with everything in him, he was truly glad that she had survived another day in the line of duty and had come back home.
What a beautiful feeling this was to have a proper family to come home to. Not just her son, but now her handsome man as well.
She lifted her head from his chest then stretched up on her toes to kiss him again, mumbling against his lips; "I'm glad to be home."
The two remained in the shower for a further twenty minutes before they finished up. They wrapped up in towels, and Olivia quickly blow dried her hair before returning to the bedroom as well. Edgar had already thrown on some sweats and climbed into bed, and he was watching her intently as she moved around the room.
She threw on some shorts and a t-shirt, then she herself climbed into bed. She pulled the blankets over her some more and slipped into his arms. She had missed this so much while she was working, so she was happy to be laying with her head on his chest and her leg pushed in between his. His strong arms were wrapped around her, fingertips brushing against her waist as her shirt had risen up slightly.
The aftermath of the warm shower and the feeling of being wrapped up in Edgar's arms was enough already to send Olivia to sleep. Yet, she didn't want to sleep yet; she wanted to bask in this moment of being back home in his arms for a little longer because she had missed him very much. Edgar sensed this, however, and placed a small kiss to her forehead while rubbing her side
"Go to sleep."
"But I missed you, and I wanna t-" she was forced to stop talking due to a yawn that had come about. Edgar just laughed and rolled his eyes. Of course she wanted to talk, but they both knew she needed to sleep.
"We can talk tomorrow, just go to sleep."
"You promise?"
"I promise." He glanced down at her, only to see that her eyes were closed already.
"Edgar."
"Yes Liv?"
"I love you."
He couldn't help but smile. All these months later, nearly a year into this relationship, and he still never could get enough of her saying those words to him.
"I love you too Liv."
A few moments passed and there was nothing else said. He looked down and saw that she had fallen straight to sleep, looking so incredibly peaceful without a care in the world. He knew these last few days had been difficult with work. But he was glad that she was home and unharmed, and he was looking forward to tomorrow, where they would spend their first proper Christmas together.
The first of many holidays together.
The next morning brought sunshine and frigid temperatures over the city of New York. It was Noah Benson whom had woken up pretty early – around eight-thirty roughly. The excitement was flooding through him, especially as it was Christmas morning and he was eager to see what presents had been left under the tree for him.
He jumped out of bed and heard the sound of chatter coming from the lounge, so he headed in that direction. He rounded the corner and went towards the kitchen, and he smiled when he saw Edgar sitting at the counter having coffee with his mother and father, whom were both awake as well. Deciding to make his presence known, the little boy greeted them with a bright and cheery; "Good morning!"
The adults all looked up and all gave him a smile, as Ron Pierce greeted the little boy he now regarded as a grandson; "Hey kiddo; Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Pop Pop Ron." Noah gave the friendly older man a cheesy smile before hopping up to sit on the stool beside Edgar. Edgar gave him a fist bump while Kelly reached over and pinched his cheek; "You want some breakfast, sweetie? I'm thinking waffles with fruit, and some bacon?"
Noah nodded eagerly while rubbing his tummy, which growled at the sound of the food: "Yes please! Thank you, Nana Kelly."
Another recent development; Noah had recently begun referring to Edgar's parents as his 'Nana' and 'Pop Pop'. This had recently happened over Thanksgiving when Noah asked if it was okay, as he had really come to love the Pierces and felt like the two of them were his grandparents. Of course, they were overjoyed and honored that he looked to them in that way, and they loved him like crazy.
"You're welcome, honey." Kelly gave him a smile before turning to start on breakfast. Noah looked up at Edgar and asked him; "Did Mom come home?"
"Hmm…she might be…" Edgar pretended to think before shooting the little boy a smirk; "Go check and see."
Noah gave him a funny look before hopping down from the stool. He made his way out of the kitchen and down the hallway, and he slowly pushed open the master bedroom door. When he saw the sleeping figure of his mother curled up in bed, his eyes went wide and a smile formed onto his face. He ran full speed and jumped onto the mattress; "Mom, you're home!"
Olivia jumped awake and for a moment, was about to jump right back into work mode. However, when she got her bearings and saw that Noah was hovering over her with a cheesy grin on his face, she started smiling as well as she blinked a couple times and opened her arms. Her voice was still laced with sleep as she spoke; "Hey my love; I'm finally home."
Noah snuggled into her arms. Even though he was getting older and wasn't always up for having cuddles with his mother, he still loved her to bits and was always glad that she came back home after being at work for extended periods of time. Olivia turned her head and pressed a kiss to his curls as they squeezed each other.
Noah lifted his head then moved to sit beside her; "Merry Christmas, Mom."
"Merry Christmas, sweetie," Olivia reached up and brushed some of his curls back, then she pushed herself to sit up; "Have you opened your presents yet?"
"I was waiting for you because we always open presents together." Noah sweetly replied. Olivia nodded and rubbed her eyes to wake up more. As much as she wanted to sleep for a little longer, she knew that she probably should get up. After all, she'd probably take a nap again later on.
"Okay, give me a minute – I gotta wake up." She said. Noah nodded and kissed her cheek, before hopping down from the bed.
"I'm gonna go help Nana Kelly with breakfast." He told her. He then raced out of the room, passing Edgar in the hallway as he spoke; "Edgar, Mom's home!"
Edgar just laughed as he made his way further into the bedroom while shaking his head. He closed the door behind him, and he made his way over to the bed, causing Olivia to smile as she leaned back against the pillows. Edgar couldn't take his eyes off of her, especially with the way the sunlight streaming in the curtains hit her brown eyes, and with the way her glossy brunette locks were fanned out across the pillow in the most beautiful way.
"Good morning, baby…" he leaned over her, resting his arms on either side; "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, honey…" she draped her arms around his neck, and she leaned up and placed a sweet kiss onto her lips; "On a scale of one to ridiculous, how bad did you spoil Noah when you went Christmas shopping the other day?"
"I did no worse than you did…" he defended himself while giving her a smirk; "Just like you brought all his stuff for dance plus that expensive bike, I brought him that new hoverboard and a bunch of video games."
"We spoil him."
"He's our son, we're supposed to." he chuckled before leaning in for a quick kiss. Olivia deepened the kiss as she wrapped her arms around her, and her tongue slid into his mouth. Edgar clearly was in the mood for something as in an instant, he was between Olivia's legs and tugging at her shorts. Olivia wasn't complaining though; it had been quite a few days and she needed him just as much.
He tugged his lips away and smirked; "We've probably got about half an hour until breakfast is ready, so…I mean…" he wagged his eyebrows at her, and she giggled as she tilted her head up to kiss him. She was just about to slide her hand underneath his shirt when suddenly there was a knock at the door;
"Mom, Edgar – Auntie Adeline and Uncle Sam are here, and so is Lianne and Noelle!"
The couple exchanged a glance and started laugh; of course they'd get interrupted right now. Olivia looked up and pecked his lips then mumbled; "Later – I promise."
"I'll hold you to that, Captain." He smirked. He gave her one more kiss before sitting up, and he helped her up as well. She tied her hair back into a ponytail, and after they shared one more kiss, they made their way out of the bedroom.
Greetings and hugs were shared between the rest of the family as Adeline Pierce-Edwards and her husband Sam came in with their daughters Lianne and Noelle. Before long, breakfast was ready, and the family all sat down together at the dining table in the apartment. Ron took the opportunity to pray over their meal, then they were finally able to tuck in. For Olivia, she felt so overwhelmed with this feeling of love and family and peace that was surrounding her now. For the first time in years, the holidays did not just consist of her and Noah. They had a proper family that they were part of now, and what a beautiful feeling that was to be part of something so wonderful.
She glanced at Edgar and smiled at him just as he smiled back. They grabbed hands underneath the table, and she squeezed his hand.
Today was perfect. The first of many Christmases together, as a family.
Throughout the rest of the day, the Pierce apartment was filled with a lot of fun and laughter as Christmas shenanigans were underway. Noah and Olivia had opened presents together, and of course Noah was extremely happy with all his presents, especially that expensive BMX bike that Edgar had finally pulled from where he had hidden it away in his study. Olivia promised that they'd go to the park tomorrow so he could ride it, and he was perfectly fine with that as it as he wanted to settle on the couch and play some video games anyway.
It wasn't long before various smells began filling the apartment as the ladies of the home – including Lianne and Noelle – were helping each other cook Christmas dinner. One thing about the Pierce family was that Christmas dinner was a huge deal, which meant as the afternoon dragged on, the kitchen was filled with various dishes. Olivia had never cooked a Christmas dinner like this before but with Kelly's guidance, she was having the time of her life. She laughed with Kelly and Adeline, she talked with Noelle and Lianne about school and even shared laughs with them. She was really just enjoying this family aspect today, which caused her heart to swell constantly as she was so happy to be part of this now.
Towards the evening, the dining room table was all set and foods were spread across the table. Olivia had showered earlier in the day but had changed out of her 'cooking attire' and was now in a pair of black leggings and a cream colored sweater. Noah was wearing cute khaki slacks and a blue sweater, which matched with Edgar as he too was wearing khakis and a blue shirt. Once dinner was all set, they once again all sat at the table together to partake in this lovely Christmas dinner. They all joined hands and Kelly said the grace this time, then it was time to tuck in.
Dinner was full of nothing but chatter and laughter as they all truly enjoyed each other and the happy atmosphere that filled the apartment on this joyous occasion. As they were all taking time to share memories and other funny stories from the year, Kelly did take the time to say that one of her favorite memories of the year was meeting Olivia and Noah and welcoming them into their family. She told both Olivia and Noah how much she truly loved them both and how grateful she was that they were part of this family now, something that made Noah smile all cheesily while Olivia had to fight back tears. She glanced at Edgar and smiled, and he leaned over and kissed her forehead while squeezing her hand underneath the table.
He took a deep breath as he thought about the surprise that he had for Olivia, something that Noah had helped him with. He glanced at Noah who was sitting on the other side of him, and he nudged him before chuckling as Noah leaned his head against his arm and smiled.
After dinner, the family all moved to the living room the lounge around and watch a Christmas film together. Olivia was curled into Edgar's side with her head resting against his shoulder, and there was a soft smile of contentment on her face. Edgar kissed her forehead, then looked to the other side of him. He gave Noah a wink, and Noah winked back before standing up. He made up an excuse about needing the restroom before zooming off down the hall and to his room.
He quietly opened his closet and looked in his baseball bag before pulling the small velvet box out of the small pocket in the bag. He opened it up and smiled at the sight of the ring that was twinkling away in the dim light. He had hidden it in his closet because the chances of his mother finding it in there were slim to none. Edgar had talked to him about this about a month ago after picking him up early from school on an early release day; a day that Olivia had to work late, and Lucy was stuck in class. Over lunch, Edgar had talked to Noah about wanting to propose to Olivia and had explained what it meant, and Noah was extremely excited about it. He insisted on helping Edgar pick out the ring, which Edgar allowed him to do. It had been a cool secret to keep, and now Noah was excited for his mother to finally get this ring tonight.
He closed the box back and stuffed it into his pocket, before closing the closet door and making his way back out of the room. He went to the lounge and returned to his spot next to Edgar, and discreetly slid the small box to him. Edgar gave him a nudge as he slipped the box into his pocket.
After the film went off, Adeline stretched her arms over her head and spoke up about heading back up to Connecticut. Edgar knew that now was time as he wanted his family to witness this moment, so he sat up straight as well;
"Before you go, I just wanted to say a little something."
All eyes turned to him, and he smiled a little as he looked around at them all;
"It's been a great day – all of us having dinner here together. Mom and Dad, thanks for flying all the way up here for Christmas, and Addy and Sam, Li and NoNo; thanks for coming down as well to spend the holiday with us. For the first time in forever, this place has felt like a home and it's not only thanks to you guys, but it's especially thanks to these two right here – my favorite people."
He put his arms around both Olivia and Noah, and he squeezed them both as he said; "You two have really changed my life in the best way, and I'm so grateful. You two were a team, and you let me in and showed me a lot of love. Noah dude; I love you, buddy, you know I do. You're my little partner in crime, and I thank you for letting me get to know you, and love you, and be your friend."
Noah leaned against him some more and gave him a big hug. "I love you too, Edgar."
Edgar kissed his head as he blinked back a couple tears. He was getting a little emotional now, and he took a deep breath as he turned to Olivia. Olivia was watching him with a sweet smile on her face, and he laughed a little was he squeezed her a little tighter.
"And you, you wonderful woman…" he chuckled, causing everyone around them to chuckle as well at the sweet moment. Edgar unraveled his arm from around Noah so he could take Olivia's hand, and he gazed into her eyes as he finally started speaking;
"From that night I met you at the Garlands place, I knew you were special, especially when you gave me that smile that made my heart skip a beat. I know we had that little stumbling block, but I'm forever glad that I took a chance to come see you at the precinct and apologize, and I'm really glad we met again in that bar a couple weeks later. I would have never dreamed that this could be as magical as it has been, and you…you have truly changed my life and made me a better man. Thank you for not only allowing me to love you, but to love Noah as well. I know it wasn't easy to let down the walls, but you let me in and I'm forever grateful. When you gave me your heart, I gave you mine in return and…there's no going back from that. I'm so honored to have you as mine and honored to be a father figure to your little boy as well. I know we took a big step when we moved in together like this, but…there's just one more huge step I want to take with you, if that's okay?"
Olivia had pretty much forgotten about everyone else in the room as she took in Edgar's sweet words. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she gazed at him, and her heart was fluttering as she was so in love she could barely think straight. However, just as she was about to open her mouth to speak, her heart pretty much leapt into her throat when Edgar suddenly knelt on one knee with a small box in his hand. Everyone around them gasped, and Olivia's hand was over her mouth as more tears fell down her cheeks. Noah, however, was watching them both with a cheesy smile on his face.
Edgar himself even had small tears dripping down his cheeks. He took her left hand in his and rubbed his thumb over her ring finger; "You're my best friend and my lover, but there's just one more thing I want to call you….and that's my wife."
He flipped open the small box, revealing the beautiful pear-shaped diamond engagement ring that was sitting on platinum band that was covered in diamonds. He squeezed her hand a little tighter and finally uttered the words;
"So…Olivia Margaret Benson…will you please give me the absolute honor of having you as my wife, and make me the happiest, luckiest man in the world by marrying me?"
Olivia stared at him through a haze of tears as she fully processed in her head what had just happened. Right here in their apartment in front of his family, Edgar had really just proposed to her. This was the part where the old Olivia Benson would have bolted and never looked back.
But not this Olivia Benson. The Olivia Benson that she had become due to the love from Edgar Pierce had only one answer to this question:
"Yes!"
"Yes?!" Edgar asked, just to be sure he had heard her correctly. Olivia was nodding rapidly, her words coming out in an excited, jumbled mess;
"Yes...yes I'll marry you! Yes!"
Edgar punched the air as his family began cheering away. He slid the ring onto Olivia's finger before standing up and wrapping her in his arms. He lifted her up and spun her around, both of them now crying as his family continued cheering and clapping and crying themselves. Noah had launched himself into their hug while giggling; "I knew she'd say yes!"
Olivia looked up at him while sniffling a little, and a little laugh escaped her lips; "You knew about this, kiddo?"
"I helped Edgar pick out your ring," Noah grinned as he hugged her leg; "Mom, we have a big family now."
Olivia looked around at everyone, then looked between both Edgar and Noah as she nodded. Her smile only grew, and more tears streamed down her cheeks; "We definitely have a big family now."
The rest of the family joined in the hug and the congratulations as they celebrated this beautiful moment. Everyone was truly overjoyed to have Olivia and Noah officially joining the family, though they had known from the jump that the two of them would likely stick around. Still, Edgar wasn't quite done with his surprises, and simply told Noah to go under the tree and get the present that had both his and Olivia's name on it. Noah did as he was told then sat down beside Olivia with the neatly wrapped box in his hand. Olivia wiped her eyes and looked up; "What is this now?"
"Just open it; it's for you and Noah." Edgar replied, stroking her waist gently. Olivia raised an eyebrow, then she and Noah tore off the wrapping paper. She then opened the box, only for her eyes to go wide when she saw the paperwork that was waiting to be filled out.
Noah looked at the paperwork as well and read the top line; "Petition for Adoption…" he then looked at Olivia; "Mom, what does that mean?"
Olivia had more tears running down her cheeks now. She looked up at Edgar and choked out a simple; "Are you serious?"
He nodded as tears filled his eyes; "I'm serious…" he brushed some of her hair behind her ear; "I want us to be a proper family."
Olivia couldn't even say anything. She put the box onto the table before throwing her arms around him as she cried some more on his shoulder. Noah was still slightly confused, so he asked; "Wait…what does this mean?"
Edgar reached out and pulled Noah to sit on his knee, and he sniffled a little before speaking; "Hey buddy, you know how I love you a whole lot, and how you tell your best friend that I'm your stepdad?"
Noah nodded, so Edgar continued;
"Well, how would you feel about me really being your dad, and you having the Pierce last name?"
Noah's eyes widened, and he spoke; "I…I can have the same last name as you? You'll be my dad?"
Edgar nodded as he brushed some of Noah's curls back; "Yeah, bud; I'll be your dad and you can have the same last name as me. How does that sound?"
Noah's little eyes filled with tears as he finally understood what was going on. For so long, it had been just him and his mother, and he had always wanted a father. He had the men in his life – his Uncle Fin, and Uncle Sonny, and Uncle Rafa - but none of them had been like Edgar was. He had started saying months ago that Edgar was his stepdad, but to know that he could now really be his dad and that he could have the same last name as Edgar, was something pretty amazing. He felt so happy with that news; finally – he would actually have a dad too.
He threw his arms around Edgar and squeezed him tight, and this only made everyone cry even more as it was such a beautiful moment between this beautiful family.
"I love you…Dad." Noah choked out as he squeezed him tighter.
Edgar pressed a kiss to his head as he swallowed the lump in his throat.
"I love you too, buddy; so much."
The little family remained snuggled up together as those around them cried with happiness at the events that had taken place. Christmas was all about magic and happiness, and that was truly what had taken place here tonight as another big step had been taken, a step towards official family. They hung around for a little while longer to celebrate, before Adeline and her family really did have to head out to get back to Connecticut. After a lot of hugs and more congratulations were shared, the small family headed out of the apartment.
The excitement of the day had been too much for Noah so eventually, the little boy turned in for the night. Ron and Kelly eventually turned in for the night as well, which left Edgar and Olivia awake. They were both feeling extremely giddy and loved up, which meant after making out on the couch for a bit, the two decided that they wanted to head to bed. Upon entering the bedroom, Edgar made sure to lock the door before pulling her close to him;
"Mrs. Pierce to be – how great is that?"
"It's so great…" she giggled as she wrapped her arms around his neck; "I love you Edgar, so much."
"I love you too, Liv; you mean the world to me…" he brushed her hair back a bit, then said; "Dance with me?"
She nodded; she would dance with him for the rest of her life.
He put some music on his phone; a soft, beautiful R&B Christmas song. He slid his arms around her waist and held her close, and she draped her arms around his torso as she rested her head against his chest. As they slowly danced together, she allowed her mind to wander for a little bit.
Her mind wandered back to that night nearly a year ago when she met Edgar at the Garland house. She'd just gone for a fancy dinner party that her boss had invited her to, and yet she had no idea that the meeting would change her life in this way. Though they'd had that little stumbling block due to that case, something within her would not let him go. When he had come to apologize to her after the case was over, she felt a little hope flicker within her, especially when his hand closed around hers as they shook hands.
When she met him again a couple weeks later in that bar, she figured that this was a chance – to be finally meeting again under better circumstances and to take a leap on what could be great. She never knew that it would be this magical; that within a year she would have love, protection, and stability that she had craved for so very long. With every touch and every kiss, with every sweet word and warm hug, she felt like her heart could take flight. She always thought soulmates were something that were found in fairytales, and yet she had found him – her person. She, after so many years, had finally found her One.
She closed her eyes, and for a moment she started to think back to the words he had spoken to her on the night they met. Until-
"Olivia?"
She looked up, and she saw him giving her that same, warm and smitten look that he gave her that night nearly a year ago. She took a breath, and her smile only grew as her heart pounded in her chest;
"Hmm?"
He reached up to cup her cheek, and his thumb brushed over her lip as he whispered;
"You're still just as stunning as Lamai said you were…"
He then leaned towards her, and he whispered; "And now you're all mine – forever."
And with that, he leaned in and pressed a passionate, loving kiss to her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and she laughed a little as they stumbled into bed together.
Her life had been full of heartbreak and tears for so long, and finally, there was whole lot of hope and a bright future ahead.
A bright future that involved a family.
"There's more to life than this job." was what her old Captain once told her. She'd already had one piece, and now she had the final piece – a missing piece to complete the puzzle. And now here they were together; so happy and so deeply in love.
Edgar tugged his lips away and looked down at her, and his voice was so soft as he whispered; "I love you."
She couldn't help but smile, and she traced her fingers over his face as she thought to herself "Here's to forever."
She leaned up and pecked his lips, then whispered back in the sweetest tone;
"I love you too."
The End.
And there you have it folks. Please, leave some reviews. I can't believe we have over 500 reviews; you guys are awesome. I'm so sad that this fic is just about over, but you know I'll be back with more. EPILOGUE IS SOON (maybe by this weekend lol). Until then, please wear your mask and stay safe out there. :)
