I wasn't going to post today because it is my birthday...but I decided why not! There has been such a positive response and so as a little gift to myself and all of you...here is the next chapter with a MUCH anticipated event. I hope it lives up to your expectations. The best bday gift to me would be by dropping a review! ;) Anyone else anxiously awaiting Friday...we will get some serious BENSLER scenes! Living for it! I hope you enjoy! Lots to come with this story and part 3 after. Remember there will be many ups and down but always we will come back to our base of E/O. Enjoy!
Friday Afternoon, Olivia and Kathleen were set up on the couch ready to spend the day at home. Kathleen had gone to school the day before but her knee had been bothering her and they decided she would stay home with Olivia for the day. The rest of the kids had school and then he was going into work for at least half the day before coming home. Olivia had tried to get him to stay all day but she knew better than to push. Olivia was getting around better than they expected, but she was still sore and the bruises were dark and in deep contrast to her normal olive skin.
Kathleen was lying down on the couch, her head resting against Olivia's uninjured side. Olivia was sitting up with a pillow under her hip and one hand tangled in Kathleen's hair as she rubbed her scalp. Elliot was getting the other three kids ready, instructed them to say goodbye and then rounded the couch to look at both of them. Hands on hips, he stared down at Olivia and his daughter and he wished he could imprint this image in his mind forever. Tomorrow...if he was lucky. It would be something he could have for the rest of his life. The rest of their lives…
"Okay." He said, taking a deep breath, "I've got my phone with me. Call if you need anything. Remember to take your pain meds." He said pointing at Olivia, "And you listen…" He said pointing at his daughter, "Be good. And neither of you move around too much. You need to rest so you can heal up."
"Tomorrow's Liv's birthday so you need to feel better!" Maureen called from the door.
Elliot smiled and pointed at his oldest daughter, "What she said."
"Yes Dad." Olivia and Kathleen said together making him chuckle.
Leaning down, he kissed Kathleen's head and then moved to kiss Olivia lightly on the lips, "See you later. I love you both."
"Love you Daddy." Kathleen said from her spot, "I'll take good care of Olivia."
He winked at her and turned back to Olivia, "Take your meds." He said again.
She nodded once and gave him a little salute, "Aye, aye Cap."
He kissed her one more time, squeezed Kathleen's arm and then turned towards the door to leave. When he was gone, Kathleen looked over at Olivia with a little smile, "Junk food and movie kinda a day?"
Olivia's heart soared and she nodded, "You bet kid."
Kathleen beamed up at Olivia and reached for the remote, feeling incredibly content and happy. A whole day to herself with Olivia. She flipped on the TV before reaching for the box of donuts she had been hiding under the couch. She popped open the lid and held it out to Olivia, "Is it true that all cops love donuts?"
Olivia laughed and took one out, "I'm not sure all cops...but this cop sure does."
Katheen munched on her own treat and smiled, "Did you always want to be a cop?"
"I'm not sure if I can say always...but as long as I can remember. Yes." She said with a nod, "I like my job."
Kathleen smiled at her, "Daddy says you're really good at it. Even better than him."
Olivia shook her head, "I don't think I would agree with that. Your Dad is the best cop I know."
"You were partners." She said licking the chocolate off her lips, "That's how you met."
"You're right." She said popping the last bite of donut into her mouth, "Your Dad worked at SVU before me and then when I joined the squad we got partnered up."
"Did you like working with him?" She asked, "Was he bossy? Sometimes he can be bossy…"
Olivia laughed, "He can...but he knew what he was doing. He helped me learn everything I needed to know. Kept me safe. We worked really well together."
Kathleen thought for a moment before asking, "But you can't be partners now? Because your Daddy's girlfriend."
Olivia nodded, "Yes. It's one of the rules...it just helps keep everyone safe."
"Do you miss working with him?" She asked curiously, "I know you work with Uncle Fin now."
"Yes. I miss it. But...the best thing is I get to come home with him every night and be here with all of you. It was more than worth it." She answered.
Kathleen bit her lip and whispered, "Olivia? Can I tell you something?"
"Of course you can." He said touching her cheek gently, "You know you can tell me anything honey. Anything at all."
Swallowing the lump in her throat she scooted closer to her, "I...I used to really want Mom to come back. I think part of me still did until recently. But now that you're here and you live with us...I don't want anyone else here but you and Dad. My Mom didn't want us. I was so mad at her when we saw her the other day...but she didn't care. And I got scared…"
"What were you scared of?" Olivia asked, her heart breaking for the girl.
Kathleen frowned, "I was scared...that because she was around you'd leave. That you would...change your mind. Or think we wanted her. But I was mad at her too...for not caring. And it was just a lot so I ran. And I'm really, really sorry. I know that was wrong. Now you're hurt…"
"I'm going to be just fine. My hip is going to heal just like your knee." She whispered to her, "But Kathleen, I want you to know that, that was never an option. Me leaving...no matter what your Mom had said, I'm not going anywhere. If someday you decide you want a relationship with her, I will support you. But I will be right here. Right beside you forever. I'll be your friend...or whatever you need from me. Okay?"
"Always?" She asked, tears in her eyes a hopeful question in her voice.
Leaning forward, she nuzzled her nose and smiled, "Always."
That night, Olivia was lying in bed flipping through the channels after Elliot banished her to their room. She had moved around a lot at dinner and he was insisting that she take it easy the rest of the night. Hearing a knock on the door, she turned and answered, "Come in."
The door pushed open and all four kids followed by Elliot walked into the room, "The troops have come to say goodnight."
Olivia beamed at him as Lizzie and Richie climbed up on the bed, "Night Livvie."
Pulling Richie against her she kissed the top of his head, "Night buddy."
Lizzie scooted closer to her, "Feeling any better?"
Olivia smiled and nodded honestly, "Much better. Thanks for asking."
"Good. Because tomorrow is your birthday." She said with a gleam in her eyes, "And birthdays are special."
An anxious feeling washed over Olivia, she understood that the kids were too young to understand why her birthday was a hard day for her. She hoped she could hide that anxiety but she knew they could usually read her like a book. Glancing over at Elliot, she saw that like his children, he looked hopeful but nervous and she wanted to be able to make them all feet relax and settled. She could clearly tell they were planning something and she knew whatever it was would be amazing. She just hoped she could hold it together and not spoil anything.
"So I've heard…" She said tugging on one of her blonde locks.
"Alright guys, let's let Liv rest so she can be ready to celebrate tomorrow." He said softly, knowing Olivia needed a little space at the moment.
One by one, the kids leaned in and hugged Olivia and said their goodnights. They climbed off the bed and marched out the door playfully when their Dad started muttering his usual Marine's talk. Olivia couldn't help but laugh and he threw her a wink before exiting the bedroom leaving her alone with her thoughts.
Little did Olivia know that the kids and Elliot were meeting quickly in the twins room. They settled around Richie's bunk and were talking quietly together.
"So...everything's ready?" Kathleen asked her Dad anxiously, "Grandma is making the cake?"
Elliot nodded, "She's dropping it off in the afternoon. She said she wants us to do this on our own. But I'm sure we'll celebrate all together soon."
"Everything is wrapped?" Lizzie asked anxiously.
Elliot smiled, "Everything is wrapped and hidden away so she won't find it."
Richie was practically bouncing in his seat, "Can we just do it now?"
"No!" Maureen said quickly, "It has to be on her birthday. Olivia hasn't had a good birthday before...we need to make this one the best yet!"
Elliot smiled at his oldest daughter, "That's part of the plan." He paused for a moment, then looked at each of his children one by one and suddenly felt very emotional, "You know...you guys can still tell me if you aren't ready."
"Daddy…" Kathleen said with a shake of her head, "We already talked about this."
He smiled and nodded his head, "I know. And I know you all love Olivia so much. Just like me. But...I never want to make a choice you aren't comfortable with. I know it hasn't been easy since your Mom left. I never really saw myself getting married again but I know that Olivia is the woman I want to be with. But only if you four are totally sure."
"We're sure Dad." Richie said with a smile, "We want Livvie to be our Mom. For real."
"Yeah." Lizzie said beaming at him, "We can't wait!"
Elliot looked at his two older girls, "And you two?"
Maureen rolled her eyes, "Dad...do you really need to ask me? I've only been campaigning for this for the last three years. I want this to happen!"
Kathleen smiled at her Dad, "Olivia saved me. She has taken care of us for years. She's our Mom."
"Yeah...she is." He whispered to them, "And after tomorrow...we'll be one step closer to making it official."
Maureen looked at her siblings and smiled,d "This is going to be so good…"
The following morning, Olivia woke up as the sun was rising. The soft light came in through the window of their bedroom and she smiled. She could feel her the stiffness in her hip but ignored it as she pressed back into Elliot who was behind her. She knew he was awake, could tell by the way he was breathing. When he reached out and brushed the hair away from her neck, placing a gentle kiss just below her ear.
"Good Morning birthday girl…" He mumbled, nipping at her earlobe gently, "How does it feel to officially be thirty-"
"Don't finish that sentence." She said pinching his arm, "I'm not a day over twenty-five."
He chuckled and nuzzled further into her, "Okay. If you say so."
"I say so." She said with a sigh as she turned, the ache in her hip shot through her and she frowned, "Stupid hip. I finally have a boyfriend on my birthday and I can't even have birthday sex."
Elliot chuckled and rested his head on his hand, smiling down at her, "True...we can't have sex." He saw her turn towards him, clearly confused by the tone of his voice, "But...if you promise to not overexert yourself...I could still make it a happy birthday for you."
Raising an eyebrow she smirked, "What did you have in mind?"
Elliot looked back at the clock, "I've got about an hour before the kids wake up…And I am determined to prove to you that Birthdays can be good." Looking down at her, he bit his lip, "Birthday present number one coming right up…"
She couldn't help but smile as he lowered himself down on the bed and she gasped when his lips pressed against her inner thigh, "Happy birthday to me…"
The day was filled with laughs, the kids did their best to ensure Olivia never had a minute to feel sad. Before dinner, she excused herself to take a quick shower upstairs. They used the time to set everything up they needed downstairs. Up in their bedroom, Olivia was sitting on the bed as she got her clothes on. Reaching out, she grabbed for the pain medication beside the bed and popped a pill into her mouth. She had been busy with the kids today and she was feeling the soreness takeover.
Glancing at the clock she saw that it was 5:37. The official time of her birth. She wondered what her Mom had felt all those years ago when she came into the world. What it was like for her when the nurse placed her in her arms. Tears welled up in her eyes and she hated that once again she was feeling overwhelmed. For so many years, her birthday was a day she felt the saddest. There was never a cake. There was never a birthday party, or a special dinner. Just silence. Her Mom ignored it as much as she could. And the years she didn't ignore it...those we were worse.
Lying back on the bed, she felt the tears burning in the back of her throat. She closed her eyes and tried to focus on the sound of the kids voices echoing up the stairs and into the bedroom. They had worked so hard today to make it special. A pancake breakfast, followed by all her favorite games. Elliot let them watch Olivia's favorite movie "The Wizard of Oz", they played outside and Elliot ordered Olivia's favorite pizza for lunch. Now they were planning a special dinner, followed by one of Bernie's special birthday cakes. She had never had a birthday cake.
Now she had a boyfriend and his four incredible kids who wanted to give her everything she had missed in life. As if on cue, the door opened and she knew he was standing in the doorway without needing to look. She sensed him. Whenever he was close, her body could feel him. Like he was a magnet that she was drawn too. She didn't move for a moment, too afraid to alert him to her crying. But she knew he knew her better than anyone and had probably figured it out before coming into the room. When she felt the bed dip below his weight, her hand reached out for him and he curled up beside her.
"Liv…" He whispered into her ear, "You okay?"
Turning towards him she smiled softly, "I'm...fine."
Elliot leaned in and kissed her cheek, "Are we overwhelming you?" She tensed in his arms and he sighed, worry taking over, "I'm sorry…"
"No." She reached for him again and squeezed his bicep, "No...El you're not overwhelming me. I just needed to rest for a second."
Looking down at her hip he frowned, "I knew you overdid it today…"
"I'm okay." She said with a smile, "It's been great. It's all been...great."
He watched her carefully and then leaned up on his elbow to see her face better, knowing he could see the truth in her eyes, "I sense a but coming…"
She turned further toward him and sighed, "No but's...it's just different."
Elliot tilted her chin up to meet him, desperate for her to open up to him. To give him any indication about whether or not he needed to pull the plug on his plan. "Tell me."
Swallowing the lump in her throat she looked straight at him, "I've never had a birthday cake."
His heart ached for her and he shook his head, "Never once?"
Her cheeks flushed, feeling embarrassed by such a confession. Something that seemed so trivial and yet it symbolized so much. "No. My Mom...well obviously you know why there. And I guess when I was older I didn't see the point. I never told anyone my birthday...it all felt weird. I didn't see the point in celebrating." He went to say something and she smiled, "I know. I know what you're going to say. And I love you so much for caring."
Elliot's heart was thrumming away in his chest. Up until this minute, he was feeling confident about his plan. Thinking that it was the right move. But the sadness in her eyes began to worry him. He just didn't know how he was going to get his kids to understand that they couldn't go through with it, "Liv-"
Touching his cheek she smiled, "El...I love you. More than anything. I'm not upset...I'm not sad. I'm just…" She turned to him again and held his face in her hands, wanting him to understand how serious she was, "So incredibly grateful that for once in my life I don't have to spend this day alone...I have you. And those four incredible kids." Her eyes welled up with tears before she whispered, "I finally have what I always wished for on every birthday when I was alone."
His smile widened, thinking he knew what she was going to say, "And what's that?"
"A family." She answered her voice laced with emotion and love, leaning in towards him she continued, "That's all I need. All I'll ever need…"
Elliot went to open his mouth when Maureen's voice filtered in through the room, "Dad! We're ready!"
Elliot turned towards the door, "Do you want to go downstairs? I can tell them you need a minute...it's okay."
"I'll be right there." She said kissing him gently, "I just need a sec." He was watching her and she could tell that he was still worried, "El...I'm good. I swear. I'm happy. So happy. I just need a second."
Tracing the line of her jaw with his finger he whispered, "I just want…" His voice cracked and he bit his lip, feeling overwhelmed, "I want you to understand how loved you are. How loved you will always be."
Leaning into his touch she sighed happily, "Luckiest girl ever."
A slow smile spread on his lips and he pressed his lips to her forehead, "Take all the time you need. We're not going anywhere."
He kissed her lips once, pulled away and quickly exited the room to give her a moment on her own. Pulling herself up, she touched her hip gently sighing when she felt the slight ache. Standing up, she walked over to the dresser and checked her hair to see that it hadn't gotten messed up while lying on the bed. Catching her reflection, she took stock of her appearance. She had never been one to look at herself long. Especially as a Detective. She tried to keep her makeup limited if any at all. She wasn't vain but she had been told more times than she could count that she was a beautiful woman and in her line of work she tried to bring as little attention to herself as possible.
She had often been told as a child that she looked like her Mother. But she always wondered...how much of her Father was reflected in her? The thought sat in her chest and that all too familiar feeling of being worthless washed over her. The knowledge that she hadn't been wanted. Knowing she was brought into the world by violence and power. For so long she let herself believe that she deserved to be alone, that she deserved to never be loved. After thinking that way for so many years...it was hard to believe that she deserved more.
How many men had she let use her in her life? How many times had she run when things got a little too serious? How many times had she told herself that she would never find happiness because she would never deserve it?
Now...here she was with a life she never envisioned. She had been in love with Elliot for so long though she tried to deny it. And he had somehow, someway learned to love her back. No matter how hard she pushed him away, how hard she told him she wasn't worth it, he held her in place. He was determined to make her see that she, of all people in the world, deserved to be happy, deserved to be loved. And if she let him...he would give her all that and more. She was on the verge of something big. She could feel it deep in her bones.
All she had to do was take a deep breath and jump…
Smiling to herself, she pressed a hand to her belly and felt the familiar butterflies fluttering away. Downstairs was a man and his four children who were going out of their way to shower her with love. It was now or never…
Downstairs, the kids were practically bouncing in their seats. Elliot had to tell them more than once to try and contain themselves so they didn't spoil the surprise. When they heard her on the stairs, Elliot gave them each a reassuring smile and it seemed to calm their nerves. Rounding the corner, Olivia walked into the dining room and stopped short. The table was set and all five of them were watching her, smiling at her, and waiting for her to join them.
Those damn butterflies were at it again…
Feeling the blush creep up in her cheeks, she walked towards them and smiled when Richie jumped up off his chair. He scampered over to her chair and pulled it out, catching Elliot's eye he was smiling proudly at his son's act of chivalry. Olivia thanked him, sat down and helped him scoot her chair in. Looking up at the kids, they were practically beaming at her and she had to bite back the tears because she didn't want to upset them. They settled into a comfortable routine like they had so many nights before. Passing around the dishes, engaging in small talk, laughing at each other's jokes.
And the whole time all of them were thinking...could it be like this forever?
Throughout the entire dinner, Elliot could feel the weight of the black box in his pocket. It felt heavier by the second and it was taking all of his strength to not whip it out and ask her. He felt just as anxious as his kids. From time to time, he looked over at each of his children and saw the hope on their faces. As a single Father, all he ever wanted was to see them happy. For so many years, he had worried that he would never be able to give them everything they wanted and deserved. He worried that they would feel that sense of abandonment, sense of longing for something more.
And then came Olivia…
Like a hurricane, she flew into his life when he least expected it. From the moment he met her, he knew she was something special. Even as a married man, he saw all the incredible attributes she had to offer. And when he was at his lowest point in life, she gave him direction. She gave him purpose. On the days when he felt like he wanted to drown, like he could drown, she pulled him back out. She put her own needs aside to support him, to help him raise his children when she had no obligation whatsoever. She made him laugh like no one could. She made him see the world through a new lens. She made him believe in the good, believe in love, believe that he could be happy. Truly and deeply happy.
All he wanted was this life with her.
There would never be another. Never could be another.
She was everything.
But...would she say yes?
Hearing his kids laugh around the table, he looked up again and saw Olivia staring at him. Her eyes held his and he could tell she was wondering what he was thinking. His fingers tightened on the box sitting against his thigh and he smiled. He saw her shoulders relax when he sent a little wink in her direction. And for the first time in his life...he was hoping this dinner would hurry up and end.
When the dishes were cleared and put in the dishwasher, Richie and Lizzie immediately dragged Olivia back to the table. They made sure she was seated and Elliot, Kathleen and Maureen got the cake ready. Olivia could feel her heart thrumming away in her chest. So much felt like it was riding on this moment. She told herself it was just a birthday cake...but it felt like so much more.
"Okay. We ready?" Elliot asked looking at his kids, they were nodding their heads adamantly, "Just a warning...we'll never win any singing contests but it's all about the love behind it."
Olivia laughed and pulled Lizzie against her side, "Noted."
"Okay. On the count of three guys." He said with a little smirk as he lifted the cake, "One. Two. Three."
All five of the Stabler's started to sing Happy Birthday, all in different keys and levels of loudness. And yet...it was the best damn sound she had ever heard. Her heart felt like it was going to burst from her chest thinking about how much she loved them. And when Elliot placed the cake Bernie had made in front of her, she glanced up at him and he smiled down at her reminding her he was right beside her. Just like he always had been. And hopefully...always would be.
As the last notes of the song rang through the room, Lizzie leaned in and whispered to her, "Close your eyes and make a really good wish."
Olivia's eyes closed tight, she didn't need to think about what she wanted.
It was right there on the tip of her tongue. Smiling, she thought I wish this family could be mine forever.
When she blew out the candles and opened her eyes, she stared around at the four kids smiling at her and the tears burned there again. That was when she realized that Elliot wasn't standing near her anymore. She frowned, and looked around but he was nowhere to be seen.
Olivia looked at Maureen, "Where's-"
Maureen shook her head, "Do you trust us?"
A lump formed in her throat and that feeling of, something big coming washed over her again. But staring at the four kids, she nodded slowly and let them start to pull her up off the chair. Glancing back at the cake at the table, she thought of her wish and she wondered if someone had really been listening. When they made her put her coat on, she had a million and one questions to ask. But everytime she tried, the kids shut her down. Kathleen poked her head outside and then mumbled something to Elliot in the yard. When she turned back, she gave her sister a thumbs up.
Maureen leaned in, whispered something to Lizzie and Richie and they went with Kathleen out the back door. Olivia turned to Maureen who pulled a bag from behind her back. "Here."
Olivia looked down at the bag, "What's this?"
"No questions." She said shaking her head, "Just...follow me and when I tell you to open it. Open it."
Olivia pressed a hand into her belly, trying to quiet the fluttering again. She was sure Maureen could hear it. When Maureen gave her a questioning look, she smiled and reminded herself to breathe...then jump. Giving her a nod, she followed her outside and smiled when Maureen looped her arm in hers. "Close your eyes. I'll lead you."
Putting her trust in Elliot's oldest daughter, she walked outside and heard her boots crunching under the newly fallen snow. She thought she heard giggling followed by a quick shushing sound. Suddenly they were stopping and Maureen turned her back towards the house which confused her for a movement. She heard the kids whispering something to Elliot, then moving towards her. When Maureen told her to open her eyes, the four of them were standing there smiling at her and her heart grew four times its normal size.
"Okay." Maureen said with a shaky breath, "You can open the bag." She paused and then reached out, "Actually…"
Olivia looked at her and saw her siblings all looking at her nervously, "Mo?"
Tears welled up in Maureen's eyes and she whispered, "Just...remember that we really love you." The other three kids relaxed and smiled up at her, "Okay...open it."
With trembling hands, Olivia reached in and took out what felt like a packet of paper. She frowned and looked at the kids again, they urged her on. Looking down again, she realized it was in fact a bunch of papers, legal papers. And on top was a letter that she read outloud, "These forms hereby acknowledge the legal adoption…" Her breath caught in her throat and she had to press a hand to her chest to try and keep herself steady, "Of Maureen, Kathleen, Richard and Elizabeth Stabler by one Olivia Benson…"
Her hands were trembling and Maureen spoke first, "We know...it's a lot to ask. And maybe this is more of a present for us…" She swiped at her tears, "But Olivia...we really, really, really want you to be our Mom."
Kathleen leaned into her sister and whispered, "You already are."
Her lungs were on fire, and she felt dizzy, "Girls…"
"Daddy said you don't like Birthdays. That...you never had a good birthday." Lizzie said softly, "But...we thought maybe this would give you a reason to like them."
Richie stepped closer to her and started to speak quickly, his nerves taking over, "It felt good to call you Mom...and...and I'd like to keep calling you that."
The tears were falling hard and fast down her face now and there was no way to hide them. Her words were lost in her throat and she knew she had to speak but she was so overwhelmed with love and emotion she didn't know how to move forward. Lucky for her, Maureen sensed it and had other plans for her.
"Now...turn around." She said, giving her a soft smile, "Present number two is waiting for you…"
Turning slowly, she hoped her legs wouldn't give out and she knew what she was going to see behind her. And yet...the sight still shocked her. There knelt Elliot in the snow, surrounded by candles. In his hand, he held a black box. Her hand reached out and pressed against her lips, trying to keep the tears at bay but it was useless. She watched as he took a shuddering breath and offered her a smile.
"I told you I wasn't going to tell you when or where...but that it would happen." He whispered, never taking his eyes off of her, "I know that this...is probably a lot. But I…" He smiled and looked behind him, "We...wanted you to understand how important you are. How loved you are. Never in my life have I been more sure of something...I want you to be my wife. My children...they want you to be their Mother. And you are Liv. You are. We don't need a piece of paper to prove it...but it makes it all that much more real. We love you. I love you. So…" Reaching for her trembling hand, he squeezed it gently and whispered, "Will you marry me?"
All four kids walked behind him and Kathleen whispered, "And will you adopt us? Will you be our Mom?"
Hanging her head, Olivia felt her knees start to shake and she gasped for air. Elliot held her hand firmly in his, all of their hearts were on the line and he was praying he hadn't made a grave miscalculation. Knowing she needed to respond, she took another deep breath...and reminded herself…
Just jump.
Lifting her head, she wiped at her tears and looked down at their anxious faces, "If I had known birthday wishes come true that quick...I would have made this one a heck of a long time ago."
Elliot's face lit up like the candles surrounding him, "Liv?"
"Yes." She said confidently, "Yes I will marry you." Her eyes scanned the four kids and the happy laugh she had been holding in escaped her lips, "And yes...yes of course I will adopt you. There is nothing I want more than this."
The kids immediately erupted in cheers of triumph and Elliot pulled himself off the ground, tugging her into his arms. She fell against him, wrapping her arms around his waist and feeling herself melt into him. Elliot couldn't hide his own tears as he tangled his hands in her hair and pressed kisses to her forehead, her nose, her cheeks and finally her lips. He felt the kids reaching for them, wrapping themselves around the two of them. In all his years, he had never felt such a rush of emotions.
Pulling away, he searched her eyes, "You said yes, right? I didn't imagine that?"
Olivia laughed and kissed him again, "I definitely said yes."
The kids continued to run around them, throwing snowballs and celebrating together. "Liv…"
Shaking her head she felt like she was living through one of her dreams again, "And just to check...you definitely asked?"
Elliot smirked and held out his hand again, "I definitely asked…"
She gasped, finally looking at the diamond in the box, "Elliot…"
He smiled and lifted her left hand, "Can I?"
She bit her lip and looked down at her usual bare left hand, "Yes!"
Siding the ring onto her finger, he whispered, "Perfect fit…"
Wrapping her right hand around the back of his neck she beamed up at him, "Yeah...perfect fit."
He kissed her again, lifted her up and she couldn't help but laugh as he spun her around. "Told you birthdays can be good."
When her feet touched the ground again, the kids immediately attacked her and she was reaching for them, "I guess you were right."
Richie was jumping up and down in front of her, "Happy Birthday Mom!"
Olivia felt the lump in her throat again hearing him calling her Mom, "Mom…"
He looked over at his Dad, then back to Olivia, "Are...are we allowed to call you that now? I just thought…"
Elliot smiled at his son, "Well we still have to sign the papers...and we will have them authorized at the courthouse. So I guess technically it's not official yet…"
Richie frowned, then looked back at Olivia, "But...but can I still call you-"
Reaching out for him, she lifted him into her arms, "If that's...what you want. And you're comfortable with-"
The young boy shrugged innocently and smiled, nodding his head excitedly, "You're my Mom. You always have been."
Biting her lip, she looked down at the four kids, "You...you're sure? All of you? This is big. Really big. And I don't want you to regret it someday."
Maureen leaned against Olivia's side, "Liv…" She paused, her cheeks flushing and she whispered, "Mom...we've wanted this forever."
Olivia looked up at Elliot, "And you...you're okay with the adoption?"
Elliot looked down at his kids and nodded, "They came to me...gave me a whole speech. I knew I already wanted it to happen but hearing it come from them made me realize this is where we were always going to end up. They are right Liv...you've been more of a Mother to them in the last four years than Kathy ever was. You've been there everyday, for the good and the bad. You've protected them, loved them, supported them. They love you just like I do. We want you here...forever."
Olivia took a deep breath and looked down at Richie in her arms, "You have a pen?"
Richie's smile widened, "Check the bottom of the gift bag."
Lizzie was suddenly standing there holding up the bag again, "Here!"
Olivia smiled, took the bag and cocked her head towards the house, "Come on. I have some signing to do."
Together, the six of them walked into the house and started to sort through the papers. Elliot and Olivia got busy singing as the kids sliced cake, danced around the kitchen and celebrated all their victories for the day. Signing her name on the last line, Maureen leaned against her and whispered, "Four years of birthday wishes coming true for me…"
Olivia smiled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "Four years, huh?"
"Yeah." She said with a tear strained voice, "I finally got the Mom I always wanted…"
Resting her forehead against Maureen's she whispered, "And I finally got the family I always wanted…"
Late that night, they had set up the living room much like the night that Olivia had stayed with the kids during the storm. The kids insisted on having a family sleepover. Olivia was too happy to say no and was now settled on the couch smiling down at the four sleeping children on the floor in front of her. She studied the way they breathed as they slept. She couldn't help but think that Richie looked so much like his Father, especially as he slept with one hand over his head and one resting on his stomach. Lizzie was curled up next to her oldest sister, her blonde curls mixing with Maureen's. Kathleen slept on her stomach, one hand reaching towards Olivia.
Holding the pillow from the couch to her chest, she rested her chin on the corner of it and sighed happily. The sparkling diamond on her finger, caught her eye and she couldn't help but smile. She felt like she had been floating on air the last few hours. Looking at the clock, she saw it was 11:45. Fifteen more minutes left on her birthday. How many years had she spent wishing away the hours on her birthday? Now she didn't want the day to end.
She felt him behind her, and smiled when he held out a glass of wine out for her, "For the birthday girl…"
He climbed over the back of the couch and settled in beside her, "Thank you."
Elliot looked down at the kids and smiled, "I don't think they slept all week...they were too excited. Too nervous."
Turning to look at them she whispered, "They were worried…"
Elliot took a sip of his own wine and then placed the glass on the table beside him, "We just...knew there was a lot riding on this moment." Pausing for a moment he whispered, "I was worried that the whole birthday thing...would be too much." Shaking his head he shrugged, "I just...wanted you to have a good memory from a birthday. I've said it before and I'll say it again…" Turning to look at her he continued, "Your birth is something to celebrate...you are the best thing that has ever happened to me Liv."
The nervous energy radiating off of him broke her heart, "El…"
"Just…" He reached for her hand and stared down at the ring, "Tell me you're happy. That you...actually want this."
"Elliot…" She placed her wine down and reached for him, "I have never wanted anything more." Touching his face with two fingers she whispered, "I'm...just taking it all in. I never imagined I'd be this lucky." Leaning forward she kissed him sweetly, "I love you." Her eyes turned towards the four sleeping kids, "I love your kids…"
"Our kids…" He whispered into her ear, "Just need a final approval from the judge…"
"Our kids…" She beamed at him as the weight of his words actually sunk in, "I have four kids…" She laughed and then shook her head, "Holy crap…"
Wrapping his hand in her hair, he turned her face towards his, "Liv…are you overwhelmed-"
She shook her head admently, "No...it's just not everyday a girl gets a fiance and four kids all in-one." Her eyes twinkled as she spoke, "I gotta say...you outdid yourself Stabler. Not sure you can ever top this birthday. It's one for the books."
Elliot smirked and pulled her in for another kiss, "It will definitely be hard...but I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives trying to outdo it every year."
She smiled and nuzzled the side of his face, "Mmm...nah. I don't ever need another gift. This was the only thing I'll ever need." She placed a gentle kiss to the side of his face, then turned so her back was resting against his chest. Lifting her hand she sighed and smiled up at the ring on her finger, "Olivia Stabler…"
Threading his hands through her brown hair he couldn't keep the smile off his face, "Mrs. Stabler…"
Biting her lip she glanced up at him, "We're getting married…"
Leaning down, he kissed her lips softly, "Damn right we are." He watched her admire the ring again for a moment, his cheeks burned and he whispered, "Is...is it okay?" She looked back at him with a look of confusion on her face, "The ring...do you lik-"
"Elliot it is so beautiful." She replied, fhe sincerity in her voice made him relax, "It's definitely going to take some getting used to. I've never worn something quite as nice as this." She wiggled her fingers, "But I can assure you that this baby is never coming off…"
He smiled proudly, "Good. Like I told you before...I want everyone to know your taken. Let there be no question about it."
"There wasn't a question before El. I'm yours in every way possible. But...I do like the symbolism of this." She sighed happily.
Reaching for her hand he began to slip the ring off her finger, she quickly started to protest, "I don't think you saw the inside. Everything happened so fast…"
"The inside?" Taking the ring gently from him, she inspected it carefully before her breath caught in her throat. There, etched into the band was 3 simple words that to her meant everything. "Partners for life. Oh El…"
Running his hands through her hair affectionately, his voice dropped low as he talked, "I know we both miss our partnership at work. We probably always will. But we are partners Liv. You and me. We are a team. For better or worse. I will always have your back. Even on the hardest days, especially on those days actually. You and me...we are partners. In every sense of the word. Okay?"
Tears brimmed in her eyes again as she gently tugged his face towards hers, "Damn you're good Stabler." She kissed him twice and pulled away with a satisfied sigh, "I love you."
"I love you too." He answered, never taking his eyes off of her.
She let her eyes stare at the inscription for another minute, marveled at the diamond and then held her hand out to him. He smiled when she wiggled her fingers expectantly. Lifting her hand, he kissed each finger before taking the ring again and sliding it back into place. As soon as it was on again, her body relaxed and she snuggled deeper into his arms. He could tell the events of the day were catching up to her and he knew she would be asleep soon. However, still determined to make her day as special as ever he had to ask...
Looking over at the clock he smiled, "You've still got five minutes left, birthday girl...anything else you want?"
Her eyes fluttered shut as sleep began to overtake her, "Not a single thing…" Yawning she leaned further into him, "By the way...I changed my mind."
He frowned and kissed the back of her head, "Changed your mind about what?"
"Birthdays." She whispered with a smile, "I finally get what all the hype was about…"
He wrapped his arms tighter around her and smiled, "Good. I'm glad."
She felt her body relax against his and smiled, "I love you. Thank you for the best day ever."
"I love you too Liv. Thank you for making the happiest man in the world…" He whispered, "Go to sleep. I'll be right here when you wake up."
He could see the smile still on her lips as she mumbled, "Forever?"
"Forever and a day." He answered by kissing her head, "Happy Birthday Olivia."
On Monday morning, Olivia and Elliot walked into the precinct side by side. It took all of strength not to hold her hand but they tried hard to keep the PDA to a minimum. The rest of the weekend had been a blur of excitement, the five of them basking in the glow of their happiness. It had been hard to pull themselves away this morning and return to the real world.
Olivia hadn't been back in the building since the incident with Kathy. Although she was going to be on desk duty, she didn't really care. Nothing could bring her mood down today. Making her way to her desk, she saw that Alex, Fin, Munch and Cragen were already working. She caught Elliot's eye as he walked to his own desk and she waited.
"Hey." Fin said with a smile, "Did you have a good birthday weekend?"
Olivia's eyes twinkled with delight, "I did. Best birthday ever actually."
Alex looked at Elliot and nudged him with her elbow, "High praise from the woman who despises birthdays. What did you do?"
Elliot shook his head, "Nothing. If anything, I'm the one that got the best gift this weekend. My kids too."
Alex frowned and looked over at Olivia, "What does he mean? You're not supposed to give other people gifts on your own birthday…"
Olivia sighed and leaned against her desk, "I didn't. Not technically anyway." Lifting her left hand, she brushed her hair out of her face, "I'd say it was more of a group gift."
Alex's eyes narrowed in confusion, and then the light caught the diamond on Olivia's finger, "Well I'll be damned…"
Olivia beamed at her, "Yeah…"
Fin and Munch's eyes followed Alex's gaze, "Mazel tov!" Munch yelled, then turned to Elliot, "It's about damn time!" He clapped Elliot on the shoulder, "Smart choice my friend."
"Thank you." Elliot replied before turning back to Olivia, "Easiest and best choice I ever made."
She smiled at him as Alex came over to admire the ring, "That wasn't the only surprise ." Her friends looked at her expectantly, "The kids asked if I would officially adopt them. And of course I said yes."
Alex put a hand to her mouth in shock, "Ms. independent got a future husband and four kids in one day?"
Olivia couldn't help but laugh, "I know. Crazy. Right?" Turning towards Fin she saw he was standing there totally still, "You're awfully quiet over there partner. Aren't you going to say anything?"
Fin smiled softly, "You look happy."
Olivia's eyes darted towards Elliot and she gave him her sweetest smile, "I'm happier than I thought was even possible Fin."
Walking over to her he pulled her in for a fierce hug, "Then I am happy for you." Pulling away he smirked, "And when he gives you trouble...you come to me. I'll kick his ass if he ever screws this up."
Olivia smiled at him, "Thank you." She turned towards Cragen anxiously, "Cap...I know this complicates things more. And if-"
"It was discussed with IAB and the Brass as a possibility. We all knew it was probably in the cards. As long as you keep being professional as you have been...then we will be just fine." He smiled at her, "I wouldn't have given Elliot my approval when he asked if I didn't think this was right."
Her eyes welled up with tears and she looked at her fiance, once again in awe of his love for her, "You asked Cragen?"
He shrugged, feeling his cheeks flush, "It felt right…"
Detaching herself Fin and Alex, she walked over to him, "Well you just thought of everything...didn't you?"
He felt his cheeks get even redder and he had to look down, "I wanted to do this the right way. The way you deserved."
Her heart fluttered in her chest, turning to look at her boss she said, "Cap...do you think-"
Turning his back he smirked, "If I don't see it...it didn't happen."
Beaming at him, she grabbed Elliot's shirt and pulled him in for a kiss. She felt Elliot smiling against her lips and she knew that this was indeed forever.
Partners for life.