Here is the next installment. A little more sweetness to tide you all over :)

Sidenote - after this chapter the rating will be bumped to M so keep an eye out for it there :)

By May, they were in the full swing of living as a family. The kids always referred to her as Mom and it felt incredibly natural to all of them. They were 4 weeks away from the wedding and despite her earlier anxiety about the actual wedding, Olivia couldn't wait until the big day. One Saturday morning, she went with the girls to try on all of their dresses. Neither Elliot or her were having bridesmaids or Groomsmen but the kids would be standing with them during the ceremony. Walking into the boutique, she was holding Lizzie's hand and Maureen and Kathleen talked excitedly in front of her as they walked. They talked to the saleswomen and then went into the dressing room to try on the dresses. Olivia helped all the girls and they came out in their navy blue dresses.

Olivia smiled at them as they twirled from side to side, "You girls look beautiful! So grown up!"

Lizzie spun in a circle, the material flowing around her, "I feel like a Princess!"

Olivia smiled and touched her face gently, "You look like a princess!"

"Try on your dress now!" Kathleen said, "I can't wait to see it!"

"Okay. You say out here." She said smiling at them, "I'll be right back."

Walking into the dressing room again, one of the attendants helped her as she slipped into the dress. "Your girls are beautiful." She said.

Olivia smiled at her through the mirror, "Thank you!" She kept her eyes down, not ready to see the final product just yet, but when she heard the zipper clasp, her heart jumped in her chest and she looked up, "I'm getting married…"

The woman smiled at her from behind her, "Yes. You are. Let's go show your girls."

Olivia looked at herself again, still surprised by the sight in front of her. She had picked out a simple yet elegant dress. It was strapless, with a sweetheart neckline, it hugged her until it got to her hips and then followed out slightly with lace covering. She pressed a hand into her belly and breathed deeply. She had never quite pictured herself getting married. Never quite thought anyone would love her enough to want to spend forever with her. And yet, Elliot did. He wanted to promise her a lifetime of happiness. Smiling, she lifted the hem of her dress and walked out into the main room of the boutique. Kathleen squealed when she saw her and Lizzie started running around her in circles. Maureen just stood there, smiling at her Mother with tears in her eyes.

Olivia shifted from foot to foot, "Well? What do you think?"

"One final touch." The saleswoman said behind her, Olivia bent her knees slightly and she placed a veil in her hair, "There you go."

Maureen swallowed hard, "Daddy is going to be speechless."

Olivia felt the flush rise in her cheeks, "So...we still think it's the one?"

"It's definitely the one." She answered walking over to her, "It's perfect. You look beautiful."

"If I'm the Princess…" Lizzie said, "You are the Queen Mommy."

Olivia beamed down at her, "The Queen huh?"

"Yeah! And Daddy will be the King!" She said dancing around her again, "It's going to be the best day!"

Olivia looked up at herself in the mirror again and smiled, "The best day…"

Elliot stood in his Mother's living room smiling out the window at Richie playing with one of his friends. The boy lived next door to Bernie and they often played together when they were visiting. Walking into the room, Bernie smiled at her son and stepped up to him. Olivia and the girls were meeting them there for dinner as an early Mother's Day dinner with Bernie. Tomorrow they would celebrate at their house, Olivia's first Mother's Day.

"Always keeping an eye on them…" She said with a little smirk, "Eyes of a hawk you have."

Elliot looked at his Mom and smiled, "It's my job to protect them."

Bernie smiled and touched his back, "I know. You're a wonderful Father Elliot."

"Olivia's a wonderful Mother." He said with a happy sigh, "The way she's so easily transitioned to Motherhood is amazing to me. She never even faltered…"

Bernie rubbed his back softly, "She's a natural. That's for sure." She pulled at his arm and he turned to her expectantly, "I'm...so happy for you Elliot."

His face flushed and he nodded slowly, "Thank you Ma. I'm very happy...happier than I thought was possible."

"No cold feet?" She teased and he laughed, "Your feet were ice blocks before the last wedding…"

Elliot groaned, "Yeah well…I think even then I knew it was the wrong choice. Kathy and I weren't supposed to be together."

"No. You weren't. But...you got four wonderful children out of that marriage. So in the end, I'd say it was worth it. Don't you agree?" She asked.

Elliot nodded, "I do. The kids are great...I just wish I could have saved them the pain of Kathy abandoning them. I know Olivia has more than made up for Kathy's absence but someday...it will be something they need to face."

"It might be." She said with a little nod, "But for now...all they need is you and Olivia. Thinking of all the mistakes I made...the things I put you through…"

Elliot quickly cut her off, turning all the way towards her, "Mom...it's okay." She frowned slightly, wanting to protest but he shook his head, "In the last four years you have been there for me more than I ever could have thought possible. Yeah...there were some hard times as a kid. But you're doing so well now and you've helped me raise my kids. You've made so many sacrifices. You're there everyday, nights too when work is crazy. I couldn't have done this without you."

Bernie shook her head and reached up to hug him, "I am so proud to be your Mother Elliot. So proud."

He smiled, hugging her back, "And I'm proud to be your son, Ma."

The door opened and Richie burst in, "They're here!"

Elliot smiled and turned to his son just as Olivia and the girls walked in carrying bags of groceries. He quickly walked over to them, kissed Olivia and grabbed the bags from her. The girls were chattering busily, going on and on about their day as Elliot and Olivia brought everything into the kitchen. Bernie walked outside with the kids to keep them distracted and Olivia started to move around the kitchen when Elliot caught her hips from behind and spun her around.

She gasped and braced her hands on his chest, "El what-"

He silenced her with a kiss and cocked his head to the side, "Go outside."

She frowned and shook her head, "I can help with dinner."

He nodded once, "I know you can. But I got it covered. Go…"

She sighed, knowing he wouldn't give in. But she wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled, "Fine. But give me two minutes of uninterrupted time with you. Then I'll go."

Elliot smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer, "I won't argue with that."

They kissed for a few moments, slow and passionately. Taking their time, savoring the moment of just them. The soft sounds of their children laughing in the background. Finally, she pulled away and rested her forehead against his, "Only a month left...you still sure?"

Elliot beamed at her and nodded, "Hell yeah I'm sure. What about you?"

"More than sure." She said tracing the line of his strong jaw, memorizing the look of him in this moment, "Positive."

He smiled softly at her, "The girls looked happy. Did you have a good day?"

She smiled and kissed him again, "We did. It was nice to be with just the girls. I should do it more often. Especially for Lizzie. I think sometimes she feels like Richie takes over...she's more shy. Plus I think she likes being with her sisters."

Elliot nodded, "I bet she does. And you...her Mom."

Her smile widened, three months later and it still made her heart flutter to be called their Mother, "Hm…"

He smiled and kissed her cheek, "Go outside. I'll get things started in here then come out too."

She pushed up on her tiptoes and pulled him in for another kiss, "Why are you so good to me Stabler?"

He moved his hands to her ass and squeezed, "Because rumor has it I love you."

She laughed and leaned further into him, "I think I may have heard that rumor before too…"

He playfully smacked her behind and nudged her with his hips, "Good. Now get out."

She smiled, pecked his lips once more and then walked out of the kitchen and out the side door. Walking down the path, she met the kids out on the sand. It was a warm May night, but there was still a slight chill in the air. She pulled her sweater on her tighter and then Richie ran at her, launching himself into her arms.

"Hi Mom!" He said wrapping his legs around her.

She laughed and kissed his cheek, "Hi little man. Did you have a good day with Dad?"

"Uh huh." He said holding onto her tighter, "But I missed you."

"I missed you too." She said shifting him to her left hip.

Walking along the beach with him for a few minutes they discussed their day. When they made their way to where the girls stood, Richie hopped down and started chasing after his sisters. Olivia called out to him to place nice but she could only laugh as he tripped and fell into the sand. Bernie chuckled and walked up beside Olivia. "He is so like his Father."

Olivia looked over at her and smiled, "Elliot was a rambunctious kid?"

"Oh very much so! Very curious about the world. Never sat still. Always running and jumping. He enjoyed life." She said softly, "Even on my hard days he...found a way to find good in the world. He wanted to be a cop because of Joe but also because I think he wanted to make the world a better place."

Olivia smiled down at her, "And he has. He does. Everyday."

"Yes. Well all of that changed…" She frowned, "When Kathy got pregnant…"

Olivia frowned and looked directly at her, "Bernie…"

"I love my grandchildren more than life itself. But Kathy crushed a part of his spirit and I never thought I'd get it back." She wrapped an arm around her and soon to be daughter-in-law and smiled, "But you brought that spirit back Olivia. You brought the light back in his eyes."

Olivia blushed and looked down at the sand beneath her feet, "Bernie your son...is so incredible. I know you said that there are things you did...or didn't do but he is such a good man. And that's thanks to you. I don't know what I ever did to deserve him...I still don't think I do. But I promise that I will spend forever making sure he knows how much I love him. Him and your grandchildren. I'll love them forever."

Bernie's eyes welled up with tears and she squeezed her tight, "I know you will Olivia. I know you will."

"Come on Mommy! Come play with us!" Lizzie yelled from across the beach.

Olivia looked at Bernie and smiled, Bernie beamed at her, "Go on."

Oliva leaned forward and kissed Bernie's cheek before turning to run off towards the kids. Bernie laughed as she watched Olivia lift Lizzie up and toss her into the air, the young girl giggling. The rest of the kids ran after her and she squealed, running from them playfully. Elliot walked out a moment later and smiled at his Mom before taking off to tag along. The four kids and Olivia ran when they saw him coming. Bernie couldn't keep the smile off her face as she watched them playing and laughing. When Elliot grabbed Olivia and spun her around making her laugh even harder, Bernie knew that no matter what happened they were going to make it.

The following morning, Olivia was fast asleep. They got home late and Elliot had more than spoiled her when they were alone. She felt him kissing her arm gently and she sighed contently, "Elliot?"

A low chuckle escaped his lips and he growled into her ear, "Who else would be kissing you naked in bed other than me?"

She laughed and her eyes fluttered open, turning to look at him, "No one important."

Elliot rolled his eyes and hovered over her, "Really?"

Opening her eyes all the way, she touched his cheek, "Good morning."

"Happy Mother's Day." He said leaning down to kiss her gently, "Your first Mother's Day."

Her hands ran down his muscular back and she smiled, "Hm...so it is."

He peeked below the sheet covering her, "As much as I like looking at you like this...I have a feeling that four excited kids are going to be barging in soon. I told them no earlier than 8...but I'm not sure they'll listen."

She smiled and kissed him again, "I can't complain...I'm damn lucky."

Elliot pressed a kiss to her lips, her nose, her neck, her chest and down to her belly, "I had a dream last night about you being pregnant…"

Olivia smiled and rubbed the top of his head, "Oh yeah?"

He nuzzled her belly and looked up at her, "It was just you...sitting on the couch looking down at your stomach. And you were pregnant. Very pregnant. And you looked happy. And so God damn beautiful."

Tears pricked in her eyes and she sighed, "I want that...more than anything." He smiled up at her, "I love our children more than life itself. But I want to experience that...being pregnant. I know there's a lot of not so fun things that go along with it." She said with a laugh, "But...it's something that I still want to experience."

He kissed her stomach and sat up, "It will Liv. I know it will."

She rubbed his cheek again and then started to nudge him to the side, pulling the sheet up with her she sat up, "I should get dressed. Otherwise...we'll find ourselves in a very precarious position."

Elliot nipped at her hip through the sheet, "I can be quick…"

She shook her head and nudged him away again, "No you can't." He gave her a look and she smiled, "And you'll hear no complaints on my end about that."

She gathered the sheet up around her and started to walk towards the dresser, "Hey Liv?"

Pausing, she turned to him and smiled, "Yeah?"

"You are an absolutely incredible Mother." Her face flushed and he continued, "And you are going to be an incredible wife. I love you."

Winking at him she sighed happily, "I love you too El. Thanks for making me a Mom...and I cannot wait to be your wife."

Falling back on the bed as she walked away he smiled to himself thinking...

Damn I'm lucky…

Twenty minutes later, Olivia was back in bed under strict instructions that she was not to come out of her room. A soft knock on the door signaled their approach, she felt the butterflies in her belly. Her Mother had never liked celebrating Mother's Day and she never imagined herself to have a reason to celebrate. But now she had four kids. Four kids. Like birthdays, she didn't like being the center of attention but she couldn't deny them. They were so excited and she was more than willing to do whatever it took to make them happy. The door pushed open and she sighed happily watching Elliot walking in with the kids. He was carrying a tray of food, Lizzie and Richie were carrying a bouquet of flowers and the girls had two gift bags in their hands.

"Happy Mother's Day!" They kids yelled together.

Olivia took the flowers and helped the twins up on the bed, "Thank you!"

"Do you like them?" Lizzie asked, sliding onto her lap, "Daddy helped us pick them out."

"They are beautiful." She answered, kissing the top of her head.

Elliot placed the tray down on the edge of the bed, "Okay guys, be careful. Remember we don't want to spill anything."

He lifted a cup of coffee and handed it to Olivia, she took it and took a sip, "Thank you." Placing the coffee down on the bedside table, she turned to the two oldest girls who couldn't stop smiling, "Morning girls."

"Can we do presents now?" Kathleen asked excitedly, "Please?"

Olivia laughed, "You shouldn't have gotten me anything."

"Of course we should have." Maureen said sternly, "It's our first Mother's Day with you. We need to celebrate it! It's important."

The kids settled in beside her and Lizzie and Richie snuggled in close. Elliot smiled at them as they each handed her their own homemade cards. As she read through them, she tried to keep the tears at bay but she knew her eyes were glistening. It still overwhelmed her to know that these were her children, forever. Maureen handed her the first bag and Olivia smiled, opening it. She took out a gift card to a spa in Manhattan.

"Auntie Alex helped us." Maureen said softly, "We thought we could go the day before the wedding. Help us get all relaxed and ready for the big day!"

"I love it!" Olivia said, holding her close, "It will be perfect."

"Do I have to go?" Richie asked with a little pout, "Sounds girly…"

Olivia laughed and shook her head, "No honey. I think you can stay with Daddy that day."

"Oh good." He said looking at his Dad, "We'll do...guy stuff."

Elliot nodded once and smirked, "Right. Guy stuff."

Olivia rolled her eyes playfully and reached for the second bag, "And what's in here?"

Pushing aside the tissue paper she found two framed pictures. The first was of the six of them in the courthouse the day of the adoption. Her heart leapt in her chest and she felt overwhelmed with love. Her Fingers traced the wooden frame before she turned her attention to the second picture. Elliot had taken it in Florida during their trip. It was just her and the kids. She was holding Lizzie in her arms, Richie was holding her other hand and Maureen and Kathleen stood on either side of her. Etched into the frame in what she knew was Maureen's handwriting it said:

Our House Became A Home Because You Loved Us.
Love,
Maureen, Kathleen, Richie and Lizzie

Olivia squeezed the kids close not trying to hide her tears now and whispered, "This...is the best gift you ever could have given me."

The kids hugged her from all around and Elliot quickly snapped a picture on his own phone. Olivia beamed up at him over the top of Maureen's head and he gave her a wink knowing that she was just as happy as he was.

That night, Elliot was down in the kitchen cleaning up dinner that he had made for all of them. Olivia was upstairs putting the kids to bed. He couldn't help smiling to himself when he heard the giggles resonating down the staircase. There had been a lot of laughter in this home since Olivia moved in and he had never been more thankful for anything in his life. His children's laughter, Olivia's laughter, those were the best sounds in the world to him. After twenty minutes, Olivia came down the stairs and joined him in the kitchen. He presented her with a glass of wine and she smiled, taking his hand as he led her out onto the back deck. He had started a little bonfire and they sat together on the loveseat. Elliot wrapped them up in a blanket and Olivia sighed and leaned into him, taking a sip of her wine.

Wrapping an arm around her, Elliot rubbed her arm affectionately and pressed a kiss to the crown of her head, "Comfortable?"

"Yes." She answered, holding her wine close, "Thank you for such a wonderful day."

He smiled and squeezed her arm, "Maureen was right, it was your first Mother's Day. We wanted to make it special."

Olivia lifted her head slightly to look at him, "You made it very special." Kissing him softly she said, "We'll be back from our honeymoon before Father's Day. I'll make sure it's special too."

Elliot smiled down at her, "Liv...for the last four years you've been over here on Father's Day helping my kids."

She blushed and looked away from him, "I didn't do anything…"

He rolled his eyes, "Did you think I believed my kids bought the gifts on their own or cooked breakfast? Just because you left the house before I woke up...I knew it was all you."

She smiled and leaned back into him, "Yeah well…"

He shook his head and lightly trailed his fingers down her arm, "Yeah well, what?"

She was quiet for a moment and shrugged, "I just...I knew it was important to the kids. Especially that first one after Kathy left. Maureen…" Her voice cracked and she had to clear her throat to speak, "She was so upset that first year...and when you brought them to the Precinct one night she broke down. It killed me…"

He let her words sink in and then asked, "She did? You never told me."

Olivia shifted, put her wine down on the table beside her and sighed, "I didn't want to upset you...and Maureen asked me not too."

"What happened?" He asked curiously, "How did I not know?"

"Your Mom was sick and ended up dropping the kids off. We were swamped. The twins were still babies and they were crying nonstop. You took them to the cribs to try and calm them down. I had the girls...trying to entertain them. I brought them upstairs for a bit where it was quieter. Kathleen...she was coloring. Didn't seem fazed. But I could tell that Maureen was upset." She whispered and went back to remembering that night.

Olivia glanced over at Kathleen who was in her own little world coloring. Olivia glanced at her watch. Elliot had been gone for the last twenty minutes trying to calm down the twins. Tomorrow was Father's Day and she wondered if Elliot even realized it. If the kids even realized it…

The usual hum from the squad room rose up into the balcony and Olivia glanced down to check on her coworkers. She knew she had work to do but right now two little girls needed her more. Looking back at Maureen, she saw that the 6 year old was staring out the dim window into the New York skyline. She hadn't touched the snacks in front of her. Whispering to Kathleen, she stood up and walked over to Maureen.

Kneeling down in front of her, she put a gentle hand on her knee,"Not hungry?"

Maureen looked over at Olivia, then looked away, "No thank you Olivia."

Olivia smiled, she was always so polite, "Did you want to color with your sister?" Maureen shook her head, "Maureen…" The young girl turned back to her, tears still brimming in her eyes, "Honey what's wrong?"

The young girl's lip trembled and the tears fell down her cheeks, "I forgot to get Daddy something for Father's Day."

"Oh sweetie…" She reached up and brushed her tears away, "It's okay. Honey...you're only a kid. It's alright."

Maureen shook her head, "Daddy will be disappointed. And-and maybe he'll leave too. And then we'll be alone and-"

"Maureen." She said cutting her off, "Maureen your Dad isn't going anywhere. I promise you. He will never leave you."

Maureen started to cry harder and leaned forward, crashing into Oliva's chest, "I'm scared Olivia."

She wrapped her arms around her tightly and pressed a kiss to her temple, "It's okay. Everything is going to be okay. I know...I know it's been hard since your…" She stopped talking not wanting to even mention Kathy, "But I can promise you that you will never be alone. Never."

Maureen held her tightly, trembling in her arms as she whispered, "Daddy deserves a present."

Olivia sighed, rubbed her back and then pulled her back for a moment, "How about...I pick up something for your Dad and drop it off tomorrow morning?"

Maureen sniffled and looked at Olivia anxiously, "Really?"

"Sure. I can do that. I'll get some stuff for breakfast too. I'll come by really early and put them in the kitchen. Then you can give them to Dad. Will that make you feel better?" She asked, brushing more of her tears away.

Slowly, she stopped crying and nodded her head, "Y-yes. Please. Maybe-maybe I can get the money in my piggy bank and-"

"Don't worry about a thing. I promise I have everything under control." She leaned her forehead against the young girls and smiled.

Maureen beamed at her, "Daddy deserves a good day. He's the best Dad."

Olivia nodded her head, "He is. You are very lucky to have him. He loves you so much. But you know what else?" Maureen shrugged, "He's lucky because he has the four best kids in the world too."

Maureen smiled harder and nodded, "He has the best friend in the world too, Livvie."

Olivia smiled, wrapped her arms around the young girl again and made a promise to herself, and to this girl in her arms that no matter what, she would be there for the Stabler family. Even if she was only ever his best friend, his partner, that would be enough. But she wanted to make sure that the five of them knew that despite Kathy's leaving, they deserved more.

Elliot shook his head and leaned down to kiss her. "You're incredible. You know that?"

She shook her head and shrugged, "El...have you seen your kids? They are adorable. Like I could have said no."

He smiled and leaned out to touch her nose, "Don't you mean, our kids?"

Her smile grew and she nodded, "Our kids. Have you seen our kids? They're freaking adorable. Lord knows I can never say no to them." She laughed and shook her head, "But it was more than that. You were trying so hard to keep it together...and I wanted you to have a good day. Even just one good day when you didn't have to worry about everything else. Everyone else."

Elliot reached out and brushed her brown hair from her face, "Hey Liv?"

She tilted her head to the side and smiled, "Yeah?"

"Will you marry me?" He asked softly, he saw her smile.

"In one month...yes." She said leaning forward to kiss him gently, "In one month...you'll be my husband."

"And you'll be my wife." He whispered against her lips, "And I'm going to be the luckiest damn man on the planet."

He started to lean her back down on the loveseat and she smiled, "What are you doing Stabler?"

He shrugged and let one hand slide up under her sweatshirt, "Just making sure you feel all the love today…"

She pressed up into him and giggled, "Oh I feel something alright."

He growled and nipped at her neck, "Happy Mother's Day Liv…" He looked deep into her eyes and whispered, "Thank you for being the best Damn Mother to our children."

When his lips found her neck again she smiled and sighed wistfully, "Who knows...maybe this time next year we'll have another kiddo on the way…"

His lips stopped but she felt him smile against her skin, "Feel like practicing to ensure that happens?"

She laughed again and started tugging on his clothes, "Oh hell yeah."

She heard him chuckle as he pulled his shirt up over her head, not a care in the world.

A week before the wedding, they were at an end of the year event at the girls school. Next year, the twins would be in Kindergarten at this school. Maureen would be heading to middle school. They were standing among the crowds of different families, Richie and Lizzie were anxiously looking around.

Olivia smiled and knelt down beside them, "Kindergarten is going to be great…" She whispered.

Lizzie looked around, "But...but it's so big! What if we get lost?"

"You won't. You'll be with your teachers. And you two will be in the same class. It's going to be okay. I promise, you'll love it." She whispered.

Lizzie sighed, "I wish Mo was going to still be in the school too."

"Kathleen will be here. "She said, giving her a little squeeze.

Richie huffed, "Yeah but Mo would actually let people know we are related to her. Kathleen will be hiding from us."

Olivia couldn't help but laugh, "I'll talk to her. Okay?"

Lizzie looked at Olivia, "Will you and Daddy come to the first day?"

"We wouldn't miss it for the world." She answered giving her a little squeeze, "I promise we'll be there. No matter what."

"Can we go play on the playground? You know...to get used to it." Richie said with a shrug.

Olivia smiled and kissed his cheek, "Go ahead. But don't go far, okay? I'll be right here."

The twins both hugged her and took off towards the playground with the other kids. Olivia stood up just as Elliot was walking over to her and held out a cup for her. She smiled and took it from him, taking a quick sip, "Oh God...what is this?"

Elliot chuckled, "Some sort of fruit punch…"

"It tastes like straight sugar." She said with a shiver, "No wonder the kids are always so hopped after all of these things."

He laughed again and took the cup from her and took a sip, "Oh God...you're right. It's terrible."

Olivia smirked, took the cup and tossed it in a trash can behind her, "The twins are a little anxious about Kindergarten."

Elliot sighed, "I can't believe they are going to be in Kindergarten...how the hell did that happen?"

"You blinked." She said leaning against his shoulder, "I told you to stop doing that."

He looked at her, wrapped his arm around her and pouted, "I tried to stop. I really tried."

Rubbing his back she smiled, "They grow up hon...it's what kids do."

He nodded his head towards her and looked at her stomach, "We really need to hurry up and get you pregnant. Then I'll have more babies to keep my mind off the fact that the twins are in Kindergarten. Kathleen is 7 and...my oldest child is going to middle school. She's going to be 11. Two more years and I will have a teenage daughter. God help me."

"You'll blink again and she'll be going on her very first date…" She said pinching his sides.

Elliot grumbled louder, "Oh hell no. She's never dating. None of my girls are."

Rolling her eyes she swatted at his arm, "I notice you said none of my girls...so Richie's allowed to date?"

"I don't trust any boys with my girls' hearts." He said looking down at her seriously, "Or anything else for that matter. Definitely nothing else."

Gazing up at him she whispered, "I know it's hard. Especially with everything we see. But El...they're smart girls. It will be okay. I promise. But at some point...you'll have to loosen the reins a bit." He pouted again and she smiled, "And when you need to freak out...you talk to me. Although to be fair, I'm sure knowing both of their parents are cops we'll send most of them running for the hills."

Elliot smirked and puffed his chest out with pride, "True. And when they forget...I'll walk around with my gun."

She rolled her eyes and laughed, "You're insufferable."

"I need to protect my girls." He pulled her closer again, "All my girls."

She smiled and kissed him again, "All your girls, huh?"

Elliot nodded, "I know you can handle yourself...but I'll always protect you. You know that, right?"

"I know El." She said caressing the side of his face, "I can take care of myself." She smiled softly and shrugged, "But it is nice knowing I have someone that will always have my back."

"We might not be partners at work Liv...but I'll always have your back. Always. Never doubt that." He kissed her again and pulled away, "Okay?"

"Okay." She said with a little nod, "Works both ways you know." He smiled and nodded back, her eyes shifted to the right and her breath caught in her throat. "El…"

He followed her gaze and frowned, "Ethan…"

Ethan saw them looking and slowly made his way over to them, "Hi…"

Elliot and Olivia turned towards him, "Ethan...hi." She whispered.

His cheeks flushed but he tried to smile, "Hello. It's uh...good to see you both."

Elliot shoved his hands in his pocket and felt Olivia link her arm through his. No doubt trying to keep him calm. Ethan had been gone for a few months at a rehab facility they helped get him into. Emma and Maureen were still close but Elliot still had reservations about the man in front of him. He understood his pain. He did. But he had still put his child and his fiance at risk.

Clearing his throat, Elliot asked, "How are you doing? We didn't realize you were back."

Ethan nodded, "I'm living nearby...taking it one day at a time. Been sober since that day at my house when you both came over. I still don't have custody of the kids...but I have visitation and that is a blessing. Emma wanted me here tonight...I couldn't say no. I hope it's okay. I don't want to make either of you uncomfortable."

Elliot shook his head despite thinking about what had happened at the last school function with this very man. Then again...it had set things into motion between Elliot and Olivia. So maybe...in some way he should be thankful.

"Of course not. That's great that you have been doing well in treatment. And I'm sure it mean a lot to Emma and Austin that you are here tonight. They must be proud of you." He answered.

Ethan flushed and looked at his children playing with the other kids, "They have their fair share of moments of not trusting me but I can hardly blame them. They are trying though. That's all I can ask of them." Turning back to the couple in front of them he smiled, "Thank you for still allowing Emma to see Maureen. Their friendship means the world to her and I didn't want one more thing to be taken from her."

Elliot smiled, "Emma is always welcome at our home. Austin too. They are great kids."

Ethan swallowed the lump in his throat, "They take after their Mother...she was a much better person and parent than I ever was. Somedays I wish it had been me...not her. She would have known how to handle this alone."

"You're trying Ethan. That's all you can do. It will be okay. You've already done the hardest part." Olivia replied.

Ethan smiled and nodded, "Yeah. Maybe." He paused again then looked between them, "Emma told me you adopted the kids. That's wonderful. And marriage soon I see?" He said eying the ring on her finger.

Olivia pulled Elliot closer and smiled, "The wedding is next week."

"Congratulations." He said honestly, "Probably doesn't mean much coming from me but I do wish you both all the happiness in the world. You deserve it."

Ethan held his hand out between them anxiously. Elliot looked at it for a moment and felt Olivia squeeze his bicep. Reaching out, he shook it firmly and nodded. "Thank you Ethan."

He smiled and looked back as Austin called to him, "I should…"

"Go on." Olivia said with a smile, "Enjoy your time with them. You're doing great Ethan."

Ethan smiled at her and then looked at Elliot, "She's a keeper this one. Treat her right."

"I will. And I know." Elliot said with a smile.

Ethan walked away and Olivia leaned in and kissed Elliot's cheek, "You did good El. I know that wasn't easy."

He sighed and watched Ethan walk all the way before turning back to her, "He's not my favorite person but he's only human and he's trying. I can't fault him for that." Brushing a strand of hair out of her face he smiled sheepishly, "Besides...no matter how disastrous that night started, it brought us here."

She smiled up at him, "You mean telling me to go on a date with another man lead us to being engaged?"

He rolled his eyes and heard her laughing, "Liv…"

Wrapping her arms around his waist she smirked and pressed a kiss to his lips, "Ohhhhh you're referring to the night in the parking lot when you basically told me you had been pining for me for years?"

"You're exhausting." He said laughing, tugging at her hands on his waist, "Call the wedding planner. I'm backing out. You're too much damn work."

Laughing harder, she trapped him in her embrace and kissed him again, "It's okay Stabler. You can admit it. You were madly in love with me then just like you are now. No need to deny it. Everyone already knows. We've been fueling the gossip train for years my friend."

He just chuckled and cradled her face close, "What did I get myself into by agreeing to forever with you?"

"Ummm a lifetime of me torturing you?" He laughed harder and she smiled, "Plus...if I remember correctly I pretty much admitted I had been pining after for you for years too." His face softened and she pushed on, "So I guess we are agreeing to stop wasting time."

Leaning down he kissed her again, "You're insane. But I love you."

"I know." She said kissing him softly, "And so is our son." Elliot gave her a funny look, "You might want to go retrieve him before he pees down the slide. Won't look good for two SVU Detective's to have their almost Kindergarten son up on indecent exposure charges."

Elliot whipped around fast, "Richie!"

Olivia couldn't help laughing as she watched Elliot all but tackle Richie before he unzipped his pants. He saw them talking for a moment before he took his sons hand and led him back towards the school to use an actual bathroom. Richie was pouting the whole way and Elliot looked irritated. She smiled, shook her head and went to turn around when she felt someone bump into her from behind.

"Oh! I'm so sorry." Olivia quickly said, "I didn't see you there."

"No. That was totally my fault." The woman said quickly, "Please forgive me. I was trying to find my son."

Olivia looked around, her usual cop instincts taking over, "There are a lot of kids around. Can I help you look?"

The woman squinted towards the playground, "I think...ah yes! There he is!" She laughed and shook her head, "Trouble maker that one is. A trait he gets from his father."

Olivia smiled and realized the boy she was talking about was talking to Lizzie, "Oh, he's talking to my daughter Lizzie."

"Daughter?" The woman asked, Olivia turned to her quickly, confused by the question in her voice, "I thought the Stabler children only lived with their Father?"

"Oh. Well...they did." Olivia replied, "But I'm engaged to their Father. I actually adopted them a few months ago."

The dark haired woman raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Really?"

Olivia stood up a little straighter, feeling her frustration rise. Who was this woman and why was she so interested in their family dynamic? Sticking her hand out, she hoped her engagement ring was glimmering bright, "Really. I'm Olivia Benson. It will be Olivia Stabler in a week though."

The woman took her hand and shook, "Kate Montgomery." She looked past Olivis, "I have two sons. One is Kathleen's age and the other is just a year behind the twins. I'm sorry. I've known them for a while and remember when their Mother left. I moved away about a year later and just recently came back to town. I didn't realize Elliot was in a relationship."

Olivia pursed her lips, "Yes...Kathy left and gave up her parental rights. Legally I am their Mother now."

Kate smiled, "Taking on four kids is no small feat. Good for you."

"I don't see it as a feat or anything to overcome. They are wonderful kids and I see them as my own." Olivia answered tersely.

Kate smiled, "Lucky kids. And lucky Elliot!" She laughed, "Although, I should be saying you're the lucky one. Every single Mother like myself in Queens has been lusting after Detective Stabler for years. We couldn't believe that Kathy would walk out on him! I mean the muscles on that man are downright sinful. And to be honest, it wasn't just the single Mom's vying for his attention at birthday parties and soccer games. You must be something special to have caught his eye."

Olivia could feel a range of emotions bubbling up in her. It would be easy to say something snotty back. This woman in front of her was rubbing her the wrong way. But the last thing they needed was another scene at a school function. So instead, she took a deep breath and smiled in the most condescending way she could hoping the woman would take the hint that they would not be friends anytime soon.

"Trust me when I say I know I hit the jackpot. I am incredibly lucky. I'll feel that way everyday for the rest of my life." Looking past the woman she saw Elliot emerging from the school with Richie and the girls flocked to him, "Now if you'll excuse me Kate, my family is waiting."

Stepping around her, she didn't wait for a goodbye. She walked directly to the kids and Elliot, feeling the tension in her body lessen the closer and closer she got to them. Hearing the kids talking amongst themselves, she grabbed Elliot's hand. She was rougher than usual and his eyes held a question in them but when she saw Kate watching her from afar, she pulled Elliot close and planted a passionate kiss on his lips. When they pulled apart, she could hear the kids giggling and Elliot looked both dazed and slightly turned on which gave her a sense of satisfaction.

"Uh...not that I'm complaining or anything." He said clearing his throat, "But what was that for?"

She smiled and wiped away the lipgloss on his lips with her thumb, "Just felt like it."

Elliot smiled, wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, "Well okay then." He kissed her back just as passionately and then moved to her ear practically panting as he spoke, "You are evil though. Because now I have to get through the rest of this night with a raging hard on."

She chuckled and held him close, still watching Kate watching them, "I promise to make it up to you when we are alone tonight."

He growled and kissed her cheek again before turning his attention back to the kids. Olivia gave Kate a little smirk, then slipped her hand into Elliot's as they moved across the playground to talk to other families. Her frustration and jealousy slowly disappeared as they walked away.

Elliot was hers. He chose her. He wanted her and only her. And in one week he would be her husband for better or worse, till death do they part. She had nothing to worry about.

Two days before the wedding, both Olivia and Elliot were trying to finish up all of their paperwork. Today was their last day at work. Tomorrow they would be doing last minute errands and had the rehearsal. Olivia was staying with Alex the night before the weddinf and Elliot would be with the kids at the house alone. He had protested the need for them to spend the night apart, but Alex has been insistent. Olivia too had found the idea slightly romantic and also wanted him to have one last night with his kids. While she had already adopted them, she still felt the five of them should have a little closure in that chapter of their lives.

Just as Olivia was finishing her last page, she heard her soon to be husband holler in triumph , "I'm done! I'm actually done. For the first time in years, I have no paperwork left."

Olivia smirked and signed her name on the last line, "Shhh...don't say that too loud! Someone will drop a file on your desk in no time."

He shook his head adamantly, "Noone would would dare do that knowing that I am officially on a 10 day vacation."

She smiled, dotted the I in her name and sighed, "Well then let's get the hell out of here before anyone tries to do something stupid."

Elliot grabbed his keys, a feeling of euphoria washing over him as he walked. Not even caring who was looking, he grabbed Olivia's hand and tugged her along. He was less than 48 hours away from making this woman his wife and he was sure as hell not going to let anyone try and railroad him into a case to try and delay them. They had just reached the elevator when they heard their Captain's voice.

"Stabler. Benson. You're needed upstairs." He barked loudly.

The couple froze and Olivia groaned, "Don't move." Elliot whispered to her, "Maybe he'll give up."

"No such luck, I'm afraid Stabler. But nice try." Cragen said sternly as he walked closer to them.

Elliot shot Olivia a pained look and she turned to Cragen, hoping to work her charm on him a bit, "You know Cap we have a lot of things to finalize and I'm just so exhausted-"

"Get in the elevator." He said, giving her a serious look, "Duty calls."

"Why the hell did we choose this career?" Elliot grumbled as he filed into the elevator behind her, "We're idiots."

"Big idiots." She said resting her head on the back of the wall, "I'll be walking down the aisle after a three day bender."

Elliot chuckled, "Those will be some memorable pictures." He turned to his boss, "Why upstairs? Where are we going?"

"Stop asking questions." Cragen said as the doors opened again, "Follow me."

Elliot looked over at Olivia and she shrugged before moving to follow her boss. Elliot huffed and followed behind her, hoping whatever it was would be quick and painless. He was trying to distract himself with thoughts of Olivia on a beach in Hawaii for their honeymoon. He was smiling to himself imagining her in the bikini he had seen her pack, so lost in thought that he didn't realize where they were walking. The cold air hit him first and Olivia jumped in front of him. "Surprise!" Their friends yelled.

Elliot looked at Olivia, then looked out again. All of their close friends from the Squad, James from Computer Crimes, Melinda and Alex were all standing around the roof with champagne and twinkle lights hanging. "What is this?" Olivia asked with a little laugh.

"You wouldn't let us fuss...no big parties." Alex said with an eyeroll, "But we wanted to do something! We had to do something!"

Olivia felt Elliot's hand on her lower back, knowing that he was worried she would feel overwhelmed. That she would run. Sliding her hand down his arm, she took his hand and squeezed, offering him a smile letting him know she was okay. They walked closer to their friends, hugs and handshakes were passed along. Champagne was flowing and members of the team were giving words of congratulations and words of encouragement. A few stories about the two Detectives and their years of hiding their feelings were told. No one planned on staying late knowing that they had to get home to the kids. Soon it was just Elliot, Olivia, Cragen, Fin and Munch.

Elliot still had a protective arm around her shoulder and Olivia leaned into him. "So...I have a question." John asked.

Elliot groaned, "Oh this can't be good…"

Laughter filled the space amongst the friends and Olivia turned to John, "What is it John?"

"How do we address you now?" He asked pointing at Olivia, "You still Benson or do we call you Stabler? That's going to be confusing. And we all know I'm losing it more and more in my old age. So...I need a plan here."

Olivia looked at Elliot, "I guess I didn't think about that. I mean I'm changing my name legally."

Elliot shrugged, "We could still refer to you as Benson here. Lord knows I probably always will. Old habits die hard."

"It would be fun to see Cragen's head spin though when he yells for Stabler and seeing you both answer." Fin said with a smirk, "Although usually you can tell by his tone of voice who he's looking for. He's nicer to Olivia."

"That's because he likes me best." Olivia answered with an innocent shrug, "And can we really blame him?"

"No. We can't." Cragen said pointing at the three of the men, "She's the only one I trust completely. Only one that gets a damn thing done around here."

Olivia smirked, "Aren't you glad I'm back from Computer Crimes? You'd all be lost without me."

"We were." Fin said with a huff, "I was ready to lose it. And this guy…" He said pointing at Elliot, "The guy can't function without you. Thank God you said yes to marriage. We'd be picking him up off the floor drowning in a puddle of his tears of sorrow."

Elliot groaned, "How did this turn into praising Olivia and bashing me?"

Olivia smirked and rubbed his back, "Oh it's okay El. You can tell us the truth. Your life has no meaning without me. You'd be miserable without me. You'd be-"

He silenced her with a kiss and smiled, "I've never denied any of those things Liv. And I never will."

She smiled at him and then turned back to her friends, "Okay."

The men chuckeld and Elliot gawked at her, "Okay? That's all I get?"

She looked at him and smiled, "Oh. Was I supposed to say something back?" He gave her a look and she smiled, "Right...right." She pointed at his chest and scrunched up her nose, "I kinda like you too Stabler."

Elliot huffed and the guys laughed harder, "You guys can make new plans for Saturday. Wedding's off…" He turned to walk away with a smile on his face until Olivia grabbed his hand, "Nope. Too late. You lost your chance Benson."

Fin laughed, "Stabler, she can do no wrong in your eyes and you know it. You're marrying her Saturday. And if you even tried to get out of it...the three of us would kick your ass."

Elliot smirked and Olivia smiled, "I love being the favorite."

Everyone laughed again and then talked a bit about the plans for Saturday. Fin, Munch and Cragen said their goodbyes and told them they would see them at the wedding. Olivia turned to look at Elliot who was standing over by the edge of the roof, looking out over the city skyline as the sunset. Walking up behind him, she pressed up on her tiptoes and rested her chin on his shoulder, "Not planning to jump, are you?"

Elliot chuckled and pressed her hands into his chest, "I jump, you jump. We go down together."

She laughed and ducked under his arm, cuddling into his side, "What are we Rose and Jack from the Titanic?"

He smirked at her, "Depends...would you make room for me on that door? Or would I freeze to death? I assume freezing to death since you clearly don't need me the way that I need you."

She rolled her eyes playfully and tugged him closer, "Fine, you wanna hear me say that I need you?" He gave her a small smile and she smiled, "I need you. Just like you need me. It may have taken me a while to figure that out. Or at least admit it...but I need you El. Always have, always will."

He smiled and gently cradled her face in his hands, "See? Was that so hard to admit?"

She wrapped her arms tighter around his waist and shook her head, "Nope. Everyone knows it already though. They've all known it from day one."

Elliot sighed and pulled her closer to the middle of the roof, "Okay." He heard her laugh and slipped her hand in his, and rested the other on her hip, "Let's get some more practice in before the big day."

Olivia smiled and rested her hand on his shoulder, "There's no music."

Elliot spun her around and dipped her low making her laugh, "New York City always has music...listen."

Olivia leaned into him as he pulled her back up and rested her chin on his shoulder. The usual sounds of the city filled her ears. To some it would sound like white noise but to her it was familiar. How many nights had she spent with Elliot working late in a quiet squad car listening to the sounds of the city. Some nights they sat in a comfortable silence. Some nights the silence was filled with easy conversation. But every night was filled with those unspoken feelings between them. Both of them were too afraid to cross the line.

Yet here they were...a day and a half away from sealing the deal. Becoming husband and wife. Starting a future together. She felt overwhelmed and insanely happy all at once. As usual, he could read her mind and he pressed his lips to the side of her temple, "You remember that night, I don't know, two three months into our partnership? It was sweltering...we'd been working at least 48 hours straight trying to find a missing kid. He showed up unharmed...had just wandered off when Mom wasn't looking."

Olivia nodded, "Yeah. I remember…"

He turned her again, "Cap said we could go...and I should have gone home. But...I asked you if you wanted to get a bite to eat."

Olivia turned her head slightly to look at him, "We got take out and ate up here. The sun was finally going down and the breeze shifted in…"

Elliot smiled, "We didn't even talk. Not much...we just sat here and ate. Part of me felt guilty that I didn't go home to see the kids. I missed them. But...I wanted to be here. With you. I couldn't figure it out before that...but you were saying you were going home and I just couldn't stand the thought of you going home alone. Without me. It was a Friday and I knew I wouldn't see or talk to you until Monday."

Olivia swallowed the lump in her throat, "Elliot…"

Letting go of her hand, he brushed her brown tresses away from her face, "I missed you. Before I even said goodbye. I missed you. I always missed you."

"I know the feeling." She whispered, "Weekends were the worst…"

Elliot sighed and tangled his hand in her hair, "Even back then Liv...my heart belonged to you. You were the one I wanted to share things with. You were the one I wanted to comfort me when I was upset. You were the one that I wanted to spend every minute with. Kahty left...and I hate her for what she did to our children. But I can't pretend that my heart wasn't in it. It never really was. But it definitely wasn't the minute I met you."

She bit her lip and studied his face, "El...I used to feel so guilty knowing how badly I wanted you. I was so afraid to ruin our friendship, or break up your family. I never wanted that. But I had no choice but to fall in love with you." Her hand smoothed down his chest and she whispered, "I never thought that I'd get married. Didn't think I even wanted it...but this life." She looked up at him, tears welling in her eyes, "You, the kids. It's everything I ever could have dreamed of. I promise that I will spend the rest of my life, our life…" She said tugging on his shirt, "Doing whatever I can to make this work. Everyone already knows it El...but I am lost without you. There is nowhere else I want to be...but right here with you."

Elliot cleared his throat and pulled her closer, "It's a damn good thing we're getting married Saturday…"

She laughed and held him tight to her, "I agree."

He took a deep breath and looked around, "Next time we're in this building...we'll be married. A different kind of partners than what we started here as."

Olivia nodded slowly, "Yup."

He smiled, spun her again and then sighed, "We should probably head home."

"We should." She agreed, swaying with him again as he led her across the roof.

"The kids are waiting." He said, breathing her in, "We have things to plan."

"All true statements…" She whispered in his ear, "But...there's another thing you haven't considered."

Elliot smirked, knowing she was reading his mind as usual, "What's that?"

"Well tonight will be the last night we spend together as Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler." He nodded slowly, "So don't you think we owe it to ourselves to live up to some of those rumors that floated around all those years?"

Elliot chuckled and feigned shock, "Are you suggesting we have a little fun up here on the roof Detective Benson?"

She smirked and pushed him back until he hit the barrier behind him, "I'm suggesting you make your last night as an unmarried man worth it. You'll need the memory when marriage ruins our sex life."

Elliot laughed harder and started to tug at her shirt, "Olivia, there is one thing I can promise you when it comes to our marriage. I'm never NOT going to want you. No amount of years married will make that a problem for us."

"Good answer." She said tugging on his tie, "Then enjoy your last night with Olivia Benson...because soon she'll be Olivia Stabler."

"Hm...in that case." He crushed his lips to hers, "Olivia Benson?"

She laughed against his lips as he worked the buttons on her shirt, "Yes Elliot Stabler?"

"I love you." He said sliding his hand along her collarbone, "And I can't wait to marry you."

Pulling his eye from his shirt she beamed up at him, "I love you too. And trust me when I say...I'm counting down the minutes until we say I do."

Elliot pulled her even closer making her laugh as his lips found her neck. He wasn't sure how he had gotten so damn lucky to be here with her but he was sure as hell going to make sure that every night was worth celebrating like this one.