Here's the next update and obviously there is some rated M content. Lots of stuff ahead for our favorite couple. Good and bad but they will always find each other. Just like I believe they will on the show...somehow. At least that's what I keep telling myself. I'll just replay the hand holding scene in my mind until it does lol Anyway - read on folks. Read on!
The following day passed in a blur of activity. In the morning, the girls and Olivia had gone to the spa (Their Mother's Day Gift). In the afternoon, Elliot and Olivia had to finish packing themselves up for their honeymoon and the kids who would be going to stay with Bernie at her house while they were gone. There were last minute phone calls about food and other wedding details. More than one moment in the day when Richie had to be rescued before causing himself to get hurt and risk a hospital visit and one bruised looking boy in pictures. After the rehearsal, Olivia would be going with Alex to her apartment to stay for the night. As they were getting ready to leave, Elliot was trying to wrangle the kids together. Olivia was looking around the house, making sure she hadn't forgotten anything knowing she wouldn't be back prior to the wedding.
"Guys! Let's go!" Elliot yelled from the door, "We're already cutting it close."
The kids came running single file and out the front door, "Meet you in the car!" Maureen yelled.
Elliot looked at the clock behind him and frowned, "Liv! Babe, we gotta go!"
She came bounding down the stairs with a smile on her face, "Remember I gave you a limit to how many times you can call me babe between now and the wedding. So that's one."
He rolled his eyes and smirked at her, "Yes. Five times. That's my limit."
Pushing herself up on her toes, she kissed him softly, "Four times now. So use them wisely. You know the consequences if you don't."
He huffed at her, "You would really deny me sex on our wedding night?"
She laughed and shook her head, "You don't want to chance it do you, babe?"
Elliot smirked and pulled her closer, smacking her on the behind, "Get in the car. We gotta go."
Olivia smiled and pushed him back, "I'll meet you out there in a second."
Elliot frowned at her, "Why not just come with me now? We're going to be late. What do you have to do?"
She shook her head, "Nothing. Just want to do one last walk through down here to make sure I didn't forget anything. I don't trust you to grab anything I forget."
With hands on hips, Elliot huffed, "When have I ever not gotten what you need?"
Olivia glared at him, "How about the time I asked you to bring me new clothes to work when I got blood all over them. You brought me a skirt and a shirt. Nothing else."
Elliot smirked at her and shrugged innocently, "That could have been intentional…"
Laughing, she shook her head and pushed him back towards the door, "Yeah well it backfired. Because little did you know that Fin and John got quite an eyeful while you were talking to Cragen."
Elliot's mouth hung open and jealousy rushed through his body, "What? You didn't tell me that! What the hell did they see?"
"Of course I didn't tell you." She said with a laugh, "Because you're a possessive, jealous son-of-a-bitch but also you have no one to blame but yourself."
"What did they see?" He asked again, glaring intently at her.
"Well the shirt you chose had buttons that were in desperate need of repair. So when the top two buttons popped open…" She trailed off with a shrug.
Elliot threw his hands up in the air and his face flushed, "I'll kill 'em!"
She laughed and shoved his chest again, "I repeat...you had no one to blame but yourself. Maybe you've learned your lesson. And I don't plan on giving anyone a show at the wedding so get the hell out of here. I'll be there in a minute."
He was grumbling under his breath and she saw him reaching for his phone, "Fine."
Laughing harder she yelled, "Don't you dare call Fin and John and try and uninvite them!"
He shot her a look over his shoulder and mumbled quickly, "No one sees the goods but me from now on."
She gave him a little salute, "That's the plan Stabler."
Elliot softened and gave her a wink, "Luckiest bastard alive."
She shook her head and gestured towards the door, "Go! I'll be there in a minute."
After the rehearsal, they had dinner at their favorite restaurant. Bernie and Alex were with them and Don who would be accompanying Olivia down the aisle. Olivia had assumed she would feel overwhelmed during the ceremony, that there would be a moment of panic. But there had been none. Walking towards him, she had zero doubts in her mind. Now they were sitting side by side at the table. His arm was draped around her, his thumbs traced lazy circles on her shoulder. Lizzie sat in her lap, Elliot focussed on the laughter coming from his daughter as Olivia joked with her. He saw his three other children laughing as they listened in and he felt so damn happy.
Looking to his left, he saw his Mother engrossed in conversation with Don. He knew it was getting close to the moment when Olivia would be leaving and he felt a familiar ache in his chest. Though they would be parting for only a short time, he had come to need her beside him at night. He hated it when one of them was stuck at work and they had to sleep alone. Turning towards her again, he realized she was watching him carefully. Olivia pressed a kiss to Lizzie's head and whispered, "I'll be right back kiddo."
Slipping Lizzie from her lap, she turned to Elliot and smiled. He took the hint, and looked to his Mom who just smiled letting him know she would watch the kids. Following Olivia outside the restaurant, he laced his fingers with hers. For a moment, they just stood there in the silence. The hum of the restaurant and the busy street around them doing all the talking for them.
"So…" Elliot whispered, tugging her closer.
"So…" She repeated with a little smile, leaning into him.
"You have big plans tomorrow?" He said with a little smile, she laughed softly.
"Hm…" She mumbled playing along, "Nothing to write home about…"
"Nah. Me either." He said with a shake of his head, "Pretty casual day. Low key." She smiled again, her face flushing and he saw the emotion running through her, the same ones he felt in himself, "You okay?" She nodded once, but he saw her hands shake slightly, "Liv…"
"I swear. I'm good." She said moving her hands up towards his chest, she looked him straight in the eye, "El…" She saw the anxiousness in his eyes, the fear that even after all this time she was going to run, "I'm marrying you tomorrow. Come hell or high water...nothing is keeping me from becoming your wife. Okay?"
He instantly felt his shoulders relax and he smiled, knowing she was telling him the truth. "Okay."
Wrapping her arms around his neck she spoke softly, "Enjoy your last night with the kids. Just the five of you."
"We'll miss you." He said honestly, "You know we love you there. We want you there. Need you there."
"Just one night." She said with a shake of her head, "El...I love you. I love our kids. But the five of you...you've been through a lot together. And in some ways this is the end of something." He gave her a look and she smiled, "And...the start of something. I know that. But do you understand what I'm saying?"
Elliot nodded slowly and smiled, "I do understand what you're saying. And as usual...it makes me love you even more."
Kissing him gently she shrugged, "Well then I guess it's a good thing we're getting married tomorrow."
"I guess it's a good thing." He said with a laugh and kissed her again. Looking behind her, he saw their friends and family walking towards them, "We've got about thirty more seconds so…"
Grabbing his face she pulled him in for another kiss, "So make it count." She mumbled against his lips.
"Alright, alright." Alex said in a teasing voice, "Break it up people. She's coming with me."
Olivia felt small hands reaching for her and she pulled away, looking down at the twins, "You're really not coming home with us tonight?" Richie asked.
Olivia smoothed his hair out of his face and shook her head, "Not tonight baby."
"But after tonight...you'll always be at home?" Richie asked hopefully, "Unless you have to work late?"
"Exactly." She said scooping him up and pulling him into her arms, "You'll really be stuck with me."
Richie giggled and held her close, "See you tomorrow Mommy."
"See you tomorrow. Be good for your Dad, okay?" She asked, kissing his cheek.
Sliding down her body, Richie moved towards his Dad as Olivia hugged the girls and said their goodbyes. Elliot saw Olivia saying goodbye to Don and her Mother in law and then turned back to him. He smiled and pulled her closer again, "Goodnight Ms. Benson…"
She smiled softly at him and wrapped an arm around his neck, "Ms. Benson…"
He kissed her softly and nodded, "Tomorrow you'll be Mrs. Stabler."
"About damn time." She mumbled against his lips, "Have a goodnight. I love you."
"I love you too." He said, giving her another kiss.
Alex and Olivia turned and walked towards Alex's car. Looking down at his kids, they stared at him expectantly. He smiled, and cocked his head towards the car, "Ice cream before we head home?"
"From Captain Cones?" Richie asked excitedly, "Anything we want!?"
Looking back at Olivia who was getting in the car, he smiled, knowing he'd say yes to just about anything today, "Anything at all."
When they got home, the kids ran into the house first. Elliot was behind them and frowned when he saw that they had stopped by the couch. Tossing his keys on the table beside him, he walked up behind them and went to ask what was wrong. But the words caught in his throat when he saw what was on the coffee table. Five gift bags, each labeled with one of their names on it. That was why she insisted on being the last one in the house.
Maureen looked at her Dad, "What's that?"
Elliot smiled and put his hand on his daughter's shoulder, "One last little surprise from Olivia."
"Can we open them?" Kathleen asked hopefully.
Elliot nodded towards the table, "Go ahead."
The kids rounded the table and found their own bags. Opening them, they each found a framed photo of Olivia and them individually and a handwritten note. Elliot helped the twins read theirs and the girls read their own, the tears in their eyes told them everything he needed to know. The girls each had a pair of pearl earrings to wear to the wedding tomorrow and Richie had a watch that he could adjust as he got older. As the kids fawned over their gifts, Elliot stood up, wanting to open his on his own.
Standing in the kitchen, he took out the letter and read:
Elliot, This time tomorrow we will officially be husband and wife. Still seems surreal for me to even be writing that. I've spent the years since I met you trying to pretend that I was strong enough without you, that I didn't need you. I was so afraid to let you in when I met you. No one had infuriated me, pushed me, saw through me and understood me more than you. I have no idea what I did in a past life to deserve you but I will spend the rest of my life ensuring that I am always deserving of your love. Thank you for giving me the one thing I never dreamed I'd have. A home. I have no doubt that this next chapter of our life will be filled with it's fair share of ups and downs. But I promise to do my best to always work hard to make sure that this marriage is forever. I don't make promises I can't keep El. I promise, I'll be there tomorrow. I promise that I will love you today and everyday until my last day. I promise that I will be the best wife, best Mother to our children and any future children that I can be. I promise that even on our hardest days,
OliviaWiping the tears from his eyes, Elliot took the tissue paper out of the bag in front of him. Pulling a long black box out of the bag, he popped open the top and gasped when he saw a very expensive watch of his own shining up at him. "Damn Liv…" Taking the watch from the box, he moved it around in his hands until his eyes caught the etching on the back
Partners for Life."God I love that woman…" He said with a little shake of his head.
At Alex's apartment, Olivia was sitting out on the balcony looking out over the city. Her knees were pulled up against her chest and she breathed in the warm Juen air and listened to the familiar sounds of Manhattan. It was such a contrast to the sounds of their often loud but chaotic household. As much as she wanted this tradition tonight, she couldn't help but miss her kids, her fiance. The thought alone made her heart ache and made a smile spread on her lips. Alex walked up behind her and handed her a glass of wine.
"Thinking about tomorrow?" She asked settling in beside her.
Olivia took the wine and nodded, "Something like that...yeah."
Alex propped her feet up on the table in front of her and smiled, "So...I don't need to lock you in your room to make sure you don't run?"
Olivia had taken a sip of her wine and she laughed, pressing a hand to her lips, "No. Definitely not running Alex. If I did...I'd be the stupidest woman on the planet. "
"He loves you so much." Alex whispered, "And so do his kids…" She stopped and smiled, "Your kids."
Olivia beamed at her and placed the wine down, "I have kids. Isn't that crazy? Four kids! Four insanely wonderful, adorable and beautiful kids."
"And one hunk of a man you get to sleep with forever." Alex said with a laugh.
Nudging her with her foot, Alex yelled, "Alex!"
"What? He's all yours but I can't deny the man is gorgeous. Even he knows it! Cocky as hell sometimes." She replied with a smirk.
Olivia laughed but shivered feeling that familiar rush of desire coursing through her body, "He has the right to be cocky about some things..."
Alex squealed, "So you're saying you're completely satisfied then?"
Olivia sighed wistfully and reached for her wine again, "In every possible way. The man knows exactly how to please me every damn time."
Alex huffed and lay back on her lounger, "As if I needed more of a reason to be jealous." Smirking, she asked, "Can I borrow him for a night?"
Olivia scoffed and shook her head, "Hell no. I don't share. If he so much as touches another woman again he'll be a dead man."
Alex chuckled, "You have nothing to worry about. He is completely faithful to you. Have you seen the way he looks at you?"
Olivia's laughter subsided and she blushed, tucking her hair behind her ear, "What do you mean?"
"He looks at you like you are the only woman in the world. Like he can't believe you are real or that you're his. He looks at you like he'd die just to make you happy." She whispered.
Olivia swallowed the lump in her throat, "He's real right? I didn't get hurt somewhere along the line and make this all up in my head? I wasn't shot in the line of duty and fall into some crazy parallel universe in acoma? I get to keep him?"
Alex's face softened and she sat up, reaching for her friend's hand, "He's real Olivia. And this relationship you have created is real too. This is forever."
Olivia bit her lip, felt a rush of emotions bubbling in her and she had to close her eyes, "Sometimes when I wake up and I see him there...or when I feel him holding me I get so overwhelmed. I'm not afraid to get hurt. I trust him implicitly. But it scares me how much I love him sometimes. I didn't think it was possible. I was always such a creature of habit. I was fine being on my own. And now...now I need him like I need oxygen to breathe."
Alex squeezed her hand, "The thing is...I don't think you were really fine being alone. You let yourself think that because it's all you thought you'd ever have. But now...now you have Elliot. And you always will."
Olivia looked down at her engagement ring, she twisted it on her finger and smiled, "Forever."
Later that night, Elliot sat with the kids around the coffee table playing a game of Monopoly. Something they had done a million times. He was watching them, laughing and talking. He wanted to freeze time to remember them at this age. He knew that time was going faster by the day. They were growing and changing every second. When he had first become a Father he had been terrified. And with each new child, though he felt more at easy the worry was always still there. He assumed it was normal, especially given the nature of his job.
When Kathy had left he had been so focussed on trying to make sure they were happy, healthy and safe. He put all his own needs aside and assumed it would be that way until the twins moved out to go to college. Even after that. Olivia had changed all that. Given him hope and helped him. He knew they loved Olivia just as much as he did. He missed her here tonight but he also loved that he had this moment with the kids.
He must have been thinking hard because before he knew it, Maureen's hand was on his shoulder, "Dad?"
Elliot looked up at her and smiled, "Sorry. Is it my turn?"
Maureen smiled, looked at her siblings and then back at him, "You okay Dad?"
Elliot nodded and reached for a card, "Course I am."
Kathleen looked at her sister nervously, "Not changing your mind?"
Elliot put the card down and looked at his second daughter, "No. Definitely not honey. I'm…" He smiled softly, "I'm just thinking about how much you have all grown. You're getting so big."
Richie jumped up from his spot at the table, "I grew another two inches!"
Elliot laughed, grabbed him quickly and tugged him into his lap, "I know. You need to quit doing that. I'm not ready for you to be taller than me."
Lizzie smiled at him happily, "Do you remember when we were all babies?"
Elliot beamed at her, "I do. I remember the exact moment I held you each in my arms." He saw them staring at him, "I want you to know...that no matter what happens, or if Olivia and I have more children or not...the four of you will always be so very important to me. The four of you gave me direction...gave me a life that I love. I am so proud to be your Father. I know that you guys love Olivia...and she's your Mom now. But despite all the changes...the one thing that will NEVER change is how much I love you. You can come to me for anything and everything. Okay?"
"We know Dad." Maureen said reaching for him, she smiled at her siblings, "You've done everything for us for years. But now...it's time for you to do something for yourself." She smirked at him, "Although in this case...I think it ends up being for all of us. It's going to be great."
Elliot tugged on a lock of her hair and nodded, "Yes. It is. We're going to be happy. And even when things get tough...because they will at times...that's part of life...we'll figure it out as a family. Olivia and I will always make it work so that we are together as a family. Do you believe that?"
They all nodded, "Yes Daddy." Lizzie said with a smile, "We trust you."
Elliot reached out for her hand and smiled, "You know...I think there is one thing we need to do before tomorrow."
Kathleen looked at her Dad and frowned, "What is it?"
Elliot cracked his neck back and forth, "I think we need to run off a little energy."
Richie's eyes went wide thinking he could read his Dad's mind, "Attack of the Dad?"
Elliot smirked at his son, the name of the game the five of them often played, "Attack of the Dad...I'm giving you all a 10 second head start. Starting now. One-"
The kids shrieked and started running as fast as they could around the house as Elliot counted. He stood up, jumped over the back of the couch and growled as he started chasing them around. How many times had they played this game when he just wanted them to laugh and forget about what they didn't have? Now as of tomorrow...they would have everything and more.
The following day passed in a blur. Bernie had gone over to the house to help Elliot wrangle the kids and get them ready for the ceremony and reception after. They were getting married at one of their favorite parks. Elliot's Priest was going to marry them. Then after they were going to a venue close by. The weather was beautiful and most of their day would be spent outside. When it was nearly time for the actual ceremony, Olivia was standing in the building she had gotten ready in. Alex had been there to help her get ready. The kids had stayed with Elliot and would be with him until the ceremony started. She was looking out the window and spotted them dancing around and waiting for the events to begin.
A knock on the door made her turn and she smiled when Bernie stuck her head in, "Oh Olivia…"
Olivia felt the blush in her cheeks and she smoothed her hands down the lace dress, "Hi Bernie…"
"Oh sweetheart." Her breath caught in her throat as she walked over to her, "You look so beautiful."
Olivia looked down at herself, "Yeah?"
"You trying to give my son a heart attack?" She teased reaching for her, "He's going to die when he sees you."
Olivia laughed and shook her head, "I hope not. That wouldn't be the best start to our marriage."
Bernie put a hand on her cheek and smiled, "As a Mother...I am so proud to stand here knowing you will be my son's wife. I know you will love him the way he deserves. And the children. You are a wonderful woman Olivia. The best woman I have ever met. You amaze me and I welcome you with open arms into this family."
Biting her lip, Olivia pressed a hand to her belly, "I know...I know I gave you all reason to doubt from time to time. But I swear I will take care of them always. You can trust me."
"I know." She said, giving her a hand a squeeze, "Which is why I want you to have this."
Olivia looked down and gasped when she saw a sapphire ring, "Bernie…"
"Joe gave this to me as a wedding present. It was a surprise. I want you to have it." She whispered.
Olivia held the ring in her hand, "Oh Bernie it's beautiful. But I can't-"
"You can." She said, closing her hand around it, "I want you to have this. Elliot helped me get it resized for you so it should fit."
Olivia took her right hand and slid it onto her finger, "Thank you so much. You're sure?" Bernie smiled at her and Olivia laughed, "How did I get so lucky?"
Bernie leaned in and pulled her in for a hug, "Because you deserve it." Pulling back she looked at her seriously, "I know...there is probably part of you that wishes your Mother was here today. Despite your relationship with her, she was still your Mother. I'll never be able to replace her but I hope you know that I see you as a daughter. I will always be here for you and anything you need."
Olivia shook her head feeling the tears burning, "Thank you. That means more than you know."
Bernie kissed her cheek and then pulled all the way away, "Oh...there's one thing before I leave." Pulling something from the pocket of her jacket she held it out, "From Elliot."
Olivia frowned, "What did he do?"
"The same thing you did with the gifts for the kids and him." She said squeezing her hand, "I'll send Alex in in a few minutes to help redo your makeup."
Olivia laughed and stepped towards the window, "Okay. Thank you."
Once she was alone again, Olivia looked down at the envelope and box in her hand. Lifting the flap of the envelope, she pulled out the paper and smiled when she saw his familiar writing. Immediately tears welled up in her eyes and she had to compose herself before she could begin to read it.
Olivia, We were drowning. I felt so alone, so lost and out of place. I felt like I was just existing, trying to hold on for the kids. But whenever I wanted to sink into the abyss, you pulled me back to Earth. You were the anchor holding me in place. You kept my head above water when I felt like I was losing all control, losing my ability to breathe, you made it all better. You make everything better. Coming home now to you, with you, to our family is everything. Sometimes I just stay in the background because I love to hear you talking to the kids, laughing with them. It makes me fall in love with you even more. I know that our marriage will have it's fair share of trials. I wish I could promise that it would always be easy, always be perfect but we know better than most that life doesn't work that way. What I can promise is that I will forever be faithful to you. That I will always love you. That I will protect you, our children and all that we have built together. I will never leave you, never make you doubt my love. I will spend every single day trying to make you smile. I cannot wait to be your husband. I love you. Semper Fi,
It's hard for me to put into words what I'm feeling right now. In just a short amount of time, you will be my wife. My wife. I still don't know why you chose me but I am forever grateful that you did. I've said it before and I'll say it again and for the rest of my life. You saved me Olivia. You saved my children.
Elliot
Opening the box, she found a gold pendent with the very words he had signed the letter with Semper Fi. Her heart ached and she wished he was beside her now. Looking out the window, she saw him now with the kids and she knew it was almost time. Alex came back and helped her clasp the necklace on her neck before fixing up her makeup. They both laughed knowing it would be a bit of a lost cause. There would be many more tears shed today. After Alex left, Olivia was alone only for another moment.
When the door opened again, Don walked in. He froze in the doorway and her face flushed again, "Hi Cap…"
He stood there smiling at her, "I never had a daughter of my own...it is one of my biggest regrets in life. But having the privilege to escort you today means so much to me. You look radiant. I am so proud of you…"
Olivia waved a hand in front of her face, "Okay seriously...I don't know why I bothered to put on makeup."
Walking up to her, he smiled and took her hand, "Take a deep breath Olivia."
Closing her eyes, she focussed on her breathing and then turned back to him, "Is everything ready?"
"Yes. We just need you." He said, giving her hand a squeeze, "Are you ready?"
Olivia looked back out the window and saw the kids and Elliot again, "Absolutely." She paused and then turned back to him, "You remember the day I almost quit?"
Cragen laughed, "Which one?" She shot him a look and he smiled, "Oh...you mean your first year?"
Olivia nodded, "Elliot and Kathy...they had been arguing nonstop. Elliot was a mess. In turn...we got into a terrible argument. I don't even remember what it was about. But I was so frustrated. The funny thing was though I wanted to ring Kathy's neck...not his."
Cragen smirked, "That's because even then you loved him."
She smiled and didn't even try to deny it, "After he left to go home, I packed up all my stuff and you caught me just as I was getting in the elevator. Do you remember what you told me?"
Cragen nodded, "I do. I told you that your story was just beginning with us and that I didn't want to see you throw it all away after one bad day."
"If I had left…" She whispered, "I would never be standing here right now."
Cragen smiled at her, "Want to know a secret?" She raised an eyebrow and he shrugged, "I knew that Elliot's marriage was unraveling. I could see it. But I could also see...that the connection the two of you had was something special. Whether or not it became more than just a work partnership...I wasn't sure. But I did feel that you needed each other. And I was right. You two were meant to end up here. Having been married before...I can tell you it won't always be easy. But I know you two have what it takes to make it work. To survive. Because you have each other. Everything is going to be okay Olivia...you're finally right where you need to be."
Wiping away a quick tear she smiled, "Thanks for making him my partner...for believing in me. In us."
Cragen smiled, "Out of all the Detectives that walked through my doors as Captain...I knew the second I met you that you had what it took. I knew that you were a force to be reckoned with. You do so much for so many others Olivia. Now it's your turn to be happy."
Olivia beamed up at him, "I am happy Cap. So happy."
Taking her hand he squeezed gently, "Then let's get you married…"
Walking towards the door, Olivia let him lead her knowing that as prepared as she was, she needed his guidance in this moment. Needed his strength. They walked quietly out of the room, out of the building and out to the park. Elliot had his back to her but the kids were watching her carefully. Richie was waving wildly and she couldn't help but smile. Her eyes scanned the space and she caught her friends watching her. Her cheeks flushed but she didn't feel anxious, didn't feel embarrassed. She felt so damn happy.
Don squeezed her hand and looped her arm through his. Clasping her flowers in her other hand, they began to walk as the music played. Elliot turned when Maureen tugged on his arm and instantly, her eyes locked with his and she smiled when she saw him let out a shaky breath. His hand instantly moved to wipe away a tear and she had to bite her lip to keep her own tears at bay. Cragen kept her steady beside him as they walked. When she finally stood in front of him and the kids, she glanced down at their little faces.
"Hi Mommy." Richie whispered, "You look really pretty."
Lizzie leaned into her, "You really do look like the Queen…"
Her eyes looked over at the two oldest girls who were speechless and then she looked up to Elliot. He was looking at her so lovingly, showing her without a shadow of a doubt that he was ready for this. "Hi…"
Elliot's smile widened, "You're beautiful."
Don squeezed her arm again and Father O'Conner started talking. "Who gives this woman to this man?"
Don smiled and whispered, "I do." Turning to Olivia, he leaned in and hugged her, "I love you kid."
She squeezed him back, feeling overwhelmed with emotion, "I love you too Cap. Thank you...for everything."
She could tell he was getting choked up as he pulled away and turned to Elliot, "Don't mess this up."
Elliot smirked at him, "Trust me Cap...I won't." The two men shook hands and then Elliot held his hand out to Olivia, "Ready Benson?"
Taking his hand firmly in hers, she squeezed and smiled, "I was born ready Stabler."
The ceremony was short but sweet and Elliot and Olivia were so wrapped up in each other that it felt like time stood still. The four children stood in front of them as they said their vows.
Father O'Conner turned to them both and smiled, "Are you ready?" They both nodded and turned to face each other, Elliot took her hands and his and gave her a wink.
Before they started, Olivia looked at the kids who were beaming up at them excitedly and her heart had never felt so full. Even for four children, they knew this was important. "Elliot and Olivia, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?"
"Yes." They both answered together, always in synch.
"Will you honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?" He asked.
"Yes." Their eyes were locked and both knew this was the beginning of the best chapter of their lives.
"Now Elliot, please take Olivia's hand, slide the ring on her finger and repeat the following words."
Richie handed his father the rings and Elliot took Olivia's left hand and repeated the words he heard. "I, Elliot, take you, Olivia, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."
Olivia couldn't help but keep the tears away at this point. Elliot wiped them away and had to do the same for himself. Olivia took Elliot's ring from Richie and repeated the same words as she slid the gold band onto his finger, "I, Olivia, take you, Elliot, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."
Looking down at the kids, they both smiled as Father O'Conner pronounced them husband and wife. Elliot waited patiently, and when he was told he could kiss the bride, he quickly reached for her, pulled up her veil and crashed his lips to hers. Their friends and family chered around them, the kids soon joined in and were hugging not wanting to miss a moment.
It was official, they were finally husband and wife.
After pulling themselves away from the well wishes and ensuring the kids were safe, Elliot stole Olivia away for a few minutes alone. She was laughing as he tugged her to a spot where they would have some privacy. She laughed harder when he pulled her to him and dipped her back slightly, kissing her with all the passion he had within him.
Leaning her head back she smirked, "Save it for later Stabler…"
He shook his head and looked her up and down, "God my wife is sexy…"
"Your wife…" She replied, biting her lip as a happy laugh erupted from her lips, "Your wife. I'm someone's wife!"
He smirked and kissed her again, holding her as close as possible"Not someone's...you're my wife. Mine and mine alone."
Sighing happily, she pressed her hands into his cheeks, "And you're my husband."
His eyes dipped down to her chest and he smiled seeing the necklace there, "I see you got the necklace."
She smiled and lifted his hand, "I see you got the watch."
"I love it." He said holding it close, "Thank you." Touching the pendent he whispered, "You know the Marines was an important part of my life. And...I have always loved the meaning behind Semper Fi." He paused and looked deep in her eyes, cradling her face, "I will always be faithful to you Olivia. I am yours. Completely and totally yours. There is no other woman for me but you."
Tears fell from her eyes and she smiled, "And I'm yours. I always have been. There is no one else for me but you." Resting her forehead against his she closed her eyes, sighed and smiled, "We got married today."
He chuckled and nodded against her, "Indeed we did…"
Wrapping her arms around his neck she breathed him in, "Kiss your wife Stabler…"
"Don't have to tell me twice." He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her tight.
As they were sitting down to eat, the kids and Elliot and Olivia were at one table together. Their friends and family were scattered around them at their own tables. Richie looked at his Dad, "So what does it actually mean to be married?"
Elliot smiled at his son, "Well...it means that Olivia is my wife. And I'm her husband. It means we have promised that we will only love each other. That...we're going to be a team. Make decisions together. Spend our time together. Live our lives together...our whole lives. Until we're old and gray."
Richie smirked, "Old and gray?"
Elliot chuckled, "It just means...that we'll be together for our whole lives."
Maureen sighed happily, "It's so romantic!"
"Oh geez…" Elliot said bowing his head, "Kiddo...you're still two years old."
She rolled her eyes, "I'll be a teenager soon Dad. You're going to have to get used to me talking like that. I want to get married someday."
"Nope." He replied, shaking his head adamantly, "Never going to happen."
"Mom!" Maureen huffed, "Tell Dad I'm getting married someday."
Olivia leaned towards her daughter, "Mo...I've told you this before. We need to ease your Dad into these types of conversations. Can't just throw it all at him at once."
Turning to look at her Dad, she smiled triumphantly, "See? I'm getting married someday. You have to do what your wife says and she says I'm getting married someday."
Elliot rolled his eyes, "I'm never going to win any argument switch you women in my life."
"Nope." Maureen said with a laugh, "You better hope you have more sons."
Everyone laughed again and Richie looked back at his Dad, "Does everyone get married? Do you have to?"
Elliot shook his head, "No. Not everyone does. It's not something you have to do. But...if you find the right person you will want too."
Scrunching up his nose, Richie shook his head, "But girls are gross."
Another laugh rippled through the space, "You think that now buddy. But someday…" His eyes lifted up towards Olivia, "Someday you'll meet a woman who changes your mind about everything. She'll be the best thing that ever happens to you and you won't ever want to let her go. So...you'll ask her to marry you. And if you're lucky...she'll say yes."
Olivia's eyes welled up with tears, but she smiled when she heard Richie say, "I'll believe it when I see it."
Elliot laughed and smiled at his son, "Yes. You will." Standing up, he held his hand out to Olivia, "Care to dance Mrs. Stabler?"
Putting her hand in his, she felt him squeeze as he tugged her upwards, "I'd love to Mr. Stabler."
Leading her out towards the dance floor, Elliot smiled down at her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and felt his settle against her hips as they began to dance to the music. She smiled at her friends and family as they watched on or danced beside them. Resting her chin on his shoulder, she breathed him in and sighed. Elliot pressed a kiss to the side of her face and whispered, "So...I know you were anxious about this day before. How are you feeling now?"
She was quiet for a moment, then pulled away so she could see his face, "Happy El. I'm so...happy."
"So a few hours in...and I'm doing my job right." He teased, looking down at her face.
One hand lifted up slightly to rub the back of his neck, "Not that...I want to talk about her but-"
Elliot shook his head, "I know what you're going to ask. And no. The way I feel today is nothing like I felt that day. I was...on autopilot then. Just going through the motions. I didn't feel anything." Letting his eyes roam over her face, "But today...today I feel everything. Every damn emotion you could possibly feel. That's how I know this is the real deal."
She kissed him softly as he turned her around the dance floor, "Think the kids will be okay while we're gone?"
Elliot nodded, "My Mom will spoil the hell out of 'em. They'll be fine." He looked at her and saw the hesitation on her face and he smiled, "I love you for worrying. But they'll be okay. We need this...we deserve this. How often do we get to be together, just us?"
She smiled and shook her head, "Between work and home...um...never?"
He wiggled his eyebrows at her, "I have lots of plans for filling up all that alone time."
"Oh really?" She asked softly, "Care to share those plans?"
Elliot moaned softly and leaned closer to her ear, "I plan on making love to you in every possible way until you can't walk straight." He felt her shiver in his arms, "It's a long flight to Hawaii babe...I'd rest up if I were you. You're going to need it."
Olivia smirked and turned her face closer to his, "El, I'm so damn happy right now that I'm going to overlook the fact that you have gone over your babe limit."
"So I still get wedding night sex?" He said with a goofy grin on his face.
She giggled and nodded, "Yes Elliot...you get wedding sex."
Sliding his hand down her back he whispered, "Good...because I'm having a really hard time keeping my hands off of you right now."
Her finger traced the shell of his ear, "Hm...is that so?"
"If we weren't in such a public space...I'd be having my way with you right now." He said nuzzling her closer.
She smiled and shook her head, "So I take it we won't be seeing much of the Island on our honeymoon then?"
Elliot chuckled, "I'll make a few exceptions."
"I have a hypothetical question for you." She whispered with a gentle smirk.
Intrigued, he turned her again and nodded, "Okay. I'm listening."
"Hypothetically...if I didn't pack my birth control for our honeymoon...would you be okay with that?" She asked.
Elliot's face split into a wide grin and he looked at his four kids in the background before looking back at her, "I'd definitely be okay with that."
"Not too soon?" She asked with a shrug, "Because we can wait…"
He shook his head and leaned down to kiss her, "I told you I can't wait to see you pregnant Liv. Why wait? We're married now. Let's keep checking off those milestones together."
Her heart flipped in her chest and she tugged him closer, "Together." Kissing him softly, "I figured we might as well start...it won't happen overnight."
He shrugged and spun her around before pulling her close again, "Whenever it does happen I'll be right there through it all. The midnight cravings, the mood swings, the labor."
She chuckled, "Can I get that in writing?"
He smiled and pressed a kiss to her temple, "I mean it Liv. You'll be giving birth to my child. Caring and nurturing it for 9 months. Sacrificing so much. I will be there for whatever you need."
Gazing up at him, she felt a lump form in her throat and a wave of emotions wash over her, "El I-"
He saw the change in her demeanor and paused, "What's wrong? Did I say something-"
"No." She answered quickly, caressing his cheek, "No. I just...I was thinking about...about my…"
Her words got caught in her throat but he read her mind as usual and pressed a kiss to her forehead, "She's always with you Liv. Always."
Sighing, she moved to rest her head on his chest, just under his chin, "I know."
Holding her close as they danced, he knew how vulnerable she felt. He breathed her in, enveloping her in the safety of his arms. Wanting her to feel his love and strength. "You okay?"
"Yes." She said and he believed her when he felt her smile against him, "Just a lot of different emotions today. Mostly good…" She pulled back slightly and held her right hand out to him, "Your Mom gave me her ring…"
Elliot smiled and nodded, "I know. She loves you like her daughter."
Biting her lip she whispered, "I was surprised she never gave it to-"
Elliot cut her off again, "Liv...it's you and only you. Kathy wasn't my soulmate and my Mom knew that. That ring belongs on your finger. Just like you belong with me forever. Okay? I'll spend forever making sure you know that. You're it for me Liv. What I feel for you goes so deep, so beyond what I could have ever felt for anyone else. We belong together."
Tears prickled in her eyes and she stared at him in awe, "Hey El?"
He smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "Yeah?"
Pressing a soft kiss to his lips she whispered, "Thanks for marrying me."
Elliot chuckled deep and low and then shook his head as he cradled her face in his hands, "You're welcome." Kissing her again he whispered, "Thanks for marrying me."
She smirked and kissed him again just as she felt a pair of tiny hands reaching between them, "Dad? Mom?" They looked down at Richie and waited before he spoke again, "Is it time for cake yet?"
Olivia laughed as Elliot pulled his son up into his arms, "Definitely buddy."
Giving his wife a wink, she put a hand on his back as they started to walk towards the table in the corner. The rest of the kids joined them. After explaining Richie couldn't get the first slice, Olivia looked at her husband. "Don't do anything stupid El."
He smirked at her and feigned innocence, "You don't trust me babe?"
Shaking her head she answered, "Nope. And you're still on thin ice with the babe talk as it is. So choose your actions carefully."
Elliot laughed again, used his fork to cut a piece of the cake and gently fed it to her, "Noted."
She smiled as she swallowed the piece of cake, "Yum." Licking her lip she followed his actions and lifted it towards him, but at the last second smashed it into his face, "Oh man...I'm so sorry babe."
The kids were howling and Elliot chuckled as he wiped his face with a napkin, "I probably should have seen that one coming."
Offering him a slice again she shrugged, "Yeah. You should have."
Taking the piece this time he ate while watching her. She was laughing, her smile as radiant as ever. Pulling her against him, he dipped her low and whispered, "You'll pay for that later honey."
She threw her head back and laughed , "Less than 12 hours in and you're looking for a divorce."
He chuckled and pulled her back up, kissing her he said, "Only way out of this marriage is in a body bag Liv. So learn to live with the pet names."
Winking, she brushed leftover frosting from his cheek and dipped it in her mouth, moaning as she tasted the sweet frosting, "Yes dear."
Elliot's eyes glossed over watching her suck on her finger, "So cruel."
Reaching up to kiss him, she tugged on his bottom lip with her teeth, "You can punish me later."
Elliot growled again and held her hips firm against him, "Oh I will."
Turning her back to him, she pressed against his chest and smirked when she felt his desire knowing there was nothing he could do right now, "Who wants cake?"
She heard him let out a strangled breath as the kids rushed over to them. She was wiggling more than strictly necessary and he gasped. Tossing an innocent look over her shoulder she whispered, "You okay honey?"
Laughing to himself he leaned into her ear, "You're in so much trouble Liv."
She bit her lip and shivered, "Mmm...don't make promises you can't keep Elliot." She pushed herself against him again and then whispered, "I guess it's a good thing I had Alex book us a hotel room by the airport." He gave her a surprised look, "Our flight isn't until 6am and I couldn't make you wait until we landed in Hawaii. Besides...I have plans of my own."
Elliot tensed again, biting the inside of his cheek, "God damn you're perfect."
Winking, she cocked her head towards the kids, "Later. I'll more than make up for teasing. I promise." Pecking him softly on the lips she whispered, "And that is a promise I CAN keep."
After the wedding, Elliot and Olivia helped settle the kids in Bernie's car. There were some tears shed from the twins who were overtired and not wanting to say goodbye for a week. But with the promise of calling and bringing back presents they seemed better. Richie had enquired about them bringing back a baby brother...which had made Olivia laugh and Elliot had responded with an, "I'll see what I can do."
Now the happy couple waltzed into the hotel that they would only occupy for a few hours. As soon as the door was opened, Elliot's hands were all over her. She couldn't help but laugh but she pressed back into him. "Slow down El. I'm not going anywhere."
He smirked against her earlobe, "That's true. I get you forever."
Dumping their bags on the ground, Olivia walked over towards the bed and smiled anxiously at him. She was feeling so many different emotions right now. It wasn't their first time being together, but this moment above all the rest felt different. She felt different. "I know I promised you could punish me and I still maintain that promise but-"
Elliot silenced her with a loving kiss, "Liv the first time I take you as my wife...it will be slow. I don't want to miss a second. I'm going to make love to my wife."
She shivered and turned her back to him knowing she could trust him with her life, "I was hoping you'd say that."
Taking the hint, he lifted his hands and began to thread the buttons on her back, "Liv…" she shuddered again when he pressed a kiss to the nape of her neck, "I love you more than anything."
Her breathing became slightly difficult as she tried to absorb the words he was saying, "Elliot…"
"It's not lost on me how lucky I am to be here with you. How lucky I am that you allow me and want me to touch you this way." He undid the last button and felt her reach for the material to hold it in place, "Till the day I die I'll remember just how beautiful you looked walking towards me in this dress."
Holding the material close to her chest, she trembled with want as she turned to him, "And what I look like out of it?"
The dress pooled at her feet and Elliot momentarily forgot how to breathe. Standing before him completely bare he realized she had spent the entire day naked underneath her dress. She saw him swallow hard, his eyes glossing over with both desire and love. He spoke softly as if he was in shock, "How are you mine?"
She smiled sheepishly and shook her head, "Because you loved me even when I didn't love myself."
Elliot reached for her, his hand trailing up her arm, her collarbone and then rested at the base of her neck, "I will love you forever Olivia. And even after."
A tear escaped the corner of her eye and she sighed knowing she would never be able to express just how much she loved him, "El I...I just…"
"It's okay." He reached for the pin holding back her hair and her brown curls tumbled down to her shoulders, "I know. I know."
She stepped up to him again and started tugging at his shirt, "I think you're a little overdressed babe."
He smirked and started to loosen his tie, "Babe?"
She smirked and pushed the coat down his arms, "I can call you that."
Tossing his tie to the ground he reached out and lifted her up causing her to gasp, "Okay. Babe." Laying her down he felt her laugh and he made quick work of his shirt when she slid her foot up the length of his pants, "I'm getting there."
She smiled at him again and then sighed happily when he was fully undressed and moved to cover her body with his, "Hi husband."
Staring down at her, he pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, each cheek, her nose and her forehead before whispering, "Hi wife."
When his lips found her neck again, her body melted into him. A soft whimper escaped her lips and she gripped his back as his lips moved lower. Everywhere he touched her felt like it was on fire. Gasping for breath, she called out his name when his lips encircled her nipple. His grip was soft yet possessive on her hips and she felt herself coming undone.
Arching into him, she knew she just needed him, "El…" He continued his trail of kisses and she trembled with need, "El...look at me." He lifted his head slowly and stared up at her expectantly, "I just need you." She saw him hesitate but she whispered again, "Only you. We have all week...just come here."
Crawling up over her again, he watched her carefully and then groaned when he felt her reach for him. He barely had time to register what was happening before she was guiding him towards her entrance and he was sinking into her warm heat. "Olivia…"
Holding his face close, she kissed him passionately, urging him to move by pressing her hips into his. He braced himself on his forearms on either side of her and began to move slowly, inch by inch. The more she whimpered in pleasure the more he gave her. As much as he wanted to keep kissing her, he had to see her. Had to watch her. The blinding smile that she wore set his heart on fire knowing he was the one making her this happy. His eyes traveled to the necklace at her neck reading Semper Fi, then to her wedding and engagement rings and he felt so overwhelmed. When she wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him in even deeper they both groaned.
"I love you." Her voice shook as she spoke, staring up at him, lost in his love making.
Elliot had to bite into his lower hip to try and bring himself back to reality, "Liv...you have no idea."
He tangled their hands together on either side of her head and pushed harder, deeper but kept a slow pace. The feelings he was stirring up inside of her were overwhelming. It felt like they were the only two people on the planet. When he she rotated her hips slightly, he hit at just the angle that she needed. Coming undone, she cried out her eyes closed tightly as she rode out her first high. He didn't give her much time to recover, before he turned them both so she was on top. But he sat up and rested against the headboard, her legs were still wrapped around him. Holding her hips in, he supported her as she moved over him. Her walls were still spasming and she felt like her nerve endings were on fire. Holding his face close with one hand and wrapping her arm around his back they moved together. When his hands tightened on her hips, she knew he was trying to hold on for them both. Adjusting her speed, he shivered and let one hand trail up her spine and into her hair, holding her in place. When he tugged her hair back so he could look at her she smiled at him, "El...let go."
His gaze held hers, searching for that sign that would tell him she was with him. And when he saw it, he pulled her towards him and kissed her possessively. The both gasped against each other's mouths, pulling the oxygen from each other as Elliot's release signaled her second. Rocking against him for a few more seconds, he stilled her hips and let his hands slide up her sides. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close, pressing kisses against his face, "Liv…"
She smiled and pulled back just enough to kiss his lips, "I know."
Taking a few steadying breaths, he touched her face, "Today was a damn good day."
"The best damn day." She whispered nuzzling him close, "Why the hell did I make you wait so long to ask me to marry you?"
He laughed and moved to lay them down side by side, "Liv...I would have waited forever for you. You are more than worth it."
Taking his left hand, she pulled his hand towards her and kissed the band on his finger, "So…"
He smiled at her and took her hand, looking at her own rings, "So…?"
"Now that we're married…" She said tracing the lines of his finger, "What happens next?"
He smiled and shrugged, "Whatever you want to happen Liv. Happy wife, happy life."
Snuggling into him she sighed, "A baby…"
He smiled and pressed a hand into her belly, "Richie did ask us to bring him back a brother from Hawaii…"
Laughing as she rolled on top of him she sighed, "He'll have to wait 9 months after...but we can definitely try our best."
Elliot smirked up at her, "You want to have my babies huh?"
Leaning down she kissed him gently, "Uh huh. Your babies."
"Luckiest son-on-a-bitch alive." He growled and peeked at the clock, "We still have a few hours before we have to check in for our flight...we might as well keep trying."
She giggled as he rolled her over again and knew that the next week was going to be everything she dreamed of. And...this was just the beginning of their journey.