A/N: Howdy ya'll.
I know everyone is probably hoping for an update of Prey, but in the light of the approaching Christmas holidays I've decided to try something else.
Someone near and dear to me is a big EO fan. As a Christmas present, I have decided to write her a fluffy two shot. After thinking for several days, the idea light went off above my head yet again.
Disclaimer: I do not own SVU. Now that would be the perfect Christmas gift.
Background – Olivia and Elliot have been partners for three years, in a relationship for two, and married for ten months. Kathy left Elliot and their kids three months after Olivia was partnered with him. The kids all live with El and Liv.
Enjoy and please review.
This is for Sammie. Merry Christmas :)
Olivia's Miracle
A Short Story by the Congressman
One
Domestic. What could be more domestic than cooking lunch for her family? Nothing much the brunette figured. Stepping sideways, slipper clad feet gliding along the tiled floor of the kitchen, she snatched the grader and the hunk of parmesan cheese out of the refrigerator. Both were soon hovering over the bubbling pot of pasta, chicken, and sauce. A rhythmic motion of her hands started showering the cheese among the rest of the food.
Musing idly, she wondered how she ended up in this situation. People like her didn't do domestic. Not with the personality and life history she had, more easily fit into a solitary life – which had been the case for thirty-one of her thirty-three years gracing this earth. Alone, more time spent working than actually inside her apartment, only sharing it with a date every once and a while who never really lasted more than two weeks.
And here she was, cooking lunch for her family. "What happened to me?" she asked no one in particular. A hand ran itself through her hair. Something intense seemed to be the only answer, for nothing else could have rooted her out of the rut of her former life.
The bring of the home phone nestled in the wall drew her out of her musings. Grabbing it with the well-honed reflexes of her police experience, Olivia Stabler cradled the receiver against her ear. "Hello?"
"Hey beautiful," answered a husky male voice, one that brought a smile to Olivia's lips. "What are you wearing?"
Olivia rolled her eyes, her answer right here – only Elliot Stabler, her partner, best friend, husband, and soulmate stood a chance of getting her out of that life. Sometimes though, he irritated the daylights out of her. This was one. "You are incorrigible sometimes El," she deadpanned, suppressing a giggle.
"Am I now?" She could almost visualize the shit-eating grin he was currently wearing. "I'm getting ready for a shower. There's not a stich of clothing on me."
The moan that bubbled deep in Olivia's throat was unavoidable. "Don't start something you can't finish El." Easing the knob on the gas stove to zero, letting the cheese melt naturally without extra heat, Olivia turned and leaned on the linoleum counter. "I miss you baby."
Huskiness dropping from her husband's voice, the tone of exposed tenderness soon took over – one he only allowed himself to use with Olivia. "I missed you too Liv. God, it feels like months being away from you." In reality, he had only been away for a single day, having gone with Munch to Chicago to extradite a suspect.
"I know what you mean," Olivia replied, knowing how he felt. Half a day away from him was too much. 'How did I get this way?' The Olivia Benson of five years back would scoff at something like this.
Then, two years later she gazed for the first time into those blue eyes… She shook her head, wanting to have the day before Christmas Eve as a happy one. "How's the case going?" A giggle couldn't help itself at Elliot's resulting groan.
"Remind me never to let Cragen pick me for extradition duty again. It's not like Alex dealing with motions and warrants – at least we know and trust her. These guys here… well lots of them seem like patronage appointees. The process is slow as hell."
Another spate of giggles leaving her lips – the old Olivia Benson never giggled until Elliot, something she found a bit surreal – Olivia could picture the flustered look on his face. "You know El, you're cute when you're flustered." She was his wife after all. It was her duty to cheer him up – one that she loved doing.
The relaxed exhale audible from thousands of miles away indicated it had worked. "Have I told you lately that I love you Mrs. Stabler?"
"Hmmm, once or twice," she shot back, smirking.
Elliot laughed. "I still can't believe Olivia Benson has a flirty, fun-loving side. Guess I was too distracted by Badass Benson initially, but to be fair, that woman was h-o-t."
Olivia shook her head. "You are too much sometimes. And it's Stabler now, and don't you forget it." She let her detective voice emerge for the last statement.
"I hear you officer," Elliot replied, Olivia detecting a tinge of joy beneath his teasing lilt. "Now back to your fun-loving side, I wish you were here Liv. Your funny side is wonderful and a pleasure to deal with. Now though I'm stuck with Munch's."
If Olivia had been drinking something she would have spit it out, the laugh forming deep in her stomach too intense to prevent. "What… what is it… this time?" She managed to choke out between guffaws. "Military industrial complex?"
"Kennedy Assassination," Elliot replied with a snort. "How Fin puts up with him I have no clue." Muffled voices chose that moment to crackle on the other end. "What? Are you… Yeah… Fine, I'll get ready. Sorry beautiful," Elliot told her apologetically, triggering the little catch in her heart that formed whenever her husband of ten months called her that. "Got to go, there are some added complications in the case."
Olivia's heart sank. "Will you be back by Christmas? The twins have their play tomorrow – they were so excited for you to see it." Even she could hear the pained whisper in her voice.
"I'm sorry Liv." Elliot's tone bore the pain of a parent far away from his family. His blue eyes were likely crimson-lined with suppressed tears. "Tell the kids I love them and will be back as soon as I can."
Accepting what couldn't be helped, Olivia nodded. "I will baby. I love you."
"I love you too Liv, more than you'll ever know." His angelic voice disappeared, the line ending with an audible click.
Longing for her handsome husband brought forth by his voice continuing to echo in her ear, Olivia ran a hand though her hair – styled slightly shorter than when they met all those years ago. Well, she had four rambunctious distractions from that longing. "Kids!" she called out to the stairs. "Lunch is ready!"
"Mommy!" Then again maybe not. In ran a four foot eight collection of blonde hair and pure energy. "Dickie won't give me my doll!" Lizzie yelled.
"Not fair!" Her twin brother wasn't far behind. "Only because she wrecked my Lego Millennium Falcon. That was my favorite and you ruined it!" Dickie shoved his sister.
"It was an accident!" Lizzie shoved him back.
Shaking her head, Olivia couldn't help but think this was the sibling version of her fights with El. Knockdown, drag out affairs over the pettiest triggers imaginable. "Stop it," she announced, the twins shutting up immediately. "You two know better than to act this way. Dickie, give your sister her Barbie back."
Grumbling, Dickie nevertheless handed the doll over. The only son out of a household of women, Dickie had grown extremely close to Olivia, which never ceased to brighten the brunette's heart. A triumphant Lizzie stuck her tongue out at him.
"And Lizzie, you are going to help your brother rebuild the Millennium Falcon. Won't you?" The loving look on her face only heightened the stern set of her eyes.
"Yes mommy," replied the youngest Stabler dejectedly.
Her heart melted whenever any of the kids called her that. "Good, now go eat your lunch." Hands ruffled their hair. The twins were more than happy to comply.
"Hi mom." Padding into the kitchen, Kathleen planted a warm kiss onto Olivia's cheek. The twelve-year old was, in Olivia's opinion, the most like her father of all four of them. It always made her smile, but in other aspects was more of a mixed blessing. "Oooh, pasta alfredo. Thanks mom." She sure did have Elliot's appetite.
"I'm excited for the play tomorrow," Dickie announced. "Alexis and I have the biggest parts." He had been cast in the third grade production of the Nativity at St. Thomas' as Joseph.
"That's the Christmas spirit sweetie," Olivia responded. "And I for one am excited to meet this Alexis I've been hearing so much about." All the twins could really talk about was their new friend. "Lizzie? You excited for your part?"
"Ummm…" the young girl said softly. "Yeah. I know the song and everything." Lizzie was cast as the solo opener of 'Come all ye Faithful,' and a bit of nerves were expected. Olivia made a mental not to talk to her about it later.
Waiting for the last Stabler to arrive – with teenagers, experience taught her to give them a little leeway on non-critical time limits – Olivia let her mind drift. Had it only been two years since she and Elliot had begun their relationship? Ten months since their wedding? Allowing the memories of that amazing day when she had finally become Mrs. Olivia Stabler to flash before her eyes, they seemed like yesterday and decades ago at the same time, if that made sense.
Thiers hadn't been quite the most conventional relationship. To tell the truth she had been a little intimidated at seeing those blue eyes for the first time three years before. Elliot Stabler had quite the reputation – most of it deserving she had to admit. In less than a week however they had fallen in sync with each other, the pace of which still amazed Olivia.
Her attention drew itself back to the kids, her kids. 'I wish they were biologically mine.' Many nights, awake in Elliot's arms while he slept, she longed for Maureen, Kathleen, Lizzie, and Dickie to have been completely hers. 'That bitch didn't deserve them,' she thought icily. Etched into her memory was the night when their real mother and Elliot's first wife, Kathy, had abandoned them. Olivia had found Elliot on the porch of this house, sobbing uncontrollably. It had been the first time they had held each other, the first time she truly got to see into Elliot Stabler's soul.
Having not known the woman very long, she still would never forgive that woman for giving up this wonderful family. 'God knows I never could.' The first time the kids called her mom – after Elliot and her had been dating six months – Olivia remembered the tears flowing from her lids. It had been then, the process beginning when Elliot kissed her the first time, that her heart was fully lost to this family. Forever.
"I am so screwed!"
This didn't sound good. "Maur, honey?" Olivia asked, concerned as the teenage brunette stormed into the kitchen. "What's wrong?"
"The stupid play and service is tomorrow and I haven't a thing to wear!"
"Then what's that stuff in your closet for?" mumbled Kathleen, twirling her fork in a spiral of pasta.
"Kathleen, don't make fun of your sister." It often amazed Olivia how easily motherhood came to her. "Why do you need a new dress Maur?"
"I just do," the teen said cryptically.
'Probably a boy,' Olivia thought. "Well, since it's Christmas and you have been an angel, I don't see why we can't head over to Macy's in the afternoon."
Maureen's face lit up like the Christmas tree in their living room. "Really?" Squealing with glee, she ran over and attacked Olivia in a forceful embrace. "You're the best mom in the whole world!"
Olivia felt her heart nearly burst from joy. "I have the best kids in the world." It was true. As Elliot often said, they were as much her kids as his.
'How did I become so lucky?'
EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO
Not for the first time since they arrived at Chicago, Elliot launched a tirade of muffled profanity at the rent-a-car companies. Observing as a consumer and not a cop, it seemed to be standard operating procedure for them to hand out the cheapest, most oddly build vehicle they could find.
'Not to mention microscopic,' he thought acidly. No self-respecting police officer outside of a European metropolis would have been caught dead in a Fiat Type 187. And yet this is what Hertz gave them on the City of New York's dime. A hand found itself pinching the bridge of his nose.
Smirking from the driver's seat, John Munch patted his younger colleague on the shoulder. "Cheer up Elliot. At least the pizza's good."
Glancing down at the near-forgotten slice of Chicago deep dish resting on a plate in his lap, Elliot couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, at least." Lifting the slice to his mouth, he took a large bite. "Mmmmm… so good."
"Nearly makes coming to Chicago worth it," Munch quipped, bushy eyebrows quivering above his thick-framed glasses. "Nearly."
Elliot laughed, a genuine laugh. "That's funny Munch. You should save that one."
"I will thank you. If only my partner could appreciate my sense of humor." Munch gestured sophisticatedly with his hand.
Swallowing a second bite of pizza, the mix of the cheese, tomato, bread, and assorted meats tingling on his tongue, Elliot grinned. "Think of it this way John. You and I or you and Liv spend what… two to three days every month on stakeout or on cases?"
Munch pursed his lips, forehead wrinkling in thought. "Sounds about right, give or take the cases where we all pitch in."
"Yeah, give or take. With Fin though, you have to spend practically every working day with each other. Naturally, he's heard all your shtick and is on John Munch-overload. Like chewing gum – chew it too much and it loses all taste." His lips probably stretching ear to ear as a Cheshire cat, Elliot made a mental note to tell Liv about his little joke when they talked next.
Glaring slightly, Munch shook his head. "Ha ha. A regular Johnny Carson right there."
Silence once again descended on the two detectives, Elliot's rather despondent mood returning as he munched on the remainder of his Pizza. The rapist they had been tracking made it through the system here and only needed to be processed to be turned into the custody of the State of New York. However, the courts here were cluttered due to the holidays. Elliot had been told by his Chicago Police Department counterpart it could take a day or two to find a judge. Dirtbag was probably laughing at them from inside his cell.
More curses fluttered under his breath. What was supposed to be a single-day assignment was turning into a quagmire. He could handle that – in his nearly two decades as a Marine and a cop Elliot Stabler had handled worse. No, what was unbearable was the agony of being away from his wife and children.
Closing his eyes, Olivia's face appeared once again along the blackness of his lids. His love, his angel, his Liv. God, he hated spending even a minute apart from her. Remembering the pain from years back, Kathy having abandoned him and their kids for a younger guy – each of them were shattered in their own way, only for Olivia to step into their lives and put it all back together.
Yearning filled him, pain stabbing through his heart at not being there for the first Christmas after their wedding – their first as a true family.
"Hey Elliot?"
Lids drawing back at the other detective's voice, Elliot was silently glad at the distraction from his anguish. "What's up?" An eyebrow raised itself – far from the usual amused cynicism so perfected by the older detective, Munch now seemed anxious. Pensive even.
A deep breath left Munch's lips, as if he were working up the courage to begin the conversation. "When did you know that you were in love with Olivia?"
Elliot blinked, confused as to why he was asking him that. "Wow, um…" If someone had asked him who he'd expect to have a deep conversation such as this with, he would have said Cragen or Fin. "I guess it was the moment we met. One look into her eyes, the little twinkle in the gold flecks sprinkled through the brown." A wistful smile formed on his face at the memory. "I just knew there was something there, same as when she met my kids – or should I say our kids."
"No," Munch replied with a subtle firmness. "When did you know without a doubt that she was right for you?"
It was a deeply personal question. Debating whether to divulge this to him, Elliot reasoned Munch would not have asked without there being something critical involved. Considering the best man at their wedding could be trusted, Elliot continued. "Remember the Richard White case?"
"That fuck who was stalking Olivia after murdering that ADA?"
Elliot nodded. "Yep. She gave me so much grief for following her around, guarding her, practically gluing myself to her…"
"She gave us all grief that time." Munch's eyes sparkled with mirth. "With you though I thought she'd take you out. Is it a wonder they call her Badass Benson."
"After that time I never wondered that again," Elliot chuckled. "Anyway," his voice grew heavy. "I realized on the course of that entire case that even if she hated me, I… I couldn't bear it if she died." His chest tightened even thinking of the eventuality. "My kids… Olivia was the only person who could take away the pain of Kathy leaving them, something even I couldn't do. The thought of losing her…"
"You'd die as well," Munch finished, staring ahead while nodding.
Furrowing his brows, Elliot connected the pieces in his head. "Alex?" It wasn't a secret that Munch was dating their ADA. She was Olivia's best friend after all.
"Got her a special Christmas gift," he said quietly. "An engagement ring."
Elliot's eyes widened slightly. "Good luck John. Alex is a good girl, and I know she's in love with you."
"Hopefully."
"You've been married three times John, shouldn't you be able to tell?"
"Considering that I have three ex-wives the answer should be obvious." Munch laughed grimly. "And now we're stuck here when you should be with your family and me with Alex. Just perfect." His words were icy and biting, not the usual John Munch sarcasm.
"Yeah." Elliot averted his gaze to the street in front of him. "We could use a Christmas miracle right now." There was now response but blaring hustle and bustle of traffic.
EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO
"Do we haaaaave to be here?" Kathleen whined, kicking her feet up and down from her perch draped horizontally across the armchair. "This is soooo boooooring!"
Lips curling into a knowing smile, Olivia allowed herself a slight giggle at how her daughter – it was still somewhat surreal to think of Kathleen or her sisters that way – acted. 'She'll love shopping in now time,' the brunette thought. But it was for the best. Olivia wasn't ready for Kathleen to grow up too quickly. 'I wish she could be twelve forever.'
"Try and cheer up sweetheart," Olivia said finally, reaching over and resting a comforting hand on the blonde's shoulder. "Maur needs a new dress for tomorrow."
Kathleen rolled her eyes, nose crinkling – a trait she could only have picked up from Olivia. It was times like these that only hit home the fact these children all knew her as "Mom."
"But Maureen already has enough damn clothes."
"Katie." While she could never be truly mad at them – a side effect of all four possessing the azure blue Stabler eyes that weakened her ever since first gazing at their father's three years previously – that was no excuse to let things go. A gentle but firm tone would do. "Language."
Irritation morphed to contrition. "Sorry mom." Olivia could be certain at her sincerity. 'Those Stabler blues reflect emotion like a mirror.' Elliot was like an open book to her, and so were their kids. 'Our kids.' There was the surreal feeling again.
"Alright," Maureen said through the curtain of the Macy's dressing room, the three of them having travelled to Manhattan just for her. The swish of the curtain found the eldest Stabler proceeding out of the room. Tossing her shoulder length brown hair back, she dramatically assumed the pose of a supermodel. "How do I look?"
"Like an idiot," Kathleen immediately replied, laughing.
Maureen glared daggers at her sister. "Shut up ass face."
"Takes one to know one."
"Girls, enough," Olivia exclaimed, staring each of them down until the guilty floor gazes appeared in both. "It's Christmas, and even if it wasn't you two are sisters. You're supposed to be best friends. I…" A slight pain from childhood returned, a longing in her heart. Her voice caught a little. "I wish I had one when I was your age."
Looking at their mom, both girls felt bad. Stomachs knotted in pure guilt at hurting her even slightly and inadvertently. "Sorry mom," Maureen said.
"Sorry," repeated her sister. "Sorry too Mo-Mo."
Maureen couldn't help but snicker slightly at the childhood nickname. "Sorry too sis, even if you are a pest." The eldest Stabler said it with her father's cheeky grin so no harm was conveyed. "So, back to business. How do I look?"
All attention shifted to Olivia. "Ummm…" she stammered, trying to find the best way to put it. Maureen looked beautiful. 'But,' Olivia finished her inspection, 'It just didn't fit her.'
If Olivia could read the Stablers like a book, the same was true in the reverse. "You hate it," Maureen said simply, sighing sadly. "I do look like an idiot."
"No Maureen, don't say that…" Olivia began.
Only to be cut off mid-sentence. "I'll never find something!" cried the despondent teenager. "This is the eighth dress I've tried already!"
"Only eight?" a familiar voice scoffed in mock disbelief. "Ten is the halfway point if you want to look your best."
"Aunt Alex!"
Finding herself with two Stabler girls embracing her, Alex Cabot laughed heartily. "Hi girls." The blonde pulled back, eying them over from behind her elegant, black glasses. "Is it just me or are you actually ladies now?"
"It's not just you Alex," Olivia laughed, walking forward to hug her best friend. "Thanks for coming."
"You're welcome," replied the ADA, smoothening out her woolen coat. "Had to get some work done at Hogan Plaza but it was for the best, allowed me a brisk walk here."
"Why are you here Aunt Alex, not that I – uh – I'm not glad you're here," Maureen stammered out.
"Easy there Maur. She's here to help you pick out a perfect dress for tomorrow."
"Oh thank God," the young brunette exclaimed, a look of complete relief passing over her face. "No offense mom but Aunt Alex's taste is crazy amazing."
"None taken," chuckled Olivia, conceding the obvious to the blue-blooded blonde. Nearly all of her more stylish outfits – along with several meant for hers and Elliot's eyes only – were Cabot pre-approved. 'I don't know how she does it,' the detective thought, 'But the attorney has a gift.' "Now Alex, Maureen wants something stylish but not too formal for the Christmas Eve service tomorrow night at the church…"
"To impress a certain guy," stated Kathleen in a sing-song voice. She may have copied many expressions from her, Olivia observed, but the mischievous twinkle in her eye was all Elliot.
Maureen went red as a ripened tomato. "Motherfu…" she trailed off. "God, Katie shut up."
Wisely giving the teenager her dignity, Alex didn't say a word. "Winter casual, got it." Heels clicking on the tiled floor, the only sounds were the soft swish of clothes and the audible "No, no, no," as she rifled through and rejected them. "No, no… a ha!" The smile on Alex's face was the same one she wore after a big win at court. "This is perfect."
Revealing itself, Olivia knew Alex Cabot had proven herself once more. A uniform sky blue – drawing any viewer to the same shade of blue that resided in her twin orbs in her head – the cotton formed a shallow collar that showed the perfect amount of skin. No cleavage but the full neck. Long sleeves matched a slight frill from below the waist, dress ending at the knee. "You'll look beautiful in this Maur."
"You think so?" Maureen asked hopefully, taking the dress in her trembling hands.
"I hate to admit it, but I think so," Kathleen acknowledged. Accepting the confidence, the eldest Stabler disappeared back into the changing room.
"So Aunt Alex?" Kathleen asked nonchalantly. "Are you and Uncle John going to get married soon?"
Olivia heard the hitch in her best friend's breath. "Um, ah, well…"
The detective chuckled at the normally oratorical Ice Queen of the courtroom tongue tie herself over a pre-teen's question. Besides, it was something she wanted to know herself. "Yeah Alex," Olivia needled with an innocent smile. "You and Munch have been dating for almost a year now. Any plans for the future."
"E tu Olivia?" All that responded was a mirthful twinkle. Alex sighed. "We haven't planned anything, no." The longing edge in her voice proved to Olivia that it wasn't by her choice. She gave her best friend a sympathetic smile."
Once again the swish of the curtain drew their attention. "Soooo, is this the one?"
Three pairs of eyes bugged out at the sight of Maureen in the dress. Three voices spoke simultaneously. "Yes."
EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO
Shrouded in darkness, only the pale light of the moon prevented the bedroom from the pitch black of night. Tossing from her left to her back for what had to be the fifth time in the last half an hour, Olivia let out a half snort, half sigh at her current predicament. "Damn it," she whispered. No matter what she did – there was no sleep without Elliot lying beside her.
Deep inside the recesses of her mind she could hear the clucking disapproval of the old Olivia Benson. Why couldn't she handle it? Why was she dependent on someone else? Years of cleaning up after a drunken mother, having all overtures of love rebuffed by her drunken mother, had taught her to be independent. Everything that had happened since then only reinforced that – until Elliot.
Try as her old self did, Olivia Stabler couldn't find fault in herself for needing her husband. For craving his touch – even just to hold her. On nights in the cribs or at home due to a heart-wrenching case, that was all that they did. Being in his arms made the pain go away.
And the lack of his firm, muscular form that she could nuzzle into while he held him, or smile while he tugged her back against him and buried his face in her neck – she couldn't sleep without it.
"I love you El," she whispered, hoping he'd hear it somehow thousands of miles away. "Please come back to me." She didn't want to spend their first Christmas as a family without him. "God," she prayed, "Please give me a Christmas miracle. Send him back to me."
A single tear rolled from her cheek to the pillow – it still smelled like him. Breathing in the soothing scent, Olivia sighed happily. If she could close her eyes tightly, clearing her mind of her surroundings, it was as if he was still here.
The gentle tapping on their bedroom door broke Olivia from her contented trance. Sitting up in nothing but her warm, cotton pajamas, she softly reached for the gun waiting in her nightstand.
"Mommy?"
Olivia's hand jerked away. "Dickie?" Since there was only one male living in the house currently, who else could it be. "Come in sweetie."
Door swinging open slowly, the squeak of the hinges piercing the once blaring quiet. Soft light illuminated the floor from the hallway lamp. Sure enough there was her son, Lizzie slipping in behind him. Neither of them saying a word – a glaring contrast to the usual boisterous siblings that so reminded Olivia of their father – the twins padded until watching her from the side of the bed.
"What's the matter guys?" Olivia asked, rubbing her eyes of whatever sleep had managed to crawl its way to her. "Can't sleep?"
Both eight year olds shook their heads. It was amazing how Lizzie and Dickie were so in sync, especially being fraternal rather than identical twins. "Bad dream," Lizzie murmured, Dickie nodding vigorously in agreement.
"My babies, come here." Opening her arms, Olivia beckoned the twins to join her. At eight they may have been skirting the line of this level of closeness, but they were still so young. And Olivia really didn't want to be alone right now.
"Oomph," she grunted as Dickie scrambled over her, settling into her left side as Lizzie settled into her right. "Giving me a twin sandwich huh guys?" she chuckled, wrapping hands around both of them and embracing them tightly. Settling into a comfortable collective position, Olivia kissed each of them on the head. "Want to tell me what happened?"
She felt Dickie's hold on her side tighten. "You left like Mo-Mo told us about Mommy Kathy."
"Please don't leave us mommy," Lizzie whimpered, burying her face in Olivia's shoulder.
Heart breaking for the fear in her baby's voices, Olivia blinked back instant tears. "Listen to me Lizzie, Dickie. I love all of you with all my heart. Your daddy, Mo-Mo, Katie, all of you are everything to me. The thought of losing even one of you…" Trailing off, she shut her eyes tightly, trapping the sobs behind them lest she break down from the painful thoughts. "I will never leave you two. I love you."
"I love you too mommy," both said simultaneously, snuggling into her side as their breathing evened.
Wetness collecting beneath her eyes, Olivia leaned down to press heated kisses on Lizzie and Dickie's mussed hair. Her love for this family – her family – was too intense to characterize. With the love of these little angels… all that she had given up had been worth it.
They were a part of her – them, their sisters, and their father.
A/N: I have to say, stories where Olivia is a mother to Elliot's kids are my guilty pleasure.
I hope you enjoyed, and there will be one more part coming out before Christmas. Some big surprises coming up for our favorite family.
To Sammie, thanks for being there for me :)
God Bless
Alex