Because it's Thursday and we're all missing Law and Order Thursdays. Here ya go.

Only 2 left after this. Let's ride out the last 3 chapters with some happiness :)

As usual. Thanks for all the support! Please drop a review! It really helps motivate me to write more.

Olivia woke up on that Sunday to rain pattering softly on the window. Some might be upset that it was raining but she knew it wouldn't matter. She could already hear them outside her door anxious to come in. She could also hear her husband trying to keep them out a little while longer. Yawning, she rolled over onto her back and took a few deep breaths. She had been at work late last night unexpectedly but today was Mother's Day. And she planned on enjoying it.

Lately it seemed like time was flying. The days, weeks and months were going by in the blink of an eye. And on days like this, she wanted to savor it all. The door creaked open and she turned her head to see her husband popping his head in, "Hey…"

She smiled and spoke in a sleep filled voice, "Hey." She sat up on the bed and sat against the headboard, "Troops are up I take it."

He chuckled and she saw him squirming, no doubt trying to hold back the circus of kids behind him, "They are eager to see their Mom. But I know you're tired."

She smiled and pulled her knees up against her chest, "I'm never too tired for my kids El. Never."

He sighed happily and stepped aside, "And that's why you're the Mom of the year. Every damn year."

She laughed as the kids scrambled in, Noah tottering after his siblings. Maureen put him up on the bed as they all crawled over to her, "Happy Mother's Day Mom!"

She smiled and pulled Noah into her lap as the twins sat on either side of her, "Thank you!"

"Do you need more sleep? We can come back later…" Kathleen said nervously.

"No. I'm wide awake." Olivia said looking at her, "And very happy to see you."

"Did you catch the bad guys?" Richie asked from her side, "Make 'em pay?"

Elliot walked into the room with a tray of breakfast, "She always does bud. She always does."

Noah reached for Olivia, "Momma, up."

Olivia smiled and lifted him higher against her, "Hi sweet boy." He held her face in his hands and kissed her sweetly, "Why is he sticky?"

Elliot cringed, "Guess he got into the syrup."

She chuckled as Noah put his hand in her mouth, "Yep. He sure did."

Elliot reached for Noah, "Alright, little dude. Bath time for you."

Olivia smiled at him, "It's alright. Just...don't let him get near Scout or we'll have double trouble." She looked around, "Where is Scout anyway?"

Lizzie smiled softly, "He was standing under Richie when he was pouring the syrup on your plate...and half on the floor. He's stuck in the kitchen where Dad left him."

Olivai looked up at Elliot who just shook his head, "Welcome to the Stabler Circus."

Elliot smirked, "We should take this show on the road. We'd make millions."

She laughed harder and then turned to her breakfast with the kids, loving every minute of their circus.

Later that afternoon, it was raining harder. Olivia had retreated upstairs to the bathroom to take a long bath on her own. The kids had been upset because they had been planning a picnic in the park. But...in typical Elliot fashion he went above and beyond to make the day just as special. When she came downstairs, she was shocked to see a fort built in the living room. And in the fort, there were twinkle lights, pillows and blankets and plenty of room for all of them.

"What is all this?" She asked, pressing a hand to her belly instantly feeling tears burning in her eyes.

Elliot shrugged nervously, "With the bad weather...we wanted to make sure that the day was still special."

She walked over to him, wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled up at him, "You did all this?"

His cheeks flushed and he squeezed her tight, "Had some help...not much but some. Mostly they just barked orders at me." He said with a laugh, "Hopefully it doesn't come crashing down around us when we're in there."

Leaning into him, she pressed her lips to his, "You're a hell of a husband Stabler. Did you know that?" He felt overwhelmed in that moment and she saw the shift in his demeanor, reaching for him she touched his face, "Hey...what's wrong?"

He bit his lip and looked down at her, "Nothing's wrong."

"You look upset…" She stroked her thumb across his cheek and whispered, "Is this about-"

"No." He took her hand and pulled it from her face, "No...I just. I mean maybe? But...sometimes I just get overwhelmed when I look at you."

She watched him, studied his face, "I don't understand…"

He took a deep breath, "I was a single Dad with four kids Liv. Four little kids. I was drowning. And you came in like it was nothing. No big deal. And you took care of them. Took care of me. Loved us. And sometimes...it just hits me. Really hard. And I think...you have to know how lucky you are Stabler. You have no idea…" His voice cracked, "No idea what I feel when I look at you. With our kids. Liv...no idea."

She pulled back, wiped a tear from her eye and tried to smile, "Elliot…"

"Sorry." He reached up and wiped away her tears, "I didn't mean to make you cry."

She smiled, looked down and shook her head, "It's alright. I'm not...upset. Just…" She looked over at the fort and heard the laughter coming from inside, "I didn't stand a chance El. Not a chance."

He smiled then, pulled her against him and kissed her forehead, "I love you."

She squeezed him tight and whispered into his chest, "I love you too."

They stood like that for a moment, until they heard someone say, "Mom? Dad? You coming?"

Olivia wiped at her eyes again and looked at her husband, he gave her arm a squeeze and she smiled, "Yeah we're coming."

Walking away from him, she crawled into the fort and knew that he was right behind her. Her heart tugged in her chest and she lay back on the pillows settled in the middle. The kids were lying down on either side of her, Scout at her feet. Elliot crawled in and lay on the other side of Noah and Richie.

"Do the thing Daddy." Lizzie said to him, "It's dark enough."

Elliot smiled, "I almost forgot." Olivia looked over at him with a question in her eye but he reached behind him and flicked a switch.

She gasped when she saw what looked like stars lighting up the top of the fort, "Wow!"

"Isn't it cool?" Richie asked leaning against her, "We saw it at the store and had to have it. It will go in Noah's room. But for today we wanted to use it."

Olivia wrapped her arm around him and felt Noah lean against her on the other side of her, "I love it.""

"Stars." Noah whispered as his eyes blinked up in awe and sucked his thumb into his mouth.

Olivia squeezed him tight and kissed the top of his curly head, "That's right baby. Stars."

"Mo, remember when we were really little and we used to wish on stars at Grandma's house?" Kathleen asked her sister, "She always told us to close our eyes tight and make a wish when we saw the first start in the sky."

Maureen smiled and looked at her sister, "I remember."

"Did any of your wishes ever come true?" Kathleen asked, "I always asked for a pony."

Elliot laughed, "So that wish is never coming true. Sorry kid. We agreed no more animals."

A laugh echoed through the fort and then Kathleen asked her sister again, "What about you though? What did you wish for?"

It was quiet for a moment, Maureen turned and looked at her parents who were watching her curiously, "I wished for this."

Elliot reached across the fort and squeezed her hand tight in his. Olivia smiled and pulled her kids even closer knowing what she had to tell Elliot later was going to be that much sweeter.

Elliot was upstairs putting the kids to bed giving Olivia a few minutes alone. It had been a busy day. They had never left the house but it was everything she could have wanted. It was even darker now and the lights lighting up the fort were brighter than ever. They swirled against the dark sheet and she imagined herself as a young girl staring up at the city sky wishing for an escape. So much had changed since back then. She had changed.

She had spent years alone believing she would always be that way. That she would never be good enough. That she couldn't have this type of happiness. Yet here she was. A married woman with the most incredible children. She heard the sheet rustle at the entrance and felt him crawl into the fort beside her. Scout crawled in after him and curled up beside her. Elliot lay back, took a deep breath and put his arm out for her to snuggle into his side. Once pressed against him, he started to run his hands through her hair.

She didn't hesitate, didn't wait. Knew that this was the moment. No matter what happened next. But she had a good feeling. A really good feeling. She whispered the words but she knew he heard her, "I'm pregnant."

He froze, his hands stopped running through her hair and then he rolled her gently onto her back, "What?"

She smiled up at him, seeing the stars light up the space behind him, "I'm pregnant El."

He stared down at her, cradled her face and leaned down to kiss her, "Liv…"

She put a hand on her belly and she smiled, "Doctor says about 8 weeks...further along than...before." Her face flushed but she kept talking, "Which is a good sign. But...we should still probably wait. To...say anything."

Elliot sat up, ducking his head to not touch the top of the fort, "Are you...feeling okay? When did you find out?"

"Friday. I had a feeling...so I called and asked for a last minute appointment and they were able to fit me in. I was going to tell you yesterday but I got called in." She sat up slowly and shrugged, "And then...it just felt right to do it today. I feel fine. She said everything looks good...progressing as it should."

He licked his lips and touched her belly, "Liv...I...God I want this so bad."

She put her hand over his and smiled, "Me too. Me too El. And...I have a good feeling. I mean don't get me wrong, I'm still scared. But I just...I have a good feeling."

Leaning forward, he let a little laugh escape his lips, "Olivia. A baby. I...I'm so happy."

She leaned into his touch and smiled, "Our circus is about to get bigger. God willing…" She squeezed his arm. "I...I'll tell Cragen I want to go on desk duty. Earlier than before. And I know last time...I was not the best at avoiding stress. But I swear El. I swear...I'll do whatever I have to to make sure this baby is healthy and safe. I won't put myself in danger. This child in danger."

He smiled, leaned in and rested his forehead against hers, "We can do this Olivia. You can do this. I love you so damn much. Happy Mother's Day."

She pulled him closer and sighed, "This is what I wished for El. This...right here."

The following week, Olivia sat in bed scrolling through her computer looking for a file for work. Noah was lying beside her, playing with one of his toys and Scout was asleep at her feet. Elliot walked into the room after taking a shower and pulled on a pair of sweatpants.

"Still working?" He asked with a frown as he sat down on the bed.

Olivia glanced over at him and nodded, "I can't find this one file that Casey needs."

He reached out and touched the top of the computer screen, "Stress Liv…"

She smiled and looked down at him, "I'm not stressed El. I promise. I just want to send this to Casey so she can submit it as evidence tomorrow."

He smiled, knowing she knew her limits. Especially now. She had been on desk duty which was an obvious sign to everyone though no one said anything. They knew to keep their mouth shut and let Olivia and Elliot come to them when the time was right. Reaching for his son, Elliot lifted him up in the air and Noah cooed, "How are you about to be a year and a half little man?"

"Dadda, up!" Noah squealed from his arms, "Up!"

Olivia smiled over her computer screen as she watched Elliot lift him higher, "Someone wants to fly tonight, huh?"

"Up! Up! Up!" Noah squealed, "Up Dadda, up!"

Elliot smiled and carefully pulled himself up off the bed and held Noah higher above him, "What little man wants, little man gets."

Scout moved closer to Olivia and curled against her. She put her hand on his head and scratched behind his ears as she worked on her computer but kept glancing up at the scene in front of her. She laughed when she heard Noah laughing, "Hey Stabler…" He looked at her and she smiled, "You're a good Dad."

His cheeks blushed and he looked at Noah, "Yeah well...our kids make it easy."

She absentmindedly moved her hand to her belly and rubbed carefully, "They do." She looked at the screen again and smiled, "Ah...there it is." She pressed a few buttons and then closed the computer, "All done."

"Good." He walked over to the bed and stood beside her, "Now you can relax for the rest of the night."

She put her arms out and he put Noah in her arms, "You know what would really help me relax?" He gave her a smirk and she smiled, "Chocolate chip ice cream. Of which we have none…"

Elliot laughed and leaned in to kiss her softly, "What Olivia wants, Olivia gets."

He walked towards the door after grabbing a shirt, "Hey Stabler…" He pulled the shirt up over his head and turned back to her, "You're a good husband too."

He gave her a wink and then stepped out of the room leaving her alone with her son and the dog. Noah looked up at his Mom and touched her face, "Momma."

She smiled and leaned forward to kiss his nose, "And you baby boy...are a good son. And I adore you. Even when Mommy has another baby...I will always love you. All of you. Forever, and ever."

"Mom?" Olivia looked up and saw Maureen in the doorway and her face flushed, "You're…"

Olivia smiled, felt her heart beating a little harder, "Come in."

Her oldest daughter walked into the room and crawled up onto the bed, "You're pregnant?"

"Everything is fine." She reached out and squeezed her hand, "It's still early...I'm taking precautions. I'm on desk duty at work. Your Dad is taking great care of me…"

Maureen looked at her brother who snuggled against their Mother, "But...you're feeling okay?"

"I am. I promise. I know...I know it's scary. And I won't pretend I'm not worried. But it's okay. We're...just taking it one day at a time." She squeezed her daughter's hand and smiled, "We aren't ready to tell everyone else though. Think you can keep the secret?"

"Of course." She crossed her legs on the bed and whispered, "A mini Olivia would make Dad crazy."

Olivia smiled and rubbed her stomach, Noah's eyes fluttered shut, "Yep. Boy or girl though...all I care about is that the baby is healthy."

Maureen swallowed hard, "I'm scared. I don't know if I have the right to be. It didn't happen to me But it was scary to watch you struggle...and it was...sad. Really sad."

"It was." Olivia cleared her throat and sighed, "And I won't pretend that I'm not afraid. But I don't want to live my life that way kiddo. And neither should you."

Maureen fidgeted and reached for Scout, scratching his head, "I...used to be afraid. All the time." Olivia gave her a strange look, "When...when Kathy left."

Olivia reached for her hand and squeezed tight, "Honey…"

"I used to wake up every morning...or come home from school and worry that Dad would just be gone too and we'd be alone. Every single day...it happened over and over. And I'd panic if I didn't see Dad right away." She frowned, "One time he was running late to get me at school and I was hysterical. The School Counselor had to talk me down from it…"

"We all have things that happen and scare us honey. But your Dad and I are never leaving. You know that. Don't you?" She asked.

Maureen smiled, "It took a long time...but I know. I know it now."

"Come here." Maureen crawled up on the bed and lay down beside her Mother, Olivia kissed the top of her head, "I'm so proud of you kid. You have no idea."

Maureen reached out and touched her brother's head as he started to drift off to sleep, "He's getting so big."

"He is. And so are you. I'm surprised you even want to be here with me right now." She said with a laugh, "Someday you're going to want to have nothing to do with me."

Maureen smiled and felt her own eyes beginning to drift shut, "I don't think I'll ever not want to hang out with you Mom. Not after all the years I spent wanting you as part of the family."

Olivia smiled and looked down at her, "Can I get that in writing?"

The teenage girl yawned and started to succumb to sleep, "Sure."

Olivia smiled at her oldest and her youngest and thought, "Never forget how lucky you are Benson…"

Twenty minutes later, Elliot came upstairs with two bowls of ice cream. He smiled when he saw Maureen and Noah curled up together fast asleep beside their Mother. Olivia was watching them both sleep but turned to look at him when he entered the room, "Hey…" She whispered.

Elliot smiled and sat down on the edge of the bed beside her, holding out his bowl of ice cream, "Two for one tonight, huh?"

She smiled, "We'll have to invest in a California King to fit them all in."

He chuckled and took a scoop of ice cream, "Mo okay? Not like her to come in here these days to sleep. She's getting too old for us now."

Olivia smiled and put the bowl on her lap before reaching out to stroke Maureen's blonde hair, "She says she'll always want to hang with me. I told her I have to get that in writing though because I don't believe it."

He swallowed a spoonful of ice cream and asked, 'Just you?"

She laughed and reached for her bowl, "I'll ask her to revise her statement before signing the papers." She lifted her spoon and said, "Thanks for getting me this. Cravings are hitting. Which I suppose is a good sign."

He smiled and kicked off his shoes before laying down at the end of the bed, "I think so too. And of course. Anything you need. You know you can ask. I can't carry the kid...but I can help along the way if you'll let me."

"So if at 3 am I start craving a cheeseburger?" She asked, "Or ask you to go to Jersey City to get me that wicked amazing fried dough we had that one time?"

He smirked and put the bowl down, he reached out and squeezed her foot, "I'll be the first in line at the stand."

She wiggled her toes against his fingers and smiled, "See? Damn good husband." She took a scoop of the ice cream again before whispering, "Um...Mo knows."

His eyes drifted to his oldest daughter and he nodded, "Oh."

"I'm sorry." She cringed slightly, "I was...talking to Noah. I didn't think any of the other kids were awake."

He smiled and shook his head, "You don't have to apologize Liv. She's our daughter. She can know. She's old enough."

"She's worried...sometimes I forget how much she's been through in her life. How much she's endured. She has a good life. But she's had her fair share of trauma and pain El. And that lives with you your whole life. Even with me here now...that abandonment from Kathy. That is something that will never leave her." She whispered.

Elliot put the spoon back in his bowl and nodded, "I know. I've often wondered how it will play out when they get older. If they'll struggle in their own personal relationships."

"All we can do is show them what a healthy relationship should look like." She smirked, "And give or take a few hiccups in our road I think we've shown them a pretty good model."

He smiled and shook his head, "Yeah. I think so too. Give or take a few hiccups."

"Trust will be hard for them at times. But they'll learn." She took another scoop of ice cream and smiled, "I mean...if I can learn, then so can they. Ms. I don't need a man and will not trust a man turned out okay. Just took me awhile to get there."

He smiled and sat up a little more, "I'm glad you learned to trust me."

"El, you're the only one I ever trusted. Still do." She whispered, "Mostly because you never gave up on me."

He reached for her leg again and squeezed, "And I never will Benson. No matter what life throws at us. I never will."

They stared at each other for a moment, both lost in their emotions and love for one another. And then they heard a voice, "Just remember you have two kids in the room right now. Okay? I already have that trauma you were talking about. Don't need anymore."

Elliot turned to her and Olivia laughed, "I thought you were sleeping."

"Just resting my eyes." She said dramatically, "It's tough work being a teenager."

Elliot leaned out and tickled her, "If you don't want to be more traumatized, go to your own room."

Maureen smiled, sat up and reached for his ice cream, "I'm good here. But thanks. I like spending time with my parents."

He pointed at her and sighed, "You're lucky you're still cute kid."

She took a spoonful of the ice cream and looked at her Mom, "I so hope you have a girl. Just for the simple fact that it really will make him mental."

Olivia laughed again and Elliot leaned back on the bed, "Please God, please make it a boy. Help us even the score around here."

Olivia kicked him playfully, "You shush. You have Scout. He's a boy."

Elliot groaned and looked over at the dog, "He doesn't count."

"Sure he does." Olivia leaned forward to touch the dog's head, "He's your fur son, remember?"

"The Stabler Circus is going to be the death of me." He growled.

Maureen and Olivia both laughed as they ate their ice cream, "Well you're the ringleader so you made us this way."

"The sass on you…" He said pointing at his daughter, "You're not even blood related to her and you act so much like her."

Olivia smirked and shrugged her shoulders, "I taught her well. Gotta teach all my girls to fight back. Stand up for themselves. Kick some ass. And you know you love it even if it does make you crazy."

Elliot softened and beamed at his wife, "Of course. I wouldn't want it any other way."

Maureen giggled from beside them, "You are so whipped Dad…"

Elliot groaned again and put his head down, "I'm so screwed…"

Olivia winked at her daughter, "This is gonna be fun…"

A few weeks later, Olivia was at work late going over some paperwork the Friday before Father's Day. The boys were out on a case but she was staying back. No one had bothered her about desk duty and she wasn't quite ready yet to tell them the news though she was sure they knew. Sitting at her desk, she rolled her neck back and forth when she felt a hand on her back. Turning, she smiled when she saw Cragen sit beside her.

"Hey." He said, "I got you some dinner."

Olivia smiled and took the box from him, "Aw thanks Cap. You didn't have to do that."

He shrugged, "I was getting something for myself anyway." She smiled and popped the top off, "Everything good?"

She looked over at him and smiled as she saw he was fidgeting, "You...trying to ask me something Cap?"

He blushed and looked down, "I've been trying to be patient and I get why. But you asked for desk duty so-"

"So. I'm pregnant." She smiled softly, "Tomorrow will actually mark three months. Which...is a really good sign."

Cragen let out a little sigh of relief and reached for her, "Olivia…"

"I'm sure everyone knows I just...needed to make sure of a few things. I had some tests done yesterday. Still waiting on the results but so far things seem good." She smiled and shrugged her shoulders, "And I feel good."

He squeezed her hand, "You're doing great kid."

She looked over at her desk where a framed picture of her, Elliot and the kids all sat, "I just...want them to be happy. That's all I want. I know I make a million and one mistakes each day. But as long as they're happy…"

"They are." He whispered, "Olivia...the way you have taken care of those kids amazes me. I mean I never doubted you. I knew you'd be an incredible Mother. The way you were with the children we deal with ...it showed your Mothers's instincts."

Her cheeks flushed and she looked back at him, "I used to worry I wouldn't be able to do it. Because of…"

"Because of your Mom." He whispered, she nodded her head slowly, "Olivia...you were born for this."

"I don't know about that." She laughed and leaned in her chair, absentmindedly rubbing her belly and she noticed a small bump growing, "But I always knew I wanted it. I just didn't think I'd have it." She smirked, "And definitely not six times."

He beamed at her, "You do have quite a brood growing. But it suits you. And I'm happy for you."

"You know we've been working on helping Noah say Grandpa. It sounds a lot more like Gimpa at the moment but we'll get there." She said with a smile, "He'll know his Grandpa Cragen and he'll love him just like the other kids do." She paused and reached out to him, "Just like their Mom does too."

His face flushed and he looked down, "Olivia…"

"Oh hey. I almost forgot." She reached into the top drawer of her desk and smiled, "This is for you."

He looked down at the item in her hand and then back at her, "What is this?"

She stood up and started to gather her things, "I need to head home. But...since I won't see you I wanted to get it to you before Sunday."

He gave her another strange look, "Olivia-"

"Night Cap." She winked and walked towards the door, "See you Monday."

Cragen watched her walk away leaving him alone again in the precinct. When the elevator doors closed he looked down at the envelope and bag in his hand. Taking out the card first he saw that it had been handmade by the kids. On the inside it read, "World's Greatest Captain, Father and Grandpa" and all five Stabler kids and Olivia had signed it.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he pulled out the item in the bag and saw two pictures. One was of Olivia and him at her wedding. The other was of him and all five Stabler children. "She's good…" He whispered, "She's damn good…"

Saturday morning, Olivia was standing in their bedroom glancing down at her belly. She held up her shirt to stare at the bump growing. The sign of life. Viable life. Her heart jumped in her chest and she felt tears prickling in her eyes. Elliot walked up behind her then, she hadn't heard him come in but she didn't jump, wasn't surprised. He wrapped his arms around her and stared at their reflection in the mirror.

"Three months today." He whispered as his fingers trailed across her stomach.

She leaned into him and bit hard on her lip, "Three months today…"

He kissed the side of her face and whispered, "You okay?"

She took a deep breath and looked down at his hand on her stomach, "Yeah. I'm good. I feel good. And I'm...happy. But...I still wonder. About a lot of things."

"We always will." He held her tighter, "But like we said, we can't dwell on the past or the what ifs. We have to focus on the here and now. And right now…" He cradled her belly with both hands, "Right now...is good."

She took a deep breath and smiled, "Right now is good El. Right now is very good."

Turning to look at him she kissed him softly, "Tomorrow's Father's Day."

"Richie told me that my corvette will be pulling in around 10 tomorrow morning." He said with a smile.

She chuckled, "Oh did he? Well if he means the toy car version...then sure. The real thing?" She smiled and placed a hand on his cheek, "Sorry honey but that's never going to happen. Not with six kids who need to go to college on oru Detective Salaries."

He sighed playfully, "Damn kids...ruining all my fun."

She pinched his sides, "You be nice or you won't get your extra special present once the kids go to sleep tomorrow night."

He smirked at her and backed away, "Can I get a preview of that extra special present? Kids are otherwise preoccupied."

She smiled and pointed to the bed, "Only if you ask nicely."

He put his hands in front of his chest and whispered, "Please, pretty please?"

She walked to the door and turned the lock, "Men...so incredibly predictable."

She heard him laughing as he walked over to the bed and she smiled knowing that tomorrow, she had another present. But...that could wait.

The following morning, Elliot was sitting out on the back deck surrounded by the kids as they brought him breakfast. It was such a beautiful morning that no one wanted to stay inside. Olivia walked onto the deck and handed him a cup of coffee, "Thanks."

Sitting down beside him, she helped Noah reach for the fruit he was eating, "He already needs a bath."

"Non-stop parenting. Non stop I tell ya." Elliot said with a sigh, "They really need to step it up a bit here. Start taking care of themselves."

Maureen smiled at her Dad, "Careful what you wish for Dad. Before you know it, I'll be driving. Going to parties. Dating-"

"Driving...I'll have to handle. Parties and dating. No." He smiled at her, "You'll have no friends soon once they remember who your parents are."

She rolled her eyes as the others laughed, "Gee, thanks. You want me to be a loner? Some Dad you are."

"Hey...you told me you loved spending time with me. Your Mom too. We can be your best friends. Look around the table. You got built in best friends as it is. Who do you need more than the people at this table?" He said holding his arms out to indicate the group around them.

She rolled her eyes and then smirked, "You never got that in writing so I take it back."

"Nice El. Real nice." She said kicking him under the table, "Driving yes, parties…" She narrowed her eyes, "Will be negotiated and monitored."

"And dating?" Maureen asked, leaning across the table towards her Mother.

Olivia smiled, "Let me find a good heart surgeon for your Father first. We'll need it for the heart attack he has once you go on your first date."

"Fair enough." Maureen said with a smile, "And probably for the best."

"You know, today is Father's Day. You're supposed to be nice to me. Not rude. Plus...teasing me about my biggest fears…" He pouted, "Not nice."

"I'll be nice Dad." Lizzie walked over to her and jumped in his lap, "I never want to go on a date. Boys are gross."

Elliot squeezed her tight, "See...I knew you were my favorite."

"Dad!" The other kids yelled, Richie tossed a blueberry at him.

He chuckled, "Don't worry! It changes daily! Everyone gets a chance."

"You're the worst." Richie said with a huff, "I should be number one! I dressed up as you for Halloween!"

Elliot smiled, "You did. And that gave you an up on your siblings for quite awhile. Until you broke the back window twice with your football." Everyone laughed again, and Elliot smiled, "But seriously. I don't have favorites. Although Lizzie not wanting to date does help her case." He looked over at Kathleen, "What about you? You gonna break your old mans heart too someday?"

"Yep." She popped a strawberry in her mouth, "In fact I already have a boyfriend."

Elliot sputtered and coffee spilled from his lips, "You have a what now?"

Olivia smirked, "Oh here we go…"

"Davey Crawley. I asked him to be my boyfriend last week and he pinched me which everyone knows means we're dating. So...we're dating." She said with a shrug.

Elliot looked over at his wife, "Did you know about this?"

"I didn't. But seeing as she's only ten I'm not worried about it. And neither should you." She squeezed his hand, "Breathe babe. Breathe."

He looked over at her, "Olivia…"

She shook her head, "She'll be dating someone else next week. Let it go."

"Better get that heart doctor on speed dial. I'm already feeling palpitations." She held Lizzie closer, "I'm getting in writing that you're never dating. Okay? Never ever."

Later that afternoon, Elliot was out back playing football with the kids and Bernie had dropped by for lunch with all of them to see her son. Bernie chuckled as she watched them from the window, "The man's got a whole team on his own. Look at Noah trying to keep up."

Olivia beamed at them, "And to think there will be one more-" She froze when she heard Bernie gasp, "Bernie…"

Bernie turned to her, "Olivia...are you telling me you're…?"

Olivia smiled and looked at her Mother-in-Law, "Yes. I'm...I'm pregnant Bernie. We just passed three months."

"Oh sweetheart." She pulled her into her arms, "I'm so happy for you. For all of you."

Olivia squeezed her tight and smiled, "Thank you. We're very happy. We haven't told all the kids. Mo knows...she overheard me. But we'll tell the other kids soon. Very soon."

"Are you feeling okay?" She asked looking her over, "Any pain? Nausea? Any problems at all?"

"No. I honestly feel great. Every once and awhile I get some nausea and certain foods have been a turn off. But other than that I'm good. I had some extra check ups and blood work this week and my Doctor said everything looks just right." She shrugged, "Being extra cautious at work and here. Elliot's taking great care of me as usual. But I'm good Bernie. I'm good."

Bernie shook her head and touched her cheek, "I'm so proud of you Olivia. I don't know how you do it all. But you do. You're a wonder."

Olivai smiled and shook her head, "We have a lot of help. Especially from you. I know that an extra kid...that's a lot for you. We couldn't do it without you but if it's too much-"

"I'm just fine Olivia. I'm not too old for this yet. Besides, I love spending time with my grandchildren." Bernie said with a laugh.

Looking down at her belly she whispered, "I just...want this baby to be healthy. I knwo this is it. And I just want...I want this so bad Bernie. So bad. I know I already have five kids...and I love them more than life. But I just...I want one more."

"And you're having it." She said tilting her head towards her, "I've prayed many nights for this. I know Elliot has too. This was meant to be Olivia."

Looking out the window again she smiled, "I think you're right."

Late that night, Elliot lay back on the bed with a big smile on his face and Olivia couldn't help but laugh, "You're ridiculous."

He shook his head, "Am not. Just incredibly happy. My wife is too good to me."

"You remember that." She said pointing a finger at his chest, "Especially as this pregnancy progresses and I start getting more and more irritable and during the birth when I'm screaming at you. You remember that."

"I'll remember that." He turned towards her and smiled, "But let's shoot for having baby number six in the hospital, okay? Otherwise I really will need that Heart doctor you mentioned."

She smiled and tapped his arm, "The look on your face when Kathleen said she had a boyfriend...it was like you saw your life flash before your eyes."

He groaned, "Please don't even bring it up. My girls are never dating."

"I hate to break it to you El, but someday they will. It's inevitable." She shrugged her shoulders, "They're growing up by the minute."

He frowned and put a hand on her belly, "Really gotta stop the blinking thing...it's a trap."

She smiled and placed a hand over his, "I'll tape your eyes open for you. But...that might hurt."

He laughed and shook his head, "That's a mental picture for me."

She laughed, "Don't worry...any boy who walks in this door who sees you, your badge and gun...they'll be perfect gentlemen."

He smirked, "Hope so."

"Plus...they're smart kids El. And we talk to them...I'll have more conversations with the girls as we get closer to that point. But right now...don't be stressing about it." She answered.

"You're right." He smiled and turned towards her, "There are plenty of stressors in life. Let me forget that one for today." He smiled and looked down at her belly, "Speaking of which, no stressors for you, right?"

She smiled, "Nope. I'm good El. Everything is good."

He looked up at her, "Did your Doctor ever call you back about the blood work?"

She bit her lip and smiled, "She did…"

He watched her carefully and then sat up, "Liv? Everything's good, right?"

She squeezed his hand and nodded, 'Everything is good. Yes. I promise. Everything came back good."

He narrowed his eyes at her, "What aren't you telling me?"

She took a deep breath and, "Give me two minutes."

He frowned as she scrambled off the bed, "Where are you going?"

She laughed and pulled on one of his shirts, "Patience is a virtue! I'm getting your last present of the day."

He sat up against the headboard and saw that Scout had come into the room, hopping up on the bed, "What's she up to Scout?" The dog just tilted his head and looked up at Elliot curiously, "I hate that you are so cute you know that?" Scout lay down and rested his head on Elliot's knee, "I really am whipped…"

A minute later, Olivia walked back in the room with an envelope and a plate with a cupcake on it, "Okay. Here you go."

Elliot watched her crawl up onto the bed and smiled, "What is this?"

She huffed and handed him the envelope, "Stop asking so many questions Stabler."

He reached for the offering and slipped his fingers under the flap, "This first?"

She nodded and scooted closer to him, "Yes."

He opened it and slowly took out a picture, "Babies first ultrasound?"

She smiled and squeezed his leg, "Yep. Wanted you to have it to keep since you were upset you couldn't come to the appointment."

He smiled and leaned forward to kiss her, "Thank you. This is great." He looked down at it and sighed, "Still looks like a blob but a cute blob nonetheless. And one that I am damn grateful for."

She smiled and held the plate out for him, "Here."

He looked down at the cupcake, "It's Father's Day, not my Birthday."

"Yeah, but I still think you deserve a treat." She said with a shrug, "An extra special treat."

He wiggled his eyebrows at her and smiled, "I think you already gave me that babe. But if you want to go another round I'm sure-"

"Just eat your cupcake Stabler." She swatted his arm and laughed.

Elliot looked down at Noah, "Do you know what this is about?" Scout rolled over on his back and whined, "I take that as a no." He turned back to the plate, took it and reached for the cupcake, he smiled and took a bite. The sweet frosting hit his lips and he smiled, 'This is really go-" He froze when he pulled the cupcake away, "Good…"

She felt her heart pounding in her chest, "Yeah?"

He put the cupcake down on the plate and looked at her, "Pink."

She picked up the cupcake, looked at the filling and smiled, "Huh...would you look at that. It is pink."

He started to laugh and then scrambled up on the bed, "Pink!"

She smiled at him as Scout scrambled off the bed, knocining the cupcake off onto the mattress, "Yes. We established you know your colors."

He moved over to her and cupped her face in his hands, "It's a girl?"

Holding onto his arms she smiled and nodded, "Yep. I really do need to get that Heart Doctor on speed dial because my mini me will be making an appearance in six months or so. That okay?"

He kissed her softly and then pulled away, "A girl...a little Olivia. Of course it's okay! I mean I will die but...it will be so damn worth it."

He lay her back on the bed and she laughed, "It kind of just came up in the tests and I couldn't not tell you. So...yeah. We're having a baby girl. And…" A lump formed in her throat, he looked up at her expectantly, "I don't think I've ever been this happy."

He smiled and leaned down to kiss her, "Me either Liv. Me either."

She turned her head and smiled, "Well hold onto that happiness...cuz your fur son just ate your cupcake and got it on the sheets."

He looked over at Scout who was licking his lips and he still couldn't help but smile, "Not even that can upset me. Hope you enjoyed it Scout. Your life is about to get a lot more hectic."

Scout just tilted his head to look at them and Olivia smiled, "Hey El?" He turned towards her again and she whispered, "Happy Father's Day."

He took a deep breath, kissed her again and whispered, "Best Father's Day ever."

The following week, they were up in Maine for the week since the kids were out of school. The kids were walking along the beach collecting shells. Scout was jumping in and out of the ocean waves. Olivia looped her arm with her husbands and whispered in his ear, "El?" He turned to her and she smiled, "The second I put on a bathing suit while we're up here...they're gonna know. I think it's time."

He smiled and nodded, "Seems right...seeing as this was where we told them last time." She nodded and he smiled, turning towards his kids. Maureen and Kathleen were helping Noah walk along the sand and Richie and Lizzie were chasing each other, he took a deep breath and repeated the same words he had said when Noah was announced, "Hey rugrats, come here."

The kids stopped and turned towards them, Maureen caught her Mother's eye and knew what was coming next. Picking up Noah, she walked with her siblings towards their parents. "What's up Dad?" Richie asked.

Elliot slipped an arm around Olivia's shoulder, "We have something we want to tell you."

The four older kids exchanged looks, feeling a sense of dejavu wash over them, "Mom?"

Lizzie walked over to her Mom and put a hand on her belly, "Are you…"

Olivia brushed her hair back and smiled, "Yeah sweetie. I'm pregnant."

Kathleen walked closer to her, "And everything's…"

"Everything is going really well." She assured her daughter, "I'm due sometime at the end of November or the beginning of December." She looked at Elliot and he smiled, "But me and baby girl Stabler are doing just fine."

"Baby girl?" Maureen asked, this of course was new news to her, "It's a girl?"

Olivia smiled and looked at Richie, "It's a girl. That okay?"

Richie smiled, ran towards her and wrapped his arms around her, "As long as you're happy Mommy. I'm happy. Boy or girl…"

The kids twins both hugged her and Elliot put his arm out for Kathleen, "I'm happy buddy. I'm so happy." Olivia whispered, "I got my whole family, right here."

Elliot looked over at Maureen and Noah, Maureen smiled at her brother, "You're gonna be a big brother little man, what do you think about that?"

Noah looked at her and then at his parents, "Brother."

Olivia smiled and scooped him up, holding him close, "That's right baby. You're gonna be a big brother!"

Scout barked from beside them and Elliot smirke down at the dog, "You too Scout. You too."

Olivia smiled as he leaned over to kiss him, "See, Dad of 7. Not 6."

He growled and hung his head, "This damn family…" He muttered under his breath.

"Daddy said a bad word." Richie said tugging on Olivia's arm.

She chuckled and looked at her husband, "He did. Which means he needs to be punished." She looked down at her kids, "Get 'em."

Elliot laughed and started to back away, "Wait! I'm outnumbered!"

"It's a circus El! And you're the ringleader!" She yelled as the kids started running after him while she held Noah who was squealing with laughter, "Our circus…" She kissed Noah's cheek and whispered, "God I love my life."