Chapter 21

Olivia, Melinda, and Alex took off for the end of the program ceremony. Family members were invited for the awards. Amanda swept the awards. She was chosen for the top position and was offered a job. The whole group hugged her, but Olivia was so proud of her. "Congratulations, baby! I'm so proud of you."

On the way home Amanda was so happy. "I wish Lucy could have brought Noah." Olivia wished the same, "We didn't want him crying through the ceremony." Olivia kept driving, "Are you packed Amanda? We leave early in the morning." They were all headed to Connecticut to see Kim and Nick have their baby girl. "Things were different since they moved, but Amanda was busy with her program.

Amanda smiled, "Yeah! I'm packed. I'm excited to see them." The next morning they drove to Connecticut with Amanda behind the wheel of her new SUV. Olivia had to sign with her, but she got it. Lucy sat up front with her while Olivia played and sang to Noah in the back.

When they met Nick at the hospital, Kim was already in labor. Amanda changed into scrubs and gave Olivia and Noah a kiss. She walked in and saw her exhausted best friend. "You just couldn't wait huh?" Kim was sweating and tired, "Amanda, I can't do this." Amanda wiped her forehead with a cool towel, "Yes you can. Now push that beautiful baby girl out, so she can meet her Aunt." Amanda gave her a wink and Kim squeezed her and Nick's hand hard. "Ahhhhhhh!" The next thing they heard was crying. "She's beautiful Kim!"

After it was over Olivia, Lucy, and Noah joined the celebration. Olivia held her, "What's her name?" Kim looked at Nick and he answered, "Olivia Grace Ann Amaro." Olivia turned, "We wanted to thank you for being our family." Amanda already knew the name. She was adamant not to give her goddaughter Amanda as a name, so she told them her middle name Grace was fine. It was also Amanda's idea to add Ann for Nick's mother.

They spent a week there and had fun with Nick's parents. Nick's father sat at the table while they enjoyed breakfast. "So did you give them the news?" Kim and Nick smiled. "Apparently having the baby has brought my mom to her senses. Along with my father who told her he plans on having us in his life. We're moving back to New York." Nick's parents found a community about 45 minutes outside of the city. They would be closer and Amanda smiled all the way home.

The rest of the summer was spent, getting to know Noah, working, and spending time as a family. Lucy was working out perfectly. She slept in Noah's room until the big move to the new place. They actually got a deal on a place in Alex's building and were able to move in right before Amanda started the semester.

Amanda was always a hard worker and that's the one thing that never changed. She went to school, worked for the bureau, and still tutored. She just couldn't break the news to Mrs. Stabler, plus she needed money for a ring. Her and Olivia were planning a wedding. She was typing up the financial report, when Dean Barba walked in. "Amanda, it's so good to see you." Amanda greeted him with a hug. He tried to come to family dinners as much as work allowed.

He had a folder, "This belongs to you." Amanda opened it, "Another scholarship!" He shook his head, "Your professors voted for you. Congratulations!" Amanda was so excited, the scholarship meant she would finish up school and all of her money was hers.

She closed up and walked out with Mrs. Stabler. "Amanda, I would like to introduce you to my husband. This is Mr. Stabler." Amanda looked at him. He was tall, muscular, and wore a buzz cut. He shook his head, "I'm Elliot. No need for the formalities." Two excited kids jumped out, a boy and a girl. "These are our twins, Dickie and Lizzie. We have two older girls, but they are in college." Elliot laughed, "Yeah we started early."

Elliot was retired military and a private investigator. "Ok kids, back in the car." Mrs. Stabler grabbed Amanda's hand, "There's a reason I asked Elliot to pick me up. He was approached by a woman asking to find you." Amanda's heart started beating faster. Elliot tried to calm her, "Don't worry, we won't let anyone hurt you. It's your mother." The Stabler's had discussed this at dinner.

Amanda explained that her mother left her long ago, but Elliot knew the story. "What does she want?" Elliot took a deep breath, "She told me the story. She wants to know how you are doing and your life in general." Amanda shook her head, "Great! Well tell her it's none of her business." Elliot paused, "I won't tell her anything if you don't want me to. She did say you probably hated her. Amanda, she's clean, no drinking, no drugs. I just wanted you to know." Amanda asked them to come to family dinner and please not to give her any information. She needed her real family's advice.