RESIDENCE OF AUGUSTÍN & VIOLET NOVAK

LOFT ABOVE THE WATERING CAN

777 5th AVENUE

6 PM


The Cabots arrived at the landing off the Novaks' elevator at six on the nose that evening. Both of them had slept solidly for a few hours, and were now feeling very sociable. They did enjoy taking care of the family they had created together, but the events of today had been a reminder that taking care of themselves was also important. Remembering this kind of thing was very important.

Senior opened the door when Olivia knocked. Violet was with him. The couple ushered their friends inside and helped them put their things away.

"Oh, you're both right on time." Senior said happily.

Violet chimed in, "I just finished putting the finishing touches on dinner five minutes ago."

"Excellent." chirped Alex.

"What's on the menu?" Olivia wanted to know.

"Per Melissa's request, there is Shepherd's Pie and Irish soda bread. Those are her new favorite foods. Violet and Sophia also made rice-filled peppers and chickpea salad. It looks very good." Senior checked his watch. "Savannah should be getting started on the lemonade and orange juice right about now."

Alex put her hands in the 'time-out' position. "So you made Melissa's favorite things to eat, but how did you know mine?"

Senior chuckled. "Cassandra has a ridiculously long memory."

"That's for sure." Alex finished putting her things away beside Olivia's. "Where is she?"

"Last I saw, snuggling with Serena in the front room. They can't get enough of each other."

"Well, I'm going to join them, then. Please excuse me."

Alex departed the receiving area. Senior followed her, headed for the kitchen. Two people remained.

Olivia put a hand on Violet's forearm. "Thank you for everything you and Augustín have done today."

"Anything for family, my dear."

"I absolutely love knowing that."

Violet studied her. "And you're looking at me in a way that says you've been thinking about something."

"Damn, you're good." Olivia laughed nervously. "Days like today are when you remind me of how my mother was in her later years. Things were better when she was older, but she was one of the brightest people I've ever known. The two of you would have really gotten along. And would have really loved how you've been looking after everyone."

"Thank you for telling me this." Violet hugged her. "You're a special person, Olivia. Don't forget that. You touch lives and hearts wherever you go."

Olivia's heart swelled with pride. "Thank you, Violet. I definitely won't forget that."

"Good answer." Violet smiled warmly at her. "Noah and Melissa are in Abigail's room. That's over this way."


By the time dinner had been had, Olivia felt like she should have been pinching herself. The simple act of sharing a meal at the Novak place was yet one more thing she would have missed out on, had her life gone another way. But all of this was real.

After the family dined together and then eventually spread back out over the dining room, Olivia felt once again like she should have been pinching herself. The simple act of sharing a meal at the Novak place was yet one more thing she would have missed out on, had her life gone any other way. But all of this was real.

Alex was also in her element.

Today was her birthday. The best one to date. Her heart had never been so full. Diana was kicking and stretching out in a pleasant way, and Serena was in her arms, babbling at anyone who even looked in her direction. The little girl was extremely animated because she had woken up from a nap not long before her parents' arrival. Absent were Amanda and Harper. But they were there in spirit. Beside Alex was her wife. Her best friend. Her soulmate. Her forever.

Surrounding them were friends who would officially become family in the summertime.

Alex wondered for a moment if her parents had been working together with Olivia's mother from above to make sure that all of this would come to pass. It was a very comforting thought.

She would stick to it.

"Alex?"

"Yes? Don't think I don't see that sly look on your face." the blonde had looked up to see Casey standing in front of her. "And cornering me at your parents' place? Really?"

"Don't be insolent." Casey gently teased her. "Did you know that you and Melissa share an affinity for chocolate cake when it come to desserts?"

"Nope. That is a very fun thing to have in common."

"Mhm. It's also a great fact that my mother has been practiced at making homemade birthday cakes for decades now. She started making them for my father when they were kids." Casey motioned towards the kitchen. "Look over there."

Violet was to be seen setting candles out on a lavish chocolate cake. She was even humming to herself.

"Alex, when was the last time you had a homemade birthday cake? Do you remember?" Casey asked her.

"I don't think I remember." Alex admitted after a moment of trying to come up with an answer. "How's that for sad?"

Olivia spoke in a swift tone of reassurance. "Not sad, babe. It just means that life got in the way."

"Olivia's right." Casey agreed. "Why don't you call Melissa over here?"

So Alex turned and called to her granddaughter. "Melissa?"

She dashed over at once. "Yes, nana?"

"It's almost time for birthday cake! Would you like to sit with me?"

Melissa nodded. "Yes, but Serena..."

She was very comfortable in her arms by this point. There was also the matter of Alex's baby bump being just big enough now that holding Serena and Melissa at the same time would have been impossible. It now meant that Serena would have to be moved.

"Allow me." Olivia took Serena into her own arms and comforted her as she voiced unhappiness. "I've got Stardust."

Melissa immediately seized the opportunity to climb into what was left of Alex's lap.

"You see?" Alex told her. "Now I can hold you."

Melissa nodded in understanding while she got herself situated. It also took a moment.

She giggled. "Baby Diana is way wiggly."

"I agree." Alex touched a hand to her middle as she felt Diana change positions. "Know what?"

"Hm, nana?"

Alex gave Melissa a cuddle. "Diana is as excited as we are for cake!"

This was very sound logic in Melissa's mind. After all, chocolate cake was chocolate cake. Who could argue against it?

She and Alex both fixed Casey with expectant expressions.

The redhead paused for a brief moment. Just as Olivia did, she had old memories of Alex. What she was like when she was younger. Casey had been awed by Alex. In a way, that hadn't changed. She remembered well Alex's level of ambition from the first case they had worked together. Her drive. Her intensity. Casey admired all of it. Even after all this time. It really pleased her that Alex was part of the family now. Being this close with someone like the legendary Alex Cabot had been unfathomable back then.

"Alright!" Casey finally chirped. "One birthday cake, coming right up!"

So Alex and Melissa settled in to wait. It wouldn't be long.

Violet finished arranging and lighting the candles a few moments later.

"Time to sing happy birthday!" called the matriarch as she bore the lit cake towards the dining table. "Everyone gather!"

As though by magic, the rest of the family hurried over as one. Each was very eager to celebrate. And to eat Violet's cake.

Olivia watched Alex and Melissa as they all sang to them. Both of them were absolutely reveling in the moment. Neither had ever had a birthday like this before.

Alex gave Melissa a tickle when the song was done. "Quick, Melissa—help me blow out our candles!"

"Okay!" Melissa sat up straighter and moved closer to the cake. "Let's do it!"

And they blew out the candles together. But Alex let Melissa have the lead.

Violet's cake was delectable. By the time everyone had finished their slice, they were each sated. Alex really couldn't think of what could make things any more perfect.

Violet had something up her sleeve.

"While Augustín lays out yours and Melissa's presents," she said to Alex. "I want to ask you something. Did you know that Sophia met us a few years back?"

Alex shook her head. "Uh-uh. What's the story?"

"They were passing by the shop on Melissa's first birthday, and Melissa got distracted by the blue forget-me-nots on display just inside the door. Sophia held her up to smell them." Violet recalled. "We were so tickled by the scene that we made a crown for Melissa. We've been making them for her, every birthday since. Now she's our grandbaby. This year is no exception to the tradition."

She went on to present a new flower crown of blue forget-me-nots to Melissa and fixed it in place for her.

Awed, Melissa blew her other grandmother a kiss. "Thank you!"

Violet kissed her on the cheek before addressing Alex again. "We aren't going to leave you out because it's also your special day. This is yours."

From the countertop, Violet lifted another crown and held out. Where Melissa's was thick and noticeable, this crown was thin and elegant. The bloom also had an easily recognizable scent.

Alex lit up when she realized what it was. "Lavender!"

This was her favorite flower, and had even been part of her wedding bouquet.

"Oh, my goodness. Thank you."

"And thank you for crossing our family's path when you did. Even if it was in such an unusual way." Violet fixed Alex's crown securely for her. "We wouldn't be who we are without you."

Alex beamed.

Restless, Melissa blurted, "Is it time for presents?"

Violet laughed. "Yes, baby girl. It's definitely that time."

"Hooray!"

Melissa received a lot of books, toys, clothes, and even a new pair of shoes, too. Such was the amount of presents that she ended up sitting on the floor to open them all. This allowed Alex enough room to open the gifts that she had received.

She hadn't known what to expect, so she ended up being very touched. Everyone had contributed something.

Chocolates from Abigail. A new scarf and matching gloves from Savannah. There was a new body pillow from Violet. Gift certificates from Casey, Sophia, and Senior to the spa, salon, and even Alex's favorite boutique. There was also birthday cards with very thoughtful and heartfelt messages. Everything was perfect.

Alex rose to her feet and hugged each gift giver.

"Thank you all." she said. "I don't know what else to say."

"Your thanks is enough. We love you." Violet gave her a back rub. "Have you ever had a birthday like this before?"

"No. I love it all so much."

"Fantastic." Violet held up a stack of playing cards she had pulled from her pocket. "I've heard that you are excellent at playing poker. Care for a few rounds?"

Alex nodded. "That sounds like a perfect way to end the night."

Beside her, Savannah perked up. "Outstanding. I'll go get the card table."

She left the room quickly.

Abigail approached her father. "Pop, where is my step-stool? I'll get the jellybeans."

"Check beside the refrigerator." Senior told her. "That's the last place I saw it."

Abigail went to the kitchen to look.

In the living room, Sophia could be seen clearing a space in the living room for the card table. Violet went to help. She could move the bigger items. And explain to the younger kids what was happening.

Bemused, Alex turned to Senior. "Poker is a family affair? And your baby girl knows how to play it?"

"Yes to both. Abigail was taught by her older cousins, and she caught on very quickly. The only extra rule we've got when she joins in is that she can't play with real money or chips. Not until after she gets her first job."

"Which is why she was talking about jellybeans just now." Alex concluded.

"That's right."

Alex rolled back her shirt sleeves. "Okay. How can I help out?"

Senior pointed to the hallway. "Go check on Savvy. Tell her we also need chairs out of the storage room."

Wondering how a dwelling like this one could even have a room like that, Alex went to find Savannah. And the bathroom.

Senior helped Olivia to her feet from where she had been sitting at the kitchen table. "How are you?"

"So pleased to learn about what it's like to have a family of my own." she replied. "I'm also pleased that today could be extra special for Alex and Melissa. Next year, they'll really be sharing a part or something with Junior and Zoelle. That's going to be a real trip."

"I wholeheartedly agree. If Beatrix and Virginia hadn't been born just past midnight when they were, they would have ended up sharing a birthday with Junior and Ellington."

"Wow." Olivia said in surprise. "What is the age difference there?"

"A year and a day, but barely." Senior answered. "Violet did everything in her power to stretch things out because she said she wouldn't have been able to handle four of our kids having the same birthday."

Olivia laughed. "I think I would have done the same thing. Don't you and Violet also share the exact same birthday?"

"Yes, we do, and we'll help everyone cope. Maybe Violet and I can come up with a clever birthday celebration for next year." Senior changed lanes and motioned to Serena. "I suppose that poker is a no-go?"

"Yeah, but that's okay. I've missed my girl." Olivia hugged her daughter. "We're going to play for awhile. I even brought a fresh bag of supplies for Serena."

"You put it by the door, I presume?" the old man asked.

"Yes. It's black, with butterflies on it."

Senior committed these details to memory. "Got it. I will be right back."

Just before the poker players all settled at the table, Alex asked Olivia for a kiss. The lieutenant obliged.

"For luck?" she guessed.

Alex nodded. "Yes, and because I'm please I could share the best birthday of life with you, wife of mine. This has all been perfect. I love you."

Olivia kissed her a second time. "Right back at you, babe. Clean the table with 'em."

Alex promised Olivia she would, and proceeded to turn her attention to the game as she sat down at the table. It didn't take long for her to get into the zone. Some feet away, Melissa and Noah could be seen looking at picture books together. The pair of them were extremely content.

Satisfied, Olivia then devoted all of her own attention to Serena. Playing with her was one of her favorite things to do.

The weather outside had long since leveled out, and the snow had begun to fall normally now. City workers continued clearing the streets. They still had awhile to go.

But Olivia didn't mind. She was warm. Happy.

She was with people she dearly loved. Everyone else was happy, too.

That was mattered the most.