Sunday
After the night she'd had, you would think that she could sleep in, it was Sunday after all, lazy Sunday as Noah loved to call it.
Sundays were for her and Noah to do whatever they wanted to do. Though, they'd fallen in an unintentional routine that seemed to work for the both of them. Noah would wake Olivia up raging with hunger, they would have breakfast together and afterwards, Olivia allowed Noah to create a mess in his room. Later, they would change out of their pajamas into something weather-fitting and would go to a nearby park. Before Noah stopped enjoying baseball, he would bring his mitt and a tennis ball to play catch with whomever he could find willing to toss a ball with him, but now, he loved prancing about, showing his mother the latest dance positions he'd learned and showing her how much more flexible he'd become.
Once Noah had burned a significant amount of calories, she would treat them to a somewhat early lunch. Noah would pick, either hotdogs from a vendor, greasy pizza from a hole-in-the-wall joint, or an actual sit-down restaurant that offered his favorites. Afterwards they'd walk to the grocery store with Noah talking a mile a minute and they'd end at home.
Olivia would put the groceries away whilst Noah napped or played, she'd cook a kid-friendly meal, and afterwards, she'd help Noah shower, she'd shower, and they would conclude with a movie on the couch. Every Sunday, for roughly four years, had been the same. Park time depended if she'd managed to squeeze in a run to the theatre or a collective activity with Rollins and the girls.
Sundays were sacred in the Benson household. Everybody knew that, except for the person who'd decided that now was a great time to knock on her apartment door. Olivia was slowly coming to her senses, feeling her bed dip next to her as she stretched and slowly discerned the continuous knocking on the door.
"Mom," Noah said groggily. "Mom, someone's at the door."
Olivia hummed, turning to face the voice of her son. "Yea," she sighed, opening her eyes. "Let them knock all they want. I didn't invite anyone over, did you?"
Noah giggled, scooting closer to his mother, "Are you sure?"
Olivia rolled her eyes playfully. "Of course I'm sure!" she finished, tickling Noah. She heard the raps on the door once more and she closed her eyes briefly, "Come on, let's see who needs our help today."
They exited the bed together, but on opposite sides. Noah had bolted in front of Olivia and down the hallway before Olivia could catch on. She dragged her feet down her short hallway, giggling to herself once she noticed Noah's askew pajama pants. No matter how hard she tried to keep socks on that boy's feet during the night, he always woke without them.
Whoever was knocking pressed their knuckles against her door once more and she groaned, rolling her eyes in annoyance. She passed her couch, grabbing from the back of it the zip-up hoodie, and slipping her arms in. Once she looked through the peephole, she wasn't exactly shocked, yet she was still surprised to see him there.
"Trevor!"
"Good morning," he said casually, sliding his sunglasses up to his hair.
Olivia took the time to admire him now that he was fresh-faced and alert. It's not that he ever didn't look the part, but seeing him so comfortable and effortless in her doorway had taken her by surprise. He wore bone-colored shorts with a casual washed blue button-down and sneakers. The sleeves were barely cuffed and the top three buttons were undone, giving Olivia a teasing sight of what was underneath, and his scruff had grown excitably noticeable since the prior night.
"Who's at the door, Mom?" Noah interrupted from behind her.
"Uh," she started, clinging to the door for some composure when Trevor chuckled bashfully, hanging his head.
"This is for you," he said, extending his arm. "Top cup, you still drink café breve?"
Olivia smiled. "You remembered?" Trevor nodded. "Thank you," she said, opening the door for him to step in. "Noah! Come here a second."
Trevor stepped in and maneuvered the remaining cup in his hand, hearing the quick patter of a child's feet. They stood awkwardly again, pushing them both into a quick flashback of the prior night. Noah reached Olivia's legs and looked up at the gargantuan man, "I'm not sure if you remember, Noah, but this is Mr. Langan."
Noah looked unsure, but he greeted him nonetheless. Trevor squatted, placing a knee on the ground to balance him self, "You can call me Trevor, Noah. Last time I saw you, you were… almost two."
Noah looked up at his mother with a smile and back at the man in front of him, "I'm six now!"
"I see," he smiled, scooting closer to the boy. "So, I have a… proposition for you, Noah."
Noah cocked his head in confusion, frowning at the unrecognizable word, "What's proposition?"
"It's an idea, a plan… a scheme."
Noah smiled big, enjoying the word that had fallen from the stranger's lips, one he'd only heard in movies with bad guys and cartoons, "What is it?"
"How would you like to go to breakfast? You, your mom, and me. I have a whole day of fun ideas, but only if you say yes."
Olivia could suddenly feel the excitement emanating from her son's body and she could actually see it once Noah turned his head upwards to regard her. Olivia smiled, watching her son's eyes sparkle with anticipation. She had to give it to him. She had told him to not only romance her, which bonus points for still remembering her coffee order, but to romance her son, and if anyone knew the way to Noah's heart was Olivia; food and fun had been promised to the boy, the true gateway to his heart.
Noah turned completely, clutching his mother's camisole in his hands. "Mom?" he tried, jolting Olivia back to the now.
She ran her hand absentmindedly through the disheveled locks on her son's head, shaking her head in tandem. "Go change, I'm right behind you," she spoke as she bended at her waist, pressing her lips to her son's forehead.
"Yes!" Noah shouted, turning to rapidly run down the hallway.
Olivia snickered, "Wow, pulling dirty tricks in and out of courtroom. Shouldn't have expected any less from you, Counselor."
Trevor took a step forward in her direction, seemingly stepping in her space. "I'm playing to win, Captain," he smirked when he heard her not-so-subtle intake of breath. "It's not only my life I'm defending, it's the future of two important people as well."
Her heart had thrown itself into a gallop inside of her, the sudden spark from the prior night giving start to heart. She knew her heart wasn't completely broken if she could feel it starting like a faulting car's battery. All she needed was a little encouragement and maybe possibly a jump for her heart to efficiently start.
She brought the travel cup to her lips, taking a careful sip, "What else should I expect from you?"
He smirked and shrugged, "Trust me."
Olivia hummed, turning on her heel to start towards Noah's room. She needed out of Langan's presence, all she could smell was his cologne and soap, something so subtle yet when placed in the correct spots, had the ability of rendering speechless anybody within radius.
This had been a good start, coming straight on a Sunday, knowing they were not to be messed with, and planting the seed of expectancy in not only her, but in her son as well, and it definitely had her smiling.
She helped Noah dress appropriately and accordingly to the weather foretold for the day in a white and blue striped shirt with denim overall shorts and his red pair of chucks. Within minutes, Noah had returned to the living room with dried toothpaste on his chin.
This was something Trevor hadn't foreseen: being alone with a six year old, yet how hard could it actually be? Noah was a brilliant kid with a growing vocabulary; conversation shouldn't have seemed as intimidating as it was looking at the moment. The boy had paid him no mind at first, quickly busying his self on the coffee table with a couple of Lego pieces.
Find something in common, he thought triumphantly, remembering something he'd read on the Internet. If he wanted to make some type of connection with Noah, he needed to relate with him in some way or another, and what better way than what was happening right now. If Trevor could just figure out what exactly Noah was building, then the conversation could come easily.
He watched the boy bite his lip, trying to fit the piece in place. "Try turning it," he offered unbeknownst to him that his mouth had moved.
Noah hummed, seemingly startled by the nice stranger sitting in his living room when Trevor gestured with his hand what he had just said. Noah looked at the forming thing in front of him and then at the piece in his hand, trying to think if the suggestion given carried validity or not. He turned the piece, glancing up at Trevor in silent recognition when the blue-eyed man nodded. Noah applied some gentle pressure, feeling the piece gently fall into place. His eyes lit up and widened, Trevor would never know this, but he'd been stuck on that piece for a while now and since his mother wasn't as… apt in Lego building as his Uncle Rafael or his Uncle Sonny, he'd opted to move on with other pieces.
"Thank you," he said with a sweet smile, sitting up on his knees to reach for a further piece.
Trevor returned the smile and nodded, clearing his throat in an attempt to gather some courage to speak to the son of the police Captain down the hall. When had he become such chicken shit?
He shook his head, stifling the laughter that threatened to bubble up in his throat. If his college buddies could see him now, he'd be the butt of every joke out there. This was Trevor Langan, the near fearless man they had come to admire. The same man that during their time at Harvard had one over his professor, refusing to play some mediocre part in a mock trial, and later on finding out that the same professor had had some legal problems and was seeking his counsel was afraid of a six year old.
But, this wasn't just any six year old; this was Olivia Benson's son. Someone he had probably picked up mannerisms from, someone who had taught him how to sit quietly and observe, someone who had taught him how to read a room, and be aware of his surroundings.
He cleared his throat once more, lifting his head to catch Noah staring at him. He felt the heat rise on his cheeks once he caught sight of the scrutinizing stare of the little boy across from him that he was momentarily stunned. Noah tilted his head, "Are you ok?"
"Yea—Yea, why wouldn't I be?"
Noah smiled knowingly, "Mom says that it's ok if you don't want to say how you feel at the moment, but that you shouldn't lie."
Trevor smirked, biting his lip in amusement. "Your mom is pretty brilliant, I'll tell you that," he admitted, ducking his head from the kid. "If I'm honest, Noah, I'm… a little nervous."
Noah walked on his knees forward, sitting on his haunches to Trevor's immediate left, "Do I make you nervous?"
Trevor widened his eyes, staring at the tenacity etched on the boy's face. What should he say? If he lied, Noah could tell, that much had been clear, and if he told the truth, he risked hurting the child's feelings and all of this would've been for naught if Olivia found out what had transpired in the few minutes she had trusted him with her son.
He decided to go with the truth, a little bit decorated to spare his feelings, but the truth nonetheless.
"You do make me nervous, Noah," he tried, pausing to see exactly how he was handling it. Noah quirked his head, furrowing his brow just a little, "But, it's not you you, it's just… I don't know what to say."
Noah nodded in understanding, rubbing his hands over the fabric on his thighs, "Mom says to start with something you see and like on the other person."
Trevor smiled; glancing over his shoulder to make sure Olivia wasn't standing behind them. "Again, your mom: brilliant," he scoffed, rubbing at his jaw. "Ok, what are you building?"
"A droid gunship from—"
"Star Wars," Trevor interrupted, watching Noah's grin grow at an immense rate across his face.
"You know Star Wars?"
"Oh, of course! I have all the movies, and I've built my fair share of droid gunships too," Trevor boasted with a smile.
Noah's eyes had glimmered at the thought of a possible playmate in Trevor. His mom, though familiar with the franchise, didn't seem to care too much for it. She'd let the Lego building and Star Wars obsessing to him, Rafael, and Sonny. Carisi hadn't come by as much, with his new job and all, and Noah had fallen somewhat behind on the building and continuation of his gunship.
"Well," Noah began somewhat bashfully, "I have more pieces. Could you help me finish it?"
Trevor smiled, giving a slight nod to the boy, "You would trust me with your Lego?"
Noah smirked, standing on his knees once again. "I trust you," he shrugged, as if the idea of trusting someone was completely natural and not at all frustrating. "You're my Mom's friend."
Trevor shook his head at the simple explanation. He tried once more, attempting to gain more than just a shrug from the boy, "I have big hands."
Noah giggled. "And big feet, too," he laughed, pointing at Trevor's shoes.
"Hey!" Trevor said, feigning hurt. "It's not my fault you're so small."
Noah continued in a fit of giggles, "I'm only six!"
"No excuses!" Trevor defended with a smile.
"When I'm—how old are you again? When I'm your age, I'll have big hands too!"
And, I hope I'm around to see that, he thought to himself, smiling at the boy across him. He extended his arm, messing up a messy head of curls, "You sure will, bud."
Noah had smiled and sat up to reach Trevor's hand with ease. It felt… nice to gain such approval from the only other person that could stand in the way of his dream. It's not that Noah was an obstacle he needed to overcome; he was something that Trevor needed to carry with him in order to reach Olivia.
In the end, Olivia would choose her son, and he loved that about her, that no matter what, she would always choose other's happiness in lieu of her own. It made her a great mother, friend, leader, and an overall amazing human being. And, that was just only one of the plethora of traits Olivia Benson possessed, one of the many that had made Trevor fall in love with her.
Before Noah had the opportunity to prod Trevor again, Olivia came trotting down the hallway, fumbling with her wristwatch. "I'm so sorry, Trevor," she said while looking up, all of a sudden faced by two pairs of stunning blue eyes.
She'd gasped, only audible to her, and had stumbled backwards just a tad when Trevor and Noah stood. They stood next to each other, smiling at her, and never letting their gaze waver. She could hear the sudden rush of blood in her ears and in tandem, the somehow slowing of her heart in her chest.
The sight of the little man she'd come to adore as if she'd bore him herself next to the man that had annoyingly crept his way in her sights had damn near knocked her on her ass. She could find so many similarities, she could foresee those smiles staring at her in mischief, too, and she felt herself smile back at them. Her son and her… Trevor looked at each other in confusion, sniggering at the perplexed look on her face.
"Mom, Trevor knows Star Wars!"
It was her son's voice that jarred her not so smoothly into the now, though she hadn't caught exactly what he had said or what he'd meant by knowing Star Wars, but that would be a conversation for later. "You ready, sweetheart?" she directed at her son, receiving a prompt nod. "All right, let's grab you a jacket and we'll be on our way."
"Aww, Mom!"
Olivia rolled her eyes, starting forward. "When?"
Trevor made a face of confusion, "When, what?"
"When did he become such a pain in my ass?" she said quietly and mostly to him when he snorted.
"So, takes after you, then?"
Olivia made a choking sound as her mouth parted when hearing such… truth come out of Trevor's face. He'd sniggered, lifting his hands up between them in surrender, mouthing his apologies as she shook her head. She couldn't help what happened next and it surprised her to say the least. His playful banter made way for her playful touching and in a matter of seconds; her fingers were poking sturdy flesh, wiggling them in order to send tingles all over his torso. Trevor buckled, attempting to shield his stomach and ribs from the assault Olivia had set on them and he begged her mercilessly for some mercy to no avail.
The laughter and grunts of appreciation coming from the both of them ceased when Trevor's pleas went unheard. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her against him. Her hands rested on his chest, their faces mere centimeters apart, and their eyes shone with mirth. Trevor hummed, noting the subtle part of her lips and how her brown gaze failed to stop on his. Their breathing had synced, her belly strained against his when they inhaled each other's breath, and the sudden limpness that had befallen on her further proved that she was willing to be in his arms like this.
"You've let your freckles out again," he mused, attempting to memorize each and every spot across her face. "I like them."
Olivia hitched a breath, feeling the strength that coursed through the arm around her back; his strength wasn't confining, it was… reassuring.
Her body had gone limp in his arms at the sudden proximity, and normally, in any other situation she wouldn't had let herself get stuck in a predicament like this one, yet she made no effort in moving. She could wiggle free of his embrace whenever she wanted to, but she didn't want to. There in his arms she felt safe, like no harm could come to her, she felt wanted… desired. And, if the wry smirk on his beautiful face was indication of something, he was enjoying this just as much as she was.
Noah's galloping interrupted their moment, but Trevor was in no rush to break his hold on her. He wanted her to remember the warmth of his body, how perfectly molded her body had been made for his arms, and most importantly, how she could have this for the rest of her days if so she chose. He slowly let go of her, high-fiving Noah once he made known that he'd chosen a jacket that matched. Olivia took a little longer to recover than Trevor, but when she did, she had turned her chin up, and walked out of her home with her son and Trevor in tow.
Who knew that spending an entire day with Trevor Langan would be such fun?
He'd called for the restaurant to have a table for them and he'd entertained Noah when his growing temper threatened to show. He'd placated him, by doodling on some napkins, teaching the boy the ins and outs of the droid gunship he'd been building on his mother's coffee table. Olivia had no other choice, but to sit back and enjoy someone else deal with Noah's flaring temper when it came to waiting. She'd been getting ready to either discipline him or bribe him with lessened time at the park. She hadn't known then that Trevor had planned an entire day with them; filled with stimulating and fun activities for both the adults and the child they were with.
She saw him in a different light that morning at the zoo after breakfast. Trevor Langan carried this reputation of being ruthless, careless, and tactless yet the man that had sat her son on his shoulders so that he could see the new and crowded exhibition of grizzlies with ease, the man that had crouched down and been brave when Noah after yammering on and on about feeding the penguins had suddenly sprouted a case of the takesies-backsies, the same man that when her son had dropped his hotdog had broken his in half and afterwards had gone and bought one more and shared it once again with her son was definitely not that.
She'd done exactly what she had admonished Noah for: judging something without trying it first.
Sure this relationship would come as a surprise to everyone on her team, including her, but Trevor Langan was not the same man that had walked into her precinct almost eighteen years ago.
Like her, he'd matured, he'd grown, and now paying close attention she'd notice that he was more than a man of his word. He was beyond brilliant, funny, and witty, but what lawyer wasn't? She felt… different around him. She needn't pretend that she was trying to have a good time for the sake of her son; she was having a great time with the both of them there with her. She could see all three of them together, on another Sunday afternoon prancing around the streets of Manhattan, getting tired from chasing Noah around, and then settling on the couch with full bellies and warm hearts.
She sighed, looking up at the stunning profile of this beautiful human being. His sunglasses shielded his eyes, but even so, she could still see the beauty of the baby blues he possessed. He was lost in conversation with Noah, about what, she couldn't possibly say, but she utilized this time to study the entirety of his face. She wouldn't mind waking up every day and night staring at the face besides her. It was a beautiful face, indeed.
She'd been surprised at Noah's ease around Trevor. She envied that about him—about every child she encountered, if she were honest. Kids never trusted blindly, their intuition was always at the forefront, even if they didn't quite understood it yet. It was adults that took longer to divest themselves of the walls built in order to protect their feelings, but not kids.
It was something instilled in all of us as we grew, to have tact, to be careful, to be wary… things that clearly went against our instinct. She aspired to be a little bit more like her son, if only when it came to putting her trust in people. But, not in the line of duty she currently worked. It was her instinct to mistrust everyone. She only trusted her squad and her gun, things she knew for sure were not going to blindside her.
Trevor turned his head to look down at Noah, chuckling heartily at something he had said. She'd missed it and she'd cleared her throat, glancing down at her smiling boy.
"You ok, Liv?" Trevor had asked.
She simply nodded, pursing and licking her lips. She could see the sudden part of Trevor's lips and she smiled. If he thought he could gain the upper hand so easily, he had another thing coming for him. Two could play this seduction game, and she trusted her gut. Trevor would be a lost cause by the end of it all.
For Trevor though, this was more than just a game. Of course, seducing her was a big part of the 'game', but earning her trust was far higher on his list than bedding her. One thing would eventually lead to another, and once he had her trust, he was sure that he could have her heart, body, and soul. He knew Olivia had been hurt before, in so many shapes and forms. By her partner leaving… twice, love unrequited, heartache, and heartbreak, obstacle over hurdle time and time again, it was no wonder her heart was more guarded than the Vatican. He didn't fault her for this, on the contrary, it made his devotion that much grander.
He never expected to feel this way towards her, he never expected her to agree either, and he most definitely never expected her to trust him with her son whilst she made a quick run to the grocery store. It was one thing to exist with Noah when with her, but it was another to care for the little boy without supervision. Noah had been more than excited that his mother had agree to the suggestion that had flown out of Trevor's face. It'd been unexpected, impulsive, but genuine. Noah really was a great kid, how much harder could it be?
Olivia rushed through the aisles of the grocery store, picking up everything she needed for the following weeks. She'd forgotten how good it felt to walk in and walk back out without having to have a constant debate about everything that went into the cart, though she had to admit, she'd missed having Noah's distracting commentary.
She smiled as she unloaded the contents of the cart onto the cashier's belt. She'd never thought she'd be so… giddy to get home and find her… Trevor with her son coexisting in the same place. She let the thought warm her from inside, allowing her to feel most content. In a matter of minutes, she'd be walking in to her home to find God knows what kind of mess.
Yet, the sight that greeted her when she pushed the door open with her hip was almost enough to make her falter. There they were, lying on her small couch. Trevor barely fit in such a small area, it stopped at his calf, but he didn't seem to mind. His elbow was propped on the couch by his side, holding up his phone. Sounds of blasts, movie dialogue, lasers, and missiles launching had the boys engrossed on the small screen. Noah lain on Trevor's chest, right underneath his chin so that he, too, could watch what was unfolding on the screen. Trevor's other arm was tucked and folded, his hand playing absentmindedly with Noah's curls. He fit perfectly along Trevor's length. His socked foot caressed Trevor's thigh in a front and backwards motion that neither seemed to mind.
She released a shuddering breath, both of their blue gazes suddenly locking with hers, and she did it again. "Liv?" Trevor commenced with a furrowed brow. "Do—Do you need help? Noah, let's help you mom with the gro—"
"No, no," she quickly recovered with a smile. "No need. This is it," she shrugged at the reusable bags hanging from her shoulders and inner forearms and the paper bag clutched close to her chest. "You—You, you stay right there. Dinner is on its way."
Trevor nodded, settling back against the pillow, but not before smirking and winking her way. He knew that she had found his position with her son most adorable; he'd read it on her face. She wasn't expecting him to be so laid back and comfortable around Noah, and honestly, neither had he, but he'd found the boy's interest for Star Wars very precocious for his age and they'd both had gotten sucked in by a behind the scenes video of the making and mechanics of the gunships through the volumes of the franchise.
He hadn't planned to stay through dinner, bath time, and bedtime, but Noah had been most insistent, and Olivia had allowed it, so why say no? The arm she kept extended towards love and people in general was slowly beginning to fold, allowing for Trevor to step into her space.
And, suddenly, that's where he was, underneath the frame of her door, leaning against it with his long gams spread slightly so that hers could fit between his as she leaned on the other side of her doorframe. "Who would've thought you'd be such a pest?" she smiled.
He snickered at her words. "Pests can be rid of, you chose to keep me around," he finished with a smirk, waggling his finger near her face.
Olivia smiled at the ground bashfully, shaking her head. "What am I going to do with you, huh?" she looked up at him. "You've… corrupted my son, you've laid up on my couch, eaten all my food…" she smiled, pausing for effect as she looked up at him. "Thank you, for today."
Trevor smiled, biting his lip as he leaned his head back to rest on the jamb. He tilted his chin in an almost imperceptible nod. His hooded eyes stared at her, the effortless beauty of her propped across from him, squirming underneath the scrutiny of his gaze. He noticed a slight flush creeping to her cheeks, highlighting all the freckles he'd discovered only but a day ago.
He loved seeing her like this, exposed, and not hiding behind the mask of subtle makeup she wore on a daily basis. Without her armor she looked even more beautiful, if that was a possibility. She'd chosen a black t-shirt tunic, medium wash ankle jeans that were ripped at the knee, and sneakers; a typical 'mom outfit' that he'd seen on many a woman yet on her, it was as if she were dressed in crystals.
She tucked her hair behind her ear, worrying her lip, "Stop staring at me."
"I enjoy watching you squirm," he said, standing straight and taking a step forward to hover over her.
"Trevor," she said breathlessly, sucking in a quick breath before looking up at him.
They didn't speak, yet their breaths intermingled at the proximity of their faces. He brought his hand up to toy with the ends of her hair, humming in appreciation at the softness of her chocolate waves, and he chuckled when Olivia hitched a breath. "Seven thirty, tomorrow," he said without preamble.
"Huh?" she responded with a part of her lips.
"Be ready," he spoke softly, leaning forward to place his lips just where her mouth ended and melded with her cheeks. She let out a breathless sigh when she saw him retreat, just before he glanced over his shoulder with a subtle smile.
She waited until he was tucked in the elevator to disappear inside her home, yet it was like she was… rooted to the spot once she shut the door behind her back. She could feel the tingle of her lips, especially so on the area where Trevor had pressed his. It was like it emanated from there. The corner of her mouth had been the epicenter of shocks, tingles, and buzzing to her entire mouth, and she couldn't help the smile that now decorated her face. She pressed her fingers to them, feeling the ripple effect the pressure of her digits had on the plushness of her lips.
If a half-mooned kiss had made her feel as such, she couldn't begin to fathom what his entire lips would do to her body.
Trevor leaned against the opposite wall of the elevator cart, smiling triumphantly at himself. He'd gathered every force of nature and had laid it on Olivia's lips; he too felt the electricity that coursed through his lips. He'd touched her; felt her in one of the most intimate ways out there.
A kiss on the lips, a touch of her hair, and he already knew that everything he was doing was working in his favor. The subtle gasps and hitches of breath hadn't gone unnoticed either. He knew how much it had taken for her to be so willing and open with him, he knew how much she tended to close off once someone got too close, and he'd given her ample opportunity to stop him if so she desired, but she hadn't. He'd seen his window and he'd leapt through, hoping to land safely in her arms.
Sunday's seduction game: check, he thought wheedlingly. Six more days, and he was confident enough to know that by the end, Olivia would be more than in love with him… she'd be his.
