Previously...

Elliot and Olivia got a cab back to the precinct since they didn't have a car. Once they got inside Cragen was waiting for them.

"What's up?" Elliot asked as they approached him.

"Let's talk in my office," Cragen said as he motioned for them to follow.

Cragen sat at his desk as Elliot and Olivia took a seat in front of him.

"Some things are going to change around here after today," Cragen began.


"Like what Captain?" Elliot asked.

"I don't know how you two want to handle this, but I want to put Olivia on restricted duty immediately," Cragen answered.

"Cap-" Olivia began before Cragen cut her off.

"Olivia, this isn't up for discussion. I don't want to risk anything happening to you or the baby again."

"He's right Olivia," Elliot said.

Olivia sat back in her chair knowing she was defeated.

"So what do you have in mind?" Elliot asked.

"I don't want Olivia first on scene again, once everything is under control she can enter the scene. I don't want her interrogating suspects alone, whether it's with you Elliot or Munch or Fin. I want every lead run through me before you check it out. I don't want to take you off the street, but I need you safe in order to have you back when the baby is born. I hope you understand."

"I know, it's just going to be hard," Olivia answered.

"What about Munch and Fin?" Elliot asked.

"It's up to you two if you want to tell them the truth, but let me know if you do," Cragen answered.

"I think we should," Olivia answered.

"You sure?" Elliot questioned, surprised Olivia felt that way.

"It's pointless to come up with some convoluted story."

"So you two want to tell them?" Cragen asked again.

"Yeah," Olivia replied.

"Send them into my office before you tell them," Cragen said.

Elliot and Olivia got up and walked out of Cragen's office.

"Cragen wants to see you two," Elliot said to Munch and Fin.

"About?" Munch asked.

"Didn't say," Olivia answered.

Munch and Fin got up and walked to Cragen's office. Elliot and Olivia sat down at their desks.

"You ready for this?" Elliot asked Olivia.

"I think so, we all get along here. I don't think either of them will be on the phone to the brass to report us."

"As long as you are comfortable."

"I'm good."


"What's up Cap?" Fin asked as he and Munch entered the office.

"Close the door and have a seat," Cragen ordered.

The two detectives did as they were instructed.

"I need both of your opinions about something," Cragen began.

"About?" Munch asked.

"Elliot and Olivia. Have either of you had any problems with them in the past couple of months?"

"Problems? Like what?" Fin asked.

"Anything, unprofessionalism, not finishing jobs," Cragen clarified.

"I haven't," Fin answered.

"Me either. Are they in trouble?" John responded.

"They aren't in trouble. So neither of you would have a problem continuing things they way they are?"

"No."

"No."

"Good, open the door," Cragen asked.

John reached back and opened the door.

"Elliot, Olivia," Cragen called.

The two detectives got up from their desks and headed toward Cragen's office.

"Close the door behind you."

Elliot did as Cragen instructed.

"Elliot, Olivia, I believe you have something you would like to say," Cragen said.

Olivia looked to Elliot and then began, "After today I am going to be on restricted duty."

"Why?" Fin asked.

Olivia took her hands and flattened her shirt against her stomach. Both Munch and Fin's jaws dropped.

"You're pregnant?" Fin asked.

"13 weeks," Olivia answered.

"So that's why you wanted to know about Elliot and Olivia?" Munch asked, turning to Cragen.

"Partly. I asked them if they had had any problems with you two working for the past couple months." Cragen said, explaining Munch's comment to Elliot and Olivia.

"A couple months ago, Cragen put Olivia and I on somewhat of a probation period. He wanted to be sure that Olivia and I could still work together with no problems," Elliot said.

"Why would that be an issue?" John asked.

"The baby's last name will be Stabler," Olivia answered.

Again, Munch and Fin's jaws dropped.

"I know the department has rules against partners dating, but I'm not willing to part with either of them," Cragen began. "If neither of you two have a problem working with them, things will remain the same and their relationship will be kept out of the station."

"I'm ok," John answered.

"Fin?" Cragen questioned.

"Me too."

"What about Olivia' restricted duty?" Munch asked.

"She's not to be first on scene or interrogate suspects alone. Every lead will be run through me and I will decide if she goes. We'll adapt that as necessary. Understand?"

"Yup."

Fin shook his head.

"Good, you all have work to do," Cragen said, dismissing his detectives.

The four headed from Cragen's office back to their desks. Olivia immediately headed for the bathroom before going to her desk. Fin followed Elliot to his desk.

"That ring you have, it for Olivia?" Fin asked.

"You can't say anything to anyone," Elliot replied.

"When are you going to ask her?"

"I don't know. I want to make sure everything is right."

"I'm happy for you."

"Thanks man."

Fin got up and walked back to his desk. The detectives finished their work and headed out for the day. Elliot and Olivia headed to the apartment.

"Maureen, we're home," Elliot announced as they walked in.

"In the kitchen," Maureen replied.

Elliot and Olivia hung their jackets up and headed for the kitchen. They found Maureen making dinner.

"You're making dinner?" Elliot asked, somewhat surprised.

"Yeah. I decided that I should help out around here. I'm home after school while you guys are at work and with Olivia being pregnant, I should help."

"It's appreciated," Elliot said.

Elliot wasn't quite convinced that Maureen just had a sudden change of heart. It wasn't like her to do something like make dinner. It's not like she's a bad kid, but she never does more than she is asked. They had agreed upon several things that Maureen would do around the apartment and she never argued about it, but never did more. Elliot figured it would be better to just let that go for now and enjoy the dinner.

Maureen placed three plates on the table and sat down next to her father. They all began eating and sat in silence for the first few minutes.

"This is delicious Maureen, I had no idea what I was going to make for dinner," Olivia said.

"It's very good honey," Elliot added.

"Thanks."

They finished dinner and they all talked about their day. Elliot and Olivia explained to Maureen how Olivia's role at work was going to change. She thought it was a good idea. Elliot smiled when Maureen said that because he knew Olivia hated being restricted. Elliot began cleaning up the dishes when they finished, but Maureen stopped him. She insisted she clean up and that Elliot and Olivia go relax. Elliot and Olivia got up and went to the living room, where they sat on the couch.

"That was nice of her," Olivia said once they were in the living room.

"Yeah, almost a little too nice."

"Elliot! Why would you say that?"

"I didn't mean it to sound mean, but when it comes to chores or things around the house she was never one to do more than she was asked. I don't remember either of us mentioning anything about dinner. I just think something happened."

"Like what?"

"I don't know and I don't know how to ask her without making her feel like I didn't appreciate it."

"You want me to talk to her?"

"You think you can?"

"I'll try my best."

Olivia got up and headed to the kitchen where Maureen was still doing dishes.

"You want some help there?" Olivia asked.

"No. I got it under control," Maureen answered.

"You sure?"

"Really, I'm fine."

"You think you can wash and talk at the same time?"

"About what?"

"Tonight."

"What about it?" Maureen asked as she turned around to face Olivia.

"Come sit down," Olivia said pointing to the chair next to her. Maureen did as Olivia asked.

"I want you to understand that your father and I appreciate you making dinner tonight, but we want to make sure you are ok."

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"We just think that this change is rather sudden and we want to make sure nothing happened."

Maureen didn't answer.

"Maureen?" Olivia questioned when she didn't answer.

"I was at Amanda's house today after school. I guess her mother had asked her to do something because she yelled at her for not doing it when we got there. Her mother said that the least Amanda could do for her was do one simple task, show some appreciation, for everything her parents do for her. I made dinner because I wanted to show you and dad that I appreciate you letting me live here and I like living here," Maureen said, almost in tears.

"Maureen, we never questioned you living here. We appreciate the things you have been doing around the house. We also appreciate you making dinner, but it wasn't necessary for you to do to try and prove something," Olivia said as she hugged the teenager.

"I just don't want you to make me go back to my mom."

"Maureen, listen to me," Olivia began as she pulled back from her so she could look her in the face. "You always have a place to stay here. It would be your choice to go back to your mother. Your father and I would never make you if you didn't want to. The original offer is still there, if you don't want to live with both of us, your father will move out and you can live with him. Trust me Maureen, nothing you do, or don't do, will make us send you back to your mother."

"Thank you."

"Feel better now?"

"Yeah."

"Good, now let's finish up these dishes," Olivia said as she started to get up.

They both got up and finished washing and drying the dishes. Olivia put her towel down and waited for Maureen to put the last cup away.

"Olivia?" Maureen said as she closed the cabinet.

"Yeah?"

"I love you," she said as she walked up to Olivia and gave her a hug.

Olivia was in shock from Maureen's words. It had always been one of Olivia's fears that she would be considered the evil-step-mother type woman who was responsible for breaking up a marriage, but with Maureen's words, she was the exact opposite. Maureen broke from Olivia and walked into the living room to say goodnight to her father, then she went into her bedroom. Olivia just stood in the kitchen. Finally, Elliot got up to see what was keeping her.

"Liv?" he called as he walked toward the kitchen. She didn't answer him. He walked into the kitchen and saw her standing there, several tears running down her cheek.

"Liv? What's wrong?" Elliot asked concerned as she took her in his arms.

"Nothing's wrong. Everything is perfect," Olivia said into Elliot's chest.

"What happened?"

"Maureen said that she loved me."

"Well that makes two of us," Elliot said as he kissed the top of her head.

Olivia pulled back slightly, "I always feared that your kids would hate me and blame me for breaking you and Kathy up."

"They all love you and now Maureen has gotten to know you better and sees all the wonderful things in you."

"It just took me by surprise."

"I'm glad she approves," Elliot said as he leaned down and kissed her.

"Me too," Olivia said, kissing him again.

"Come on, let's get to bed. You had a rough day."

"Sounds good to me."

They walked into the bedroom, changed and were quickly asleep.


Thanks again for the reviews! They are really appreciated, they give me motivation to continue. Please, all comments and suggestions are welcome. I would also still like suggestions for the baby names.

TBC...