Disclaimer: Not making money off this, I do not own Law and Order.

Author's Note: Well folks, it's been a blast! A huge, Goren-sized bear hug out to my reviewers, you guys really do mean a lot to me! Many many thanks. I do have ideas for a sequel so hold onto your hats, I have to get through Christmas first and then I might start another one. So, farewell for now and Merry Christmas!

Sins of the Father

Epilogue

December 22

Outside FAO Schwarz

"Now I just have to wrap all this before my nephew finds it," Alex commented, hauling the two FAO Schwarz bags down the snowy New York City sidewalk. Her shopping partner, Grace, gave her a sarcastic laugh.

"You think that's bad, try hiding Christmas gifts from Bobby."

"You're kidding? He's a peeker?"

"You've seen the way he goes over a crime scene and a body. Curiosity overcomes everything else in his mind."

Alex laughed, trying to picture the large frame of her partner half way in a closet rummaging through bags. It was quite a mental sight. "Did you finish your Christmas shopping now?"

Grace nodded. "Just finished in the world largest toy store. Do you have any more left?"

"A couple, but not much." Alex had to bite back a huge grin when she saw Detectives Ed Green and Joe Fontana making their way towards them. "Hey Grace, isn't that your neighbor and his partner?"

The redhead looked through the crowd. "Yeah, that is." She waited till they got closer before calling out to them. Alex stepped back from them as Ed Green nodded in Grace's direction. Looking around, she was able to pick out familiar faces that had hidden themselves well in the crowd. Deakins was leaning on a lamppost, his back semi-turned from them. Alex looked over her shoulder and found Ron Carver behind her, pressed up against a store window with his video camera. She turned back to Grace to see Ed flash his badge to Grace.

"Dr. Grace Harris?"

Alex noted all humor left Grace's face as she said a cautious "Yes."

"Dr. Harris," Ed said with all seriousness, "You have the right to remain single. Anything you say can, and will be used against you in a church of God."

Alex covered her mouth with her hand to keep from laughing at the confused look on Grace's face. She didn't even seem to notice Detective Joe Fontana taking her shopping bags from her. Ed continued his speech without missing a beat or cracking a smile.

"You have the right to a minister. If you can not afford one then your friends and family will provide one for you. Do you understand these rights as I have read them to you?"

Grace stared dumbly at Ed. Alex could see her mind trying to grasp what was going on. She actually felt a little sorry for Grace and started searching the crowd for Bobby. She found him stepping out of a car that was parked along the curb. She glanced at the driver and found Lewis giving her a little wave. She smiled back and lifted her hand. Bobby gave her a nervous smile before stepping into Grace's line of sight.

Alex had to step closer to the small crowd that had gathered. She could hardly hear her partner's voice over the city noise, which only meant he was terribly nervous. She missed the first couple words he had said to Grace but she was able to catch those famous four words.

"Will you marry me?"

She saw Grace's head bob up and down before Bobby enveloped her. A couple camera flashes went off, Alex's included. Everyone that had been hiding out in the crowd had come forward and Alex was slightly surprised at the number of people who had showed up. Olivia Benson was near the back of the crowd, along with Lennie Briscoe, and Lieutenant Anita Van Buren. Lewis had joined the crowd as well as a couple other people who most likely knew Bobby since they were chatting it up with Lewis. Even Mike Logan and Carolyn Barek had shown up.

"Listen up everyone!" Deakins had shouted above the din. "Larry's Bar over on 75th is expecting all those who want to celebrate with the happy couple."

Alex watched as everyone nodded and made arrangements of who was riding with whom. Grace pushed her way through the crowd back to Alex. She was grinning from ear to ear and threw her arms around the older woman.

"You knew all about this, didn't you?"

Alex laughed. "Sure did. Let me see the ring." Bobby had actually showed it her earlier on that day. He had taken the diamond from his mother's engagement ring and had it reset in a setting of his choosing. It was a narrow white gold band with open scrollwork on either side of the diamond. She had to admit Bobby always did have good taste. "It's beautiful."

"Hey," Bobby appeared behind Grace slipping an arm around her waist, "Lewis said that Grace and I can take his car if he can find someone else to ride with."

Alex's good mood faded somewhat. "What?"

"Can he ride with you?"

"Hey, Detective Alex," Lewis said as he sauntered up.

Alex fixed Bobby with a glare but it did seem to bother him in the slightest as he was still grinning like an idiot. "You so owe me for this."

"I know. Thanks."

Alex watched them get into the car, both still grinning. It wasn't a total surprise when Bobby came up to her and asked for her help a week ago. She was hoping Grace and Bobby's relationship would come to this point but was wondering if he would ever gather up the nerve to enter into a serious relationship. She was glad he found that nerve. And she was glad that it was Grace. They really were a perfect fit.

"So, where are you parked, Detective Alex?"

Alex frowned half heartedly at the mechanic. "You touch me, Lewis, you're dead."