Hola everyone! Dani and I FINALLY UPDATED! Aren't you proud of us? Well, I hope uyou enjoy this this chapter, I'm sorry about the ending, I wrote it and I don't think I did very well. But that's up to you guys to decide. Well, I don't got much to say today, or right now, I just hoe you guys like it!

Oh, and thank Dani for trhe wonderful beginning! I loved it!

-ahem- I thought Cilla did a good job with the ending. ) Dani

Disclaimers: Sadly Dani and Cilla do not own any of the SVU characters, except our ideas. But we are starting a group that will one day take over NBC and Dick Wolf Productions. We'll keep ou posted on how this is going! lol

Olivia and Elliot rushed into the church just as the priest was finishing his long speech. They quietly made their way down the isle to an empty pew. Elliot let Olivia slide in first.

They listened as Alex's sister stood and said a few words. During the speech, Olivia rested her head against Elliot's shoulder, trying not to break down.

"Alexandra was especially close to the detectives at her previous job from the SVU," Alex's sister recited. "They really seemed to understand her; to understand some of the pain that she went through."

That was all it took. Olivia leaned forward and buried her face in her hands, her elbows digging into her thighs. Elliot placed his hand on her back and rubbed it. He couldn't stand to see her like this.

– – – – – – – – – –

The reception following the funeral was very quiet. Many people had shown up, but every one of them was feeling upset. Olivia stood in the corner of the room while Elliot went to get them some drinks.

"Excuse me, ma'am?" A tall man stepped in front of Olivia.

Olivia looked up at the man's face, quickly taking note of his deep brown eyes. "Yes? Can I help you?"

"Are you Miss Olivia Benson?"

"Um. Yes. Why?"

"Miss Benson, my name is Edward Farrell. I need you to come with me where we can speak someplace private."

Olivia glanced at Elliot, who was standing at the drink table, speaking with Alex's sister. "Um sure. Let me just go tell my friend that I need to leave for a few min-"

"Actually, I don't think you'll be coming back after we talk."

Olivia looked at the man skeptically. "Okay, is this some sort of joke?"

"Not at all, Miss Benson. I have some news regarding Miss Cabot's will. Some very important news. Go tell your friend you are leaving and I'll meet you outside."

"All right." Olivia walked over to where Elliot was standing, putting her hand on his shoulder. "You gave a lovely speech," she said to Alex's sister.

"Thank you, dear. It wasn't easy."

"I know it wasn't." Olivia stepped forward and hugged Alex's sister. She then turned to Elliot. "Hey, El. I gotta go."

"Why? What about your ride?"

"I can't talk about it. I'll grab a taxi. I just can't be here anymore." Olivia didn't feel bad. Technically, it wasn't a lie. She really didn't want to be around the constant reminders of Alex.

"All right. Call me if you need me."

"Will do." Olivia ran outside to where Edward said he'd be. "So, uh, what'd you want to talk to me about?"

Edward opened the passenger door to his car. "We have to go to my office to discuss this. It's about five minutes from here."

"All right." Olivia jumped into the car. Edward made his way to the other side and drove to his office building.

When he pulled up in front of the building, Olivia jumped out quickly and followed Edward up to his office.

"Have a seat," Edward said has he turned on the light after opening the door.

Olivia sat in the chair in front of Edward's desk. "Okay, so..."

Edward sat on the opposite side of his desk. "Miss Benson, as you know, Miss Cabot's child is to be released from the hospital today."

"Yea. I- what! Alex had a child?" Olivia put her hand over her heard and gasped lightly.

"You didn't know? But I thought at the funeral-"

"Elliot and I showed up about twenty minutes into the service. We missed the priest's speech and- wow."

"Well, anyway. Hannah Rose was in the car with Miss Cabot the night of the accident. She was in intensive care, but she's completely perfect now. She is two months old and-"

"Oh, God. The poor child. Just two months old and left without a mother." Olivia paused. "But who was the father?"

"Miss Cabot had a husband who died about six months into their marriage while Miss Cabot was pregnant. So she'd been raising this child by herself."

"Wow. So, um, I mean I feel completely awful about this. I really do. But why exactly are you telling me this?"

"Because, Miss Benson, I have news for you regarding young Hannah. In Miss Cabot's will, she specifically stated that Hannah will go into the care of Miss Olivia Benson."

"What?" Olivia's jaw dropped.

"Miss Cabot stated that-"

"No, no I heard you fine. I just- I- Sir, I can't raise a child. I'm a detective. I'm single. I'm the child of a rape. I could never be a mother!"

"Miss Benson, Miss Cabot's death changes everything. And she specifically asked for you. I can't change that."

"I know, I know. I understand. I- I guess I'm still just in shock, that's all." Olivia felt her eyes will up for what seemed like the millionth time that day.

"I understand." Edward folded his hands in his lap. "Hannah Rose needs to be picked up from Mercy Children's hospital by the end of the day. So you should probably think about going."

"Yes, sir. Um. Thank you. I'm going to leave now."

"Oh, one minute. Alex had a letter written for you. About Hannah and her decision of who should be taking care of her. You should read it." Edward handed Olivia an envelope.

"All right. Thanks." Olivia stuck the envelope in her purse, not quite ready to read it. That moment was about one thing- picking up her new daughter.

– – – – – – – – – –

"Casey, it's me," Olivia said into the phone, standing outside the hospital. "I have news. Big news. But you can't tell anyone. Not even Cragen. Or Elliot- especially not Elliot."

"Olivia, calm down," Casey replied, sensing something important. "What is it?"

"I'm a mother."

"What! Olivia, that time that you and Elliot went to Meloni's... was there something you didn't..."

"No, Casey. It's Alex's daughter."

"Alex had a daughter?"

"Apparently. And she left her in my care. Of all people." Olivia suddenly remembered the letter in her purse. "Wait. I should read this."

"Read what?"

"The letter explaining Alex's decision to leave her daughter with me."

"Go ahead and read it."

Olivia sat on the bench outside of the hospital and opened the envelope. She unfolded the letter and read it:

Dear Olivia,

Well, I don't really know how to begin this letter. But if you're reading this now, you know I have sadly passed away. This is hard for me to write, but I really want you to know that I love you so much, you've always been my best friend and you will continue to be, and you have been like a sister to me.

I know we've had our fair share of arguments, but we've always stuck together. We've had so many laughs, (the Mr.Softy song), we've shared the tears, the heart aches, but no matter what has happened, we always had each other. You are forever in my heart and memories. But don't you forget to remember me. Keep those memories close and sure you keep my memory alive in all of you. But I guess the big question you have is about my decision with Hannah.

You see, when a parent is faced with the decision of 'who will take care of my children when I'm gone', it tears you up inside to think that you might not be around.

But you soon realize that you won't someone you love and trust, someone that loves you just as much as yo love them. You want someone who is like you. That has the same love and compassion; laughs at the same stupid jokes. Someone who isn't ashamed of being silly or goofy.

That's why when my husband passed away, I knew who I wanted to raise my daughter. Someone like me. That's why I chose you Liv. I want you to raise and love my daughter Hannah.

I know what you must be thinking. That you could never raise a child on your own. But I believe you can do anything Olivia. You are an amazing person who has over come so many obstacles in her life–you can do this.

Let Hannah now how much I love her, and that I will always love her. When she's old enough, tell her all about how we're the best of friends, and all the wonderful things about me. About her mother.

I trust you to make the right decisions for Hannah. I trust you with her life. And I know that this might be hard for you in the beginning, but I have faith in you. And I know everyone back at the station house will do all that they can to help you, and they will become her family too. I've been blessed to be friends with you. I'm just sorry it had to end here.

Tell everyone that I love them. All of you are here in my heart. I hope yuo will keep me alive in your hearts, your minds, your memories, and most importantly through my daughter.

I love you always and forever.

Love eternally,

Alexandra Cabot

Olivia sat there, staring at the piece of paper in her hands. She suddenly felt numb. She couldn't smile; she couldn't cry.

"Olivia? Are you okay?" Casey snapped Olivia out of her daze.

"Casey, I have to go in and get Hannah, okay? I can't talk anymore."

"Oh, okay. Good luck, Liv!"

"Thanks." Olivia hung up and walked inside to get Hannah Rose.

– – – – – – – – – –

There was a stiffness in the way that she walked into Mercy Children's Hospital. It felt awkward walking in and not having to flash her badge and say, 'Detective Benson–Special Victims Unit'.

She stood at the front desk and a nurse, wearing a uniform that had teddy bears all over it, asked, "Hi, can I help you?"

Olivia's voice caught in her throat and she had trouble finding the words she needed to speak. "Uh–um. . .I'm here to pick up Hannah Rose Cabot." Olivia stated.

The nurse nodded. "You must be Miss Benson, right?"

"Yea, how'd you know?"

"They said you'd be coming to pick up Hannah. Poor thing. I'm sorry for your loss."

Olivia nodded silently and took a deep breath. "Can I see her now?"

"Yes. Follow me."

The nurse led Olivia down a long corridor of rooms and they stopped at room 211.

Olivia closed her eyes and thought about Alex's letter, and how much this would change her life- how much this would change everything. From the moment she would step foot in this room, her entire life would be altered. Olivia didn't believe she was ready for such a big responsibility. And the truth was. . . she wasn't ready. She wouldn't be able to handle this. But Alex was counting on her.

Olivia let a puff of air escape her lips and followed the young nurse into the room. There was a white wooden crib in the corner of the room, near a window. The soft sunlight daintily cascaded down from the window, illuminating the white room.

Inside the crib laid a baby girl wrapped in a small pink blanket. A doctor stood over the crib then glanced up at Olivia.

"This is Miss Benson. She's here for Hannah." informed the nurse.

"Thank you Diane, that'll be all." the doctor replied, dismissing the nurse. "I'm doctor Erica Garner. I've been watching over Hannah the past couple of days."

Olivia walked up to the crib as her eyes began to swell up with tears, for the millionth time that day. She looked down at Hannah who had her eyes wide open and was staring out the window. Hannah seemed so tiny.

For being so young, Hannah amazed Olivia at how much she looked like Alex. She had Alex's nose, mouth, and especially the eyes. The crystal blue eyes. She also had golden brown hair– probably from her father. With the little hair that she did have, Olivia could tell it was a bit wavy.

"There's some forms and papers you need to fill out before we can release her to you. But we can take care of that in a minute. Would you like to hold her?" the doctor asked.

Olivia swallowed and nodded. She carefully picked Hannah up into her arms and rocked her gently. Her arms were a bit shaky, nervous about this whole thing. Olivia began to cry silently as she held baby Hannah.

"My office is at the end of the hall way here. You can come in when you're ready. I'll leave you two alone for right now," Erica smiled as she left the room.

Hannah moved slowly in Olivia's arms and her eyes fell on Olivia.

"Hello precious," Olivia whispered in a raspy voice, as she moved towards the rocking chair in the corner. Moments ago she was convinced that she could never in her wildest dreams have a daughter. She still had major doubts, but Alex was counting on her. Hannah was counting on her. Olivia couldn't just leave Hannah here and have her put with a foster family. She knew better then that. She was willing to take the plunge.

"Hey beautiful." Olivia said, running a hand over Hannah's check. Hannah made a small sound and wrapped her little hand around Olivia's index finger. "Shhh, shhh." Olivia said as Hannah started to fuss.

Olivia rocked her gently and hummed a made up song to Hannah. Olivia sat with Hannah for a while longer. Thinking really. She couldn't raise a child by herself. No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't do it by herself. She had no experience. And her own mother hadn't exactly set a good example. Olivia had never felt so confused in her life.

The only thing she was sure about was that Hannah needed a home and a mother. And Alex wanted Olivia to be her mother as well as her home.

– – – – – – – – – –

Olivia held a sleeping Hannah in her arms while she sat in Dr. Erica Garner's office.

"Okay," Dr. Garner smiled. "You've signed the official papers, and we have all of your information. Everything is set. You are now Hannah Rose Cabot's legal guardian."

Olivia didn't know what to say, things just seemed to be happening a whole lot faster then she expected.

"What am I supposed to do? I don't have a car seat, clothes, food, anything." Olivia explained.

"That's all been taken care of Olivia. The other night we had all of Hannah's things loaded into a van, they're here at the hospital. We'll have someone drive you two home, and help unload everything."

Dr. Garner said it with a smile and made it sound all so easy. Like once everything was put into Olivia's house, se would magically know everything there is on parenting and she would become a wonderful mom for Hannah. Dr. Garner didn't realize that Olivia was a detective, single, and had no experience with children. Unless you count the children she deals with at work, but that's a completely different situation.

Olivia felt over whelmed and lost. Nothing she did seemed to help. Her life was plunge ahead of her and she was powerless to stop it. She felt like she stood in the middle of a crowded room, screaming at the top of her lungs, and no one even looks up.

– – – – – – – – – –

Olivia stood in front of her apartment, holding the small infant car seat by the handle while Hannah slept inside.

She watched as the men carried in all of Hannah's things. Everything was about to change. She had a daughter now.