Chapter Twenty-Six
It took until the next evening before the SVU could come by and visit Olivia and Elliot. The nurse told them that Olivia and Elliot were up for company, but according to hospital rules, they had to go in two at a time or less. That seemed fair.
Casey and Alex were the first ones to go inside. When they entered, Olivia was holding Lexy in her arms. Elliot was watching the two of them, but he looked up once he realized they had company. "Hey," he said in greeting towards the two of them.
Alex smiled as she eyed the baby. She was blessed with several wisps of light brown hair covering her head except for one monk-like bald spot in the back. She wrapped in a small pink blanket. The sight of Olivia holding her was the most natural thing Alex had seen in a long time. "Liv, she's beautiful," Alex cooed as she moved closer towards the bed.
Olivia smiled back at Alex. "Thank you," she said. She gently ran her fingers along Lexy's face before she looked up at Alex and Casey. "Would you like to hold her?" she asked.
"Can I?" Alex asked back as she extended her arms towards the child. She bent down closer to the bed as Olivia carefully transferred Lexy into her arms. Alex then stood up and rocked Lexy slightly. "Hey there," she said softly. "You are so beautiful."
Casey peered over Alex's shoulder at Lexy. "Liv, she looks just like you," she stated.
"She does," Elliot added as he sat down on the bed next to Olivia. "I can't see any signs of that freak in her."
Casey smiled as she handed a small gift bag to Elliot. "Here," she said. "I know it's practically summer now, but I got you guys a baby quilt for her. There's also a stuffed duck in there."
"Oh, Casey, you didn't have to do that," Olivia told her.
Casey shrugged. "Well, I felt bad for making so much money off your pregnancy. Since it was about Lexy, she should really be the one enjoying the benefits." She then turned towards Alex. "And I know she is named after you, but that doesn't mean you have to hog her to yourself," she teased. Alex carefully transferred Lexy into Casey's arms.
The two of them stayed for about fifteen more minutes. Munch and Fin stayed for about the same amount of time. They all kept saying how beautiful Lexy was and how lucky the three of them were to have such a great family. By the time Cragen came in, Lexy needed to be fed.
Elliot stepped into the hallway and beckoned for Cragen to enter the room. "You don't have a problem with Olivia breastfeeding in front of you, do you?" he asked as they walked back towards Olivia.
Cragen shook his head. "I'm fine with it if she's fine with it," he said. He looked over at Olivia. "Congratulations, again," he told her. "You really struck gold with this one. She's perfect."
Olivia thanked him. She moved her feet slightly so that Elliot could sit on the bed and Cragen could have the chair. "I'll be back in October," she promised Cragen.
Cragen smiled at her. "Take all the time you need," he said. "We'll work something out when you want to come back. And you both know that I'm willing to help in any way possible."
"Thank you," Olivia said. "We're good for now, but there is one thing you can do for me."
"Anything," Cragen promised.