Chapter 26: Wedding Day!

Summary: Liv and Rafa take the biggest step in their life together.

Notes: Apologies for any butchering of the Spanish language – I blame Google Translate. Also, any characters, places, or songs represented herein are obviously not mine. I just like to play make believe.


It was a beautiful spring day, the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. Flocks of songbirds were chirping amongst the shrubs and trees of Central Park. The flowers throughout Shakespeare Garden were in bloom, finally, their vibrant colors like splashes of paint across the landscape. It was the perfect day for a wedding. A small team of wedding coordinators worked diligently setting up for a mid-day ceremony.

Noah Porter Benson woke at his Abuelita's apartment with the pure excitement similar to that of Christmas morning, ready for the day ahead. His Rafa was finally, finally marrying his Momma. They would be a real family. He would have an official Dad, a real, in the flesh, there forever and ever, Dad.

He could not wait to become Noah Porter Benson Barba! Sure, it was a mouthful with all of those names, but the most important ones were at the very beginning and the very end. He just wanted to have the same last name as his Dad. His Papi.

Noah wondered if Rafa was up yet. He had to be just as excited as Noah was about the day ahead. The little boy climbed out of bed and padded out of the spare bedroom at Abuelita's in search of his Dad. A brilliant smile spread across the young boy's lips every time he thought of the man as Dad or Papi instead of Rafa. It was just… so special.

He found the man seated at the small table in the kitchen, sipping from a mug of steaming coffee. "Hola, mijo," Rafa greeted the boy with a quirk of his lips. He was still waking up, the caffeine seeping slowly into his veins.

"Hi Dad," Noah blurted, seeing how the words felt on his lips. He'd called Rafa Papi a few times since the engagement, trying to get used to it, but that was the first time he called him Dad. The delighted surprise on Rafa's face caused the smile on Noah's to stretch impossibly wider.

"That's new. I like it, hijo," Rafa replied, turning in his seat, and pulling the boy onto his lap. "I am honored to be your dad, Noah. You can call me Dad or Papi as often as you like."

The pair chatted about the day ahead while Rafa finished his coffee and Noah noshed on a bagel. Neither of them noticed Lucia standing near the entryway, observing them with a watery smile. This was something she always wanted and wished for her son to have in his life. She snapped a few pictures knowing Liv would want to see them later.

"Buenos dias, hombres guapos," Lucia greeted when she finally entered the room. "Are we ready for the big day ahead?"

"Buenos dias, Abuelita!" Noah squeaked excitedly. "This day is amazing already. I officially have a Daddy now!"

Lucia's eyes sparkled as her gaze met her son's vibrant green eyes to see them shining with love and pride. "That is reason enough to celebrate, nieto!"

"I should jump in the shower and start getting ready," Rafa said, setting his empty mug in the sink. He placed a kiss on his Mami's cheek and ruffled Noah's hair on his way out of the kitchen.

They were having a mid-day ceremony in the park followed by a small reception at Forlini's. Since the event was low-key, Liv and Rafa decided against formal attire and settled on semi-casual light gray suits for Rafa and Noah, sans tie, with white dress shirts that would remain unbuttoned at the neck. The ambient temperature was just cool enough that they would be comfortable in their suit jackets.

Lucia, dressed in a conservative dark blue dress with three-quarter length sleeves, snapped a million pictures of Rafa and Noah as they got ready, wanting to commemorate every moment of the day. They looked so handsome in their matching outfits.


Amanda arrived at Liv's apartment early that morning, coffee and bagels in hand, eager to begin the bridal preparations. They had hair and makeup appointments scheduled at 8 o'clock and she wanted to make sure that the bride had some food in her before they left.

At her knock, Liv opened the door with a bright smile and ushered the blonde woman into the apartment. "You look well rested," Amanda greeted. "You're practically glowing!"

Liv flushed a little but could not prevent her smile from widening. "I am just so… incandescently happy! I am marrying my best friend today!"

"So, definitely no cold feet or wedding day jitters, huh?" Amanda teased.

"Not in the least. I have never been so sure about something or someone in my life. This is it for me." Her eyes glistened with tearful happiness and Amanda pulled her into a crushing hug.

"I am so happy for you, Liv. You deserve the world and Barba is the perfect man to give that to you," Amanda stated simply. It was the truth. They were perfect for each other, and she had never seen either of them so happy or this deeply in love in the time she'd known them. "Here, let's eat something before we have to get going."

Bagels and coffee consumed, Amanda escorted Liv to the salon. The next few hours were spent having their hair and makeup done by eager professionals. Liv went for a more natural look suitable for the outdoor ceremony with her hair swept back into an elegant knot at her neck, curly tendrils framing her face. Soft white flowers were weaved into the knot. Her makeup was done tastefully with a little extra flair to make her dark brown eyes really pop.

"Wow, Liv," Amanda breathed when she caught sight of her reflection. "You look gorgeous!"

Liv gazed at her own reflection, eyes sparkling in anticipation of what Rafa would think when he saw her. Shifting her gaze to Amanda, Liv's eyes widened as she took in her friend's hair and makeup. Amanda opted for a wavy side braid along with subtle makeup. The artist focused on Amanda's lips and blue eyes, making both pop with a flash of color. "You look gorgeous too, Amanda!"

The women rushed back to Liv's place to finish getting ready before the car service arrived to take them to Central Park. Amanda popped open a bottle of champagne and made mimosas while Liv brought out their dresses. After a couple of mimosas each, it was quite the adventure to get their dresses and accessories on without messing up each other's hair.


"Stop pacing, hijo," Lucia chided her son as he paced back and forth in front of rustic stairway where the ceremony was to occur in ten minutes time.

"Lo siento, Mami," Rafa murmured, coming to a halt, and gazed around at the small crowd of guest gathered to witness their marriage. He could speak in a packed courtroom with no problem, but he was terrified of tripping over his words during his vows.

He watched as the last few guests arrived and took their seats. From his vantage point, he could see everyone, and his heart swelled. Jack McCoy and William Dodds sat side-by-side grinning back at him, along with Carisi, Fin, and Rita, and Liv's former SVU colleagues Don Cragen and John Munch, just to mention a few. Now he really hoped he didn't stumble over his words ineloquently. Rita would never let him live it down if he did.

Turning his gaze, Rafa caught Lucy beaming at him. She was seated next to a handsome young man whose arm was gracefully wrapped around her shoulder. Rafa smiled back at them, wondering if Liv knew about the young man. He couldn't recall Lucy ever mentioning a boyfriend, but he was happy for the young woman, nonetheless.

"Mijo, it's time," Lucia stated, directing Noah away from Jesse Rollins to stand with Rafa as his mini–Best Man. She placed a kiss to her son's cheek, eyes shining with love and happiness. She nodded to Jack McCoy as she took her seat, indicating it was time for him to step up to officiate the wedding, much to Rafa's surprise. He wasn't sure how Jack was roped into officiating, but he was pleased the man agreed.

"Gracias, Mami," Rafa whispered as he gripped Noah's shoulder to center himself. This was it. His mother sat in a chair in the first row when the sound of violins began playing Pachebel's Canon in D.

Amanda moved down the aisle first, adorned in a flowing pale green dress, vibrant flowers weaved into her braid, and a small bouquet of peonies grasped in her hands. Her bright blue eyes sparkled as she walked with measured steps, winking at Carisi on her way. Once she was standing in her designated spot, Amanda turned to gaze down the aisle as Liv stepped up. No one noticed Don Cragen slip away from his seat to escort her down the aisle.

"You look beautiful, Olivia," Cragen whispered, slipping her arm through the crook of his elbow. "You ready?"

"Thanks, Don," Liv flashed him a watery smile. "Just don't let me trip."

He chuckled quietly. "Never." True to his word, Cragen guided her down the aisle gracefully, shaking Rafa's hand when they met him at the end. "Treat her well, son."

"Always," Rafa replied, his eyes never leaving Liv's loving gaze. His breath had been stolen when she appeared at the other end of the aisle. She was a vision of ethereal beauty in a chiffon halter plunge dress with a beaded waist. The fit was perfect, showcasing her curves in an elegant way. She always looked beautiful to him, but this was magical. His heart skipped a few beats when she began walking toward him with Cragen at her side, a bouquet of lilies grasped in one hand.

Tears of happiness gleamed in his green eyes as they stood facing each other in front of their friends and family. Jack McCoy stood on the first step of the rustic stairway facing the small gathering. "It is my distinct honor to stand before you today, to officiate the marriage of two of the most wonderful and respected people I know."

He continued speaking from the heart rather than following a script. Tears leaked from both Liv and Rafa's eyes as they gazed between each other and Jack, his honest and hopeful words hitting them both deep in their souls.

Their vows were simple, yet thoughtful words spoken from the heart as well.

"I have loved you from nearly the first day I met you, Liv. You are a woman of such compassionate conviction whose love knows no bounds. You are beauty incarnate, inside and out. I am the luckiest man in the world for your love has changed me and made me a better man. I love you with my whole heart for my whole life," Rafa spoke eloquently despite his worries earlier, his voice only breaking on the last sentence.

Tears streamed down Liv's face though her smile. Thank goodness she asked for waterproof mascara!

"Rafa, you are my every dream come true. You have brightened my days and my life from the moment we met. You have been my best friend, there for me during the best and worst moments in my life. Loving you is what I was born to do, and I promise to never stop, in this life or the next. Te amo, Rafael," Liv said, her voice barely above a whisper yet her words were clear. She nearly forgot about everyone before them as she lost herself in his intense green eyes, which glistened with unshed tears.

Moments later, after they slipped rings onto each other's fingers, Jack announced them as Mr. and Mrs. Benson-Barba, and they kissed longingly to seal their commitment to each other. The small crowd stood cheering when they made their way back down the aisle, hand-in-hand.

"Momma, Papi, you did it!" Noah exclaimed as he tugged Amanda toward them. "It was so fun being the Best Man, but now my feet hurt."

Everyone within ear shot laughed and many pictures were taken as the Benson-Barbas hugged one another, glowing with happiness.


No one knew how he did it, but Rafa managed to convince management at Forlini's to close the place for the afternoon to accommodate their small wedding reception. Liv suspected he dropped a small fortune to make it happen, though Rafa denied that and claimed they owed him a favor. In the end, it was irrelevant. All that mattered was that they and their guests were happy and having fun.

"That was a wonderful ceremony," Munch said as he hugged Liv. "You make a beautiful, blushing bride."

"Thanks, Munch. It means so much to have you here," she replied. "You, too, Don. Thank you so much for agreeing to walk me down the aisle."

"I wouldn't have it any other way. You're like the daughter I never had," Cragen said, waving off the gratitude.

The couple weaved their way through the bar and restaurant, visiting with their friends and family, thanking everyone for joining them on their special day. Occasionally, they split up to spend more time with their individual friends. Carisi spent much of the afternoon taking photographs of the newlyweds and guests. "I'll bring them by in a few days, once I've gone through and edited them," he promised.

"Here's to the end of your freedom, Barba," Rita raised her glass to her old friend. "I imagine Olivia is going to keep you on a short leash."

Rolling his eyes, Rafa shook his head. "And I'll gladly wear the dog collar, you hag."

"I always suspected you were kinky like that," she bantered back.

"What? Jealous?" he teased.

"Don't make me sick." Rita laughed. "Go dance with your wife, Barba. Spend time with someone who actually finds you attractive."

"Don't stare at my ass as I walk away." Rafa exaggeratedly wiggled his ass as he finished his drink and walked toward Liv, much to Rita's guffaws. He really was a ridiculous peacock sometimes, even outside of the courtroom, she thought.

"Giving him a hard time on his wedding day? That's harsh, Ri," Finn murmured in her ear. She merely smirked and pulled the detective toward the open area to watch the newlyweds' first dance.

Rafa grasped Liv's hand, signaling to Anthony to play the song he designated from the sound system behind the bar. As the initial notes of Lonestar's Amazed played from the speakers, Rafa led Liv to the middle of the makeshift dance floor and swept her into his arms. He was eternally grateful that she wore low heels, so they were eye to eye as they moved around the dance floor smoothly.

When the lyrics started, Rafa sang along in her ear, allowing the words to express how utterly enamored he was with his wife. They only had eyes for each other, not even noticing the people watching them or the tears leaking from his mother's eyes.

Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take

Baby, when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away

I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts, I can see your dreams

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better

I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever

Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you

Mid-way through the song, they finally acknowledged everyone else's presence and Rafa waved for others to join them in dancing. He was instantly proud of his son as Noah led Jesse onto the dance floor, holding his arms around the girl in the way Rafa taught him.

Meeting Liv's gaze again, he returned to singing in her ear.

The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark

Your hair all around me
Baby, you surround me
You touch every place in my heart

Oh, it feels like the first time every time
I wanna spend the whole night in your eyes

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better

I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever

Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you

"Te amo, mi esposo," Liv choked, moved by the words Rafa sung to her. She let him pick their wedding song knowing he would choose something wonderful far better than anything she could suggest. She thought he would pick something Cuban, but she was pleasantly surprised with the moving country song with lyrics that felt like they were pulled straight from his heart.

"Tambien te amo, esposa," Rafa spoke softly before capturing her lips in a knee-weakening kiss. "I can't wait to take you home. Mami agreed to keep Noah for the night."

"Oh, do you have something special planned for our wedding night?"

"Yes, mi amor. I plan to consummate our marriage… multiple times," Rafa replied, his eyes darkening with need.

Although they enjoyed the afternoon spent celebrating with their friends and family, the reception could not end fast enough for the couple. Shortly after an early dinner was served and the final slow songs were played, Rafa decided it was time for them to depart. The rest of the guests could stay all night for all he cared, but he was taking Liv home now.

Saying their goodbyes and thanking everyone for joining them took nearly half an hour despite Rafa's impatience. Finally, they reached Lucia and Noah, whom they saved until last.

"You look so pretty, Momma," Noah said as he hugged Liv tightly. "I'm so happy we are officially a family now!"

"Me too, sweet boy," Liv replied, pressing her lips to his curly head. As Noah turned to hug his dad, Liv turned to Lucia. "Thank you for everything, but especially for bringing my husband into the world."

"Oh mija, thank you for loving him," Lucia said, "and tolerating him enough to marry him." The women laughed tearfully, watching the father and son say goodbye for now.

"You did great today, mijo. You were the coolest Best Man I could have asked for," Rafa said earnestly, hugging his son to him.

"Gracias, Papi," Noah said, clinging to Rafa. "When I get married, you can be my Best Man too."

Chuckling, Rafa nodded. "I would be honored. Be good for Abuelita, mijo. We'll see you tomorrow, ok?" Noah nodded before being distracted by Jesse and running off.

Liv and Rafa waved to the gathered group one last time before leaving, hands clasped and smiles wide. The rest of their life began now.