A/N: How sweet, right? I love it. I can just see this playing out in my head and it makes me so happy to see them back together, loving every minute. In this chapter, we see Olivia develop a little more of a rapport with Alex's family, and we see Alex's connection to her mother and Ames deepen. Thanks for all of your kind words! You guys definitely keep me going. PS: if you haven't heard the song I mention in this chapter, please go listen to it. Not only is it a great song, I just think it's so A&O. When I was thinking about this chapter, this song immediately popped into my head as I imagined them dancing with each other.

Chapter 65

Toast

Fifteen minutes later they reached the reception venue. They were a little early, and Alex asked if Olivia wanted to take a walk to kill some time. They got out and headed towards a small trail that went around the stately manor. Alex took her shoes off and let her feet skim over the dewy late September grass. Olivia took Alex's heels into her hands, as she didn't want Alex to have to hold both her shoes and purse.

"So," Alex began, "I know you know Bill, but other than that, what did you think?"

"Well, Charlotte and your dad seem really nice. And, Ames, I mean…he's obviously a Cabot." They both laughed as Olivia recalled what he looked like. He was about 6'6" and had that same platinum blonde hair, and the similarities didn't end there. Olivia remembered the way his blue grey eyes recognized Alex, taking her hand and smiling as he walked down the aisle.

"Al, I wanted to sa—well, I thought what he wrote about your mom was beautiful. I wish I could have met her." Alex nodded and smiled.

"I do too, Liv. That's very sweet of you to say, baby." She paused for a moment. "If it makes you feel any better, I think she knew I loved you." Olivia stopped walking, her eyes wide.

"Wha…How?"

"Well, I know you remember the Cavanaugh case." Olivia nodded—that had been a tough one, especially for Alex. "Well, my mom was always interested in my cases and I told her about that one, and about how you stepped in front of me when Mrs. Cavanaugh tried to get to me at the hospital. I remember, quite vividly, telling her that I felt safe while you were there, and she smiled that all-knowing smile that moms have." Olivia looked down, watching her feet slowly step forward as she thought about how happy she was that Alex felt safe with her.

"Anyways, she stayed with me for a few days after that to make sure I was alright. We discussed you a little bit—and it was around that same time that you and Elliot caught that serial killer. I can't remember his name right now. The guy with the weird teeth…?"

"Clayton Mills."

"Right! So, there was a picture of you two in the paper and I remember her reading the story and us talking about the unit, but the conversation always came back to you." Alex smiled and squeezed Olivia's hand. "She thought you were cute." They both laughed. "And she was the only person I ever told about us…that we got together shortly before Connor's shot me." Olivia's eyes widened. "Which, only further provoked her questions about you every single time I saw her. But, shortly after that, she got sick and I had to leave, and well…" Alex sighed, "The rest is history."

Olivia stopped walking and tugged on Alex's hand, reeling her in towards her. "I love you." Alex smiled, cupping Olivia's cheek.

"And I love you."

"Thanks for sharing all of this with me." Olivia felt love swell in her heart for Alex, hoping the attorney was as proud of her as she was of the blonde.

"You better get used to it, Benson." She poked Olivia in the chest with her slender finger, causing them both to giggle. "Because I want these people to be your family too." She kissed Olivia on the cheek and took her heels back, placing them back on her feet. "Let's go inside."

There was a crowd of people inside the foyer of the manor at this point, and Alex went inside purposely, wanting to find their seats. A large, handwritten calligraphy sign listed table numbers and their occupants. Alex skimmed the list to find her name.

Table 4

Roger Cabot

Caroline Cabot

Alexandra Cabot

Olivia Benson

Bill Hermann

Charlotte Hermann

Alden Hermann

Alex took Olivia's hand into her own, shuffling through the throng of people around the board. She found the table with the large rustic 4 printed on the white tablecloth that hung down to the floor. As Alex approached the table, she turned with tears in her eyes and collapsed into Olivia's arms.

Olivia looked toward the table and noticed what was wrong: there was a chair with a single sunflower sitting atop it. There was a long, navy blue ribbon tied around the stem. Olivia held Alex tightly. It had been about 3 years since her mother had passed away, but the circumstances that surrounded it never got any easier and Alex held onto the guilt of not being able to see her mother as much as she wanted to while she was sick.

Olivia felt Alex's grip around her tighten as she reached up to hold Alex's head. She caressed the blonde hair, whispering softly. "It's ok, baby." Alex pulled back and looked into Olivia's eyes. Then, she said something that even Olivia hadn't expected.

"I don't know what I'd ever do without you." Olivia smiled shyly and wiped Alex's cheeks, drying the wet streaks on her cheeks with her thumbs. Alex shook her head and laughed. "Look at me. I'm a mess. I'm gon—."

"You're beautiful." It was the most sincere tone that Alex had ever heard from Olivia, and it caused her to stop her thought process for a moment, staring into those golden eyes, admiring the soul reflected back at her.

"I'm um…I'm gonna go fix myself in the bathroom." She motioned her hand around her face, suggesting that she needed to fix her makeup. "I'll be right back." She kissed Olivia and turned around. "Oh! Dad! I'm gonna run to the bathroom but we're sitting over here. I'll be back." Roger had seen the whole thing, and he walked around to the table, offering Olivia a seat next to the seat symbolically saved for Caroline.

"I'll let Alex sit there." She shifted around the circular table and Roger Cabot smiled to himself. Olivia sat down and Roger took the seat next to her. He sat back and looked over to the sunflower.

"Her favorite," he motioned. "The flower, and the color." Olivia nodded, not sure what to say to the vulnerable man sitting next to her. "It's a good thing Alex got all of her qualities." He looked at Olivia and laughed, breaking the ice.

"So anyway, tell me about yourself." He patted Olivia's shoulder and flashed that Cabot smile that melted her heart. "Alex has told me a fair bit about you, but I want to hear it from you."

"Well," Olivia cringed, "I probably shouldn't tell you I'm a Yankees fan, right?"

"That's it. Get out!" He stood up, taking Olivia's arm, acting as if he was going to escort her out. Quickly though they both laughed as he continued, putting her arm down. "Well, I should expect no less from a famed member of New York's finest. Born and raised?"

Olivia spoke through the wide smile that lingered after Roger's joke. "Yes sir, born and raised." He nodded and Olivia could tell he was waiting for her to explain. "Uh, born and raised in Brooklyn and went to Sienna College before I entered the academy."

"Sienna, you say? An old law partner of mine went there—beautiful campus!"

"Yes. Yes sir it is." At this moment, Alex made her way back to the table, Bill and Charlotte in tow. She sat down and signaled for her aunt Charlotte to sit on the other side of her mother's chair, both of them noticing the tribute, sadly smiling at each other. Alex sat down and noticed her father's chair was angled rather closely to Olivia.

"Everything ok?" Alex whispered and nodded toward her father. Unfortunately, he heard her.

"Alexandra, you worry too much. I was just getting to know Olivia here." He patted her on the shoulder and Alex saw a look of pride on his face that she hadn't seen in a long time. That was a good sign.

"Oh! I'll fill you in—what do you want to know?" Bill's voice reverberated around the table and Olivia laughed aloud, turning to Alex, her mouth agape.

Alex had explained to Olivia that her uncle Bill was always the life of any party—an obvious departure from his courtroom demeanor. He smiled and nodded toward Olivia, tipping his drink in his outstretched hand. "Seriously! Benso—uh, Olivia, you've been in the 1-6 how long now? 15 years?"

"Just about, yeah."

"And you've testified in my court how many times?"

"Too many to count, sir."

"See?" Bill sat back in his chair and laughed loudly, clasping his hands together proudly. Everyone around the table snickered and watched his delight at all he thought he knew about Olivia.

"Whatever Bill." Roger rolled his eyes, laughing as he continued speaking. "Olivia was just telling me that she got her undergrad at Sienna." He turned his attention to the table as a whole. "Alex, you remember my old law partner, Gordon, went to Sienna." Alex didn't know this, and listened, eager for her father to continue. "So, Olivia, what did you major in? Criminal justice, I assume?"

"Yes sir. And I minored in Biology."

"That's fascinating. Pretty large spread there…?" Alex didn't know Olivia minored in biology, and she leaned forward, listening closely to her explanation.

"Well," Olivia scrambled for an answer as the whole table focused on her, "you know DNA evidence was just getting its start then, and I knew it might help me to have some understanding of that science, or at least a biological foundation so I could understand it later." It may have been part of the truth, but Alex could tell it wasn't the whole story.

"Smart, Benson." Bill piped up as he downed his second drink. Alex smiled and put her arm around the back of Olivia's chair, caressing her back lovingly.

"So, Olivia," apparently it was Charlotte's turn, "do you like your job?" It seemed like an odd question until she continued. "Bill and Alex tell me you work with Special Victims…isn't that difficult? Murder and rape day after day?" All of the attention was turned to Olivia once again.

"Well, it's definitely not the type of job you write home about." They all conceded, understanding that she was trying to lighten the mood. "In all honesty, I started in homicide, so I'm used to that aspect of the job. But, it's my responsibility to work for justice for people who have been, and are typically marginalized in society: children, women, the disabled. And, if I can help someone every day, it makes the really bad days a little better." Alex admired Olivia as she answered, lost in her as she continued. "And, our beautiful ADA makes it easy for me to forget anything but her at the end of the day."

She winked and patted Alex's leg under the tablecloth. "Liv, stop." Alex playfully smacked her on the shoulder and the whole table smiled watching the two of them. In the silence, Bill took his opportunity to speak.

"Not that we want to talk shop, but…" he looked at his watch, "seems like our nephew isn't going to show up for another fifteen minutes." They all scoffed—if they knew anything, it was that Summer was a little bit of a diva and they would most likely be late because she wanted to get every picture possible.

"How are you healing up, det—Olivia?" As Bill asked this question, Roger Cabot looked down at the long stitched scar on Olivia's pinky, remembering the story Alex had told him about her foot pursuit of a suspect.

"Well," she lifted up her hand, displaying it to him across the table, "just waiting for the stitches to dissolve—almost there. I should probably be wearing the brace, but one night won't hurt it." Charlotte winced a bit and Bill examined the sight as a confused look passed over his face. Alex noticed and quickly jumped in the conversation.

"Yep! Just waiting for those stitches to heal up. So, how's Alden? Where is that kid anyway?" Alex tried to remain calm, but Roger leaned into Olivia, explaining.

"Now, Olivia. You see…this is Alex trying to keep something from me. Seems like," he looked from Bill to Alex and saw the young blonde widening her eyes towards his brother-in-law, "they know something I don't. They think they can hide things from me because I'm not involved in city politics or cases anymore. I mostly rely on my honest, generous, caring daughter to fill me in. Seems like I may have misplaced my trust." It was all in good fun, and his tone was lighthearted, laying on the guilt.

Olivia was still a little confused, but she went along with Roger, nodding as he made his points. There was a moment of tension and Bill sat back, allowing Alex to make the next move.

"Ugh! Fine! Dad, it's nothing. Olivia had to have surgery on her hand, which I told you about. But, what uncle nosy over there is referring to is something that happened about six weeks ago." Olivia's caught on as Alex tried to decide which explanation would prompt the least amount of clarification and questions. "Olivia was shot twice while saving a little girl who was kidnapped."

"Wow. Bad couple months for you, huh?" Roger chuckled, impressed with Olivia's resiliency and dedication.

"I wouldn't say that." Olivia turned toward Alex and smiled, and the attorney melted. "But, Judge Herm—uh, Bill, sorry." It was hard for both he and Olivia to call each other by their first names. "Thank you for asking. I'm 100% healed from that. I'll be happy to get back to work on Monday, that's for sure!"

As soon as she finished her sentence, Mr. and Mrs. Ames Cabot were announced. They came through the hall and took their seats at the head table as their bridal party joined them.

A half hour later everyone at table 4, including Alden, had finished their dinner and was listening to Brandon, Ames' best man making a toast. Olivia had tuned him out a little bit, but quickly caught back up when she heard Alex's name.

"So, now I'm going to turn it over to Ames' sist—I mean, cousin—Alex." Everyone laughed and Alex stood up, placed a kiss on Olivia's cheek, and walked toward the head table. She hugged Brandon and took the microphone, clearing her throat.

"Thanks, B. That toast was great," she paused. "Did you have one of your Harvard friends help you write it?"

"Oh lord, here we go." Roger laughed aloud and turned to Olivia, explaining. "Brandon and Ames went to Yale." He paused. "You know, Alex picked the right school. Just like her dad." They smiled.

"No, seriously though, it was wonderful." Alex held her champagne in one hand and the microphone in the other, steadying herself for a speech that she knew would be difficult. "As Brandon said, I'm Ames' cousin, Alex, but we have so much in common—and apparently we look so much alike—that people think we're siblings." She looked at him and turned her head a bit. "I don't see it."

She waited for the laughter to die down. "But, we do have a lot in common. We both inherited the trademark Cabot blonde hair and blue eyes, we were born 1 day apart, we both love beautiful women," a few people hooted and laughed along with Alex as Olivia blushed. Alex became serious and took a breath, "and, we both loved Caroline Cabot with everything we had." A heartfelt silence fell over the room.

"Ames, I know you weren't expecting me to say anything tonight, but I think it's important that I do. For those of you that never had the pleasure of meeting my mother, I am truly sorry. Everything Ames so beautifully wrote in his tribute was spot on." Alex took a second, evening out her breathing.

"Ames and I, like I said before, were born a day apart. You probably saw the picture of my mother holding both of us—me, a day old, and Ames only a few hours. At home, I have an identical one of my aunt Linda doing the same thing." She nodded towards Ames' mother and smiled.

"When you come from a fairly small family, you tend to spend a lot of time together, and all of us are no exception. Most days when we were coming home from school, Ames and I would walk to my house and find it completely empty. We'd pick up the phone and call his parents and everyone would be there." Small, familiar chuckles arose out of the packed tables. "I think I spent more time at Ames' and Alden's houses than at my own when I was young, and we can all say the same thing about each other. As we grew up, my mother always referred to Ames as the son she never had, and likewise, I was the daughter Linda and Russell never had."

"I don't want to drag this on too long, but I want to share with you all a memory that I knew my mom held fondly in her heart. I think it was our junior year in high school and Ames was running track in the state finals up in Albany. As his event started, he took an early lead and held it until the last lap. We were all there: mom, dad, Linda, Russell, Bill, Charlotte, Alden, and me. We just knew he was going to win." She looked down at Ames who nodded at her. "Well, at the last turn, the kid who had been behind him the whole race took the lead."

Alex was a storyteller. Maybe that's why she was such a good lawyer, Olivia thought. The whole hall sat in suspense as she continued.

"And then, the unthinkable happened. I don't remember if he rolled his ankle or what, but the kid who had just taken the lead went down. Everyone in the crowd fell silent. I watched as my cousin stopped and bent down, pulling this kid up under his arm. He helped him jog the last 20 or so meters, every other competitor still in their dust." She took a swig of her champagne.

"Now…that's nice enough, right? Common', everyone in this room knows that IF, and that's a big if, but IF I would have stopped and helped, I would have at least made sure I crossed the finish line first." Ames laughed aloud with everyone else, nodding his head vehemently as more laughter exploded from the room.

"But this kid," she pointed at him, "pushes the other kid over the finish line first." Alex paused, emotions welling in her throat. "I'll never forget the look on Linda and Russell's faces. I remember my mom turning to me with tears in her eyes." Alex's emotions got the best of her and her voice cracked, a tear running down her face. "She said, 'that's my Ames!'" Alex's voice trembled as she looked at her cousin, who sniffled a bit.

"I remember she turned and hugged my aunt Linda, and told her how proud of her she was, raising her son to have the courage and selflessness to do the right thing, especially when everyone's eyes were on him. And, I know she'd be doing the exact same thing tonight." Alex turned toward the table, speaking directly to the newlywed couple.

"Summer, if my mother were here right now, I know exactly what she would say: 'cherish him. He's as good as gold.' AND, Ames, you know as well as I do that if she were here she would, now, look at you and say 'don't screw this up.'" The room shook with quiet, emotional laughter.

"I wish you two all the happiness in the world. Ames, my mother loved you more than I could ever tell you." Tears flowed freely from Alex's eyes as she tried to hold her voice steady. "I have no doubt in my mind that this night would have been one of the best of her life." Alex took a breath and finished. "She would be so proud to call you her nephew tonight, as she was proud of everything you ever accomplished…even if you did go to Yale." Laughter sounded throughout the room—Alex had closed it perfectly.

"So, if you all would please, raise your glasses with me to the couple of the evening. Ames, Summer, I can't give you any marital advice…yet." Her eyes darted toward Olivia and a smile crept over both of their faces. "But, I can give you some advice that I know my mother would appreciate: love one another selflessly, find happiness in the simple things, and cherish life together, for it is precious. To you two…" Alex raised her glass and took a sip, as did everyone else in the hall.

Ames stood up and made his way around the table, unfallen tears in his eyes. When he and Alex hugged, the tears flowed freely through a wide, Cabot smile as their attention was turned to the guests. All of them were standing, fully applauding Alex's toast, not a dry eye in the house. Ames and Alex broke apart as he took the microphone.

"Thank you Alex. Summer and I just want to thank everyone for being with us tonight. We are so fortunate to have so many people here who love us and care about us." He took a breath. "Now, whose ready to dance?"

Alex made her way back to the table and Olivia stood up, wrapping her up in a hug as she pulled out her chair. They embraced each other for a moment, and when Olivia loosened her grip on Alex, the blonde held on steadfastly. Everyone at the table looked lovingly toward Alex. They weren't used to seeing her needing to rely on someone—she was always so strong. But, it was touching to know that she had found her solace in Olivia.

They parted and Alex took Olivia's face in her hand, lovingly pulling her close and kissing her, in front of everyone at the table. Olivia's hand pressed on Alex's back, pushing their bodies close together. "You're so wonderful, Liv."

Olivia blushed a bit and held Alex's chair for her to sit down. She did so and looked around the table. Charlotte had tears in her eyes and Bill smiled at Alex as he rested his arms around his wife and son's chairs. Roger winked at Alex as she pulled herself together, drinking the rest of her champagne.

"Alright. Hard parts over. Now it's time to have a little fun, huh?" Of course, it was Alex's uncle Bill. They all laughed as they heard the DJ start to speak.

"Ok everyone, if you wouldn't mind, Ames and Summer would like to share their first dance with all of the couples in attendance. So, if you are a couple, or a friend, or a cousin or aunt," he laughed, "pair up and get out here."

Alex shot up. "Dad, dance with Charlotte." Judge Hermann didn't dance, and that seemed like an understood fact, as Roger took Charlotte's hand. "And, Olivia, honey," Alex extended her hand to the detective, "try not to make me look too bad out there." Olivia took her hand and stood up.

"Alexandra, no one could ever make you look bad." Bill smiled at Alden as they watched the two women walk away.

When they reached the dance floor, Olivia pulled Alex into her arms, wrapping one hand around her waist and taking her other hand into her own. Quickly, Alex pulled her hand away, as it brushed against Olivia's stitches. The detective smiled. "It's ok, baby." She reached down and took Alex's hand again, feeling the familiar softness fuse into her own.

Ray LaMontagne's song, 'You are the best thing,' blared through the speakers as Olivia and Alex swayed to the music. The detective sang the words to Alex as she held her close. "And baby, the way you move me, it's crazy." Alex watched Olivia's lips, following along with the detective's serenade. "It's like you see right through me…and make it easier. Believe me, you don't even have to try." The chorus rolled around and Alex sang right back to Olivia, through a wide smile.

Olivia twirled Alex and watched as the blonde laughed, spinning under Olivia's outstretched hand. She pulled her back in, close to her body, when Alex started speaking. "God, I forgot how good of a dancer you are." They touched their foreheads together and Alex leaned in, kissing Olivia.

"And, for a just a second, I forgot how beautiful you are." Olivia winked at Alex as the blonde blushed.

"Well, detective…when you were twirling me just now, your blazer opened enough for me to see those suspenders."

Olivia cocked her eyebrow, pulling their conjoined hands in, resting them above her breast, her other arm still wrapped around Alex's waist. "And…?"

"And you look so sexy." The music stopped a few moments later and Alex took Olivia's hand, guiding them back to the table.

"Want a drink, babe?" Olivia raised her voice over the music as Alex replied.

"Thank you!" Olivia assumed that meant yes. She walked to the bar and ordered Alex a glass of red wine, turning and taking it back to the table. She leaned over and placed in on the table in front of her girlfriend.

"So, Olivia, have you met everyone?" Charlotte asked Olivia this question excitedly.

"Well, no, not everyone, yet. But I'm sure I will." She smiled and felt a connection to the older woman that she couldn't explain. Alex reached over and rubbed Olivia's leg, so happy that they were spending this time together.

Ten minutes later, Ames and Summer made their way to table 4, and slowly came around to Olivia and Alex.

"So! This," Ames held out his hand, shaking Olivia's, "must be the famous Olivia."

"Famous? Yikes. I don't know about that."

Ames laughed and introduced Summer to Olivia. As Ames stood talking to Alex, Bill piped up from the other side of the table. "Famous is right! You've never heard of Olivia Benson? Get outta here." He flapped his hand towards them and Alex mimicked a drinking motion to Ames and Summer as they all chuckled.

"Well, Olivia, I'd like to get to know you a little better. You live in the city, right?" Olivia nodded. "Maybe we can all meet up after we get back from St. Johns?" Olivia looked toward Alex and the blonde nodded. "But, I'm glad I got to meet you tonight. Thank you for coming. And, thank you for making Alex so happy." Olivia shook his hand again and nodded, congratulating him.

The night carried on and Alex had never been happier. Here she was, with her family, and with Olivia, who she hoped would be her family soon enough. And, of course, they all loved her. What could be better?

Olivia watched throughout the night as Alex talked to her family, introducing her to everyone. She met Linda and Russell, and talked with Alden about swimming. Alex pulled her on to the dance floor more often as she drank more wine. Throughout the night, the music got louder, the crowd got smaller, and the people got younger. It was about 12:15 when Roger pulled Alex off the dance floor, almost yelling so she could hear.

"I'm staying with Bill and Charlotte tonight. Do you want us to take Alden, or do you want him to drop him off before you guys go to the hotel?" Alex found Alden on the dance floor and laughed.

"We'll bring him by. Are you staying at Ames house?"

"Yeah. Goodnight, Lexie. I love you, honey." They hugged and Olivia saw that he was going to leave.

"Goodnight, Mr. Cabot. It was great to meet you." She extended her arm, awaiting a handshake. As she did so, her body snaked around Alex, and the attorney hugged around her, holding her hand on Olivia's abs.

"Roger, Olivia." He smiled and took her hand, tugging it lightly, pulling her into a hug. "It was wonderful to meet you, as well. Have a good night. Take care of my girl."

"Absolutely."