A/N: Phew! I can breathe now! I've been stressing over this chapter as it's the one I know you've all been waiting for! I took a lot of inspiration for this chapter from weddings I have attended in the past. I just hope I got it right! By the way, this is a long one! xxx
"Do you have to go?"
Olivia sighed at the whiny voice that came from the doorway as she gathered some clothes and put them into her over night bag. She glanced over her shoulder briefly before sitting down on her bed. "It's only for one night, El." She reminded the man as he walked over to her and stopped just front of where she was sitting.
"I know but I'm going to miss you." Elliot pouted.
Liv laughed at his childlike behaviour. "You won't have time to miss me. The guys are coming over later for your bachelor party. Besides, it's less than twenty four hours and then after tomorrow we will be husband and wife." She couldn't believe that they were only a day away from their wedding date. It had seemed like a lifetime ago since Elliot proposed and now the day was finally upon them.
"I know but I can't spoon Fin in bed like I do with you every night." El once again whined. Although he had a large grin on his face as he thought about the next step they were taking in their life.
Olivia cringed, shivers going down her spine after she got a mental image of Elliot and their colleague cuddled up together in her bed. "Ewww, El. I really did not need that thought in my head the night before my wedding." The plan was for Olivia and Maria, along with the bridal party, to spend the night at the hotel they had booked for the wedding reception. At first Olivia rejected this and suggested that she should spend the night at Don's house. Elliot was able to convince her that she should go and that she deserved to be treated like a queen. And now, here he was, whining about her leaving him?
Elliot bent over slightly to place a loving kiss on her lips. "There's no chance of that becoming a reality. You're the only person for me." He whispered into her ear before peppering kisses along her neck and jawline. However, before things could get too hot and heavy, a little voice called out to them.
"Mommy! Daddy! Uncle Fin and Uncle Munch are here!"
The soon to be married couple reluctantly separated and Elliot picked up Liv's overnight bag before heading into the living room area to see Maria stood by the closed apartment door. She knew better than to open the door herself without her parents being around but she knew that it was who she said it to be as she asked through the door.
Maria waited for Olivia to nod the 'go ahead' before pulling the door open only for Fin and Munch to appear in the doorway. "Hi Uncle Munch! Hi Uncle Fin!" She cheered as she lifted up her arms to be picked up by Fin.
"Hey, Gremlin." Fin greeted, using his special nickname for the child. It never failed to make her giggle.
"Hey, guys. You better take care of my man tonight. I don't want him hungover on my wedding day!" Olivia warned as she took her bag from Elliot and picked up Maria's bag which was waiting on the couch.
"Are you saying we're bad influences, Detective?" Munch raised an eyebrow whilst Fin mock saluted with a straight face in response to their friends 'order'.
Olivia stared at them for a few moments before firing back at Munch. "I'm not even going to dignify that with a response." She turned to Fin and held her arms. "Give me my child, Tutuola. I told the girls I would meet them at the hotel at seven. If I don't leave now, we're going to be late."
With Maria now attached to her hip, she went over to Elliot for their final goodbye. "Say 'bye bye' to Daddy, Baby." Liv told Maria who gave Elliot a kiss on the cheek after saying her goodbyes. "Behave." Olivia warned once more before she was pulled into a passionate kiss by her other half.
"Oh my god, my eyes!" Fin cried as he hid his face in his hand. Munch just stood there looking as awkward as ever.
"I love you." Elliot mouthed to Olivia who returned the sentiments.
Munch cleared his throat to get their attention before he spoke his next words. "Come on, guys. Anyone would think Elliot was going off to war the way you two are behaving."
Olivia bit her bottom lip and blushed whilst Elliot flipped their friends the finger for interrupting their moment. "I guess you two are right. We really should be going." Liv said as she made her way out the door but not before blowing one last kiss to her fiancé.
The next morning, Olivia found herself admiring herself in the full length mirror that was in the corner of her fancy hotel room. She had fallen in love with the wedding dress she was currently wearing the moment she laid her eyes on it. The dress was simple yet elegant. The a-line style fit her figure perfectly and the ivory colour was a beautiful contrast against her olive skin tone. At first she was worried about the long train that was currently surrounding her but Casey and Alex assured her that it completed the look perfectly.
Her hair and make had just been done and now she had a couple of moments to herself before she had to leave the hotel. She could feel the nerves start to kick in so she thought it would be best to take in some deep breaths. Liv had just finished putting in her brand new pearl earrings when a voice behind her got her attention.
"You look beautiful, Darling." Olivia looked behind her via the mirror to see Don whose face and posture was overcome with pride.
Liv turned on the spot and faced him, a slight blush reddening her cheeks. "Thank you, Daddy."
"I can't believe my little Livy is getting married." Don stated as he tried not to get too emotional. At the same time, the pseudo father and daughter took a few steps forward to meet each other at the halfway point in the room. "I have something for you." He claimed as he put a hand into his suit jacket pocket to show her a long rectangular jewellery box. Olivia went to protest but he held up a hand to stop her. "Nuh uh. You have your something borrowed and your something new and I was aware you struggled to find something old and blue. Then I remembered this." He held up the box before pushing it in her direction. "Here, open it." The old man insisted.
Olivia took the box and glanced briefly between her 'father's' face and the item in her hand before lifting the lid. She gasped at what she found inside. "Oh, Daddy. It's gorgeous." Liv breathed out as she inspected the silver chain and the sapphire gemstone that was attached to it.
"It's blue and it's old. It belonged to my mother. She got it as a wedding gift herself."
At Don's words Olivia shook her head rapidly and tried to make him take it back. "Oh, no. I can't accept this. It's a family heirloom-"
"And you are a part of my family." Don sighed when she still refused to take the necklace. "I planned to give this to my oldest daughter the day she got married. Unfortunately, Marge and I weren't blessed in that way...until I met you. You are my daughter so that, naturally, belongs to you. You know more than anyone that love is what makes a family, not blood. Someday, in the very distant future, you can carry on the tradition with Maria."
It was Olivia's turn to hold back the tears and she found herself overwhelmed with emotions. She quickly blinked in order to save her freshly made face. "I love it. Thank you, Dad." She whispered softly.
Don smiled and gestured to the box she still held in her hand. "Want help putting it on or are you just going to walk down that aisle with that box in your hand?" He asked sarcastically when Liv made no move put it around her neck. Olivia laughed softly and handed the item over before turning and holding up her hair to give him access.
As the gem came to rest on her chest, she began to admired it as she got lost in her thoughts. She was thinking back to one particular day at the precinct.
Three Months Earlier
Detective Olivia Benson stood outside Captain Cragen's office deciding whether or not she should go in. She had finally decided that it was the right time to break the news of hers and Elliot's engagement to her surrogate father. Coming to the conclusion that there was no time like the present, she took a deep breath and knocked on the commanding officer's door. She waited for the usual 'come in!' before opening the door and stepping into the room.
Cragen looked up from a file he was looking over and smiled when he saw that it was one of his favourite detectives paying him a visit. "Hey, Liv. What are you doing here on your day off?" He asked as he gestured for her to sit in the chair opposite his own.
Liv wiped her sweaty hands on her thighs before taking the offered seat. "I need to talk to you. It's kind of important." She told him apprehensively.
Don raised a questioning eyebrow. "Oh, Personal or professional.?"
"Personal." Was her short response.
"Ok, go ahead. I'm listening." Don said as he pushed the file aside and clasped his hands on the desk.
"Elliot and I had a wonderful date the other night." Olivia began but was quickly interrupted.
"Liv, if you need to talk about your love life wouldn't Alex or Casey be your better option? I could really do without hearing the details." The man told her. To say he slightly disapproved of hers and Elliot's relationship would not be a lie but if it made his 'little girl' happy what could he do?
"Ewww. I don't want to talk about anything like that!" Liv insisted, her face screwed up in disgust.
Don raised his hands as if to say ' I surrender'. "Ok. Then what's up? I doubt you came all the way here just to tell me you had a wonderful date-"
"Elliot proposed and I said yes." Olivia decided to just rip off the figurative band aid there and then. There was no point beating around the bush, he was going to find out eventually. She just wanted him to find out from her and not some nosey parker.
Don's eyes widened and he shot up out of his seat. "What?!" He exclaimed as he began to pace. "I can't believe this." The man muttered as he walked up and down. Olivia stood up and watched wide eyed as he became more and more worked up. "What were you two thinking?! Don't you realise that the perps are going to use you both as leverage against one another when they realise that you're both called Detective Stabler-"
"Actually," Olivia made her voice loud enough so he could hear her over his ranting, "Elliot and I already discussed it. I'm still going to go by Detective Benson professionally but outside of work I'm going to be Olivia Stabler. No one outside of our circle ever has to know."
Don scoffed at this and whirled on her. "And how many times have our backgrounds been dug up by people who aren't meant to know about it. Gosh, how could you both be so stupid-"
"Daddy, I came here to ask you if you would give me away at the wedding!" Liv blurted out.
Cragen froze and without warning he felt his eyes pool with unshed tears. "You-you want me to give you away?" He asked, his voice laced with emotion. Olivia nodded tearfully after seeing how emotional he had become. "Oh, Honey. I would be honoured." Liv took a few rapid steps over to where he was and threw her arms around his neck only for him to respond by wrapping his arms around her waist in a fatherly way.
The two soon separated and laughed when they saw the tear tracks that were on both of their cheeks. "So...you'll do it?" Liv asked as she took two tissues from the box on the desk. She handed one to Cragen and used the other to wipe her own tears away.
"Of course I will. And, Liv?" He lifted her chin slightly so he could gain eye contact. "I'm sorry for all those things I said. I was just in shock." He then laughed and stroked her cheek softly. "I can't believe my baby girl is getting married."
Olivia giggled and blushed just a little bit at him referring to her as his 'baby girl'. "We haven't got a date yet but once we have one I will let you know. Erm...we want most of the squad to come so-"
Cragen nodded in understanding. "I'll work something out with one pp. I'm sure they can find us cover for such a special occasion." he assured her.
"I also wanted to invite you over for a special engagement dinner at my place this weekend. That's when we're going to tell everyone else. You and Alex are the only ones who know so far." Liv told him.
"I'll be there. The father of the bride can't miss an important event like that." Don winked as he said this.
They spent another ten minutes talking about how the proposal occurred and how Maria was getting on at school before Olivia realised that time was getting on and that she had things to do back at the apartment. They said their farewells and Don waited until Liv was out of site before he called over his blue eyed detective.
"Stabler! My office! Now!"
Elliot didn't waste anytime in listening to the command and soon found himself stood in the room. He was filled with a sense of dread until Don held out his hand for him to shake. El tentatively reached out and shook the older man's hand but was shocked when he then wrapped an arm around his back and pulled him into a manly hug.
"Congratulations. However, as I said before, hurt my Livy and you won't know what hit you. Am I understood?" Don whispered into his ear dangerously before pulling back slightly to see Elliot gulp down a lump in his throat.
El nodded once before responding. "Understood loud and clear, Sir."
Don dropped Elliot's hand and opened the office door. "Good. Now get back to work, Son."
Olivia was suddenly ripped from her thoughts by Don calling out her name. She turned on the spot with a deer in headlights look. "Huh?"
Don laughed a little and shook his head. "Nerves getting to you?" He asked.
Olivia shook her head. "No. Do you remember the day I told you El and I were getting married?"
Cragen nodded with a smile on his face. "Do I? I certainly remember the heart attack I almost had!" He exclaimed in a slightly joking manner.
Liv laughed at his response. "Sorry. I planned on breaking the news gently but then nerves got the best of me and it just came out like word vomit instead. I thought for sure you were going to blow a gasket and bite El's head off in the middle of the squad room."
Don had the sense to look sheepish at her last statement. "I calmed down pretty sharpish when you asked me to give you away though." He was a little embarrassed over his initial reaction but the deep sense of pride soon returned when he remembered the moment she had made her request. "Although," he began to add, "I may or may not have threatened him after you left."
Olivia's eyes widened and she slapped him on the arm gently. "Dad!"
Don held a hand over his 'abused' appendage and went to jump to his own defence but was prevented from doing so when Maria came barrelling into the room, her lilac flower girl dress billowing behind her. She looked as pretty as a picture with her hair half up-half down, a halo of white and purple flowers on the crown of her head.
"Mama! Grandpa! Aunt Alex says it's time to go!" She exclaimed as she ran over to the pair. Olivia had to hold her hands out to stop her from crashing into her in her excitement.
"Maria, be careful. I don't want you to ruin your hair or fall and get your dress all dirty." Liv reminded her. She then picked up the basket of purple and white petals that were on the bed and handed it to her daughter. "Go wait with Aunt Alex and Aunt Casey and we will be right there." She added and with a soft swat to her bottom, the little girl made a swift exit. "And don't run!" Olivia called after her even though she knew she was just going to be ignored.
Olivia took a deep breath and faced Don once more. Her 'father' smiled softly at her and cupped her cheek in his hand. "Ready?" He asked her when he saw the look of trepidation on her face.
"Ready as I'll ever be." Was all she said before looping her arm around the one he held out to her.
"Elliot, chill out, man. You're making me dizzy." Odafin Tutuola said exasperated as he watch El tirelessly pace at the altar. Every now and then he would stop and stare briefly at the double doors at the back of the church and then go back to his methodic march.
Elliot stopped and ran his hand down his face before looking at his watch. "She's late." He pointed out.
Fin rolled his eyes at this. "By two minutes. Don't you know that it's tradition for the bride to be fashionably late?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"What if she's changed her mind? What if she realised it was too soon for us to be doing this?" Elliot questioned more to himself than to his best man.
"Olivia is probably stuck in traffic. We do live in New York." Fin reminded him. If he didn't have Elliot as cool as a cucumber soon, he was afraid that the blue eyed detective would have a nervous breakdown.
There was a sudden hush amongst the wedding guests as the doors suddenly opened, the sound echoing off the stone walls of the church. Music began to play and Elliot turned, a smile lighting up his previously worry worn face when he saw Maria in the doorway. She slowly began to walk down the aisle, dropping petals as she went, she bowed her head shyly when people cooed at her as she passed the pews. The five year old was soon followed by Elliot's own nephew who had the role of ring bearer. Elliot admitted to himself that the two children looked adorable in their formal outfits. Maria stopped when she reached Elliot and gestured for him to bend down to her level. El did as was silently asked and was happily surprised when she kissed him on the cheek, resulting in a loud 'Awww' from the guests.
Next came Casey and Alex in their full length purple bridesmaid dresses, each of them holding a bouquet of white and lilac roses. Although they both looked stunning, Elliot's focus was solely on the doorway. His breath was stolen from him when he finally saw her.
Elliot was mesmerised as he watched Olivia walk towards him being guided down the aisle by Don. In that moment nothing else mattered. Here they were about to get married surrounded by their nearest and dearest. El was so lost in his thoughts of his soon to be wife that he didn't even notice when the music faded out once Don and Olivia had come to a standstill in front of him at the altar.
The couple stared into each others eyes – blue locked on brown. Elliot smiled when he saw tears of happiness in Liv's eyes. He mouthed a secret 'hi' to which she responded after the most slightest of laughs. They only looked away from each other when the minister broke the silence.
"Who gives this woman to this man?"
"I do." Don responded, a little choked before placing the delicate hand he was holding into Elliot's slightly larger one. He then went to sit by Maria and wrapped an arm around her shoulder in a grandfatherly way.
The minister then addressed everyone who was in the church. "We are gathered together on this day to witness and celebrate the marriage of Olivia Margaret Benson and Elliot Nicholas Stabler. We come together not to mark the start of a relationship, but to acknowledge and strengthen a bond that already exists. This ceremony is a public affirmation of that bond and as their dearest family and friends, it is our honour and privilege to stand witness to this event. This day is made possible not only because of your love for each other, but through the grace and support of your family and friends. It is our hope that your fulfilment and joy in each other will increase with each passing year."
"Before we continue," The minister began as he looked around at the witnesses, "does anyone know of any reasons why this man and this woman should not be wed?" Elliot didn't waste any time in turning and glaring jokingly at the people in the room which caused a bubble of laughter. The laughter soon died down and no one – thankfully – objected.
The crowd was then asked to say a prayer for the couple. Olivia and Elliot had made a compromise regarding the type of ceremony they wanted. They agreed that they would have some religious elements incorporated but not so much that Olivia would feel a bit of a hypocrite. Whilst Elliot was Catholic, Liv herself had never pledged herself to any type of faith. That wasn't to say that she didn't believe in God or religion, it was just the way she was brought up. Elliot respected her point of view so he didn't put up a fight in that department.
The minister led the congregation in prayer. Once that was done, the minister directed his next words to Olivia and Elliot. "Remember that in every marriage, there are good times and bad, times of joy and times of sorrow. Marriage is a journey – a time of adventure and excitement enhanced by the love, trust, dedication and faith you share in one another. May the promises you make to one another today, be lived out to the end of your lives. Tomorrow can bring you the greatest of joys, but today is the day it all begins. Elliot and Olivia, do you, with your family and friends as your witnesses, present yourselves willingly and of your own accord to be joined in marriage?"
"We do." Elliot and Olivia responded without even hesitating. They shared a quick glance and smiled at each other.
"Will you promise to care for each other in the joys and sorrows of life, come what may, and to share the responsibility for growth and enrichment of your life together?"
"We will." Again, there was no hesitation. Elliot felt Olivia squeeze his hand just a little bit and he responded by stroking his thumb over her knuckles tenderly.
"Now, I do believe that Elliot and Olivia have chosen their own vows?" The minister proclaimed before gesturing to Elliot. "Elliot you will go first."
Elliot and Olivia both took a deep breath in unison before turning to face each other. They held both of the other's hands in there own. El began to say his vows and not once did he look away from Olivia's doe like eyes. "Olivia, when we first became partners, I said I would be there for you for better or worse and since then nothing has changed. Not only are we partners professionally but we have also become partners in life – something I thought would never happen. Over the past six months we have made a life together and I can honestly say that nothing in my life compares to those past six months. I fell in love with you the moment I met you, even if I didn't realise it but, apparently, everyone else did," there was laughter amongst the crowd at this and El had to wait before carrying on.
"I love everything about you. Not only are you beautiful on the outside but you are also beautiful on the inside. I don't know what I would ever do without you. You're caring and compassionate. You're an amazing mother to our amazing little girl," both he and Olivia made a quick glance towards Maria who was smiling and kicking her legs excitedly.
"You feel things deeply and I just know that you are making me the happiest man on the planet by agreeing to become my wife. I promise to give you my everything. Whatever you want or need I am prepared to do everything I can to make sure you get it because you deserve the best in life. There will never be enough words to describe how much I love you but I do. I love you, Olivia Benson. I will love you until the end of time and then some." His hands were shaking slightly as he finished. He couldn't help but feel like he had just shared his heart and soul with not just the love of his life but everyone else around them.
Olivia felt a tear slide down her cheek and quickly wiped it away when the minister announced that it was now her turn to speak from the heart. She cleared her throat so she didn't sound like she was about to cry before she opened her mouth to begin. "So, when we agreed to write our own vows I thought 'wow! How can I describe Elliot other than a stubborn hothead?'" Her opening remark again had all their family friends laughing out loud knowingly. Elliot went a deep shade of red as Olivia shook her head and mouthed a quick 'sorry' before continuing.
"But then I realised that there was more to Elliot Stabler than people realise. Yes, you can be a bit of a screwball at times but over the years I've come to learn that it's only because you are passionate and empathic with everything you do. You're overprotective at times but that's never a bad thing. You make me feel safe. Your presence offers me comfort. You make me so mad sometimes but then you will do something so ridiculous or sweet that I end up forgiving you with the drop of a hat. When I'm sad you make me happy and when I'm angry you calm me down."
"I love how you spoil our little girl and I. You constantly shower us with your love that I have never doubted – not even for a single second. It excites me when I think about the wonderful journey we are about to go on and I cannot wait to see what life has in store for us. There are a lot of things I am unsure about in life but what I know for sure is this: whatever we have to face or go up against, I know deep in my heart and mind, we will get by together – for better or for worse. I love you, Elliot Stabler and I cannot ever imagine you not being in my life. Our family is my life and you are the glue that keeps us together."
There wasn't a dry eye in the church once they were both done with their vows. They heard a few sniffles from the people who had joined them for their special day and Olivia and Elliot took it in turns to wipe the tears from each other's cheeks.
Attention was once again drawn onto the minister. "Having this love in your hearts, you have chosen to seal your vows by exchanging rings. From the earliest times, the circle has been a sign of completeness. The rings that you have chosen to wear have neither beginning nor end, much like your love for one another. They are a symbol of the words that you speak today. May these rings be from this day forward, your most treasured adornment, and may the love they symbolize, be your most precious possession. As you wear these rings, may they be constant reminders of these glad promises you are making today."
It was then when Elliot's nephew went over to them with their wedding bands placed on top of a red velvet cushion. Liv and El followed the minister's instructions and exchanged rings, both of them resisting the urge to kiss there and then. They knew what was coming next though so they chose to hold back.
The minister spoke loudly to ensure everyone present could hear his next words. "Having pledged their fidelity to one another, to love, honour and cherish one another in the presence of this gathering and by the authority vested in me by the constitution and the laws of the state of New York, it is my honour to now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Neither Olivia nor Elliot wasted anytime in smashing their lips together in a passionate but loving kiss. They felt like they were the only ones in the room despite the cheering and applauding that came from their family and friends. When they both began to lose oxygen, they reluctantly separated but held onto each other's hands.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honour to be the first to introduce you to Mr and Mrs Elliot Stabler." There were more cheers at the minister's announcement and Elliot and Olivia stared into each other's eyes and only broke their gaze when Maria came running over to them. She tugged lightly on Elliot's pant leg and he promptly lifted her up onto his hip using one arm whilst his other hand still held firmly onto his wife's.
"Can we go to the party now?" Maria asked as she looked between her newly married parents.
The two adults laughed. They had known how excited she was about the reception ever since they had told her what happened at a wedding. The girl loved music and dancing and when she realised that there would be a lot of that going on she just couldn't stop herself from bringing it up virtually everyday. Liv was seriously contemplating enrolling her in some sort of dance class since she loved the activity so much.
"Not yet, Baby. Daddy and I just need to sign some papers and then we're going to take some pictures outside." Olivia was thanking her lucky stars that the weather was beautiful outside.
The minister dismissed the crowd but asked for Olivia and Elliot as well as Alex and Fin to stay behind so that they could sign the marriage certificate. It took a little longer than Maria liked though as she began fidget on El's lap. However, she soon stopped when Olivia pointed to the photographer they had hired.
"Say cheese!" Liv told her and the three of them along with Alex and Fin looked at the camera. Their friends then took Maria to one side briefly so the photographer could get a picture of El and Liv signing the certificate and then another of them kissing with their eyes closed.
Once the paperwork was double and triple checked, they began to make their way out of the church. Maria was once again in Elliot's arms. As soon as they stepped foot outside the church, there were even more loud cheers as they had confetti thrown over them by their guests.
More pictures were taken. Some were of the wedding party and all the other guests. There was one of El and Liv with Elliot's mother and siblings as well as Don. There were multiple pictures of them with just Maria – Olivia's favourite being the one with Maria held up by both their arms in between them, her little arms wrapped around their shoulders. She insisted that they had it printed on canvas as it was one of their very first professional photos as a family.
Many more pictures were taken of the guests and an abundance of just Olivia and Elliot on their own. They decided on the picture they wanted to be made into another large canvas for their bedroom – this one was a rather candid picture of the two of them facing each other and laughing with their arms wrapped around one another.
The photo shoot was brought to an end by Fin who called out, "Ok, everyone! The cars are here! What's say we all go and have a party?!" Everyone agreed and headed to their respective cars and soon they arrived back at the hotel Olivia had stayed at the night before.
The wedding reception went by in a blur for all those who were involved. Many happy memories were made and it was safe to say that the day was filled with joy and laughter.
Everyone watched as Elliot and Olivia had their first dance which was to a slow version of 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls – a song that had so much meaning to the both of them. Halfway through the track, Don was unable to contain Maria who ran to her parents wanting to be involved in the routine. Olivia and Elliot didn't mind one bit. The way they saw it, the whole day wasn't just to solidify their relationship but to also make all three of them an official family. It wouldn't feel right to them if they left their little girl out of all the excitement.
After their debut was over there were a few more songs that everyone either danced to or just tapped their foot to the rhythm. It passed some time before the hotel catering staff were ready to serve the sit down meal. Speeches were made by the usual suspects including Elliot and Olivia themselves. Alex also insisted that she make a speech herself and much like Fin, she used the opportunity to tell some embarrassing stories that had El and Liv blushing and everyone else crying with laughter. Don, of course, used his slot to once again threaten Elliot and ordered rather than asked him to take care of his 'baby girl'. To soften the blow he told the couple how much they meant to him and that they had his blessing and support.
The celebrations then started back up again with the father/daughter dance. The song that accompanied the dance was 'Brown Eyed Girl' by Van Morrison. A song that fit with the people who danced to it. Don and Olivia were not the only ones to participate in this tradition as Maria immediately dragged Elliot onto the dance floor. The guests thought it was adorable how Elliot had Maria stand on his feet as they made their way around the dance floor. Further along during the song, Elliot and Don switched partners whilst everyone else joined the family on the dance floor.
A couple of hours into the party and a few glasses of wine later, Olivia was more than letting her hair down as she openly flirted with Elliot who just laughed at her somewhat tipsy antics. He was starting to feel a buzz himself after a few beers and silently thanked Don for taking on his grandfather duties by looking after Maria and making sure she didn't get up to any mischief.
Olivia and Elliot were swaying gently to a slow romantic song and El had to look around sharply when Liv nibbled on his earlobe seductively before whispering in his ear. "Is it too early to go to our room and consummate our marriage?" Her tone was low and sultry, it definitely sent shivers down her new husband's spine.
Elliot let out a low laugh, one that rumbled in his chest. "It's only eight pm. I don't think people are drunk enough to not realise that we're nowhere to be seen." He told her even though he wanted nothing more than to pick her up, literally bridal style, and carry her to the honeymoon suite he knew was waiting for them just a few floors above them.
"But Elliot..." Olivia whined out but before she could continue a throat clearing behind her got their attention.
Liv and El stopped their swaying and turned to see Don who was holding a sleepy looking Maria in his arms. Olivia had a goofy smile on her face as she went over to her 'father' and daughter. "Oh, Elliot. Don't we just have a gorgeous little girl? She definitely takes after her mama." She gushed as she took Maria into her arms. Don and Elliot shared a look and a small laugh as they knew Liv was well aware that any resemblance Maria may share with her was purely coincidental. They didn't mind that the wine had gotten to her just slightly – she was having fun and she was happy. What more could the two men want?
"Definitely all you Liv." El indulged his wife as he stepped closer to her and their child.
"Maria wanted to come over and say goodnight to you both. I found her asleep at one of the tables." Don told them.
Olivia gazed at Maria lovingly as she carressed her cheek. The girl currently had her head resting on her mother's shoulder as she played with the sapphire that was still around Liv's neck. "You want to go to bed, Precious?" She asked softly and Maria just nodded in reply. "You were such a good girl today. Me and Daddy are so proud of you, Baby." Liv told the five year old before kissing the cheek she was just caressing and handing her over to Elliot.
"Goodnight, Angel Face. We'll see you in the morning." Elliot said as he rubbed Maria's back. He heard a muffled 'night night Daddy'. "Grandpa is going to tuck you in now."
Maria pulled back at this and looked between her mother and father. "Can you and Mommy tuck me in?"
Olivia and Elliot both immediately nodded, they could never deny their child the comfort she needed or wanted. Maria was going to share a suite with Don, they had said they would have her in the honeymoon suite with them but Don insisted they should spend their first night as a married couple alone. They had even offered to pay for a nanny service the hotel had but again, Don told them he was more than happy to watch over his granddaughter whilst they enjoyed their evening. He assured them it was fine as he wasn't a party man and they reluctantly agreed to the arrangement.
"Come on then, let's get you up to bed, little one." Don said as he led the way to the suite that was reserved for himself and Maria.
Don waited in the lounge area of the suite whilst Elliot and Olivia fulfilled their parental duties. They were able to get Maria changed into her pyjamas and tucked into bed rather quickly. They both kissed her forehead and said their goodnights and were just about to leave the room when Maria asked Elliot to sing their special song. However, before El could get through the whole thing, she had fallen fast asleep. The day had obviously exhausted the small child. Olivia and Elliot said goodnight to Don before leaving the man to wind down for the night.
As soon as they were out in the hall, Olivia had Elliot pinned up against the wall and attacked his lips as she tried to take his suit jacket off. She couldn't help herself. Even without the wine, she would have done the same thing. It was the first moment she had alone with Elliot in over twenty four hours.
"Take me to bed, Mr Stabler." Liv mumbled between kisses as she moved to take off his tie.
"As you wish, Mrs Stabler." El growled back before suddenly taking her by surprise by lifting his new wife up into into his arms and racing towards the honeymoon suite.
A/N: So some of the wedding details may or may not be based on what I would choose if I were to ever marry. Also, I thought it would add a little comedy if I made Liv get just a little tipsy – that part was inspired by my sister who also may have got a little merry on her wedding day. Hey, planning weddings are stressful and I always thought that the reception was the bride and grooms chance to relax and let their hair down. *shrugs*
PS: I do not own any songs that have been mentioned in this chapter, they're just a couple of classics that I love!