Forty-four.

Since Noah's private school ended classes a week before the city's public schools shut their doors for the summer, Olivia was temporarily puzzled when Carisi and Rollins announced they were headed to a west side middle school to investigate a five-student brawl that had broken out there earlier in the morning. After she straightened out the calendars in her head, she furrowed her brow and asked why SVU was being called in for a fight.

"Must be somethin'," Rollins said, "Precinct requested our assistance."

Olivia groaned. They had so many open, urgent cases of their own to keep tabs on. "Fine," she said, "But don't be shy about handing it right back. A fight?"

"Got it."

Fin wandered into the office next with a fistful of pink phone messages in his hand. "Here ya go, Liv," he said. "Some of yours were mixed in with mine. Sorry…" He screwed up his face, "Why's Barba leavin' you a message?"

"Oh…" Olivia frowned at the unintentional slight, "I read his text a few days ago, was busy, and forgot to reply…"

"Happens." Fin shrugged and left Olivia alone to return the calls.

….

"Daddy? What we gonna do on da first day of SUMMER?" Noah sat on a barstool, his arms resting on the island, and hands folded.

Ed was transferring dirty plates, bowls, and silverware from the sink to the dishwasher with the twins underfoot. He'd left the lower cabinets open with the intention of moving around some of their larger bowls, but he got sidetracked and Maggie and Wyatt began dragging items out so they could crawl inside.

"Hide!"

"Hide! Dada!"

Ed would gently close the doors, murmur a confused "where are Maggie and Wyatt?" and let loose with a relieved sigh when they burst through the doors, smiling gleefully, and shouting "HI! DAH!"

Typically a willing hide-and-seek participant, Noah, however, had other pressing issues to worry about. Most urgent was how to fill the sudden glut of free time. It was not yet noon and he was restless.

"Well, bud, we're gonna get ya all set up at day camp in a couple weeks, so we'll go get ya registered. Then we can grab lunch somewhere and hit the park. How's that sound?"

"Sounds GREAT!"

"You still want to do the art camp, right?"

"YEP!"

"I read the info sheet," Ed slid it from its place between an Eiffel Tower magnet and the refrigerator door and gave the paper to Noah even though the text was written for adults. "You're gonna paint, go on some trips to do sketches, and do some pottery."

"Pottery?"

"Yeah, you make somethin' with clay, put it in an oven, and it gets," Ed looked around and pointed to a large vase on the dining room buffet table, "Like that purple jug over there."

Noah grinned and murmured, "Wow…"

"And," Ed continued, "We have to start workin' on Mommy's retirement party present. And your speech if ya still want to give one."

"Uh-huh! I'm gonna say lotsa words 'bout Mommy!" Noah scrunched up his forehead. "What we gonna get her for a present?"

"Not sure yet, bud. But the two of us will think of something." Ed closed the cabinet door again and Maggie immediately pushed it open.

"DAH! FINEMAGG!"

Noah giggled. "We gotta think of da ideas, Daddy," he said, "Cause those babies jus' wanna play all day!"

….

It was just like old times. Barba and Benson sat at Forlini's bar solving the world's problems. Only, the problems were no longer shared parts of an SVU investigation. After finishing out his term on the Superior Court, Barba decided to make a run for the state Assembly and was starting to become consumed with campaigning.

"You're not in my district, Liv," he joked, "So nobody can say I'm unduly influencing votes by buying you a couple of drinks."

Olivia held up her glass. "Cheers," she said. "It's been too long."

"An innate human fault," Barba said, waxing philosophical, "It's easy to promise to keep in touch, but life makes it tricky when you're no longer running in the same circles."

Olivia wished she could agree. It would have been simple to say she avoided Barba because, as a judge, any contact with him could have been interpreted as unethical, but the truth was, with work and her family, she didn't have much time for anyone else.

"How's everything?" Barba took a sip of his drink. "Ready to hang it up?"

"Everything," Olivia said thoughtfully and with a tentative smile, "Is...so perfect. Noah is thriving," she showed Barba a few pictures from graduation, "and the twins are...amazing. Getting so big and funny and have minds of their own."

Barba looked at the photos and grinned. "And Ed?"

There was no point in Olivia attempting to hide her smile, because, even if she'd succeeded, her eyes betrayed her true feelings. "He's been...such a perfect husband," she said, "A great father…"

Barba saw tears begin to form in her eyes. "He's a good man, Liv," he said, "You deserve him. And, I'm not one to toss around those types of accolades lightly." He took another sip. "You both deserve to be happy."

"Are you happy, Rafael?"

Barba smiled shyly. "Ah, you know me…"

Olivia actually didn't know him. At least, not that personally. She knew he may or may not have had a history with his best friend's eventual wife when he was younger, but she also recalled several instances of Barba hinting at a social life that was a little less traditional.

"You should come to our house in Delaware sometime," she said.

"Delaware?"

"Oh...yeah, Ed and I bought a house there last winter. On the ocean."

Taken aback, Barba muttered, "NYPD paying more than I thought."

"Ed sold his apartment," Olivia explained, "Made a killing...we'd rented this house a couple of times and loved it...old, Victorian, right on the water, a yard, fire pit, tire swing...it's paradise. Here," Olivia produced her phone yet again and showed Barba each room, the renovations they'd made, and the improvements yet to come. "The next big thing is the outdoor kitchen. Ed's been consumed with those plans."

"Jet skis, too?"

"Yes. And a pontoon boat on the intracoastal. It was a steal from one of the neighbors."

"I may take you up on that offer, Liv."

"Please do."

"Sounds like you're ready for the retired life."

Unease clouded Olivia's face. It took her a while to respond. "I've been a bit greedy with the best of both worlds."

"Well, you won't completely leave the department," Barba said matter-of-factly, "Surely there's something you'll do part time. Or...maybe you'll join me, writing legislation protecting special victims…"

Olivia grinned and told him all about the television show. Barba had read her book, in fact, that was the last time they'd spoken. He called to offer his congratulations and praise.

"I'll be occupied," Olivia said, "With the show and the kids…"

"It'll be good, Liv," Barba said reassuringly, noticing the hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "I'm sure of it."

Olivia's voice shook as she blurted out, "Even with everything I have I can't picture myself not in that office."

Her voice was firm, clear, and free from any trembling, but Barba easily picked up on her apprehension. "I felt the same way leaving the DA's office."

"Wasn't the same without you."

"Won't be the same without you," Barba said, "But it shouldn't be. You're special, Liv. The work you've done-unparalleled. And," he raised his eyes to hers, "Part of what makes leaving so difficult is the work you think you're not going to get to accomplish." He let that sentiment sink in. "Don't do that."

"Because at the end of the day there's always another rapist? Another predator?"

"Well, inevitably...but you're not accounting for the impact...the detectives you've trained, the people...the way your cases are handled both in the media and at One PP…"

Olivia nodded, "That's what I've been saying to Ed. The show will maybe open up a conversation people aren't used to having."

"There you go," Barba signaled for another round. "Second career launched."

Olivia smiled skeptically, but she liked the idea. She and Ed had talked about the very same premise; having Barba concur was reassuring.

"Speaking of second careers," she said, "How can I help with yours?"

"Have anyone who can put address labels on pamphlets?"

Olivia nodded. "I believe I do," she replied, thinking of Noah, "And I bet he'd love to go on a couple of campaign stops with you. He loves speeches."

"Done."

…..

Tucker's reinstatement was issued without any official word or decree. The end of the church scandal, for him at least, was anticlimactic. SVU made arrests, the developments hit the news, and Tucker's boss sent him a snarky "welcome back" text message. Ed called Olivia, congratulated her, and they made plans to have dinner later that night.

"Want to come here now?" Olivia asked.

Her voice was so buoyant and hopeful, Ed felt bad about declining the invitation. "I need to do a couple things first," he said. "Give me maybe...an hour? Little more?"

"Sure."

Ed hung up, shoved the phone in his pocket, and made his way into the building. He flashed his shield and slinked through the employee entrance. The elevator was empty, and he used the minute or so to take a few deep breaths, for what he was about to do was risky.

Barba's assistant, Carmen, had been expecting him, but she didn't know his face. As soon as he said "Ed Tucker," she nodded and escorted him to the ADA's office. Barba was at his desk and didn't move when he saw Tucker enter.

"Have a seat."

Tucker sat in an armchair, feeling like a perp.

"So you've been reinstated," Barba muttered in a clipped, chilly tone.

"I have."

Barba kept one eye on a stack of papers he'd been perusing. "Congratulations."

Annoyed and unwilling to spend anymore time than necessary in Barba's office, Tucker leaned forward, "I want you to know Olivia had nothing to do with this. As far as I'm concerned. Not before, not during, not now."

"One PP did the "not now" part," Barba retorted, trying to be nice but he quickly saw Tucker didn't appreciate the friendly overtures. "What can I do for you, Tucker?"

"Nothing. But you can do somethin' for Liv. You never had a reason not to trust her. I woulda gone to prison before she lost anything...and I mean anything and she shoulda never been involved...other than being called to the case in the first place. It was beyond my wildest imagination those priests would target me after I saw my cousin that day. But...the only thing she was guilty of, we were guilty of, was wanting some privacy."

Barba swallowed and Tucker continued.

"She's back in her job. You two have to work together. You have to trust each other. I want you to know...I want...you're relationship with her to go back to the way it was, normal. Be suspicious of me all ya want, but not her."

"I know," Barba mumbled. "And, your request is noted."

"Also," Tucker stood up and started for the door. "This stays between us. Don't tell her I was here."

…

Olivia opened the apartment door and ran smack into Ed who was stowing boxes in the closets lining the foyer.

"Oh, sorry," she said when she opened the door into his thigh.

He hurried off the step stool and kissed her, ignoring the faint scent of alcohol. "No problem." He kissed her tenderly. "Good day?"

"Better than most. I met Barba just now. He says hello."

Ed offered a grunt and kissed her again. As an afterthought he asked, "How's he doin?"

"Good, getting ready for November."

"I don't wanna think about November," Ed kissed her again, this time more passionately. "I'm thinkin' about us at the beach and not giving a damn when we come back."

Olivia cupped his face in her hands and smiled. "I-"

"MOMMY!"

"MAMAMAMAMA!

"MA TA-OH! TA-OH! MA!:

The twins were referring to the tacos Ed had simmering on the stove. Instead of wine, he iced bottles of Corona and had sangria on hand in case the beer didn't suit his wife's tastes.

"Hi my sweethearts!" Olivia exclaimed. She kicked off her boots and walked into their perpetually cluttered living room. "Tell me about your day!"

Noah rattled off the details of camp registration. He showed Olivia his t-shirt and identification badge which fit neatly into a lanyard decorated with faces of famous artists.

"This will be so fun, Noah!"

"Yeah! And Daddy say we gonna make pottery! Dat's when ya put clay into a really hot oven!"

"Well, I hope you make us something for the beach house!"

In the kitchen, Ed experienced a flutter of relief hearing Olivia talk about their Delaware home. As her retirement neared, she'd been less vocal about summer plans. Using a slotted spoon, he scooped the meat into a serving dish and removed the tortillas from the oven. The cheese, lettuce, tortilla chips, and salsa were already on the table. Olivia snuck up behind him.

"Need help, Captain?"

Ed turned around in her arms and kissed her. "Nah," he said, "Food's ready whenever you are." He eyed her work clothes, "Need a t-shirt?"

"I know where they are."

He grinned and glanced at the phone in her hand. "Everything buttoned up for the night?"

"Oh, yeah...Rollins and Fin are there."

Feeling guilty, he immediately apologized. "Sorry...I...after the weekend, I missed you today."

Olivia caressed his face with both her hands. "I'm going to change. We'll eat...

And...then there will be no more missing me."

Ed kissed the tip of her nose.

"Okay."

….

The next morning, Olivia listened to the update and the reason SVU had been called to handle the school fight. At the center of the conflict was a pregnant fourteen-year-old, her older sister, and the older sister of the boy who she identified as the father. The details were messy and complicated, but the local precinct notified SVU because the boy denied ever having sex with the girl and told officers she asked him to claim the child because the actual father was much older.

"The girl's not saying much," Rollins said.

Fin refused to sugar coat their encounter, "She's got a nasty attitude. Man, I'm glad I didn't have a daughter. Good luck, you two, oh," he glanced at Carisi, "And you."

"Well, the attitude could have something to do with she's in eighth grade, pregnant, and a rape victim."

"Well, the kid blew up her whole story," Carisi said, "But that doesn't leave us with much to go on. She had enough guts to get some hapless little punk to take responsibility...she's not gonna give up the name of the real dad."

"What about her parents?"

"Gone," Rollins said. "Mother's in prison. She never had a relationship with her Dad, so she's living with an aunt and a cousin. Last we heard the aunt was at work, some warehouse in Queens, and she was taking her time getting home."

"Great." Olivia took a deep breath and sighed. "Talk to the people at school. Her friends. Teachers. And the cousin. But remember," she looked pointedly at Fin, "She's a victim."

Alone now, Olivia opened and closed desk drawers and assessed the amount of boxes she'd need to transport her personal belongings home. Two weeks. She considered taking things home little by little, but she couldn't bring herself to do that just yet. Especially not the photographs. She needed to be surrounded by smiling images of her kids and husband until the very last second. Noah's school picture was one of the newer additions to her collection, and she lovingly ran an index finger along the edge of the frame. He was sitting up straight, rigid, dressed in a crisp white shirt and blue bow tie, and smiling regally at the camera. Olivia noticed the five-by-seven was obscuring another favorite image-Ed sitting in their large bedroom armchair cradling Maggie in one arm and holding Wyatt to his shoulder with the other. The twins weren't more than a month old and they looked miniscule yet precious in their father's protective grasp. One of Maggie's little hands clutched Ed's index finger. Ed had his head tilted against Wyatt's and he gazed proudly at his new daughter.

The twins had been doted on, spoiled, and loved by both their parents, but they were most accustomed to being in Ed's care. Olivia wondered where she would fit into their daily routine. Would she be in the way? Would Ed use the extra pair of hands to take some time for himself? Or would they handle everything from household chores to errands to mealtimes as a team?

Olivia swiveled around and faced her laptop, hoping work would shove all the retirement-related question marks to the backburner.

At least for now.

…..

Wyatt and Maggie each had their own unique after-school routines. Unless one of them had to stay on campus, they walked home together. Maggie always entered the apartment with a flurry of activity-she flung off her outerwear, kicked off shoes, and threw her backpack on the foyer floor where it would sit until the evening when she got around to doing her homework. Wyatt was more subtle in his movements. He hung his coat or jacket on the rack, made sure his shoes weren't in the middle of the hallway, and his backpack went with him to his bedroom. From there, Wyatt changed clothes, grabbed a book, and often went back out. He liked to read in one of two neighborhood cafes or, if it was nice enough outside, on the rooftop. Maggie didn't have such a predictable routine. Some days she had a snack and chatted with one or both of their parents; other days she flopped on her bed with her phone. Often, she scoured the internet for deals on vintage toys-a hobby she'd picked up after visiting an antique shop last summer. It wasn't uncommon for Maggie to call to Ed or Olivia from her desk and ask for their credit card.

When Wyatt arrived home solo one fall day, Olivia, unaware of any after-school activities, greeted him warmly and asked about Maggie.

"She went to get food with Reagan."

"Reagan?"

"Yeah, he's in our English class."

"He?"

"Yep."

Olivia tried to act normally, but Wyatt wasn't fooled. "He's just her friend, Mom. And he sucks at Lit and Maggie's good, so she said she'd help him with the book review that's due tomorrow."

Ed came into the room. "Hey bud," he said. "Have a good day?"

"Yeah."

"Where's Maggs?"

"She's with her friend Reagan," Olivia said a little too quickly. "A boy."

"Never heard of him," Ed replied.

"It's 'cause he's an idiot," Wyatt said. Wyatt rarely spoke of anyone with negativity, so Olivia gawked at him. Feeling her scrutiny, Wyatt explained. "He's not very smart. I dunno how he got in."

"Who're his parents?" Ed asked.

Wyatt shrugged.

"What's his last name?"

"Oliver."

"And where'd they go?"

"His parents?"

"No," Ed snickered, "Maggie and this...kid."

"I dunno. Maggie just said food."

Ed picked up his phone and called Maggie. To everyone's, Olivia included, displeasure, he more often made a voice call than sent text messages. She picked up on the second ring, eliciting a smiled from Ed. "Hey, sweetheart."

Wyatt and Olivia heard her greet her father with a sweet "Hi Daddy." Olivia wasn't sure if the affectionate response was a good or bad sign.

"Listen, uh, if ya don't mind can you pick up some garlic bread and mozzarella cheese on your way home?"

Maggie must have said yes.

"Got enough money? Okay. Alright. Love you, sweetheart. Bye."

Ed ended the call and, with a satisfied flourish, put the phone on the island. Wyatt grinned, shook his head, and went to his room. Olivia kissed Ed's cheek.

"Good job, Daddy."

"She actually sounded like I was doin' her a favor by calling."

"What are we going to do when she goes out on a real date?"

"Follow them."

"Ed!"

"I'm serious."

Olivia grinned and put her arms around his waist. "So, pasta night?"

"Uh, yeah, I guess we better do that," Ed replied, "I was makin' that up as I went along."

"Well...sounds good."

Ed pressed his lips to hers, parted them slightly, and swirled his tongue around her mouth quickly, knowing Wyatt would reappear any second. "Mmmm...that's good," he whispered. "Never get tired of that."

Olivia patted his back pockets. "I love you, Ed Tucker."

He kissed her once more. "Never get tired of that, either."

…

After dinner, Noah talked Olivia through Ed's sketch of the elaborate outdoor kitchen he'd designed earlier that afternoon. Noah spread the paper on the coffee table and pointed out each individual feature.

"Dis da plan Mommy," he said, "Grill's here, and dis spot is for keepin' other stuff warm. And here's where the little fridge'rator will go, so, if we're all wet an' sandy and we wanna drink we can jus' get it and go right back to da beach!"

Olivia nodded approvingly. "This looks great, sweet boy." She reached over and squeezed Ed's thigh. "You and Daddy worked hard on this. I can't wait!"

"Yeah...and dere's some cab'nets, but small sister and brother won't be able to get in 'em 'cause there's a real strong…" Noah scrunched up his face until he thought of the word he wanted, "latches."

"Oh good…"

"Wanna do a puzzle, Mommy?"

"Sure sweet boy, and, I had an idea today at work. Tomorrow's Wednesday, but Sarah and Justin are in Hawaii...how about I leave work a little early and we'll go do something fun?"

"Yeah! Good idea, Mommy! Daddy, you haveta stay with these babies!"

"Sure thing, bud."

"Mommy! We should ride bikes!" Noah was nearly falling over with excitement. When he rode his bike and the babies were in tow, he had parameters. With solely Olivia or Ed, he could pedal along freely.

"We'll do that."

"Now," Noah said, a triumphant smile on his face, "PUZZLE!"

"PUZZ!

"P'ZLE!"

Maggie and Wyatt ran to the shelves where the puzzles and games were stored. They dragged one of their wooden toddler puzzles to the floor, overturned the board, and the pieces went sliding around. Wyatt dutifully collected them.

"Babies, you do dat puzzle. I'll do," Noah chewed a fingertip and considered his options. "I'll do DIS!" He chose a newer one-a group of sunglasses-wearing dalmatians sitting on a beach.

"Good choice, bud."

Olivia cleared the coffee table and wondered how much of the puzzle they would complete before Noah asked for a dog.

…..

Olivia leaned over the sink, and, despite the toothbrush in her mouth, told Ed she liked his blueprints. "Did you consider going into architecture at some point?"

Ed gargled mouthwash, spit it out, and wiped his face with a corner of the towel wrapped around his waist. It was the only thing he was wearing and Olivia stared at him approvingly in the mirror as she brushed her teeth.

"Nope. Always wanted to be a cop."

"Well you certainly have talent. And an imagination. All those built-ins so they don't clutter the deck? Impressive."

Ed nuzzled her neck. "Been doin' a lot of research."

"I invited Barba," Olivia murmured a bit sheepishly. "Although, I invite a lot of people who will probably never take us up on the invitation."

The sound that came from Ed was somewhere between a grunt and a sarcastic chuckle.

"What?"

"No politicians at the beach."

Olivia turned around in his arms and stroked his face. "What if he comes as Rafael, a family friend?"

"Still a politician...but...of course...whoever you want." Ed tugged suggestively at Olivia's robe. "He's not a bad guy."

"No, he's not."

"Can't really see him on the jet skis though, or building sand castles, or-"

"That's fine," Olivia said, "We'll feed him cocktails and put him under an umbrella." She kissed him and pulled away slowly. "Besides, you're the only man I want to see on jet skis or building castles with the kids or…" Olivia ran her finger from his collarbone to his belly button, "On the volleyball court."

Ed blushed and smirked.

"C'mon," Olivia said, "Let's go to bed."

….

#Tuckson