A/N: Finally got around to finishing this one. I knew how I wanted it to start out, it was just finishing it. I wanted this last chapter to be a little reminiscent and an appreciation of what they have. For those of you hoping for an update on Mess, please know I am doing everything I can to get an update out. Let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 3
"Fuck!" Alex groaned as she rolled off the brunette and collapsed next to her on the bed.
Olivia laughed and tilted her head to look at her wife "I think that's what we've been doing for the last…" she reached out and grabbed her phone to see the time "Two hours."
"So much for that walk on the beach and breakfast at a café, huh?"
"Guess we could go for a walk then get lunch." She reached down and took Alex's hand in her own, lacing their fingers together "Although I will admit, waking up with your hand in my panties beats breakfast and walk on the beach any day."
Alex chuckled, pulling Olivia's hand up and kissing the back of it. "Well, when I woke my hand was on your hip…so I thought, why not?" both laughed for a moment. "I do like the idea of going for a walk then grabbing lunch, but we're gonna have to wait a while. I'm not sure my legs can support me right now."
Olivia rolled and rested her head on Alex's abdomen just below her breasts. She trailed her hand down over her wife's stomach, it was still as flat and taught as it had been in their youth but now held a softness that came along with age. Olivia lightly traced the C-section scar that was low on Alex's abdomen, a small smile ghosting her lips at the memory of her children's birth.
Alex began lightly running her fingers through Olivia's hair, smiling when she felt Olivia's fingers slide over her scar. It was something Olivia had begun years ago, and it always made Alex smile. And even though she couldn't see the brunette's face she knew her wife was smiling. Their bodies finally began to cool, Alex reached down and pulled the covers up slightly.
Olivia snuggled further into the blonde "Mmm, I love this spot." She turned her head just enough to place a kiss to Alex's skin "I love laying like this."
"So do I." suddenly a loud growl from both their stomachs broke the silence, both erupting in laughter.
Olivia rose up and kissed the blonde quickly "You stay here, I'll go grab us something to eat." She stood from the bed and looked around for something to put on "We have a few bagels left over, how's that sound?" not receiving an answer she turned to see Alex smiling goofily at her "What?"
"Don't mind me, just enjoying the view!" she waggled her eyebrows as she gave her naked wife another once over.
Olivia grabbed an over-sized t-shirt from the foot of the bed, then looked over her shoulder and shook her behind at the blonde before pulling the shirt over her head.
It had been a wonderful little getaway, but now their weekend was nearing its end. Now Saturday morning they had one last full day before heading home the next afternoon. Friday had been a day of leisure; a walk on the beach followed by brunch at a little café, they spent the next few hours simply wandering around town mostly window shopping but also picking up a few things here and there. In the afternoon they packed a light lunch and drove out to Sag Harbor to watch the boats coming and going. That evening they had dinner while sitting in the floor at the coffee table in front of the fire, a little remembrance of their college days and their many dinners around the coffee table.
Downstairs Olivia fixed a tray with a couple remaining bagels and cream cheese while waiting for the coffee. She stared out the window over the backyard, memories from all the years she'd been coming to this house flooding her mind. She could easily see her and Alex as kids running and playing on a summer afternoon, later years after they began dating trying to sneak a kiss here and there. Her mind then drifted to more recent times; Joey still learning to walk and toddling across the yard holding onto Alex's fingers as the blonde walked behind him, the twins running around in their diapers chasing their older brother, the summer after Noah's adoption their youngest getting out of the pool and jerking his diaper off then running naked around the yard earning laughter from the family and a mischievous grin on his face.
Olivia startled when she felt familiar arms sliding around her waist. "Hey, I said I'd bring breakfast up to you."
"I know." Alex whispered while burying her face in Olivia's neck. "I just missed you."
"I miss you too whenever we're apart." She wrapped her arms around Alex's and pulled them tighter.
"So, what were you thinking? I could hear your mind turning as I walked in here."
"Just reminiscing."
"About?" a kiss to Olivia's neck as she followed her gaze out the window.
"Our life, our past, and all the wonderful memories we have here."
Alex smiled brightly, a few tears misting her eyes "We've had some great times."
Olivia quickly fixed their coffee and sat it on the tray, turning to face the blonde "And many, many more to come."
"Many, many, many more to come." Alex answered with a kiss.
Olivia picked up the tray and nodded upstairs "So, back to bed and breakfast?"
Alex followed the brunette toward the stairs "Absolutely! Who knows when our next chance to lounge in bed will be?"
A couple hours later they were jogging along the waves, enjoying a sunny spring day on the beach. As they ran Alex reflected on how rare it was to be able to spend time as just a couple. Granted they had opportunities for an evening out for dinner or a show, but most of their time alone was as they got ready for bed at night and occasionally when they could grab lunch together. Her mind drifted back to their younger days when it was just the two of them living in their little apartment, then on to the time after law school when they were navigating their budding careers. As difficult as it could be at times, her working many hours as a young ADA and Olivia working long shifts proving herself as a young officer, it also held some of her favorite memories.
"Where to now?" Olivia asked as they slowed down.
"Well, I'd say before we go eat we should go home and shower." She glanced down at their sweaty bodies "Two sweaty middle-aged women having lunch in public probably isn't so chic in the Hamptons."
Olivia laughed as she took her wife's hand and crossed the street, heading in the direction of their house. "Okay, one...I refuse to believe we're middle aged. And two, I don't think we've ever exactly been Hampton chic. I mean usually we're trying to wrangle four kids who are wanting to go in opposite directions at the same time."
After a trip home for a quick shower and change of clothing they were now seated at a sidewalk table at one of their favorite cafes. Olivia sat her glass of tea down and eyed the woman opposite her, Alex staring off in the distance "What are you thinking?"
"Hmm?" her attention now returning to her wife.
"I asked what you were thinking about."
Alex reached across the table, placed her hand over Olivia's and smiled "Us."
"What about us?"
"Our past, our present," she smiled "Our future."
Olivia grinned "If we weren't already married I'd think you were about to propose."
"Olivia Cabot-Benson, will you marry me?"
"A million times over."
The rest of the afternoon was spent leisurely, simply wandering the streets and enjoying just being together. Alex slipped her arm around the brunette's waist and pulled her closer as they walked, causing Olivia to smile. While they had never been over the top with public displays of affection, even more so as they grew older, Olivia loved the simple displays of affection from her wife. She didn't need overt romantic gestures, sure they were nice, but a simple squeeze of her hand or Alex's arm around her waist was more than enough for her.
They toured a new art gallery that had recently opened before returning to the house. Olivia took time to observe the blonde as Alex studied the painting in front of her. Olivia could appreciate art, some of the abstract stuff she didn't quite get, but Alex enjoyed it and in turn Olivia enjoyed it.
"What?"
Olivia was pulled from her daydreaming to see Alex smiling at her. "What?"
"You were staring with this happy yet goofy smile on your face."
"Just admiring the art." Olivia said, taking Alex's hand in her own as they continued around the small gallery.
"You liked that one?" Alex furrowed her eyebrows "You don't typically like works like that."
Olivia squeezed her hand "I wasn't talking about the painting."
A grin followed by a peck on the cheek, Alex knew exactly what the brunette was referring to. She smiled brightly "You're such a sap."
"Only for you."
"So, our last night here." Alex said as they finally started their walk home. "What do we want to do?"
"I don't know."
"Well, we could go out for dinner, maybe catch a movie. I read in the paper there is a new play at that little theater over in Sag Harbor."
"How about just staying in? We could fix dinner, find a movie on Netflix, and just relax."
Alex breathed a sigh of relief, she hadn't really wanted to go out to begin with. "Sounds perfect."
Olivia grinned as they started up the driveway of their house "Plus, if we decide we want to make out like a couple of horny teenagers we don't have to worry about getting kicked out of the movie theater." She reached out and pinched Alex's side "I know how handsy you like to get from time to time."
"Oh please!"
"Oh please my ass! I can count on one hand how many times we've been to the movies and you didn't cop a feel!"
"It's not my fault they're so perfect and just…there." Alex held her hands out in front of her.
They walked through the house, discarding their shoes as they went. Olivia pulled them each a bottle of water from the refrigerator "They're just there, huh?"
"It's like they're taunting me." now both were laughing "Like they're saying 'squeeze me Alex, squeeze me. Come play with us.'"
"You're really not right, you know." Olivia said as she tried to regain control of her laughter.
Alex pulled her close "And you wouldn't have me any other way." her lips covering the brunette's in a passionate kiss.
A few hours later they were seated on the couch, feet propped on the coffee table along with a bottle of wine and two glasses, a bowl of popcorn between them. Alex flipped through Netflix trying to figure out what to watch "How about this one?"
"Oh, I've been meaning to mention that one to you. It looks good." Olivia said as Alex selected The Crown.
"More popcorn?" Olivia asked, halfway through the first episode.
"Guess that's what we get for making such a light dinner."
"It's all we had left in the fridge."
"Ooh!" Alex exclaimed as she closed the freezer "There's still some ice cream!"
"Can't let that go to waste, can we?"
A few candles cast light from their dying flames across the ceiling, an empty wine bottle along with an empty bowl and an empty ice cream container with two spoons sat on the coffee table. The TV was still playing but neither was paying attention. Alex was reclined against the corner of the couch with her feet propped on the coffee table. Olivia lay in a similar position, only slightly on her side leaning into the blonde. Her hand was resting on Alex's chest just over her heart while Alex's right hand was lightly running through Olivia's hair and her left rested on the brunette's hip. The kisses they shared were slow and gentle, neither getting too passionate.
"I miss our kids like crazy, but I miss being able to have moments like this too." Olivia whispered as she placed a few kisses along Alex's cheek.
"I was thinking the same thing earlier." She pulled back just enough to look Olivia in the eye "I mean as crazy as the early years were of trying to balance our relationship and our careers, I miss the little moments like this." she glanced at a picture of the kids on a nearby table "I love laying like this with you, but at the same time I love us laying on the couch at home watching a movie as a family, at least one or two kids curled up against us."
"We've built a pretty great life, haven't we?" the brunette's voice going slightly higher as she tried to control her emotions.
"We've built the best life." Alex replied as she pulled her in for another kiss.
Late Sunday morning they were headed back to the city, having opted for an early drive back to avoid the afternoon traffic. A gorgeous morning they once again made the trip with the top down on the Mustang. Olivia sang along to the radio while Alex danced in the seat next to her.
Turning onto their street Olivia guided the car into a spot, both sighed as they sat there in silence for a moment. They looked up at the house then to one another. "Ready to go back to the real world?" Alex sighed.
"As long as I've got you by my side, I'm ready for anything."
Alex leaned over for a kiss "I'll always be by your side."
"Hey, we're back!" Olivia called out as they walked in.
They were met with silence.
Alex gave her a sideways glance "It's too quiet." she looked around the living room "They've tied my Mom up and are plotting their takeover of the city."
Olivia laughed "That's a bit much, don't you think?"
"Have you met our kids?" Alex deadpanned.
Walking through the house they finally made out the sounds of their family coming from the back. When they entered the kitchen they saw all four kids, along with Laura, rushing around the small patio area.
"Hey guys!" Alex opened the French doors.
"Mommy! Momma!" the kids shouted as they ran for their mothers.
"What's all this?"
"We made you lunch!" Presley said excitedly.
"All by yourselves?" Olivia ruffled Noah's hair.
"No!" Noah giggled "Grandma helped!"
"Actually," Laura said stepping over to hug both women "Joey made the salad all by himself."
Alex pulled her oldest to her for a hug "Sounds like we have a little chef in the making."
The boy smiled "I like it. Maybe I can help a little with dinner sometimes?"
"We'll never turn down extra help!" Olivia laughed as she took a seat at the table.
Alex handed over a bag of treats from her Mom's favorite deli and bakery in the Hamptons as a thank you for babysitting, before taking a seat herself.
"So, I take it you two had a good time?" she raised her eyebrows and grinned.
"Great time." Alex replied "And that's all you're getting."
Their lunch was far from quiet as they listened as each kid caught them up on the last few days. Each one, even little Noah, talking with excitement as if every detail of their lives had been the most important thing in the world to happen.
After helping clean up Laura said her goodbyes, more than ready to go home for a little rest.
"This is for you." Olivia said as she walked the older woman to her car.
Laura looked at the piece of paper with a date, time and address on it, then quizzically back to the brunette.
"Just a little thank you from me for this weekend, for encouraging Alex and me to take a little time for ourselves. That is the address for a spa Alex and I have been to a couple times, they're excellent. I called this morning and made an appointment for you. Manicure, pedicure, facial, massage, the works."
"You are too sweet." She pulled Olivia in for a hug. "You didn't have to do this."
"I know, I wanted to." She sighed and glanced at the house. "Alex and I have the best life, it's turned out beyond our dreams. We're so proud of the family we have, but we also need to remember to take time for us too." She sighed "So thank you for reminding us of that."
"I'll always remind you." she grinned mischievously "I remember what it's like. I love you both, but I needed a break from you two at times as well."
The rest of the afternoon and evening was family time. Laura had made sure homework was completed, chores done, and everything kid related was ready to go for Monday morning. A trip to the park that afternoon, followed by an early dinner and a movie.
Baths given, kids winding down for the night, both ladies sat at the kitchen island with their phones and calendars spread out in front of them. "So, parents' night for the twin's school is Wednesday and Noah's teacher wants us for a parent teacher conference on Friday." Alex said while glancing at her schedule.
"I can make Wednesday night, and if I shift a meeting I can be there Friday as well."
"Both days are good for me." Alex replied "Um, Joey has a dentist appointment Tuesday afternoon."
"I gotta meet Dodds at One PP Tuesday afternoon." The brunette groaned.
"That's fine, I'm not in court this week so I can take him."
Olivia stood but was surprised when Alex stood and pushed her back against the counter. "And, date night for us Friday night? I'll see if Lucy is free and give my Mom a break."
"I look forward to it." Olivia barely got out before Alex's lips covered her own.
"Eww!"
Both looked over to see all four kids staring at them. "What's 'eww'?" Alex laughed.
"Kissing!" Noah said with a funny face.
"You kiss us all the time." Alex pulled him into her arms.
"Cause I love you Mommy."
To this day it amazed Alex how her kids could still melt her heart. "And I love you too baby."
"Aren't you getting too old to be kissing all the time?" Joey asked with Olivia's signature smirk.
"You're never too old, son." Olivia grabbed him playfully.
"Okay." He pulled away grinning but gave them a more serious look "Just don't do it in front of my friends!"
"It's getting late." Alex laughed as the kids begrudgingly left the kitchen. "Brush your teeth and we'll be up in a few to tuck you in."
As soon as they were alone again Alex turned back into her wife, placing a few kisses on her neck "And as soon as they're asleep I'll tuck you in."
Olivia kissed her wife quickly then ran towards the stairs, calling out as she charged up them "Bedtime guys!"
Alex laughed as she followed along.
Kids tucked in, hugs and kisses given, Alex grabbed the brunette by the waist and slowly backed her into their room. "I enjoyed our weekend, but I think we could do with a little more reconnecting." She waggled her eyebrows.
"If this is what a weekend away does to you, I think we need to do it a little more often." Olivia chuckled as she fell back on the bed, pulling Alex down on top of her.