Sunday Picnic

Ok kids sorry it has taken me so long to write this chapter. I just have these two stupid song fics running around in my brain and there isn't enough room up there for three stories! Also I have been very very busy as it is AIing season in my part of the world and I have to help with that cuz it is very important as well. It is also rodeo season and I still have a brother that is rodeoing so I have to be suportive big sister. So here is chapter 9 thanks for all the support, OneTreeFan you rock and you get the reward for thinking of a name for this damn thing! This story will now have a name thankfully. Thanks for all the suggestions and the reviews, I love it! I don't know what I am going to do with Max Keevler but I can gurantee you that Marshall Dillon sent Newly and Festus to pick him up-- go watch an epy of Gunsmoke if you don't believe me that they are his deputies!

Olivia stared out the door of the store. It had been almost a week since she had seen or heard anything from Elliot and she was begining to wonder if he was having second thoughts about persuing a relationship with her. She had at least hoped that he would stop by and let her know what was happening with Max Johnson but he hadn't.

The next day was Sunday and hoping against hope the night before Olivia had fried a whole chicken and made biscuits for their picnic lunch. She hoped that Elliot hadn't forgoten that he had asked her to go riding with him and to make a picnic lunch. Olivia finished packing up the picnic basket and then went up stairs to change her clothes. She chose a dress that wasn't to shaby for church nor to nice to wear out and about. When Elliot had asked her to go riding he had never specified if they were going riding in his buggy or if they were going horseback riding.

She was just pinning her hat in place when her grandfather called up the stairs. "Olivia! We must go, or we'll be late for church lass." Percy called from the bottom of the stairs.

Olivia came out right after that and said, "I'm right here granddad and I'm all ready to go."

Olivia looked around outside the church for Elliot's buggy and bay mare when they arrived a few minutes later. She was disappointed when she didn't see them setting outside. It wasn't until almost half way through the service before Olivia felt the strange sensation on the back of her neck almost like someone was tickling her and she knew that he was there. When they stood to sing the final hymnal of the day she turned and smiled first at Ethan and then at Elliot. She was elated to see that he returned her quick smile and then diverted his eyes to his hymnal.

Elliot hadn't planned on being late for church but when your buggy horse runs half way across the home pasture it couldn't be helped and that was exactly what had happened that morning. He and Ethan had driven into town as fast as they could but Elliot still felt odd coming into services half way through. He had relaxed a little when he saw Olivia with her grandfather only to panick again, what if she had forgotten their picnic this afternoon. He hoped that she hadn't but he decided if she had that it served him right for ignoring her for a whole week. He should have at least stopped in and let her know that they had kept Max Johnson Keevler in custody so that she wouldn't have to worry about him bothering her again.

When services dismissed, Elliot kept a hand on Ethan's shoulder to keep him from taking off and steered him towards the doorway to greet their pastor. After that was taken care of they made their way to where Olivia was visiting with a group of ladies. "Excuse me, Olivia." Elliot said, keeping his hand on his squirming son.

"Elliot!" Olivia said, the surprise at seeing him there evident in her voice. "What a pleasant surprise. Hello, Ethan, how are you?"

"Just fine ma'm." Ethan replied politely.

"Yes, Olivia, I was wondering if you were still planning on our picnic this afternoon. I know I haven't been around this week but it wasn't on purpose, I want you to know that." Elliot said.

"I know Elliot. I understand that you have other things going on and a ranch to run. Yes I am still planning our picnic, were you?"

"Yes, ma'm" Elliot said.

Just then Oliver and Emily came running up. "Mr. Stabler!" they said in unison.

"Yes children?" Elliot asked.

"We were wondering if Ethan could come home with us for dinner?" Emily asked.

"I have no problem with it." Elliot said. "I'll come and pick you up around five ok, Ethan."

"Yes sir."

After Elliot and Olivia watched Ethan walk away with Emily and Oliver, they loaded up into the buggy and went over to Olivia's house at the back of the general store. After the picnic basket was loaded into the back of the buggy they took off and headed out towards the creek that ran a few miles west of Rock Springs. When the pulled up into a shaded, secluded area that was blooming with flowers, Olivia inhaled deeply and said, "Oh what a beautiful spot Elliot."

"Do you like it?" he asked. He was hoping she would, and hoping that it would become their special place.

"Oh it is just beautiful here Elliot. Do you come here often?"

"No, I just discovered it a while ago. I would like for it to become a special place for us Olivia. Our own picnic spot, I guess." Elliot said.

"That sounds wonderful to me Elliot." Olivia said.

They picniced for the first time in that secluded spot that day, and it was the first time that Elliot had the courage to really kiss Olivia. It felt wonderful and Elliot wondered to himself why he had hesitated and only kissed her on the cheek after the dance last Saturday.

Driving home that eveing Elliot briefly looked from the road and said to Olivia, "I would like to see you again soon, Olivia."

"I would like the same thing Elliot. I have a wonderful time with you." Olivia said.

"Me too. How about next Sunday we go to our spot for another picnic. I also promise to try and make it in to see you during the week this week." Elliot said.

"Ok. That sounds good to me." Olivia said.

A few minutes later they pulled up in front of Olivia's grandfather's store. Elliot stopped the buggy and set the brake and then got down and helped Olivia down. When he sat her down on the ground he said, "I'd kiss you but I don't want folks talking about you."

Olivia blushed and laid her hands on his upper arms. "Do you want to protect my honor Mr. Stabler?" she said with a laugh. She wanted to tell the rest of the town to be damned but she knew that that wouldn't be appropriate so she kept her mouth shut. "Ok Elliot. So I will see you during the week this week?"

"I'll try my hardest to get into the town to see you." Elliot replied honestly. "Now I must go get Ethan. I'll see you later in the week and for sure next Sunday."

"Ok. Bye." Olivia said. She watched as Elliot drove away and felt her self looking forward until the next time she saw him again.