A/N: When reading the first part of this, listen to the song Color of My Love by Celine Dion and then for their first dance listen to I Swear by All For One. Warning: Pure fluff with some rated M content at the end, it's my first time writing a scene like that soo uh, bear with me.
Disclaimer: I do not own the songs used in this
"Turn around! Let us see!"
"Oh my god!"
"We're gonna have the most beautiful stepmother in the world!"
"Liv you are gorgeous! Dad's gonna die when he sees you."
"I hope he doesn't. You don't think-" The Stabler girls giggled at Olivia's reaction and how much she loved their father.
"Relax mom. You look perfect. Our daddy loves you more than anything and we love you too!"
"Aww thank you, Katie. I love you guys a whole lot too." She sniffled. "It's a good thing I don't have makeup on yet I'm already crying damnit." She laughed and Maureen handed her a tissue.
"You do not need makeup you're flawless."
"Trust me Mo when you're my age, makeup is not something you want to go without."
"I'm pretty sure dad would love you no matter what your face looks like."
"He is pretty sweet isn't he?" She spoke in a dreamy tone and the girls pretended to gag.
"Eww, that's our dad you're talking about. Save the mush for the honeymoon when you're making us our new baby sister. Dickie wants a brother but he's outnumbered." She rolled her eyes and her smile grew when she felt the youngest Stabler girl tug on her dress.
"Yes, Lizzie?"
"Can I call you mama Liv?"
"You sure can sweetie." She sniffled. "Look at me the wedding hasn't even started and I'm already bawling."
"Knock knock."
"Hey, Grandpa Don."
"Hey Cap." He was the closest thing she'd ever had to her father and had been the one to introduce her to her husband to be, so when she had asked him to be the one to give her away he said yes without hesitation.
"You ready?" He couldn't remember a time he had ever been as proud as he was of his two best detectives. Their dedication to the job and their love and devotion to each other was stronger than ever.
"I am." She looped her arm with his as the Stabler girls, who were her bridesmaids, started the walk down the aisle and made room for their future stepmother.
X
"Stabler calm down. It's not like you haven't been married before, you're gonna sweat and ruin that suit." He rolled his eyes at the comment from his best friend from his marine days who had flown in to be the best man.
"Yeah but this. This is Liv and I just want everything to be perfect."
"It will be. You're both marrying your best friend, your partner, the person you love unconditionally. Trust me I've been married 4 times but this one, you guys have the relationship that will last forever."
"Wow. Thanks, Munch."
"I can be wise when I want to be." Elliot rolled his eyes but before he could respond someone tapped him on the shoulder.
"Stabler, It's time." As the music filled the church and he turned to the sight before him, his heart skipped a few beats. She was so beautiful he felt a lump in his throat and tears in his eyes. Color Of My Love was the song they'd chosen for when she walked down the aisle and it was so perfect. So them.
Her dress was an elegant pearl white with a sweetheart neckline that flowed at her feet. Her hair was curled and held in a flower clip that was her something borrowed. It had belonged to Althea Tibbs and Virgil had sent it to her, saying he wouldn't be able to make it to the wedding but to think of it as a thank you present for trying to save his wife all those years ago. Despite his loss, he knew it hadn't been Olivia and Elliot's fault and wanted to wish them all the best. Her something old was a necklace that had been her mother's, her something new and something blue was a matching lace underwear/bra set their ADA had given her because it "matched the shade of Elliot's eyes'. She had rolled her eyes but gone with it anyway and wore it under her dress. She had decided not to go with makeup but she didn't need it anyway. She was the most beautiful woman in the world to him and the guys were right, today would be perfect. It already was.
The preacher cleared his throat. "Who gives this woman to this man?"
"I do." Their Captain stated proudly and the partners' smiles grew as they took each other's hands and brown eyes mixed with blue. Elliot leaned in to kiss a couple stray tears away and heard "Awws" from the guests.
"Dearly beloved we are gathered here today in the presence of family and friends to join two of our cities finest, Detective Elliot Stabler and Detective Olivia Benson in matrimony commended to be honorable among all and therefore is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, passionately, lovingly and solemnly. In their partnership, they have seen their love and understanding of each other grow and blossom and now they have come to be joined as one. If any person objects to this sacred union let them speak now or forever hold their peace." The whole church seems to sigh in relief when no one speaks up. "Now the partners will share the vows they've prepared for each other." Elliot clears the tears clogged in his throat.
"2 years ago our Captain told me I was a getting a new partner and my first thought was 'oh great I'm gonna have to train some incompetent new rookie who's barely old enough to drive' he told me this one was different, that I'd probably piss her off but she'd be able to handle my crap like no one else could. " Everyone in the room laughed including Cragen who remembered the day fondly and smirked. "The next day I walked into his office and he said you were on your way and I honestly don't even remember what I was expecting but baby the minute you walked in that door I knew my heart was gone and I never wanted it back. I had never seen anything, anyone more beautiful in my life. I wanted to tell Don there was no way you could work here, you were too gorgeous and there was no way you could be my partner because I had to be dreaming. I made a vow that day, one that I will keep for the rest of my life that I would protect you with my life every single day, but it didn't take long for me to realize I didn't really need to make that promise because you could clearly kick ass when you needed to for the victims and for me and our squad and just, Olivia Benson I started falling in love with you the minute you shook my hand and told me you were my new partner. I'm still falling and I know I won't ever stop but I don't have to worry because I know you'll be there to catch me and baby I don't care how bad-ass you are I will guard you with everything in me until my last breath. I will always be here to catch you and hold you. I know I can be an over-protective hotheaded asshole, I'm far from perfect and I have no idea what I did to deserve someone as amazing as you but Livia you are so special to me there aren't enough words to describe how much you mean to me. I can't undo the pain you've suffered in the past, but I'm gonna try my best to give you the future you deserve. I never want you to spend a single moment in doubt of how much I love you. You're my best friend, you're my partner for better or worse in every sense of the word, at work and in life and today, when I get done rambling we will officially be partners for life. You're the other half of my soul, actually, you're my better half. There's no place I'd rather be than right here by your side. We fit in sync in everything we do. You complete me Olivia Benson and that's why today I take you to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I give you my sacred vow to love you unconditionally and cherish you with all that I am. I will trust you, respect you and protect you. Laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love now and forever as long as we both shall live." Olivia was pretty sure her heart had melted and didn't know if she could get through her vows without sobbing.
"Elliot" Her voice cracked and she swallowed and sniffled before continuing. "I'm a little pissed at you right now for making me cry before I have the chance to get through what I have to say to you but like you said we're partners and everything we do is in sync which means that you'll be crying after this too." Everyone laughed and Elliot wiped her tears with his thumb. "El-" She cleared her throat and laughed as she tried to pull herself together. "There you go again taking my breath and my ability to form coherent sentences. But you know me so well Elliot Stabler, you can read me and know me better than I know myself so you probably already know what I'm gonna say. You've been my rock from day one. You know me inside and out from silly quirks to my deepest darkest secrets and you've never faltered, you never let go, you've loved me more than anyone ever has. You've stood by my side no matter what it cost you. You take care of me, you keep me safe. You're right, you can be an overprotective hothead but you're my overprotective hothead and I wouldn't change you for the world. you're not the only one who started falling in love that first day and you have a habit of making me love you more and more each day and I know that will never change. The words to describe how much you mean to me haven't been invented yet El. You're giving me too much credit, I'm far from perfect. You've already given me more than I deserve and no we can't change the past but with you, I feel like I can get through anything and I'm not afraid Elliot, you make me strong. You're my home and there's nowhere I feel safer than by your side, in your arms and there's nowhere I'd rather be. I never want you to spend a moment in doubt of how much I love you either. You're the better half of my soul, my partner in every sense of the word for better or worse, you've had the key to my heart since day one and I never want it back. You complete me Elliot Stabler and that's why today I take you to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I give you my sacred vow to love you unconditionally and cherish you with all that I am. I will trust you, respect you and protect you. Laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love now and forever as long as we both shall live." There wasn't a single dry eye in the room and Elliot who was just as choked up as Olivia had been turned to the priest.
"Can I kiss her yet?" He chuckled and turned to Elliot's son Dickie who was the ring bearer.
"May I have the rings please?" Elliot took Olivia's hand and delicately slipped the ring on her finger. His tenderness causing more tears to flow from her eyes.
"Olivia I give you this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you." He lifted their hands and placed a soft kiss on the knuckle of her ring finger. Olivia took the ring with as much gentleness as Elliot had given her.
"Elliot I give you this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."
"Then by the power invested of me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Elliot, you may kiss your bride."
He cupped her cheek and kissed her deeply and with so much love and passion she might have fallen if it weren't for his strong arm wrapped around her waist. They were both smiling into the kiss and had forgotten there was anyone else in the room. It was a kiss sealed in promises of love, devotion, protection, and sacrifice and it was enough to wash away any scars and secrets. The kiss went on for so long that the preacher had gotten hoarse from clearing his throat and John Munch had fallen asleep in his chair. They exchanged a few more pecks before pulling apart completely but kept their arms wrapped around each other.
"Ladies and gentlemen I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Elliot and Olivia Stabler!" The crowd erupted in cheers and Olivia squealed in delight as Elliot scooped her up in his arms and kissed her one more time before carrying her to the limo that would take them to the reception.
X
The reception hall was simple but beautiful and the night was filled with laughter and tears as friends and family stood up to toast the newly married partners who sat snuggled up next to each other. Elliot's kids talked about how Olivia already felt like a part of their family and they were excited it was official now, the squad talked about how they knew this was coming and some had even bet on it and wished them a lifetime of happiness. Now the bride and the groom would say a few words of thanks as well as for each other. Olivia stood up and wiped her eyes which seemed to be flowing nonstop with happy tears all day. She was Mrs. Stabler now and it was the best feeling in the world. Elliot wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her hand away from her face so he could pepper her face with sweet kisses and brush her tears away.
"Ok, I bet $100 Stabler #5 will be in the making in about 2 hours."
"Shut up John." They rolled their eyes and said in unison.
"I can't seem to talk much without crying today but I'll start by saying thank you to all of you for coming and making this the happiest day of my life."
"Our life baby." Elliot looked at her with a loving gaze and smile that she returned.
"Our life." She kissed their intertwined hands.
"And I agree with my beautiful, amazing wife. We are so thankful for and love all of you very much. Especially my kids."
"Our kids." Olivia lovingly corrected him the way he had her earlier and it was a beautiful reminder that they were now one. A family.
"Our kids. I love this woman more than I can explain and I thank god for her every day."
"Awww" The crowd cooed and the couple shared a quick kiss before going to the cake table. As tradition, they each fed each other a slice. The guests laughed when, as very 'Benson and Stabler like', they both got a devilish glint in their eye, smirked and got some icing on each other's faces 'accidentally'. Then the cake was served to everyone else. A little while later it was time for their first dance as husband and wife and Elliot held Olivia with so much delicacy and love she thought she would melt again as they swayed to the music and he sang softly to her.
She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, letting him serenade her, letting him love her.
Cause I'll stand beside you through the years
You'll only cry those happy tears
And though I make mistakes
I'll never break your heart
And I swear like a shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, till death do us part
"El-"
"Shh" She giggled knowing he probably thought she was worrying about something and he soothed her like always.
"I was gonna say I love you, Mr. Stabler."
"I love you too Mrs. Stabler, with every beat of my heart, I swear." She knew he meant every word and she felt the exact same way. At the end of the song, he twirled her around a few times before dipping her and pulling her into a kiss.
It was perfect. Everything was perfect.
X
She laughed as he scooped her up bridal style and carried her to the limo that would take them to the hotel. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply as he spun them around before getting into the limo.
She was Mrs. Olivia Stabler and it felt like the whole day had been a dream. Part of her wondered if it was real or if she'd wake up and it would be 1988 and she'd be Audine Higgs. But that part of her was fading. Elliot Stabler was alive, they had survived and he had married her. She would never again be Audine Higgs and she was so much more than Olivia Benson. She was Olivia Stabler and she'd never get tired of her new last name and what it symbolized.
"What are you thinking Mrs. Stabler?" Elliot's voice in her ear sent warm shivers down her spine and she giggled.
"I'm thinking that if this is a dream I don't ever want to wake up." He chuckled and nibbled on her earlobe knowing it drove her crazy.
"This is a dream come true honey. This is the rest of our lives." She snuggled into him.
"Mmm love you."
"I love you more." Before he could kiss her again the driver honked the horn to get their attention, alerting them that they had arrived.
"You lovebirds enjoy your stay."
Elliot picked her up again to carry her to their room and the minute he set her down her lips were attached to his neck. He chuckled and kissed her deeply before pulling away to bring in their suitcases. She pouted when he pulled away and he chuckled again as he pulled her into his arms.
"Baby relax. We've got all the time in the world."
"I know I just...we haven't in a while and I know I've hesitated after what happened with Lester and you recovering and everything but I just want our wedding night to be special."
"Oh, honey every day with you is special no matter what but if you're sure your ready."
"I am. If you haven't noticed I can't seem to stop kissing you today."
"I had no idea." He teased. "Oh, baby let me just look at you for a second. Have I mentioned how beautiful you are?"
"You keep saying that as much as you do and I might start to believe it.
"Well, you should because you are. And that dress. You make a sexy bride Olivia Stabler. My bride."
"Say that again." She snuggles into his embrace as they sway from side to side like they'd done when dancing earlier.
"Olivia Stabler. My bride. My wife. My love. My heart. My world. My life." He punctuates each phrase with a kiss to either her eyelids, forehead, nose, cheeks or chin purposely teasing her by missing her lips.
"That was poetic." She teases but smiled at his cheesy but loving and affectionate words.
"I can be very poetic in my romantic gestures when given the chance." She laughs
"Just shut up and kiss your wife, Detective Stabler."
"Gladly Detective Stabler." He kisses her, long, slow and deep and she returns it with equal passion. Their tongues danced together in gentle strokes as her hands ran along the muscles in his arms that had held her and protected her so many times and across the shoulders that were always there for her to cry on. He chuckled against her mouth as she struggled to remove his tie without breaking the kiss.
"Need some help?" He teases as he peppered her jawline with sweet kisses
"You're enjoying this aren't you?"
"Maybe a little." He kisses her nose and pulls away to untie his own tie and throw it across the room before lifting her up into his arms and nibbling her earlobe again. He sucked the spot behind her ear softly and then moved to the other side to do the same before kissing down her neck in a way that felt achingly slow to Olivia as she undid the buttons of his dress shirt and Elliot chuckled when she groaned in a mix of pleasure and frustration.
"Patience Livvy." Her dress was unzipped and fell to the ground as Elliot placed light kisses to her shoulders and ran his hands up her back.
"Lace and silk? You trying to kill me Liv?" She peppers his chest with kisses.
"You're not allowed to die on me, Elliot Stabler."
"Never baby. Never." She kisses the scars left from the bullet wounds, reminders that he almost did but they had survived. "Livia look at me. I'm here honey, always." He gave her a deep, soulful kiss of reassurance as he unclasped her bra and laid her gently on the bed. He looked her over and the love in his eyes was overwhelming.
"So beautiful." She hated both her mother and Lester for the fact that she still felt insecure about her body and part of her probably always would. It broke Elliot's heart anytime she tried to shield a scar or something from him.
"You never have to hide from me, Livia. I love you, all of you so much. Even the parts you'd rather forget." His words brought tears to her eyes and her heart swelled with love and affection for him.
"I love you too, so much baby. Make love to me El."
It was the little things, how he gently caressed the curves of her body and took his time rather than rushing her and demanding things from her like Lester had done. How he kissed the scars on her chest because they only made her more beautiful in his eyes. How he gave her breasts attention without being too rough because he knew that was a trigger. How he managed to love every inch of her no matter how long it took because he wanted her to feel all the love she hadn't had over the years in every aspect of their lives including their times of intimacy. He was the most selfless person she'd ever met, always making sure her needs, whether physical, mental/emotional or intimate desires, were cared for before his own. How he moved back up to look at her eyes before their remaining clothes were discarded to make sure she was still ok. How he made sure she was ready for him so he wouldn't hurt her. How she realized how safe she felt under him as he shielded her body with his. How he moved his lips to her neck or the side of her face instead of her lips as he slowly pushed into her so she could tell him if she needed to stop. How they moved and filled each other in perfect sync like they did with everything else when their bodies became one. All of those things reminded her of some of the many reasons she loved her partner, her husband as much as she knew he loved her. They had survived hell together and although there would likely be obstacles in the future they knew their love was strong enough to get them through anything. They made love well into the night, alternating positions and loving each other equally and for the first night since their ordeal, she didn't have nightmares.
She allowed herself to relax in wedded bliss in the arms of her partner, her rock, her protector, her love, her other half, her husband.
Her Elliot.
They shared a few lazy kisses after their last release before snuggling into each other's arms. There were no more secrets between them. They held each other in a cocoon of protection.
"I love you, Mrs. Stabler."
"I love you more Mr. Stabler."
Perfect. Today was the start of forever and it felt perfect.
A/N: Done! I finally finished a story! Thank you to all who have read this one :) Not sure about a sequel, but I'll be writing some more of Father of Mine before starting on a sequel for this one. Till next time my loyal readers. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!