Chapter Ten:

"Well," he began, "I, um, er. Olivia help?"

"I don't know what else to say. You explain," she said taking the take-out from his hands. But before she left the room, she whispered in his ear, "I have no objections."

Although Olivia was in the kitchen, she remained in such a position that she was able to hear every word of the conversation that was taking place in the lounge area.

"What happened to Elliot?" he asked, as he placed each child on one knee.

"Olivia; Mommy, so you; Daddy. Mommy and Daddy kiss," Josh said.

Olivia stifled a gasp in the kitchen, then grinned broadly as she imagined the expression on Elliot's face.

"Fair enough," he said, before proceeding to the next issue, "Why do you want me to live with you?"

"Mommy and Daddy live together?" Bella posed the statement as a question.

"I don't know about that," Elliot said, "How about we sleep on it?"

Both children must have nodded, because the subject was dropped and the children came into the kitchen for food. Elliot looked up at Olivia, as he entered the room, but didn't see her smile. In fact, she looked rather crestfallen.

Olivia remained relatively silent throughout the meal, and Elliot began to wonder what was wrong. He vowed to discuss the matter with her thoroughly after the children were asleep.

As they put Bella and Josh to sleep for the night, Olivia's eyes were glassy, as though they were filled with tears that she refused to let fall. When they were positive the children were asleep, Elliot led Olivia back to the lounge.

"What's wrong?" he asked, as they seated themselves, "You were really quiet at dinner."

"Nothing," she said, as she curled up against his side, trying to get as close to him as possible.

Elliot pulled back slightly, so he could look her directly in the eye, "Liv, I know when you're upset about something, and you were upset at dinner. Please, tell me what's wrong."

Olivia sighed, maybe she should tell him. "Why did you say you'd sleep on it? Don't you want to?"

"Want to? Sleep on it?" he repeated, "What are you talking about?"

"Living with us," Olivia mumbled, the words coming out muffled as she scooted closer to him once more.

"Oh, I didn't want to give them an answer straight away. We need to talk about this, Liv. It isn't that simple."

"You said it was," she contradicted, "When I was scared to be with you, you said it was simple. I either did or I didn't. Why does that logic fail now?"

"Liv, honey, it's not that the logic fails, it's just not that simple this time. I've never done this before, and I'm confused."

"I've never done this either, but I know what I want. I want you to come live with us. I know it's really soon, but El, I love you, so much. I want to be with you and I want you to live with us."

"I love you too," he replied, though it was clear that the rest of Olivia's speech had not been heard.

Olivia hugged him to her once more, and said quietly, "I don't want to pressure you, but think about it, please!"

Elliot nodded and they began to drift off, each dreaming of the other. The following morning, when Olivia woke up, there was no child or adult in sight. Panicking she raced around her apartment, and only stopped when she saw the note taped to the fridge.

'Morning, honey,' it began, 'Bella and Josh wanted to see the apartment again, and you looked so peaceful I didn't want to wake you. We'll be home by 12. Love always, El.'

Olivia smiled at the note, and looked at the clock. 11:45 – they ought to be home soon. Quickly, she made some brunch, showered and changed. When twelve o'clock came and went, Olivia began to get worried.

Where were they? Why weren't they home yet? She thought anxiously before reminding herself that they were with Elliot and therefore quite safe. At half past twelve she was well in a state of panic, when her phone rang.

"Where are you?" Elliot asked, as soon as he heard her answer.

"Home, where are you?" she replied, confused. Didn't the note say that they would be home at 12?

"I'm home," he began.

"But I don't see you," she interrupted.

"Liv, not that home, this one!" Elliot sounded exasperated.

"Huh?" she replied, confused.

"What did we talk about last night?" he asked, pronouncing the words slowly.

"Moving in together and the apartment," she paused, and then gasped as she came to an understanding, "You didn't?"

"I did. Now, hurry up and get here."

Olivia laughed, "Love you," she said before she hung up.

Elliot's reply of "Love you too," wasn't heard as she ran out of her apartment.

(Sorry, it's so short, but I hope the next chapter will be longer.)