A/N: I know it has been a while since I updated and I am so sorry. Between the ungodly hours I have been putting in and the brick wall I hit on writing this chapter it has been a challenge. Thanks to Ladybug's momma for helping me past the wall. It looks as if my hours will now return to normal so hopefully I can start updating like I use to. For those that are still with me thank you so much for hanging in there.

Olivia looked at Alex as dread filled her. She knew Alex loved her, there was no doubt about that. The only question was, was her love enough to outstand the harsh demands of her job. In the years she had been on the force she had seen so many strong marriages fall apart. Some with rookies who hadn't been on the job six months others officers who's been married for twenty years. The long hours, little pay, and nonstop danger finally too much for the wives to handle.

"Alex" Olivia started to say but was stopped when Alex gently placed a finger on her lips.

"I need you to listen Olivia. I mean really listen and hear what I have to say."

Olivia nodded unsure if she could voice an answer.

"When we met you were training hard to become a cop. You achieved that and I for one have been so happy and proud of you for that. I stepped into the role of an officers girlfriend without one complaint. A job that I have handled quite well. Every day I have paced the floor relentlessly and nearly jumped out of my skin whenever the phone rang when you are out on patrol. I'm ok with that, not fine, but ok with it. With that said starting today there are going to be some changes. Changes that are going to take place whether you like it or not."

"Alex stop right there. You knew since the day you met me I was going to be a cop. Damn it you helped me pass the academy. So don't stand there now and say I have to choose the job or you. You have a lot of nerve to do that."

"I'm not asking you to leave the force, Olivia. I know the job is everything to you and I would never ask you to do that."

"What are you asking me Alex? Or shall I say what are you telling me. You've finally had enough and your out. Is that it? Because Alex the only way you will ever stop pacing the floor or jumping out of your skin when the phone rings is when I retire or leave the force."

" I know so I have at least another twenty years of pacing to go. We will be replacing a lot of flooring I can promise you that."

"Alex I'm confused. Your not asking me to choose the job or you and you're willing to keep pacing the floor. So what is it that you want?"

"I want you to leave SWAT."

"What?"

"Leave SWAT. I know you joined SWAT for the money. Honey we don't need the money. I turned twenty-five last month so we, and I do mean we, received my inheritance. There is no need for SWAT or side jobs. Truthfully there never was. You just always thought we did."

"Not we Alex, me. I hold my own. I always have and always will. I didn't come in this relationship looking for hand outs and sure the hell wont start now. So when I need money I will do what I need."

"Olivia there is a we in this relationship."

"I know but I am not a kept woman."

"That's fine. I'm not asking you to be a trophy wife. Not yet anyways. I think I'll wait a few years for that."

"I'm not a trophy wife either."

"You will be. Now stop changing the subject. When you go in for your debriefing and what ever else you have to do I want you to put in your resignation from SWAT. Then I want you to consider taking a transfer to a less dangerous position. I'm thinking computer crimes would be perfect. You would never be on the street and be safe behind a desk."

"good job counselor on how you snuck that in. Now I see how you win most of your cases."

"Can't blame a woman for trying."

"No I can't which is why I had a surprise for you on our wedding day. It was going to be my wedding present to you. I knew how bad it bothered you that I was on the street, although I had no clue about SWAT. So I talked to your uncle about taking the detectives exam."

"You did?"

"Yeah I was past the sign up date so I called him for a favor. Something I didn't think I would ever do. Anyways he was able to squeeze me in and let me take it. Captain Jones and some of the guys from SWAT helped me study for it."

"The extra training exercise you had been doing?"

"Yeah that's them. We were meeting in the briefing room at our training area and going over the study guide."

"Why didn't you just tell me?"

"I wanted to surprise you. I could see the toll that the stress was taking on you with me working the streets. Plus I didn't want you to think of me as a failure if I didn't pass it."

"Honey I could never think of you like that."

"I know I just want to be the best for you."

"And you are. So about the test. Did you take it?"

"I did."

"And?"

"I passed made an 88 on it. Could of made better but I passed. I put in my request for a transfer the day I received the results."

"When was that?"

"About a month and a half ago."

"I'm really starting to feel like I'm questioning a suspect on the stand Olivia Benson. Now please tell me what I want to know without having to go through the third degree."

"OK Blondie. I received my papers granting my transfer to the Special Victims Unit at the 1-6. I am to report there at the first of next month."

"Olivia" Alex choked out as tears started to fall from her eyes.

"Wait you haven't heard the best part. Last night was my last call out with SWAT. I had already put in my letter to them. A week from today we were all meeting for a going away get together for me. It was a fluke that I was shot on my last roll out."

Alex flung herself into Olivia's arms burying her head into the nook of her neck and allowed the tears to fall freely.

Ignoring the pain that was coursing through her body Olivia wrapped her arms around Alex. She began rubbing small soothing circles all over he back.

"Would you ladies like us to come back?" Robert asked as he saw the scene unfolding before him.

"No dad come in." Alex choked out as she stood and began to wipe the tears from her face.

"We wanted to stop by and see if you need anything. Maybe let us sit with Olivia while you run home and freshen up and maybe grab a bite to eat."

"Thanks dad but I need to stay here with Olivia."

"You also need to take care of your self" Crystal said as she grabbed Alex's coat and began to help her in it "If we haven't killed Olivia by now I promise we won't kill her now."

"Go take a shower and change clothes" Olivia said when Alex looked at her "I'll be fine I promise."

"I'll be back soon."

Olivia waited until she knew Alex was gone before turning to Alex's parents.

"I was wondering if you two could help me with something?"