Prompt #60: Building a snowman/snowball fight
Snowball Fight and a Snowman
~oOo~
It was the same park that they used to bring Eli and the older kids to play in the snow. Also, the same park just three years ago, Elliot handed her the letter that he didn't write. Snow blanketed the city the last two days, now on a rare day off they're here together with Eli, Noah, and his grandkids.
Elliot brought her a coffee and had a tray of hot chocolates for the kids. He handed her the coffee as she kept an eye on the boys as they went down the hill. "Here you go," he said as he handed it to her.
"Thank you. They're having fun."
"Yes, they are. I'm glad we both were able to come today. The boys love Noah," he said, smiling as Kieran and Noah were making snow angels.
He called the boys over to take a break and get warmed up for a few minutes.
Liv found a nearby bench for them to sit on. "This is perfect snow for building a snowman."
Both boys looked excited. "Can we, Grandpa?"
Elliot laughed. "Yes, just stay around where we can see you."
The three younger boys set down their hot chocolate in the tray before getting started on the snowman.
Eli was sitting next to Liv. "How's school going?"
"Good. It's cold in Colorado. I'm kind of sad to be leaving in a couple weeks. Dad's been great since I've been home. He's happier and more relaxed."
"He's enjoyed having you home. You know if you wanted to transfer back, you'd have his full support."
"I know, I just don't know how to tell him." He shrugged, glancing back to where Elliot was kneeling down, laughing, while helping the kids get their base built for the snowman.
"Be honest with him, honey. He's trying harder to spend time with all of the kids."
"I've heard in our sibling chat. They've also told me how great Noah is and I've seen that the last couple weeks. Dad loves you both."
"I love him too. You will let me know if you ever have any reservations or need anything. Just don't forget your happiness is important to him too."
"I won't," he said before getting up to join the boys. She smiled at the scene in front of her, thinking how this was all she'd ever wanted. She was so lost in thoughts, she didn't see the flying snowball at her until it hit her arm. Startled, she jumped, the boys laughing. She was trying to identify who threw the snowball. She met his eyes and knew it was Elliot. She reached down and grabbed a handful of snow, balling it up and throwing it back at her. The boys were laughing, so Elliot threw one at them next. They soon were all having a snowball fight in the middle of the park. To any onlookers, they were one happy family.
Liv fell into the snow as Elliot was throwing another, so he leaned down to help her up. Kissing her as the boys went back to their snowman. They sat down on the bench. "I love you, Liv."
"I love you, El. This has been a great day," she said, curling into his side to stay warm but also close to him. He wrapped her in his arms.
An hour later, there was a small snowman built. Eli had gathered a few sticks for the arms. Elliot found someone nearby to take their picture as a family but also the boys by themselves to send to the family chat.
When they arrived home, Maureen was there to pick them up. The boys were excited and talking a mile a minute about the snowball fight and snowman they built. They wanted to go again with Grandpa and Livvie.
The author of this SVU - Heart for the Holidays story will be revealed in January
