Eight month time skip
Elliot sat up a little straighter on the couch, his gaze turning serious. "Noah, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about," he began, his voice gentle but firm.
Noah's eyes widened, sensing the gravity in Elliot's tone. He sat up straight as well, giving Elliot his full attention. "What is it?" he asked his expression a mixture of curiosity and nervousness.
Elliot took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto Noah's. "Noah, I really care about your mom," he started, his voice steady and sincere. "And I was thinking, maybe I could ask her to marry me. But I wanted to talk to you first to see how you felt about it."
Noah's eyes widened at Elliot's words, a mix of surprise and curiosity on his face. "You want to marry Mom?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief. He sat there in silence for a moment, taking in the information.
Elliot chuckled softly at Noah's question, his tension easing a bit. He reached out and ruffled the boy's hair affectionately. "Only if you're okay with that, buddy."
Noah thought about it for a moment, his eyes scanning Elliot's face. He could see the genuine affection in the older man's gaze, and it made him feel strangely comfortable.
"Yes," he said slowly, his voice small. "You make Mom happy, and I love that you're my dad." Noah smiles
Elliot's heart swelled at Noah's words, a mix of relief and joy washing over him. He smiled warmly, his eyes shining with emotion. "That means a lot to me, Noah," he replied, his voice soft. "I promise I'll always be here for you, and I'll do everything I can to make you and your mom happy. Now, since your momma is at work, why don't you and I go ring shopping?" Says Elliot, smiling.
With a shared grin, Elliot and Noah stood up from the couch, both feeling a rush of excitement. Elliot reached out and ruffled the boy's hair once more.
"Alright, let's go," he said, a hint of eagerness in his voice. "We have a ring to find, and I trust you won't spill the secret to your mom."
.Noah nodded eagerly, a serious expression on his face. "No way, I can keep a secret!" he said, puffing out his chest proudly.
Elliot chuckled and tousled his hair again. "That's the spirit," he said, impressed by the boy's determination. "Let's get going, partner."
Together, Elliot and Noah left the house, both feeling a sense of excitement and secrecy. They chatted animatedly as they made their way through the streets towards a nearby jeweler. As they walked, Elliot couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. He was shopping for a ring for the love of his life, with her son by his side. It was a special moment, one he would cherish forever.
They reached the jewelry store, and Elliot held the door open for Noah to enter first. The store was filled with gleaming display cases, each one showcasing a different assortment of sparkling rings."Alright," Elliot said, his eyes scanning the rows of rings. "Let's find a piece worthy of your mom."
They began making their way through the store, each ring they came across sparkling more brilliantly than the last. Noah's eyes were wide with awe, taking in the dazzling array of choices.
Elliot chuckled, amused by Noah's amazed expression. "Yeah, there are a lot to choose from," he agreed, his eyes scanning the rows of jewelry. "We just have to find the one that speaks to us."
They continued their search, moving from case to case, each one glittering under the store's bright lighting.
As they browsed through the new selection, Elliot pointed out a few different rings, explaining his reasoning for each one.
"See, this one has a delicate pattern that I think your mom would appreciate," he said, pointing to a ring with a thin band and an intricate design. "It's not too flashy, but it's elegant and beautiful."
Noah nodded, his eyes never leaving the ring Elliot had pointed out. "Yeah, that one's nice," he said, his voice filled with thoughtful consideration. Elliot couldn't help but grin at the boy's serious expression. "Well," he said, a hint of mirth in his voice, "looks like you're taking this seriously."
"Of course I am!" Noah exclaimed, his eyes widening as if the question surprised him. "It's a big deal! We have to get Mom the best ring, right?"
Elliot chuckled, thoroughly amused by the boy's dedication to the task. "You're absolutely right, buddy. We only have one chance to get this right."
They continued their search for a while more, each ring they looked at bringing them closer and closer to the perfect one. Noah's eyes widened and sparkled as he evaluated each ring, his small face full of excitement and determination.
As they passed another case, a particular ring caught Elliot's eye. He couldn't help but smile as he pointed it out to Noah. "Look at this one, buddy. I think we may have found a winner."
Noah's eyes went wide with wonder as he gazed at the ring in the glass case. The centerpiece was an elegantly cut gemstone that seemed to shimmer with an inner glow. Delicate diamonds encrusted the band, creating a pattern that seemed to dance in the light. "Whoa," he breathed, his voice filled with awe. "That one's beautiful."
Elliot chuckled at Noah's reaction, his eyes returning to the ring. "Doesn't it look like something your mom would love?" he asked, although he already knew the answer.
Noah just nodded silently, his eyes still fixed on the dazzling ring. He was clearly mesmerized by its beauty.
After making the purchase, Elliot carefully tucked the ring box into his pocket. He then steered Noah towards a nearby park, an air of excitement surrounding them.
"Alright, buddy," he said, his voice holding a note of anticipation. "It's time to set up the proposal."
Elliot led Noah to a quiet area of the park, a spot under a large, shady oak tree. He looked around, checking that no one was watching them, before turning back to Noah.
"Keep a lookout, will you?" he said in a hushed whisper. "I need to set up a few things before your mom gets here."
Noah nodded solemnly, his eyes darting around the park to act as a lookout. He seemed to take his role as a guard very seriously.
Elliot chuckled lightly at Noah's enthusiasm and then began setting up some small props around the area: a bouquet of Olivia's favorite flowers, a small picnic blanket, and a few small fairy lights to create a romantic atmosphere.
After a few minutes of setting up, Elliot stepped back and surveyed his work. The space under the tree was now adorned with a display of romance, the flowers bright against the dark green grass and the twinkling fairy lights adding a warm glow.
Satisfied, Elliot turned back to Noah, who was standing nearby watching intently. "Perfect," he whispered with a grin.
"You did a good job guarding," Elliot commended, patting Noah on the head. "Now we just have to wait for your mom." They settled down on the blanket, the anticipation thick in the air.
Several minutes passed, each one feeling longer than the last. Just as Elliot was starting to grow anxious, a familiar figure appeared at the park entrance. "Hey," he whispered to Noah, his voice quiet with excitement. "Your mom's here."
Noah's head shot up, his eyes darting towards the entrance. Sure enough, Olivia was making her way through the park, her familiar gait and gentle smile immediately recognizable.
Elliot took a deep breath. "Here we go," he murmured, a mix of anticipation and nerves coursing through him.
As Olivia drew closer, her eyes met Elliot's, and a warm smile spread across her face. "Hey, you two," she greeted, her voice soft and affectionate.
Elliot couldn't help but return the smile, his heart pounding in his chest. "Hey baby," he replied, his voice calm and steady despite the butterflies in his stomach.
Olivia's eyes drifted to the picnic blanket and the various props laid out around them, her brow raised in curiosity. "What's all this?" she asked, her expression curious.
Elliot swallowed, trying to keep his voice normal. "Just a little something we wanted to do haave a picnick." He gestured for her to join them on the blanket.
Elliot chuckled nervously, his hand subconsciously moving to his pocket where the ring box resided. "Well," he began, his voice a bit shaky, "We wanted to do something special for you.."
Olivia's eyebrows raised again, a hint of surprise on her face. She seemed to sense the change in the air, the atmosphere shifting between them.
Elliot withdrew the ring box from his pocket, his heart pounding against his chest. He took another deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. With trembling hands, he opened the ring box, revealing the glinting ring nestled within. He watched as Olivia's eyes widened slightly, a gasp of surprise escaping her lips." Elliot..." she whispered, her voice filled with shock and wonder.
Elliot slowly lowered himself down onto one knee, looking up at Olivia with a mixture of nervousness and longing. "Olivia," he began, his voice quavering slightly. "You've been my best friend, my rock, for so many years. You're everything to me."
He paused, taking a breath. "I love everything about you. Your kindness, your strength, your smile. And I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy."
Olivia's eyes shone with unshed tears, her breath catching in her throat. "Elliot..." she whispered again, her voice choked with emotion. Elliot reached out and took her hand in his, his thumb rubbing small circles over her knuckles. "I know I'm not perfect," he continued. "But I promise to love and cherish you for the rest of my days."
He swallowed hard, his fingers tightening around her hand. "Will you marry me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Time seemed to stand still for a moment, the world around them frozen in suspense. The only sound was the soft rustling of the leaves in the tree above them.
Noah squealed in excitement, his small body bouncing up and down in pure joy. "I'm gonna be Noah Benson-Stabler!" he shouted, his voice filled with enthusiasm. The couple chuckled at Noah's joyful outburst, their arms encircling the little boy between them.
The mood suddenly shifts from joyous to chaotic as Olivia gasps, clutching her stomach. "Oh my gods," she manages to say, her face paling.
Olivia managed a small smile, her eyes gleaming with both pain and excitement. "Looks like the baby's coming," she whispered through gritted teeth.
Elliot's eyes widened, and his mind suddenly flurryed with activity. "Okay," he said, trying to keep his voice calm. "We need to get you to the hospital. Now."
They made their way quickly to the car, each step a trial for Olivia. She groaned with every step, her hand clutching Elliot's arm tightly.
Elliot helped her into the passenger seat, making sure she was as comfortable as possible, given the circumstances. He then got in the driver's seat, sparing a quick glance at a worried-looking Noah in the rearview mirror.
"Noah," Elliot said, turning to look at the boy. "Can you call Aunt Alex and let her know we're on our way to the hospital? She needs to meet us there."
Noah nodded, his small face serious. He took out a phone and quickly called his Aunt Alex, his voice slightly shaky but determined.
Elliot starts the car and drives off, his eyes constantly flicking between Olivia in the passenger seat and the road ahead. His heart is racing, adrenaline pumping through his veins.
"We're almost there, Liv," he assures her. "Just hang in there, okay?"
Olivia nods, her face tight with pain and determination. She grips the armrest of the car and takes a deep breath, trying to control her breathing. Suddenly, the car goes over a small bump in the road, and Olivia lets out a sharp cry of pain. Elliot winces in sympathy, knowing all he can do is drive as quickly and safely as possible.
Every minute feels like an eternity as the car continues to speed towards the hospital. Elliot grips the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white. "We're almost there," he repeats, more to himself than anyone else. "Just a few more minutes."
"My wife's water just broke!" Elliot calls out as they burst through the doors of the hospital.
Nurses and medical staff immediately swarm around them, quickly ushering them towards a small room where Elliot gently lowers Olivia onto a bed. Everything happens quickly; nurses attach monitors to Olivia and take her vitals.
Elliot turns to Alex as she enters the room, looking frazzled but determined. "Alex," he says, his voice taut with tension. "I need you to stay here with Noah. I'm going in with Liv."
Alex nods, understanding the situation immediately. "Of course," she says, moving over to Noah and putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.
The room is a flurry of activity. Nurses and doctors surround Olivia, coaxing her as she pushes through the pain. Elliot stands by her side, holding her hand and gently wiping her sweat-dampened forehead. "You're doing so well," he whispers to her. "Just a bit more, sweetheart."
Olivia groans, her face tight with effort. She grips Elliot's hand, her fingers digging into his palm. "I can see the head!" a doctor calls out. "Just a few more pushes, Olivia!"
With a final guttural moan, Olivia gives one last push. The room falls silent, then is filled with a high-pitched cry. "It's a girl!" the doctor announces, holding a wriggling bundle of pink blankets.
The nurses quickly whisk the baby away to a nearby table, immediately attending to the newborn. Elliot watches, his heart hammering in his chest.
A moment later, a nurse brings the baby over to them. The baby is quiet now, wrapped tightly in a pink blanket, her eyes wide and curious. "She's perfect," Elliot whispers, staring at the tiny bundle in the nurse's arms.
The nurse smiles and deposits the baby into Elliot's arms. He holds her carefully, gently supporting her head. A wave of tenderness and awe washes over him as he looks down into the baby's face. "Hey there, little one, I'm your daddy," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion.
The baby gurgles softly, her tiny hand reaching up as if to touch Elliot's face. He smiles, his heart overflowing with love for this tiny, fragile creature. Olivia, though exhausted, smiles tiredly. "She's beautiful," she whispers, her voice weak but full of wonder.
Elliot gently lays the baby on Olivia's chest, watching as she instinctively curls closer to her mother. Olivia's eyes well up with tears as she holds her daughter. "What should we call her?" Elliot asks quietly, stroking the baby's soft cheek.
"Ava Benson Stabler," Olivia whispers, her voice filled with joy and tenderness.
Elliot's smile widens as he looks at his wife and newborn daughter. "Ava Benson Stabler," he echoes, the words falling from his lips like a prayer. "She's perfect."
And in that moment, as they sit together in the hospital room, surrounded by the hum of medical equipment and the soft sounds of their daughter's breathing, Elliot feels an overwhelming sense of contentment. His life, already filled with love for Olivia and Noah, has grown even more in this moment. He can't believe he gets to hold this tiny, precious bundle, to be a part of her life from the very beginning. Ava fusses a little in Olivia's arms, bringing Elliot back to the present.
Elliot watches as Olivia quickly soothes Ava, shushing her softly and gently stroking her head. Even in her exhaustion, Olivia's motherly instincts come naturally. "She's got your nose," Elliot says quietly, poking gently at Ava's tiny, button-like nose with a fingertip.
Olivia laughs softly, her eyes still on Ava. "And your blue eyes," she counters. Elliot grins, unable to argue. He looks down at his daughter again, her tiny features a mixture of him and Olivia.
The door creaks open and Alex appears, holding Noah's hand. They peek in, their faces eager to see the new addition to the family. "Hey, guys," Elliot greets them, beckoning them in.
Noah runs over to Elliot, standing on his tiptoes to better view Ava. "Can I see her?" he asks, his eyes wide with curiosity. Elliot grins and positions Ava so Noah can get a good look. "Be gentle, bud."
Noah nods eagerly and carefully reaches out a finger, gently stroking Ava's cheek. His eyes light up as she makes a soft, gurgling sound. "She's so tiny!" he whispers, his voice filled with wonder.
"She's beautiful, Liv," Alex murmurs, standing beside Noah as she looks at the baby. Olivia smiles, exhausted but radiating joy. Olivia carefully hands over the baby, and Alex cradles Ava in her arms with an expertise that suggests she has experience handling newborns.
Alex gently rocks Ava, speaking to her in a soft, soothing voice. The baby makes quiet noises, gazing up at her with wide, dark eyes.Elliot watches them with a smile, happy to see his daughter being doted on by her aunt.
They all spend a few hours and say goodbye to Noah and Alex while Olivia and Elliot stay in the hospital overnight with the baby
As the hours pass, Olivia's eyelids grow heavy. The excitement and exhaustion of the day catch up to her, and she soon drifts off into a dreamless sleep. Elliot stays by her side, sitting in a chair next to her bed. He watches her sleep, the baby asleep in a bassinet nearby.
Later in the night, the baby was stirring quietly in her bassinet. She makes soft, whining noises as she slowly wakes up.
Elliot, who had nodded off, jerks awake and looks over at the baby. He stands up and gently lifts her out of the bassinet, holding her close against his chest. He continues to gently sway and hum a soft tune, holding the baby closer to his chest. Her body gradually relaxes against him, her eyes fluttering open to look up at him.
Elliot smiles down at her. "Hey there, sleepyhead," he whispers, brushing a finger gently across her cheek. The baby coos softly, her tiny hands reaching up to grab at his finger.
Elliot chuckles softly, letting her grasp his finger. "You've got a pretty strong grip for such a little thing." The baby's grasp tightens, her tiny fingers gripping onto his digit.
Elliot gently wiggles his finger, trying to free it from her grasp. But the baby only grips tighter, her little face scrunching up in determination. He laughs quietly, thoroughly amused by her strength. "You're stubborn, like your mother."
Elliot looks down at the baby in his arms, his heart swelling with love. "I love you, sweet girl," he whispers, his voice filled with tenderness. "You're so tiny and perfect. And you've already got me wrapped around your little finger."
Elliot grins, his eyes glistening with amusement. "No dating until you're thirty, baby girl," he says firmly, holding her close. "I'm not ready to deal with some teenage boy trying to steal your heart yet."
Olivia has been quietly watching Elliot interact with the baby, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. "Thirty, huh? That's a little extreme," she teases, propping herself up on one elbow.
Elliot chuckles and gives her a look of mock offense. "Hey, it's for her own good," he says, grinning. "Besides, I know you secretly agree with me."
Olivia laughs softly and nods. "Okay, maybe I do," she admits. "But thirty is a bit much," she adds, unable to keep a straight face.
"Thirty-five then," Elliot counters, his tone mock-serious.
Olivia playfully swats at him with a hand. "Elliot, that's even more ridiculous."
"Thirty-seven?" he suggests, a playful glint in his eye.
Olivia rolls her eyes, but there's a smile on her face. "You're hopeless," she says, shaking her head in amusement.
Elliot can't help but laugh, enjoying the banter."Okay, okay, I'll compromise," he concedes. "Thirty-five, but only if she's dating a respectable young man."
Elliot rubs his chin thoughtfully. "You know, someone with good manners, a steady job, no criminal record..."
He grins. "And most importantly, willing to undergo a psych evaluation and background check."
Olivia rolls her eyes again, but she's still smiling. "You're ridiculous," she says, shaking her
head. She pauses for a moment, feigning deep thought. "Actually... I think I'd require a psych evaluation and background check for anyone dating me, too."
Elliot laughs uproariously, almost waking the baby. He looks down at her, shushing her gently."You've got a point there," he says, still chuckling. "We should start a background check business for potential suitors."
Olivia grins, amused by the idea. "The Elliot and Olivia Background Check Service," she says. "It has a nice ring to it."
Elliot snorts. "We'd put the FBI to shame."
Elliot gingerly sits on the edge of the bed beside Olivia, careful not to jostle her or the baby too much. He looks over at her, his expression softening. "You should be sleeping," he says gently.
Olivia shakes her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "I can't sleep when there's a cute newborn baby in the room," she says softly. She reaches out a hand and gently brushes a finger against the baby's cheek.
Elliot watches her, his heart swelling with love. "She really is adorable, isn't she?" he says quietly. The baby stirs slightly, her tiny hands clenching and unclenching in her sleep.
Olivia nods, her smile widening. "She's perfect," she whispers. Elliot leans back against the headboard, feeling relaxed and content. He can feel sleep tugging at the corners of his mind, but he fights it off, not wanting to miss a moment of this peaceful scene.
Elliot watches the baby now in her bassinet, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. He can't believe this little person is his. He looks over at Olivia, who's still quietly admiring their daughter. He thinks she's never looked more beautiful to him than at this moment.
Olivia glances over at him, a tender smile on her face. "What are you thinking about?" she asks quietly.
Elliot grins, his eyes glinting with affection. "Just how lucky I am," he says, reaching out to gently tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
Olivia leans into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment. She's exhausted, but the warm feeling of Elliot's hand against her skin eases the fatigue. She opens her eyes again, looking down at the baby sleeping peacefully in her arms. "We did good," she says quietly, a mix of awe and contentment in her voice.
Elliot gives her a gentle kiss on the forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. "You deserve some sleep baby," he says softly. "You've been through a lot." He settles back against the headboard, pulling her closer to him. He wraps an arm around her, feeling her body relax against his.
Elliot can feel her begin to relax, her body growing heavy against his. He watches as her eyes droop, the exhaustion finally taking over now that the baby is asleep.
He holds her close, running a gentle hand up and down her arm. The room is quiet, the sound of the baby's soft breaths filling the air.
As he feels her body grow limp with sleep, he gently shifts so that she's lying against his chest. He wraps his arms around her, enveloping her in his warmth. He can feel his own eyes growing heavy. The combination of exhaustion and contentment is too much to resist
.Elliot drifts off to sleep, the steady rhythm of Olivia's breathing lulling him deeper into unconsciousness. The baby continues to sleep peacefully, her tiny body rising and falling with each breath.