A/N: I haven't forgotten about this story. I don't own any of the characters except my own.
A couple weeks had passed since Olivia was released from the hospital. She was still off from work. The Halsteads had gone to Chicago, so she and Hank had some time alone with their kids for the weekend even though the Tuckers and Olinskys were over all the time. Noah and Rachel were spending the night with Ed's parents. Since it was Friday, everyone was planning to come over and that included Trevor and Olive. Rick and Jessica were coming in for the weekend and staying with Trevor and Olive, since that was where Denise was, so they said they would watch the kids while the two of them had a night out. They were one of the firsts to arrive at Hank and Olivia's besides the Tuckers and Olinskys. They got out of their SUV and went to ring the doorbell as they held hands. Ed answered the door.
"Hey, you two."
"Hey."
"Come on in."
"Thanks."
Olive and Trevor went inside and then they went into the kitchen.
"Hey, you two."
"Hello."
"First night out without the kids, huh?"
"Oh yeah. Rick and Jess came in without their kids to see Mom, so they said they'd watch the kids. They're staying with us anyway."
"How's your mom?"
"She's progressing well."
"Is she going back to Katie and Josh's soon?"
"Maybe a few more weeks. She hopes to be completely independent by the time Katie has the baby. Katie still has at least another couple weeks in her boot. They are planning to x-ray it to see how it's progressing. She still has some pain though."
"It took me almost 2 months before mine felt right. By the time my ankle was feeling better, I was in the accident. I can go back to work on Monday but I still can't drive, so Jeff and Shauna are taking me. I can still do interrogations and hospital visits if I go with someone. I have been working from home and Diana has been too."
"Is everyone coming tonight?"
"Pretty much. Jeff and Shauna are coming but they aren't bringing the kids. His parents left on their Alaskan cruise, so the kids are spending a few days with her parents. Noah and Rachel are spending the night with Ed's parents."
"Kara is at a sleepover with Kelly and Brandon is also with Patty."
"Are Amanda and Sonny bringing Jesse?"
"No. Jesse is spending the weekend with the Carisis, so no one will have their kids. They took her out there last night. Erin, Jay and Camille are back on Monday night."
"I almost don't know what to do without the kids especially the twins and the baby. We're hoping to get the twins into Preschool by the first of the year, since they do take them as young as 2. We're still waiting to hear. We've been working on potty training a little bit."
"How have the twins been with the baby?"
"Actually, not too bad. Nikki is with me the most when I'm feeding Maggie. It's kind of our girls' bonding time. She calls Maggie 'Sissy' and actually so do the boys. When someone other than me feeds her, Daniel holds the bottle. Justin isn't too interested yet."
"That's so sweet."
"Olive, it's good to see you so happy."
"Thanks. I didn't expect it to happen this quickly but I don't regret any of it. I never thought I could love anyone as much as I loved Justin. Although I'm not used to being spoiled like I am now."
"That's never a bad thing."
"I know it's not."
"Hank spoils me all the time too."
"Ed does with us too. He has been taking such good care of me since my surgery. He even did after I was shot."
"Hank did the same thing after my surgeries last year. You have the broken in version of Edward. I never thought he had a heart until around the time I was adopting Noah and we started seeing each other."
"I think a lot of it was because I was afraid of getting hurt again. My ex did a number on me."
"At least you had the support of your family."
"Yeah, I know."
Then the doorbell rang again. Olivia got up to get it. It was everyone else.
"Hey, Liv."
"Hey."
Everyone came in and went into the kitchen.
"Hey, Langans."
"Hello."
"Hey."
"How's the little one?"
"She's great."
"Pictures?"
"Of course."
Olive found the most recent picture of Maggie.
"She's a little doll."
"She looks like a little Langan."
"She does. She loves to eat. That's for sure."
"Is she fussy with who feeds her?"
"Not really. I nurse her and I pump, so she takes a bottle without any issues. Trevor gets up with her during the night to let me sleep. We've already developed a routine. Rick and Jess are in for the weekend, so they're in charge of the kids while we're here."
"How's your sister?"
"She's taking things one day at a time but I'm glad we've gotten closer these last few months. I just wish it hadn't taken a tragedy to make that happen. She knows she's having another girl but no names yet and she told me she wants me in the delivery room with her this time. That friend of theirs has been really supportive and helps out with a lot. The kids are kind of hoping that eventually leads to something, since they're close with his kids but she's not ready right now. She asked how I knew I was ready and I told her it just sort of happened. I knew how amazing he was when he took time off from work to take care of the kids when Hank and Olivia were in California and it grew from there. At first it was more of a friends with benefits thing but the more time we had spent together, the closer we had become. It also helped that Daniel was crazy about him and the twins started calling him 'Dada' because he was always around. Now I don't think I could imagine my life without him."
"I can't imagine my life without you either."
"Have you made a decision about your job?"
"I think I'm going to go back part-time. The one they hired to take over for me said she'd like to stay on permanently but not 5 days a week. She'll work 5 days if I'm off or something though. She already knows about our trip to Disney World. Caroline stopped over the other day, since she hadn't met Maggie yet and we talked for a while. Trevor and I had actually been talking about me wanting to go back part-time before I had talked to Caroline. We're still keeping Jamie full-time though."
"Even with Hank home, we still have Lucy full-time."
"Jesse loves spendin' time with Uncle Hank but we're not sure if Lucy will want to continue takin' care of our kids once the new baby comes."
"She told us she didn't have a problem with it. When we go to Disney World in the spring, you'll have Lucy for a week."
"If something happens and Lucy can't do it, call me and I'll help out. We're dog sitting anyway."
"Ok. Thanks, Meredith."
"Who's taking Lola?"
"Erin and Dan. We're takin' Kelly and they're takin' the dog. I did ask Connor if he was interested in coming with us. He said he might be."
"That's fine. I haven't made the final arrangements yet. I hope to do that maybe by Rachel's birthday or Christmas at the latest.
"We haven't checked to see who could take Noelle yet. My mom could be spending time with Jess and the kids, so who knows?"
"We still have time yet."
"Yeah, I know."
"The kids are so excited about Disney."
"Brandon is beyond excited.
"Are you staying at one of the resorts?"
"No. We didn't when we went to Disneyland but Olivia had arranged that one. Everyone has a suite though."
"I regretted not getting us a suite when we were in California. I had thought about getting two rooms but I didn't trust Noah and Rachel with the bathroom by themselves. Now that they're older, they're much better with the bathroom."
"The girls do know that they'll probably be spending time with the younger kids, so they can't just run off on their own."
"It's going to be hard to go on a lot with the little ones though."
"Yeah, I know."
"We'll figure it out."
"You're still goin' to Hawaii, right, Liv?"
"Yep. Hank wants to make that a tradition for my birthday and our anniversary."
"That is so romantic."
"When are you two getting married?"
"Our mothers asked us the same thing. We're thinking about maybe next Friday. It's probably just gonna be at the Courthouse and have one of the Judges do it. We would just need to worry about a honeymoon. Then again, we'd both need the time off. What can we arrange on such short notice? We have the marriage license already and Sonny wants to make it official with Jesse as well."
"I'll take care of that."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. If you want, you two can spend a few days at our Hamptons home, so then you don't have to worry about arranging something right now."
"What do you think?"
"That works for me. We did do the Disney thing this summer but maybe in April or May we can do our official honeymoon."
"I've always wanted to go on a cruise or to Hawaii."
"My dream vacation would be takin' you to Italy."
"Maybe that would be somethin' we can do as a family at some point."
"I'm sure we will eventually. We'll have to think about it, since we still have time. Stayin' at the Langan's sounds great."
"I have a meeting that I need to go to on Wednesday, so I will drop the keys off to you at the Precinct."
"Thanks."
"Sure."
"You'd need to call her to schedule something that fits her schedule but Judge Linden should be able to do your marriage ceremony. She did ours and she did Ed and Diana's."
"We should probably schedule that before I call my mother. Liv, we want your family there with us."
"We'd be honored to be there."
Sonny made a call and left a message for Judge Linden to call either him or Amanda back. Hank finished fixing dinner and then everyone ate. After dinner, the guys cleaned up, while the women went to watch their movie. While they were cleaning up, the doorbell rang. Most of the guys and Casey were headed downstairs, so Ed answered it.
"Your Honor."
"Captain Tucker. Would Detectives Carisi and Rollins be here?"
"They are. Come on in. Hey, Carisi."
"Yeah."
"It's Judge Linden."
Carisi came to the living room, while Fin went to get Amanda and then she joined them. They set up a time to meet in her chambers and as Judge Linden was getting ready to go, Trevor was heading downstairs.
"Mr. Langan."
"Judge Linden."
"How's your new baby?
"She's perfect."
Trevor pulled up the pictures on his phone to show her.
"She's beautiful."
"Thank you."
"Is everyone adjusting pretty well?"
"Yeah. Even the twins."
"They're how old?"
"Not quite 22 months."
"Is she here?"
"No. They're all with my mom, step-brother and his wife. They came in from Chicago this weekend to see my mom after her knee surgery. She's staying with us while she's recuperating, since Olive is off until after the first of the year and I'm working from home until then as well. She normally lives with my youngest step-sister and her husband but they are both in the medical field and work crazy hours. Katie broke her ankle the same day my mom had her knee surgery."
"That has to be hard."
"It is."
Then Rafael came out of the kitchen.
"Let's go, Langan. You ready for me to kick your ass? Again."
"Dream on, Barba!"
"I won a huge case today with front of Judge Barth, so I'm feeling lucky."
"Good for you."
"Poker?"
"Yes."
"Do you have room for one more?"
"I'm sure we do."
Everyone else headed downstairs.
"We have one more joining us."
"It's nice to see you, Judge Linden."
"You too and call me Ruth, please."
"Judges must love to play poker. I interrupted Judge Terhune's poker games many times to get warrants signed."
"We do and I'm sure he was not thrilled about that."
"No, he was not."
"The ladies don't play?"
"Normally, no. It's a big deal when someone beats Barba but he likes to cheat."
"I do not."
"He also acts like a big baby when he loses just like he does when he loses in court."
"IF I lose."
"Who has beaten him?"
"I have and so have Casey and Olivia."
"I have too. Once anyway. We usually play for fun but Trevor and Rafael have played for money to make things interesting."
They dealt the first round and mostly everyone except Casey, Judge Linden and Rafael were out. Casey had folded, so now it was just Judge Linden and Rafael. Rafael was smirking at Judge Linden.
"Assistant District Attorney's don't scare me, Mr. Barba."
"Family Court Judges don't scare me either."
"Humor me, Mr. Barba."
"Read 'em and weep, Your Honor. Straight flush."
"Well, then. That's too bad. Royal Flush, Mr. Barba!"
"Yes!"
They all started cheering.
"Damn, she's good!"
Rafael started pouting.
"There he goes acting like s big baby again."
Mostly everyone except Diana came downstairs.
"I take it someone beat Rafa?"
"Judge Linden."
Then Olivia started laughing.
"Judge Barth doesn't play poker, does she?"
"Not that I know of."
"You know who I would love to see going at it with him?"
"Who?"
"Donnelly."
"That would be hilarious!"
"Who's this?"
"Judge Elizabeth Donnelly. She used to be Bureau Chief for SVU and Alex and Casey's Boss but then she later became a Judge. She doesn't take any crap from anyone."
"In a poker game or in general?"
"In general."
"Liz does occasionally play poker."
"We must get her here. Judge Linden, you should join more often. It apparently keeps Rafael honest."
Rafael gave Olivia a dirty look.
"I will take that into consideration. I just happened to stop over to speak with Detectives Rollins and Carisi. Detective Carisi said they would be here."
"This is the Friday night hangout for everyone. So, 3:30 next Friday is when you two are making it official?"
"Yep."
"Ok."
"I texted Beth Anne to see if she wanted to come up."
"My family knows too. We should do somethin' afterward with everyone."
"Contact my family. They'll have somethin' at the Pub."
"We can have something here too."
"We'll talk about it. I know we shouldn't wait until the last minute though."
Everyone who was going back upstairs went back upstairs and then the others continued playing poker. Several hours later, everyone who was leaving, left. After Hank and Olivia locked up and let the dogs out, they went up to get ready for bed. They got into bed and Hank held her.
"It's always more fun when someone beats Barba."
"I'm sure it is. I'm glad Rollins and Carisi are finally making it official."
"I am too. I'm enjoying the peace and quiet with no one here."
"You and me both. I love Erin and Jay but I part of me wants my house back. It's never been just us and the kids."
"Are we gonna kick them out?"
"No. We did tell them they could stay here until they found a place but it doesn't seem like they're even looking."
"Yeah, I know."
"I realize New York is expensive and you and Lucy are taking care of Camille. At least they took Camille with them this time. They do watch the kids for us as well."
"I know they do. I could get used to this though."
"Me too. I could also get used to not having Noah and Rachel around."
"I hear ya. Our trip to Hawaii will be here before we know it."
"I can't wait."
They kissed each other goodnight and then they fell asleep in each other's arms.
The next morning, they got up, let the dogs out and fed them, they got in the shower and got ready before they went out to breakfast. When they got to the restaurant, they ran into Fin and Melinda.
"Hey, you two."
"Hey. Would you two care to join us?"
"Sure."
They all got a table and then they sat down. They looked to see what they wanted and then they had their order taken.
"How was last night without the kids?"
"Peaceful. We could get used to it."
"I bet. What are you up to tonight?"
"Just enjoying a quiet night at home with the kids."
"We're babysittin' tonight. Ken and Alejandro are goin' out, so we said we'd watch my man Jaden. He loves Warner."
"How does Ken feel?"
"He likes her. What's not to like?"
"I've never had a problem with Melinda."
"Likewise, Lieutenant. You're back on Monday?"
"I am."
"I love how Barba gets pissed whenever someone beats him."
"I do too and it's mostly been women that do it. Ed and Trevor are the only guys that have beat him. He's just a sore loser just like he is when he loses in court."
"No shit."
"That was so funny to see Judge Linden beat him."
"I would love to see Donnelly beat him."
"Man, I would love to see that."
Then they saw Judge Donnelly heading out.
"Olivia, it is so good to see you."
"You too. We were just talking about you."
"Uh oh!"
"This is my husband Hank Voight. Hank, this is Judge Elizabeth Donnelly."
"It's nice to meet you."
"You too."
"Hank, Fin, the other guys and Casey play poker every Friday night. Last night they had a special guest: Judge Linden. The person who always wins is Rafael Barba. There are only a few of us who have beaten him and I'm one of them. Anyway, Judge Linden beat Rafael and he didn't take it too well, which he never does when he loses. She said you play."
"I do. Who all plays?"
"Hank, his best friend Alvin Olinsky, our son-in-law Jay, Fin, Carisi, Ed Tucker, Trevor Langan, Don Cragen, John Munch, Casey and of course Barba. Ed, Trevor and Casey are the only ones besides me who have beaten Rafael. The rest of us meaning me, Melinda, Alex, Al's wife Meredith, Trevor's wife Olive, who's Hank's son's widow, Ed's wife Diana, Rollins and sometimes Don's girlfriend Eileen watch movies or spend time together. In the warmer weather, we spend time in the pool."
"I had heard Mr. Langan got married and has a new baby."
"Yep."
"She was married to your son?"
"Yep. She has 3 kids with my son. Daniel was a year when Justin died and she had found out she was pregnant with Justin and Nicole after he died."
"Wow! I am so sorry."
"Thanks. They met when she first moved here and in with us. It developed from there. They got married in June and Maggie was born 4 weeks ago. I'm not sure I would have wanted just anyone being a father to my grandkids."
"That makes sense. I do have plans this week but I would love to play in your game sometime."
Olivia had one of her cards, so she wrote their address and Hank's cell on the back.
"I wrote our address and Hank's cell on the back."
"Ok. I'll be in touch."
"It was good to see you."
"You too."
Liz left and then their breakfast arrived. Everyone ate and discussed what they were planning to do for Amanda and Sonny. Once they were done, Hank paid for everyone's breakfast and then they left. Olivia had gotten a call from Colleen telling her that Senior and Jack were taking the kids to the Zoo, so they would drop them off later. Hank and Olivia then headed home and contacted both Amanda and Sonny's mothers. When they got home, they made love. They pretty much stayed in bed until they got a call from Ed and Diana. They got up, got dressed and made the bed. They were headed downstairs as the doorbell rang.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"I'm glad your dad and brother-in-law took them to the Zoo."
"We are too. We're on our own until later too. Kara is spending the entire weekend at Erin's. You two up to anything today?"
"Not really. We went out to breakfast and ended up running into Fin and Melinda. We ran into Judge Donnelly and invited her to the poker game sometime. She said she has plans this week but she would love to. I wrote our address and Hank's cell on one of my cards."
"Good."
"Have you decided what you're doing for Amanda and Sonny?"
"Fin and I talked about it and I called both mothers on our way home from breakfast. They love the idea and want to help in any way they can. I want to run it by Shauna, Jeff and Erin as well. Erin won't be home until Monday, so I will call her. We'd like to have a party for them somewhere."
Olivia called Erin and talked to her about what was going on. She loved the idea. Hank had let the dogs out and Jeff and Shauna had come over. They came in with Hank.
"Hank said you needed to talk to us."
"I did. What do you two think about having a party for Rollins and Carisi after they get married?"
"Great idea."
"Then we are all in agreement. I talked to Erin and she was on board with it. I called both mothers and they loved the idea. His mother said she could do the food for it but I'd like her to enjoy the day, since her only son is getting married. When I talked to Colleen when she called to tell me the kids were going to the Zoo, I mentioned it and she said to let them know if they can help in any way."
"The Pub would probably be the best place to have it."
"Yeah, it probably would. Maybe we could have the Carisis meet us there for dinner, so they can meet the Tuckers. I've never actually met anyone in the Carisi family other than his sister Bella."
"Maybe see if they can meet us for dinner."
The doorbell rang, so Hank went to get it. It was Ed's sister.
"Hey, Hank."
"Hey. Come on in."
"Thanks."
Erin came in and then followed Hank into the kitchen.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"My mom said you mentioned doing something for Amanda and Sonny."
"I did. They're getting married next Friday and the squad wants to have a party for them but we would also include the Friday night group as well. Both mothers love the idea. His mother said she would help with the food but I think that since her only son is getting married, she should enjoy it. Would it be a problem to have something there on Friday night? I'd like to see if maybe his parents could meet us there, so they can meet your family. Amanda's mother is in Atlanta, so she probably won't be coming up until just before."
"It probably wouldn't be a problem."
"Let me call his mother."
Olivia called to see if Sonny's parents could meet her and Hank for dinner at the Pub. They agreed and they set at time. Erin headed back to the Pub and then after a while, Senior and Jack brought the kids home. Hank and Olivia took the kids with them to the Pub when they met the Carisis, who had Jesse with them. Olivia introduced herself, Hank and the kids to them and they all got to know each other. The Carisis agreed to have the party at the Pub and appreciated Olivia wanting them to enjoy their son's wedding. They loved Amanda and Jesse so much and couldn't wait for them to marry or for the birth of their grandchild. They also had yet to meet Amanda's family and they knew she had a strained relationship with them. Olivia tried explaining things to them the best she could, since she had met both Kim and Beth Anne. The Carisis noticed how close Jesse was to the Tuckers but they had heard a lot of nice things about everyone.
After dinner, everyone went home and got the kids ready for bed. Hank let the dogs out, while Olivia read to the kids. Hank had let the dogs in and then he went up to kiss the kids goodnight. Stormy stayed with Noah, while Misty stayed with Rachel. Hank and Olivia went into their bedroom to get ready for bed and then they made love before they fell asleep in each other's arms.
The rest of the weekend went by quickly. Olivia went back to work, so she, Fin, Jeff and Shauna planned what they could and everyone else did what they could as well. Erin, Jay and Camille were home Monday night and Erin got in on the planning.
Stay tuned for more…
Reviews are appreciated