A/N: This is the third and hopefully final part to this arc. I don't own any of the characters except my own. This mentions parts from the episodes of Chicago Fire that aired on 10-9-24 and 10-16-24.

Stronger Than Ever – Part 3

The next morning, Olivia had gotten a call and left early, so Hank had to get Noah off to school. Once he dropped Noah off at school, he came back to the apartment and Don and Eileen had arrived.

"Morning."

"Hey. Thanks for your help."

"No problem. When are the movers coming?"

"By 10. I need to mark the furniture as to which room they're goin' in."

"We can do that."

Don and Eileen went to mark the furniture, while Hank made sure everything was packed and took the boxes down to his SUV. He and Olivia had ordered some new furniture and that was being delivered as well. The movers arrived and took the stuff there and then Hank had them go to Erin's to get the stuff he had there. Don and Eileen stayed at the apartment, while Hank went to the condo. Once everything had been delivered and in the right room, Hank paid the movers and they left. The furniture they ordered was delivered as well. Once Don and Eileen were done cleaning at the apartment, they went over to the condo. Hank was notified that they were there and he said to let them up. They came up and Hank opened the door for them.

"Thanks for gettin' the apartment cleaned."

"No problem.

Hank took them and showed them around.

"This is a nice place."

"Thanks. Now comes the fun part: gettin' it organized. Once we get stuff unpacked and get some decorations, we'll decorate."

"I actually have something for all of you."

Eileen handed Hank a bag, so he looked to see what was in it.

"You made these?"

"I did."

"Olivia said we needed to get new ones, so this is perfect. Thank you."

"You are welcome."

Olivia came in.

"Hello."

"Hey. I wasn't expectin' you."

"I know. I was thinking about only working part of the day to help out here but then I had to go in early. I told Fin to call me if they needed me. Is everything done at the apartment?"

"Yes. We cleaned it and made sure everything was gone."

"Ok, good."

Olivia kissed Hank and he showed her the stockings Eileen had made for them.

"Eileen, that was so sweet of you. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Even Erin, Olive and Daniel have one."

"Yep."

"Is Noah gonna unpack his stuff?"

"Probably."

"So, Liv, tell us about your wedding."

Olivia told them about the wedding and showed them the pictures. They worked to get as much as they could unpacked. Olivia went to get Noah and then once Noah did his homework, he worked on setting up his new room. Don and Eileen treated them to dinner and then they all went home. Olivia contacted the landlord and he told what time worked for him.

"It's starting to look livable."

"Yeah, it does."

"I like our new stockings."

"That was really nice of Eileen to do that. Did you contact Antonio?"

"I did. He said he'll be here. Did you contact Nick?"

"I did but he never replied, so I'm still waiting to hear from him. I've been thinking about contacting Barba. I was a little harsh with him for representing Wheatley."

"A little?"

"Ok, a lot."

"I would love to see Uncle Rafa and Uncle Nick. I hope they can both come."

Olivia texted Barba and asked if he could meet her at her office if he had time. She told him she would be a little late. He replied and said he would. Everyone got ready for bed and went to sleep.

The next day, Olivia got up and got ready for work. Noah got up as well. Olivia told Noah they would grab breakfast on the way, since they still had to restock everything in the refrigerator and freezer. By the time they were both ready, Hank was just getting up. Olivia kissed Hank and left to take Noah to school before heading over to the apartment to meet with the landlord. After that was done, she headed to the Precinct. Everyone was at a call, so she enjoyed the quiet for a while. Barba had come in. He walked toward her office and knocked on the doorframe.

"Hey."

"Hey. You wanted to see me?"

"Yeah, I did. Have a seat."

Barba sat down on the sofa and Olivia went over to sit in one of the chairs.

"I wanted to apologize for how I treated you with the Wheatley thing."

"What made you change your mind? The last time we spoke, you said some pretty hurtful things. I didn't do what I did to hurt you."

"I know you didn't. I know you were protecting me even if I didn't ask you to do it. I completely understand why. You didn't trust Elliot."

"No, I don't."

"Noah kept telling me that he wasn't comfortable around Elliot but I didn't listen. He was calling him a sissy but he would only do it when I wasn't around. He was also trying to mess up my relationship with Hank and nearly did. Hank and I got to the point where we didn't have much time together because of our jobs. Hank would come here for the weekend and Elliot would have some crisis he needed me for. Like an idiot, I would fall for it. Hank and I went through a rough patch up until a few months ago. We were still together and we talked but we didn't see much of each other. Noah was kidnapped and Erin had contacted Hank. He brought his squad out here to help us find him. Hank and I got stronger after that because we talked about everything and I also had started seeing Elliot for who he really is. Hank told me I needed to take the blinders off when it comes to Elliot and he was right. I know I'm naïve when it comes to Elliot and I think I needed to hear it from Hank. Hank told me if I wanted Elliot in my life, he would have to accept it but he didn't want to share me with anyone but my squad and the family."

"I did see your press conference about Noah and I wanted to reach out but I wasn't sure I should. Who took him?"

"Someone that OCCB was investigating and CPD Intelligence had previously investigated but he got away before they could arrest him. Elliot blames Hank but the rest of us blame Elliot. Elliot showed up here acting like he was so concerned about Noah. He also showed up outside my apartment and got into it with Hank. Punches were thrown. I had Carisi file an order of protection, so he couldn't come near the 3 of us here and Ayanna assured both me and Carisi that he would abide by it. Elliot had gone to Chicago to get Hank out of my life but Fin let them know Elliot was on his way. He was met at the airport by members of Hank's squad and Ayanna had to go get him. She suspended him until further notice and that did not include any suspensions IAB would hand him. He ended up quitting again and went back to Rome. This time, he didn't get his way, so he quit. I'm glad he's gone."

"And you and Voight?"

"Hank retired and moved here. We put a bid on a condo and it got accepted. We closed on it the Friday before Thanksgiving. We went to Hawaii over Thanksgiving with Noah, Erin, Olive and Daniel and got married. We got back a couple days ago and got moved. Last night was our first night in our new place. We're planning to have a New Year's Eve party to celebrate our marriage with everyone at our new place. If you're not busy, we would like you to be there. If you want to bring your mom, you can bring your mom."

"I'm sure something can be arranged. Do you need anything food-wise?"

"It couldn't hurt. Rollins said she and Carisi would talk to his mother about helping with the food."

"How's that going?"

"They've been married about 2 years and they have a son, who's over a year old."

"What did they name him?"

"Dominick III but they call him Nicky. The girls call him Daddy but he's been around more than the actual fathers have even before they were together."

"You and the DA don't have a problem with them in a relationship?"

"No. She actually considered going to another unit but she decided she didn't want to leave SVU. I'm glad she didn't. She and I have gotten a lot closer."

"You look happy."

"I am now. Elliot was clearly the problem. The only thing missing from my life was my true best friend. I've missed you."

"I've missed you too. Did Elliot ever find out about you and Tucker?"

"Nope. He never would have understood. I don't even think he knew Ed committed suicide. I never even told him about William Lewis. I think he was trying to control who I had in my life."

"That's what it sounds like."

"I'm better off without him."

"You won't get any arguments from me on that one."

They talked for a little while longer and then Barba left. The squad came back and told Olivia what was going on. They worked on the case and at the end of the day, they all went home. When she got home, Hank was fixing dinner, while Noah was doing his homework in his room.

"Hey."

"Hey, yourself."

Olivia kissed Hank.

"It smells good in here."

"Chicken breasts, potatoes and vegetables. We now have a fully stocked refrigerator, freezer and cabinets. How'd your talk go with Barba?"

"Actually quite well. I'm glad we talked. He said he will be here for the party and he will see if he can convince his mother to come too."

"Good."

"I still haven't heard from Nick."

"Maybe he's been busy."

"I told him in the message that if he wants to bring Cynthia, Gil and Zara, he can."

Olivia went to put her gun away and told Noah she was home. She came back into the kitchen to pour herself a glass of wine. She sat down at the table and sipped her wine. Once dinner was ready, Noah came downstairs and they ate. They cleaned up after dinner and watched TV for a while. They all went to get ready for bed. Hank and Olivia made love before they fell asleep.

The rest of the week went quickly. Olivia told her squad they were planning to get their Christmas decorations and asked if they wanted to come help them decorate. They all said they would be there. Saturday after breakfast, they went shopping to get new Christmas decorations and with everyone's help, they spent the rest of the day decorating. They had a pizza party for everyone. The squad was the first to see their new place since everything had been organized.

The next few weeks came quickly. They had gotten their Christmas shopping done and everything wrapped. Noah had a recital that everyone had gone to and they were busy getting ready for the party. Serafina said she would be happy to provide the food. Before they knew it, it was the weekend before Christmas. Olive and Daniel had come in and they were planning to stay at the condo. Erin came over for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Olivia had her friends over for Christmas Eve. Everyone from Chicago came in after Christmas and got checked into the hotel. They went over to Hank and Olivia's and were sent up. When they got up to their floor, Hank had gone to open the door.

"Hey."

"Hey."

"It's good to see all of you."

Everyone one went inside and Noah was heading toward the kitchen

"Hey, everyone."

"Hey, kiddo. How've you been after your ordeal?"

"Pretty good."

"Good."

"If you need to talk, I'm here."

"Thanks, Dr. Charles. I appreciate that."

"You're welcome."

"Where's the boss?"

"She's at work. Sexual assaults don't stop just because of the Holidays."

"True."

"They're getting done what they can but the courts are closed until after the first of the year, so no one will get arraigned until then."

"It's the same with us. We got done what we could before we left and if anything comes up while we're gone, another unit will pick it up. Like you said, the courts are closed."

"Who's all comin'?"

"Dawson is comin' in. Nick Amaro was supposed to be comin' too but he wasn't feelin' well, so he didn't want to make the trip out here."

"Will and Nat send their regards and said to say hello to everyone but they couldn't make it. They spent time with us and Helen but needed to get back."

"Erin said she had a good visit with them when she was out there."

"That's what they said."

"It'll be good to see Dawson."

"How's the new job, Wallace?"

"Keeps me busy. That's for sure. I do miss seein' everyone at 51 every day."

"We miss you too."

"Thanks, Mouch. How's Chief Pascal been treatin' you?"

"He's not you, so let's put it that way. It seems like he has it out for Kidd but he defended Violet when they wanted to take her paramedic's license from her. Chief Robinson did too."

"I did hear about that. I also know that Damon was let go from 51."

"He was and it seemed like Pascal was actually lookin' to let Kidd go before he decided to get rid of Damon. He made a comment to me that I should take the Lieutenant's exam because we never know when there will be an opening for a Lieutenant. I have never had any issues with Kidd's leadership but I think Damon did. I pulled her record and told him to look at it."

"Good for you. Is Pascal findin' a replacement for Damon?"

"He let Kidd do it but if she didn't find one by the end of the one shift, he would do it. Her first choice was Kylie but she wasn't available. Herrmann came up with the idea to have Ritter move to Truck 81 and Kylie will help on Engine 51. I think part of her bein' unavailable was because she didn't wanna work directly under Kidd."

"Sounds like everything is under control."

"It is."

"How are you, Dan?"

"I'm good. How's retirement been treatin' you?"

"It's been great. I love not havin' to get up to go to work every day."

"Sounds great. Sharon and Maggie send their regards too. Sharon has a lot on her plate right now with the hospital and with Burt."

"Tell them we said hello."

"I will do that."

Noah came out of the kitchen.

"Makayla and Terrance, we're watching movies in the family room if you'd like to join us."

"Sure."

Mak and Terrance went with Noah after they took their coats and boots off. Hank then showed everyone around and got them something to drink.

"This is absolutely amazing!"

"Thanks. We love it here."

"You never said anything about gettin' married."

"We didn't want a big fuss made about it. Olivia told her squad when we got back and only two people in Chicago knew, which was Platt and Mouch."

Hank got the photo album of the pictures and handed it to Trudy. She looked through it with Mouch.

"Oh, Hank, these are amazing!"

"Erin took all the pictures."

Once Trudy was done, she passed it to Donna, so she and Wallace could look at the pictures.

"Gorgeous."

Everyone else looked at them as well.

"You know what? I could totally go for a wedding like this."

"That's not happening, Adam, so don't even go there."

"It was worth a shot."

"The 4 of us plan on bein' there Valentine's Day weekend."

"Good. I knew Erin was, since she's my Maid of Honor."

"It was just us when we got married. We didn't even have any witnesses. Not even Will."

"It was all Olivia's idea to do what we did. She just didn't want the wrong people to find out what we were doin'."

"You can't really blame her for that. That Stabler guy was a piece of work and he probably would not have thought twice about tryin' to stop you two from makin' it official."

"That's exactly it. She can now admit that he was doin' what he was doin' to keep us apart. It wasn't like we didn't want to be together but I just didn't like that she seemed to be more concerned about him than she was about us."

"That's completely understandable but ultimately though she did choose you."

"I know she did. She said she never would have chosen him over me."

"You two were always meant to be together and we all knew that from the beginning."

"Even when I wasn't so sure."

"Kind of like me and Kim. Even when we weren't together, I still cared about her. I was hurt when I found out about her and Roman the way I did."

"I shouldn't have done that but I found out about you and Upton when she and I were being held at that cabin. Roman was the one that put the doubts in my head about whether or not you really wanted to get married when we were engaged the first time."

"I'll be the first to admit that I was pretty immature and needed to grow up but I have a good feelin' about it this time."

"I do too. I knew it when you were by my side when I lost the baby and we had to grieve our loss. I also knew it when you bought your dad's house for Makayla."

"I think losin' Al is what made me want to grow up. I wanna be the cop he'd want me to be."

"He's the one that chose you out of the Academy just like Halstead chose Torres right out of the Academy. Dan, Trudy, Olivia and Erin know but I didn't tell the rest of you that when I had that ordeal when I thought I was gonna die, Al was there with me. He told me that it wasn't my time and there was still a lot to do."

"Honestly, when I was shot and thought I was gonna die a year and a half ago, I think he was with me too. He told me my girls needed me. A part of me thought I was goin' crazy."

"We all know you're crazy, Ruzek."

"You're so funny, Halstead."

"It's completely normal for someone who was important to you to be there with you in a life or death situation in some way. Whether you see them or hear them. Just because they're not here physically, it doesn't mean they don't know what's goin' on."

"I know Camille and Justin have been with me but this was the first time Al was. It was just like old times and we were havin' a conversation."

"It sounds better comin' from Dr. Charles but I don't feel as weird about it knowin' Voight experienced it too."

They all continued talking and then Olivia came home.

"Hello."

"Hey, Babe."

Olivia came into the living room.

"Hey, everyone."

"Hey, Olivia."

Olivia kissed Hank and hugged everyone else.

"How was your day?"

"Same crap, different day and another case from hell. We seem to be getting quite a few of those lately. We finally got our guy but he'll sit there until after New Year's, since the courts are closed until then."

"We know how that goes."

"Ever since we got back from Hawaii, it's been like this."

"Has your life gone back to normal after that Stabler guy left again?"

"I can't tell you how wonderful it's been. I don't have to worry about him bothering me all the time and especially calling my son a sissy."

"So what if your kid likes to dance. He's good at it. Mak loves hockey and Kim and I want her to do whatever makes her happy."

"We're like that with Terrance too."

"That's how I felt about Noah dancing. He decided he didn't want to play baseball any more after Peter left and he told me he wanted to try dancing. I was surprised but I don't want him doing something he doesn't want to do. Hank has told him that he supports him no matter what he chooses to do."

"Not so much if he starts to get into drugs or into trouble. I already went through a lot of that with Justin.

"I think he knows better. He knows about Johnny D and Ellie and he's a smart boy."

"He is. I'm just not gonna make the same mistakes with him that I did with Justin. I never should have done what I did to Casey when Justin caused that accident and what I did to Bingham, came back to bite me in the ass. I still blame myself every day for what happened to Al and at the time, I wished I could have switched places with him."

"I still blame myself for what happened to Dodds and to my brother Simon. A part of me even blames myself for what happened to Ed."

"How could you have known Ed was gonna end his life? Cancer is a hard illness to watch someone die from but having someone die in your arms from it is even harder."

"My mom died from cancer and it was so hard seeing her like that. I never had the best relationship with my dad but I miss him and a part of me wishes I had more time with him. My mom too for that matter."

"I had hoped for more time with both Camille and Justin. I had promised myself that I wouldn't be in another relationship because it was too painful. I couldn't take another loss in my life. I lost Camille, Justin, Lexi, who I loved like a niece and Al, who I loved like a brother. I ended up in a relationship, long distance no less and while it hasn't been perfect by any means, I still get scared that I'll lose her too. I almost did a few times and most of it was because of that son of a bitch ex partner of hers. It could also happen because of her job. If I lose Olivia, I don't know if I would be able to deal with that. I'm just not ready to bury another wife."

"I'm not planning on going anywhere any time soon. I know I should have been there for you when you went through what you went through several months ago like you were there for me but at that point, I didn't know where we stood as far as our relationship is concerned and yes, that was my fault. I should have seen the signs that Elliot was manipulating me and trying to come between us. I think I made it perfectly clear to him in Chicago that I was done with him. Whether he comprehends that is a completely different story. Although since he left again, I'm guessing he realizes that we have no future. If he can't learn to respect my son's choices, then there is no place for him in my life."

"When I told him if you wanted him in your life, I'd have to respect that, he told me he would never accept me in your life if you were with him."

"I never would have been with him even if I was desperate. If I wasn't with you, I'd probably consider Langan. He knows more about me than Elliot does. The only thing Elliot asked about me in the time he was gone was how many men I had been with but he asked Fin. Not me. I didn't offer any other information to him. He never would have understood my relationship with Ed. He knows there was someone named Ed before you but he doesn't know that it was Tucker."

"Did you ever hear from his kids?"

"I talked to Kathleen today and she said they may stop by. She said none of them heard from Elliot for Christmas, so she figures he's probably sulking about what happened. He didn't even call his mother."

"Even if they do stop by, we should have plenty of food."

"That's for sure. I'm sure we'll have plenty of food."

"Where are you getting' the food from?"

"Carisi's mother is doing the food and she's used to cooking for a lot of people. She also knows how much her son likes to eat. Amanda loves that he cooks for her and pretty much has since she was pregnant with Jesse. How they didn't end up together a lot sooner, I'll never know."

"I cook for you."

"I know you do and I love you for it. I love coming home to a home cooked meal every day and I've been a lot better about getting home."

"Yeah, you have."

"Your wedding pictures are amazing."

"Thank you. I'm glad we did it this way."

"Do we want to go out for dinner?"

"That works."

They decided on a place and then Olivia went to get Olive and the kids. Antonio arrived in New York and Hank told him where they were, so he met them there. Hank was able to get caught up with everyone in Chicago and everyone was able to get caught up with Antonio. After dinner, they went home or to their hotel. The next few days, Hank and Olivia finished preparing for the party and everyone else went to see some of the sights, including the tree at Rockefeller Center. Olive and the boys met them there and they also went ice skating.

When New Year's Eve arrived, the family decorated and Serafina had come early with the food. Sonny, Amanda and the kids had gotten there early too.

"Hey, Liv."

"Hey."

"Mama and Mason will be here in a little while."

"Ok."

Serafina came out of the kitchen.

"Hey, Ma."

"Hello, Sonny."

"Hey, Serafina."

"Hello, Amanda and how are my precious grandchildren."

"Good."

"Good."

Sonny kissed his mother and then Amanda and the girls hugged her. Serafina took Nicky.

"How's my boy?"

Nicky gave his grandmother a devilish smile and Amanda rolled her eyes.

"Jesse and Billie, Noah and Daniel are in the family room."

"Thanks, Auntie Liv."

Nicky wiggled out of Serafina's arms.

"Me!"

"Take your brother."

"Ok. Come on, Nicky."

Jesse took Nicky's hand and the 3 of them went to the family room.

"You need any help with anything?"

"Olive is finishing up baking cookies."

Everyone went back into the kitchen. A little while later, people started arriving. Fin, Phoebe and Jaden arrived at the same time as Beth Anne and Mason. They all got upstairs and Olivia was waiting for them.

"Hey, Liv."

"Hey, Fin. Hey, Phoebe. Hi Jaden."

"Hi."

"Hello, Olivia."

"Hey, Beth Anne. Hey, Mason."

"Hi Olivia."

Olivia hugged everyone and then they all came in. Hank came out to take their coats into the bedroom and everyone took their shoes or boots off.

"Who's all here?"

"So far, just the Carisis. The kids are in the family room."

Jaden and Mason went into the family room where the other kids were. Fin, Phoebe and Beth Anne went into the kitchen and Hank came out of the bedroom and kissed Olivia. Everyone else arrived and Mak and Terrance joined the kids. Olivia introduced Beth Anne and the Stablers to the group from Chicago. There was a knock at the door, so Hank went to get it. It was the front desk with a couple packages for them. He took the packages and went into the kitchen.

"This was just delivered to us."

Olivia opened one of the boxes and Hank opened the other one.

"Everyone at 51 sent us Portillo's. We have hot dogs, beef and sausage."

"Intelligence and Trudy sent us stuffed pizzas from Giordano's."

"They all know you well."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Hank put everything in the freezer or refrigerator and then Noah came in.

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"Everyone at 51 sent us Portillo's and Intelligence and Trudy sent us stuffed pizzas from Giordano's."

"Awesome! Thank you!"

"You're welcome. We did two cheese, two sausage and two spinach. We know Hank isn't a fan of pepperoni"

"That's perfect. I'm not either, actually."

"Mom, when do we eat?"

"Whenever the food is done but there's snack stuff like cheese and crackers and vegetables if you want that."

Noah went to get something and went back to the family room. The rest of the kids went to get something and Olivia showed the Stablers around. Everyone got some snacks went to sit in the living room.

"Olivia, this is beautiful."

"Thank you. We really love it here."

"We are so sorry for how Dad has been treating you these last several years."

"It's not your fault. He wanted something to happen between us but this time, I'm the one that wasn't available. He just couldn't understand that or take no for an answer. I should not have allowed your dad to manipulate me the way he was."

"We've often wondered why Mom stayed married to him as long as she did."

"I never wanted to cross that line with him and I should have listened to Noah when he told me he wasn't comfortable around Elliot. It makes me feel like such a crappy mother."

"You're not a crappy mother."

"It's my job to protect my son and I wasn't listening."

"Everything that happened to Dad in Chicago, he deserved. Now he's sulking and shutting everyone out."

"That's a good way of puttin' it."

"I can't completely forgive him for the 10 years he was gone but apparently he just expected me to forgive and forget."

"You have every right to be upset with him about everything. You told us right away that you had someone in your life but Dad only hears what he wants to. Personally, I hope he stays in Italy this time."

"The rest of us feel that way too."

"How's your grandma?"

"She's hanging in there. Our uncle is around, so she does have him with her. We'll spend tomorrow with her."

"Give her my love."

"We will. How was your Christmas?"

"It was great. My squad, Carisi, Beth Anne and the 4 kids, Don, Eileen, Alex, Casey, Trevor, Melinda, Rafael and Lucia were all here Christmas Eve and everyone did their own thing on Christmas Day."

The food was ready, so everyone got something to eat and found a place to sit, while they enjoyed each other's company as Christmas music played. Olivia showed the Stablers the pictures from the wedding and everyone had brought cards with a gift or gift card, so Hank and Olivia opened those. Everyone had dessert and talked about how much they missed Munch. Nick called Olivia and talked to everyone he knew to wish them all a Happy New Year. The kids had been watching movies in the family room and most of them had fallen asleep, including Noah. Olivia had gone into check on them. She saw they were sleeping and Nicky was asleep on Noah's chest. She took a picture of Noah and Nicky, so she joined everyone else.

"They are all asleep."

"I guess that means they'll all be spending the night unless they wake up when the fireworks start."

Olivia showed the picture to Amanda and Sonny.

"That is too cute. He does that with Sonny all the time. Can you send that to me?"

"Sure."

Olivia sent the picture to Amanda.

"This has been an amazing night."

"I'm surprised we haven't gotten a call yet."

"Shhhhhh! Don't jinx it, Fin."

"I say if we do get one, Fin handles it, since he mentioned it."

"Oh, I agree completely. It looks like it's snowing."

"Just what we don't need."

"We did already have some for Christmas, so it's not like this is the first snowfall of the season."

"True."

"We've already had significant snow in Chicago."

"And unfortunately it happened when we were on shift at 51. Too many accidents that shift and we had a house fire too."

"I don't miss that part of it. Like I said, I miss all of you but not the calls especially in the below zero weather."

"It gets old sometimes."

"Med was pretty busy that night from what I heard."

"Not surprising."

"I'm ready for another vacation."

"You goin' anywhere?"

"Actually, we are. The boys have the same spring break this year, so we're going on a Disney Cruise."

"Wow! Erin, you goin' too?"

"Of course I am. I'm goin' back to bein' a cop. My last day with the FBI was today. I start at SVU on Monday."

"Why the change?"

"I was gettin' tired of the traveling. I was thinkin' about it for a while and I wanted to be sure this was really what I wanted. I mostly didn't want Hank to be disappointed in me but it's always been my dream to work with Liv ever since we met and I started thinkin' about it even more after what happened to Noah. The 3 of us talked in Hawaii and as far as she was concerned, she was fine with it. She and I spoke with the higher ups and they were fine with it. I gave my notice and said the end of the year was it for me."

"Good for you."

Everyone kept eating snacks and talking. At Midnight, they celebrated the New Year and all the couples shared a kiss. The kids had woken up when they heard the fireworks, so they joined the adults and then everyone headed home or to their hotel. For the most part, the kitchen had already been cleaned with the exception of some plates and glasses. Hank loaded the dishwasher but decided to wash everything after breakfast. Olive and the boys had already gone to bed. Olivia was in bed but waiting for Hank. He got ready for bed and went to join Olivia. They started kissing, undressed each other and made love before they fell asleep in each other's arms.

New Year's Day everyone did their own thing but Makayla and Terrance had come over and they went swimming with Noah and Daniel in the condo's indoor pool. The rest of the week, Olivia went in for a few hours each day. Everyone headed back to Chicago on Saturday and Olive and Daniel left on Sunday.

By Monday, Noah went back to school and Erin started at SVU. Hank gradually took the Christmas decorations down and put them away.

The weekend of Valentine's Day, the 4 of them headed to Chicago for Kim and Adam's wedding and then at the end of March the entire family went on their Disney Cruise. Olivia loved the time she spent with her family and she loved having Hank and Noah to come home to every night. She also loved being a grandma to Daniel and like Hank, she loved both Erin and Olive like they were her own. She was glad she had such supportive friends but most of all, she was happy that Elliot Stabler was out of her life for good.

Reviews are appreciated.