Friday, March 2nd had arrived. Olivia had arranged for Lucy to be drop off and pick up for Noah with school that day, and she took the personal time and wouldn't be bothered. If there were consequences, she'd play catch up later. She got up with plenty of time to get herself ready before she needed to make sure Noah was awake and ready to be off to school. Since there were many adventures planned, including at least one major change of dress, Olivia would be taking her own car to meet up with him.

"You seem happier," Lucy observed when she came to collect Noah. "Not typical of you to take time off without being forced."

Olivia shrugged with a smile. "Sometimes it's nice to remember there's more in life than criminals and victims."

"Sounds like you've met someone new. You deserve it."

Olivia didn't bother correcting her on the semantics. Just two more days. "Thank you for being such a great nanny. You're truly a lifesaver."

And then Noah came out, one shoe on and the other in his hand. Olivia fixed the situation and made sure everything else was in order before giving hugs and kisses and bidding him a good day.

Then, at last, she was off for her own good day.

"There she is."

Olivia chuckled. Even for a date that just happened to start with coffee, Rafa had maintained the tradition of beating her there. "Here I am," she confirmed. Her first move was a fond hug. "You know, it's a good thing we're telling Noah soon. Now Lucy is catching on."

"Lucy? Uh-oh." Barba teased. He kept one arm around her and pulled the door open with the other. "Ready for coffee?"

Olivia smiled. "Very." Walking inside with his arm around her gave her butterflies. She leaned into him and picked up on the faint scent of something good. Cologne or aftershave, maybe shampoo, she couldn't tell which. There was a short line, so she got to stay right where she was a little while longer.

"Your usual?"

"Mmhmm." Olivia scanned the sparse food items. "Maybe a toasted bagel, too. No, wait, lemon bread."

He looked at her. "Lemon bread, huh?" He kissed the top of her head. "That's what I was looking at." It was amazing how they were still finding small things they had in common that had simply never come up before.

A register opened and it was their turn to step forward. Only when he needed to grab his wallet to pay for their order did Barba move his arm from around Olivia's waist. She kept her expression in check and fought the urge to pout at the loss. She was suddenly very grateful they had the whole day.

It didn't take long before their order was up. "Inside or outside?"

"It's nice enough outside right now, and I like their little two-seaters," she answered as they collected their items.

They made their way out to the gated patio area, Olivia taking a seat with her back to the door, Barba taking the seat across from her. He shed his coat and draped it over the back of the chair, and Olivia giggled at his outfit.

He smiled knowingly. "What?"

"Those damn suspenders." Olivia shook her head in amusement. "It's… You." She took a sip of her coffee. "Thank you."

He rose an eyebrow. "For wearing suspenders?" he teased.

"Yes, I think I actually am glad to see them." On a whim, she hooked a finger beneath one and inched it just so on his shoulder. "And your silly, flashy tie." She smoothed her hand down it and then gripped in, gently tugging him into a kiss.

He couldn't deny he had hoped for just that kind of move, but he wasn't expecting it to happen so soon. He kissed her until she eased her grip on his tie. He cleared his throat as he settled in his chair again. "I missed you, too."

Olivia smiled at him. She took another sip of coffee and bit into her lemon bread. She took her time, they had all day. And she rather enjoyed looking at him.

Soon enough, he mirrored her, settling into their light breakfast and company without pressure to speak. His heartbeat was picking up and he doubted the caffeine had anything to do with it.

When their lemon bread was gone, Olivia reached across the little table to hold his hand, her thumb lightly caressing his skin. "How are you, Rafa?" she murmured.

He knew she meant beyond the present moment. Beyond the time they spent together. He squeezed her hand. "It's getting easier. I'm spending more time researching buildings out of boredom. I miss court."

"You'll find one soon," Olivia encouraged. "In the meantime, have you considered working remotely? Paperwork is paperwork whether or not it's physically in front of you."

He blinked. She just blasted a door open that he hadn't even seen. "No," he answered in awe. "I forgot that's even an option."

Olivia smiled. "Besides, you were talking about the hit the cost of a new place would be. It would be easier if you were already working again. Finding a building to lease first would be another hit."

Barba raised her hand and pressed a kiss to it. "Eres una genia!" He smiled at her. "You're really looking forward to living together."

"Yes," Olivia answered. "Life's too short. I'm fifty years old, Rafa."

He squeezed her hand again. "Let's take our coffee on a walk, then."

Olivia laughed softly at the odd phrasing. But she took what was left in her cup and rose to her feet, watching him putting his coat back on before he joined her. They left the little patio and picked a direction to walk in, sticking to a straightforward path. Their free hands linked together as naturally as breathing.

Barba gave it a few blocks and the chance for them to finish their coffees before he ventured, "What does fifty really mean, Liv?" He felt her hand tense in his own.

"It wouldn't be fair to answer that," she murmured.

"Screw fair. Tell me, if you want to."

Olivia stopped walking. Naturally Barba stopped too. Olivia looked at him. She framed his face with her hands. "It's just not realistic."

"That's okay," Barba murmured. He covered one of her hands with his own, the other gently holding her waist.

Olivia swallowed, looking into his eyes. "When I was watching Jessie… Seeing how Noah played with her and breaking out his old crib for her to sleep in…" Tears filled her eyes. "It makes me want a little girl of my own."

Barba kissed her tears as they fell. "There are so many ways to make that happen," he told her gently.

"With what time? I don't even know if you want kids!"

Barba laughed. "Liv, you have a five year old. I think that speaks for itself."

"You already know Noah," Olivia countered.

He drew her closer. "I'm not an obstacle." He kissed her soundly and held her tight. "You're fifty; not dead," he added. "And as long as you're alive, anything is possible."