A/N – Thanks to everyone who responded to my question at the end of the last chapter and to everyone who has read and reviewed this story all the way along. It was unanimous, so here is the epilogue, the way I viewed the story ending. Hope you enjoy it.

Epilogue – Perfect

Seven Months Later

"Here's to Elliot . . ."

"To Elliot!"

A melodic tinkle of clinking glasses mixed amiably with the loud chorus of deep male voices, the ensuing refrain echoing merrily off the wood-paneled interior of the small cop bar. The popular police hangout was characteristically busy on a Friday night, but this particular evening was even more hectic than usual. The floor space was cluttered, stuffed to overflowing with law enforcement professionals who mingled shoulder-to-shoulder with old friends and new acquaintances. A banner bearing the words "Congratulations Elliot!" swayed lazily over a long table that stretched nearly all the way across the room. Waitresses squeezed carefully through the warm bodies with trays of drink and food, each trip growing more precarious as the alcohol really started to flow on that warm late summer night. The atmosphere was jovial as the attendees celebrated the retirement of one of their own.

The guest of honor sat comfortably in the middle of the long wooden table, surrounded on all sides by friends and colleagues. The air was thick with upbeat, cheery conversation, and Elliot felt blessed to find himself in such wonderful company. With Fin on one side, Adam on the other, and Munch lounging across the table, there was no shortage of good dialogue, hearty laughter, tasty food, and strong liquor.

"You are such a lucky bastard," Fin griped, wiping his mouth with a napkin after taking a long pull of beer in toast of Elliot. Leaning back in his chair, he rubbed a content hand over his stomach. "Retiring. Wow."

"Who da thunk?" grinned Adam, carefully plucking a honey garlic chicken wing off the almost empty plate before him. "Elliot Stabler, finally hanging up the spurs."

"I've done my time. It's been a good run gentleman, a good run," Elliot acknowledged with a smile, sliding his empty but still perspiring beer glass along the scarred table between his hands. "Can't say I'm going to miss it though, not really. The very early morning wake up calls, the devastated victims, the deranged perverts. Nope, not going to miss it much at all."

"Don't speak too soon," warned Munch, lifting the glistening pitcher to refill Elliot's glass. "I thought I would enjoy retirement too, but look where I am now. Back on the streets."

"That's because you're a damn conspiracy nut," grunted Fin, drenching his plate of French fries in ketchup before selecting one and chewing on it thoughtfully. "If you don't keep busy, you start suspecting yourself!"

When the laughter eventually died down, Adam took a small sip of his dark beer and asked more seriously, "So what are you going to do with yourself old man?"

Leaning back in the hard wooden chair, Elliot stretched, grabbed his glass, and enjoyed another long swallow of his refreshing beverage before formulating an answer. He had lost track of how many times his tall glass had been refilled since his last official shift in SVU had ended several hours ago, not to mention how many shots he had thrown back at the insistence of well-wishers, but the one thing he was absolutely sure of was that he was feeling no pain.

"I won't have any trouble keeping busy. I reached out to a buddy who owns a private security company in Manhattan. They do a lot of big events around the city. I'm going to do some consulting for him, but probably not until next year. We move into the new house next month, and I have a lot of work ahead of me there. I need to get all my stuff as well as Liv's packed, and there will be some painting and basic repairs to do once we move in. We also have a couple of trips planned with all the kids, one down to Florida and then another out to the West Coast. No, staying out of trouble is not going to be a problem. But my plan is to relax for a bit before getting back to any serious work."

"Here's to having a plan," Adam grinned, raising his glass for the millionth toast of the evening. Cheers were seconded and glasses clinked, the men all falling silent to enjoy the refreshing flow of cold beer down their gullets.

"Well, guess I'd better make my rounds again," Elliot grunted, stretching once more before standing up and pushing back his chair with a scrape, leaving the other three men engrossed in conversation about previous drinking escapades. Beer in hand, Elliot wandered throughout the bar, receiving many slaps of congratulations on the back and shaking a variety of strong hands. As he mingled about, chatting with former colleagues and friends, Elliot realized with a pang that there was one thing about the job he would miss.

The people.

As Elliot stood beside the packed bar, joking with Cragen and an old friend from MCS, he suddenly felt a soft hand on his back and turned to see Alex Cabot standing patiently behind him.

"I've got to be heading out El," she said by way of greeting, hugging him softly and dropping a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Congratulations. Enjoy your retirement. You deserve it."

"Thanks Alex," Elliot replied, returning the hug wholeheartedly. "It was good to see you again. The baby shower wrapping up?"

Glancing in the direction of the bar's private back room, Alex smiled wryly. "I think so. We've all just about had as much "oohing and ahhing" over baby stuff as we can take. Or at least Olivia has. She was looking a little green by the end of it."

Elliot laughed deeply and gave Alex another hug. "I'm glad you were able to come. It meant a lot to Liv."

"No problem." Stepping back, Alex was about to offer a final goodbye when suddenly Adam sidled up to the pair, a glint in his playful green eyes.

"Elliot, my man, you have been remiss in your duties." Adam's words may have been directed at Elliot, but his level gaze was on Alex.

Record time, Elliot chuckled quietly to himself. Adam must have knocked over his chair getting out of it so fast. "And how is that, may I ask?"

"I directed you specifically to introduce me to every beautiful woman you knew in this bar. And here you are, talking to one of the most beautiful, and I know we haven't been introduced. I would have remembered." Adam smoothly held out a hand to Alex, his light eyes dancing merrily. "Hi. I'm Adam."

An amused grin twitching at the corner of her lips, Alex grasped his hand firmly and shook it. "Alex."

"Alex was just leaving," Elliot grinned, hoisting himself up on a recently vacated bar stool, his back leaning against the solid oak bar. He always enjoyed watching his long-time friend make a fool of himself.

"That's most unfortunate," Adam drawled, his eyes never leaving Alex's face as he moved a slight step closer. "Going home to a husband, boyfriend, girlfriend?"

Alex appeared nonplussed by his forwardness, polite amusement dancing on her features. "None of the above. My aunt actually. She's visiting from Europe."

"Really. That's interesting."

"Not particularly," smirked Alex wryly, her blue eyes flickering to Elliot for a moment before settling back on Adam's eager face.

"Well, how do you plan on getting home Alex?"

"The subway. And I really should be going. It was nice to meet you Adam." Tossing her purse back up to her shoulder, Alex glanced toward the door and Adam sensed his opportunity was quickly disappearing.

"A beautiful woman shouldn't walk alone to the subway at this time of the night. Not in this area."

Alex laughed genuinely, her blonde hair shining. "It's only just after eight o'clock. The sun isn't even completely down yet."

Buoyed by her laughter, Adam felt a boost of confidence. "Hey, I'm just being proactive! Maybe I could walk you to the subway station? Just to be safe?"

Elliot, immensely enjoying the byplay between the two, was somewhat surprised when Alex seemed to seriously consider it and then agreed.

"Sure. Why not?" With a wink at Elliot, Alex stepped back and rearranged her purse on her shoulder. "Congratulations again Elliot. I expect a call when the little one is born."

"You bet. Take care Alex." Watching his two friends work their way out of the crowded bar, Elliot couldn't help but shake his head with a chuckle. "Well I'll be damned."

Attention refocused after the momentary diversion, Elliot suddenly caught sight of Olivia, weaving her way between guests, greeting those she knew and smiling politely at those she didn't. She looked beyond gorgeous in a soft purple dress that flattered her curves, the empire waist billowing out over her heavily pregnant stomach, and Elliot saw more than one man do a double take. Her olive skin was radiant and her mahogany hair soft and shiny. She had taken to wearing her hair longer while pregnant, and he loved the way it cascaded in soft brown curls down her back. All in all, she glowed with a heart-stopping beauty that robbed Elliot and many other men in the room of their breath.

Seven months after her ordeal, and five months after Seth had been sentenced to twenty-five years in a psychiatric institute, the only physical reminder of the horrors she had endured was a slight limp that dogged her steps. It was more pronounced when the weather was bad, but today it was barely noticeable as she squeezed between the party goers. The emotional reminders, however, lingered far more powerfully, with vicious nightmares that roused her from sleep at least four times a week. But the counselling was helping with those too and last night she had slept peacefully through the entire night for the first time in almost a month.

Things were definitely looking up.

Absorbed in her travels through the crowd, Olivia didn't notice Elliot leaning languidly against the bar, and she shrieked a little when he snaked out a muscled arm to grab her and draw her against him.

"Hey beautiful. Where you been all my life?" Elliot murmured, rocking her in his arms as he dropped a soft kiss on her temple.

"Jesus Elliot," Olivia gasped, one hand flying to her chest as the other shot out to smack him lightly in the gut. "You scared me! You want me to give birth right here, or what?"

Ignoring her admonishment, Elliot chuckled and nuzzled her neck softly, savoring her unique scent. "Sorry. It's just that I haven't seen you for hours. I missed you." His arms tightened possessively around her as he pulled her to stand between his legs, enveloping her in warmth.

Amused at how openly affectionate Elliot always got after he had been drinking, Olivia grinned, turning around to face him and slipping her tanned arms over his shoulders. "You, my dear, reek of booze. How much have you had to drink?"

Elliot appeared to ponder that question for a moment, his eyes slightly glazed. He held out a meaty hand and attempted to actually count before giving up with a shake of his head. "I dunno. Lots?"

Olivia laughed at his slightly dazed expression and leaned forward, kissing him lightly. He tasted like an excitingly dangerous combination of whisky and beer and she got lost for a moment in the warmth of his mouth. It was only when his hands tightened on her and he tried to deepen the kiss that she backed up a bit, aware of the audience surrounding them.

Letting a hand drift up to Elliot's mouth, Olivia playfully ran a fingertip over his lips. "If you keep kissing me like that, I'm not going to be able to drive us home. They'll charge me with a DWI."

Elliot shot her a dirty look but couldn't help grinning, his light blue eyes warm and happy. "I'm not THAT bad. Anyway, how was your baby shower?"

"Great. We got a ton of nice stuff. Between the things Kathy gave us and what we got here, we will be set for a while."

Rubbing her back softly, his fingertips dancing over the spots he knew knots always formed, Elliot groaned. "Fantastic. More stuff to pack."

Shooting him a slightly irritated glance, Olivia pulled back a bit and put a hand on her hip. "I told you we shouldn't have let this happen. As soon as I found out Melinda was planning a baby shower, I should have put a stop to it. We don't need any more stuff. But oh no, you insisted we let it happen.

Tugging her closer again, Elliot's eyes were soft. "I know we don't need more stuff. But it's your first and only pregnancy. I just wanted you to have the full experience."

Melting, Olivia's posture loosened and her voice grew quieter as she leaned into his fit body. "I can help with the packing."

Elliot shook his head vehemently. "No way. You heard the doctor. No lifting anything heavier than a book. I'll do it, without complaining. I promise."

Turning around, Olivia pressed her back against Elliot's chest and rested her head on his shoulder, her silky hair tickling his nose. Slipping his arms around her waist, he rested his hands soothingly on her ample belly.

"It's nice so many people were able to come out for your retirement party," Olivia remarked, snuggling back into him as far as she could, relishing the contact. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, Olivia frowned slightly, lifting her head off his shoulder. "Hey, did I just see Alex leaving with Adam?"

Elliot laughed deeply as he caressed her swollen belly lovingly. "Yeah. Believe it or not, you did."

"Wow. One of his lines actually worked?"

"I wouldn't go that far," Elliot grinned, nuzzling her hair lightly. "He convinced her to let him walk her to the subway station. Beyond that, I don't think he will get very far."

"Well, she could definitely do worse," Olivia admitted absently, returning her head to Elliot's shoulder and her eyes to the room surrounding them.

"She could," he agreed amiably. Removing one hand from her belly, he drew the hair away from the nape of her neck and kissed there softly. "It would work out better for me too. Then maybe he would stop hitting on you all the time. At least in front of me.

It was Olivia's turn to laugh. "He's just being a goof. He doesn't mean anything by it. He would never do anything to hurt you, you know that."

"I know. Still, it's irritating."

With a smile, Olivia slipped her hands down over his as they rested on her pregnant belly . They both sighed contently when the small life inside her kicked up gently at their hands.

Glancing down at Olivia, Elliot realized she had closed her eyes and was nestled contently into his neck, breathing deeply. Kissing the crown of her head, Elliot whispered softly into her hair. "You tired?"

Not realizing she had previously closed them, Olivia quickly reopened her eyes, enjoying the feeling of his warm steady breath on her neck. "No. Well, a little."

"Let's take off then."

"No!" Olivia protested, straightening up and shaking her head lightly, rubbing a hand over the back of her neck. "It's only going on eight-thirty. Some people will just be getting here. We can't have the guest of honor leaving already."

"Olivia, you're nine months pregnant, and I don't care what anyone else thinks. You say the word, and we're out of here."

Olivia shook her head again, more firmly this time. "I'm okay. I promise. If I get too tired, I'll let you know." Sighing, Olivia glanced down at her distended belly under their hands. "You know, I really love being pregnant, but I'm ready to meet the little guy. It sucks I've still got two and a half weeks left."

"The doctor thinks you are going to go early and there is no way he will let you go any later. The baby will be here any day, love."

"Not soon enough," Olivia whispered with a quiet smile, rubbing her stomach affectionately.

Lowering his mouth to a spot just under Olivia's ear, Elliot kissed there softly before scraping his teeth lightly over the skin, feeling a shiver course through her. "You know, I heard a rumor the other day."

Rolling her warm eyes with a rueful grin, Olivia decided to play along, knowing exactly where the conversation was heading. The same place it had the night before. "And what's that? What rumor did you hear?"

"I heard that making love can induce labor."

Olivia laughed. "Anything is possible, but I'd love to see you maneuver that tonight big fella."

"Judging from the sounds you were making last night, I'd say I know how to maneuver it pretty damn good." Elliot mumbled proudly, pulling her tighter against him so she could feel exactly what he planned to maneuver.

Olivia laughed again, her eyes twinkling playfully. "Well, last night you weren't three sheets to the wind. Regardless, we've got to stay here for at least a little while longer, so down boy." Olivia stepped away from him, turning around in his arms as Elliot grunted disappointedly. Reaching up, she kissed him briefly, her eyes closing in deference to the sheer power of the sensations of safety and love he invoked in her. "I love you."

Cupping her face gently and rubbing his thumbs over her cheeks, Elliot returned the sentiment with all the force he possessed. "I love you too. Always."

This time the kiss lasted a little longer and, when it finally ended, they were both breathless.

Stepping back, Olivia offered him a slender hand. "Come on. Want to go see the baby stuff we got?"

With a fake groan, Elliot hauled himself off the stool, leaving his beer glass on the bar. "That depends. Do I have to ooh and ahh?"

"No smartass. In fact, if you do, I'll shoot you. Even though I'm on desk duty, I still have my gun until the end of next week."

"Well then in that case, I'm in," Elliot said with a grin, taking her offered hand and allowing her to lead him toward the back room where the baby shower had been set up.

As they cut through the throng of people, tossing out greetings as they went, more than one group murmured to each other enviously just how nice it was to see the two of them together and so much in love. Despite everything that they had been through in the last year, they had emerged stronger and more committed than ever.

It could have gone another way, a much worse way, but it didn't.

It was a storybook ending. No one could deny that.

It really was perfect.

Just perfect.

END