CHAPTER 5

Olivia couldn't believe that after this long year she finally can call Noah her son. Noah Porter Benson as the judge announced to Olivia is officially her adopted child. And that means only one thing. Noah is gonna live a life full of unconditional love and Olivia on the other found a meaning to her own life. To raise this child with care by giving him all of her being and be able to see him thrive.

The same night, Olivia threw a party at her apartment inviting all of her friends to celebrate Noah's finalized adoption. Nick, Amanda, Sony, Fin and Rafael were there to congratulate her and wish her the best from now on, as a new mother.

Only one person was missing. Ed Tucker. Their relationship had just started so Olivia didn't want to complicate things just yet. But it was the first person she contacted to tell him the news.

''Olivia, how are you?'' Tucker answered his phone in seconds when he saw who the caller was.

''Ed, I can't believe it. Not in my wildest dreams I would imagine this. It's official.'' Her voice was trembling. I can call Noah my son. It's real Ed. I am beyond excited and deeply touched by all this.''

''Oh my God Olivia. It was about time. I've told you this was coming soon. Congratulations, I am so happy for both of you. You deserve happiness Liv, more than anyone.'' It was the first time he called her by her nickname, he was so caught up in the moment, he didn't notice.

''Thank you so much Ed. You were the first person I wanted to call and announce the news.''

''Olivia, I am flattered. You know after giving me a chance to get to know you in a more personal way I feel blessed. Thank you.''

''Ed, I am glad for our evolving relationship. More than you know. Also, I am calling you to let you know that tonight I am throwing a party for the squad to celebrate the adoption. Of course you are invited too.''

''Olivia, dear you know how much I would love to be there with you but I don't want to expose our relationship so soon. I think it's the best for you as well. And also, I am saving you for a while from the carping looks we will get and the teasing you are getting for be with the devil, aka me.'' He said chuckling.

''Oh, Ed. I appreciate that you are taking this slow. Please don't have any doubt that I would love to have you there too, but as you said it's just too soon to deal with the aftermath of our new personal status.'' She said sniggering.

''Maybe if the party ends on a reasonable hour I could come by to say hi to you and the little man. Or anytime you are free, I will wait. I promise. I might be a little bit heartbroken but I will make it.'' He said teasing her.

''Ed, I was wondering if you wanna spend the night in my place. Don't get excited. I want you as a charwoman of course. It's about time to prove to me you are somewhat useful.'' She said laughing so hard imagining his face expression on the other end of the line.

''Oh, ok Benson. Payback is a bitch I guess. I will bring a mop and my very sexy apron. Call me later. Give Noah a kiss from me.''

''I will. Talk to you later Lieutenant.''

It was about 11 when all her guests said their goodbyes and headed to their homes.

Olivia had Noah in her arms, singing him sweet lullabies, still ecstatic with the beginning of a wonderful chapter of her life.

She got her phone and dialed Ed's number.

''Hi Olivia'' Ed answered with a sleepy voice.

''Don't tell me you were sleeping mister.''

''Eh, I plead the fifth. Sorry, I was watching sports on TV and the next thing I remember it was dreaming about you.''

''Ed, get your ass over here now. You have so much cleaning to do. Plus Noah is so energetic right now and he may need a buddy to play with.'' She said in a playful tone. She loved driving him nuts.

Within 20 minutes Ed knocked her door. Olivia saw him through the peephole and smiled widely. He seemed a little nervous and he was carrying a small red bag and a beautiful bouquet of white roses.

''Ed, come in.''

He stepped into the apartment giving her the bouquet. ''Congratulations Liv.'' He was a little hesitant to attempt a physical contact with her but Olivia move closer, eliminating the distance between them. Ed took her move as an invitation, so he leaned closer, caressing her cheek with his index finger and in moments his lips were on hers, giving her a kiss full of passion and desire. Olivia kissed him back forcefully like he was her oxygen. When air became a necessity they broke their kiss and pulled slowly back. Their eyes locked to each other. Olivia blushed and Ed was trying to get his breath back.

''So I guess the interruption of my peaceful sleep was worth it at the end.'' He teased.

''You really are something, aren't you Tucker?''

''What can I say. Being with you Olivia is like I have constantly my head in the clouds.'' That was true. He is always in a good mood since they became a thing.

''Right back at you Tucker.''

''That means you gonna keep me around?''

''Ehm, let me think. I may already be stuck with you so I will keep you around for a while.''

''Oh, did you hear her Gods? Or am I delusional?'' He said while looking at the ceiling pretending to be a tragedian.

''And the Oscar goes to…'' before she could end her sentence he grabbed her and pulled her close to him, giving her another passionate kiss. His hands were a little more exploring now but not over the top. Olivia felt the impact of their kiss on him and her body was also responding to it, due to the cataclysm of emotions they experience at that very moment.

Before things got too far, Noah's cry cut off the tender tete–a-tete. Olivia rushed to get Noah out of his crib to comfort him. ''Shhh sweet baby of mine, everything is gonna be fine. Mommy is here.'' Ed was standing outside of the baby's room watching this precious moment between a mother and her child, unfolding beautifully in front of him.

''Come inside Ed.''

Ed made little steps toward them.

''Noah say hi to Ed.''

Noah still recovering from his previous weep lifted his little head up and giggled at him. He then extended his little hands to Ed. Ed confused and surprised at the same time looked at Olivia seeking a sign of what to do. She nodded in agreement. Ed took Noah in his hands and patted him softly on his back. Within 5 minutes Noah was out as a light. Olivia put him back in his crib, admiring her little angel for a few moments before taking Ed's hand and leading him back to the living room.

''Olivia I totally forgot I brought a little something for you in this bag. Open it.''

''Ed you shouldn't bring me anything. Your presence here is more than enough.''

''I just wanted to give you something special to remember this day forever.''

''Ok then. Thank you.'' Olivia opened slowly the small royal blue jewelry box and saw a stunning gold heart necklace.

''Ed it's beautiful.'' she started tearing up.

''Olivia the necklace has an opening.''

''Oh.'' Olivia unbuckled the small clasp and her eyes went wide open. On the one side of the heart the word mommy was graven and on the other side there was a tiny photo of Olivia and Noah.

Olivia then stood up and enfolded Ed into a tight embrace.

''Ed, please stay tonight. I need to hold you in my arms all night long to show you how much you mean to me.''

''Liv, I am not going anywhere. I am here as long as you want me to.''

''It could be last a while then mister. Maybe a little too long to be exact.''