A/N: I will be putting this on AO3 as well, but with a different title because someone has a story over there with the same name and I don't want to step on any toes. My username is the same. Enjoy!

It is only three months later that their wedding day arrives. The engagement doesn't need to be long, the planning is minimal because the thing that matters most to them is becoming a family in every way they could. And so they decide all they need is a quiet ceremony, followed by a small reception located on the roof of their building. The ceremony is scheduled for 6:00 PM of April 25th, the perfect date, not too hot, not too cold, with the reception to start at 7:00 PM to leave time for some alone time as a family and a few professional photos. The couple didn't feel the need for frills, at almost fifty years old they found it unnecessary, but the photos were one thing they allowed themselves, after all this was a day that they wanted to remember in perfect detail.

There were some traditions the couple decided to honor and others they left behind. One thing Olivia did insist on was that Rafael not see her dress until the ceremony.

Olivia goes shopping for a dress the first weekend work allows, which ends up being five weeks after the engagement. Liv planned on taking Amanda and Lucia with her and leaving the boys behind to do their own thing, however, Noah insisted on being there to see the dress. And so, on the first available Saturday Amanda rounded up the gang and off they went. It is a small boutique that the women decided to try their luck in. Liv knew she didn't want a dress with anything flashy, only one that would make her feel like a bride.

About 45 minutes since entering the store the group has only found two they deemed worthy enough of trying on but those two come up flat. As she enters the fitting room with her third choice Olivia remembers why she tried to convince Noah to stay with Rafael, Lucia is coaxing him out from between dresses, "Mijo, ven aquí por favor" (come here please) Lucia waves him over.

With his arms hanging heavily at his sides and a deep frown dragging his mouth downward Noah lets out a big sigh, "Abuelita estoy aburrido" (I'm bored) his voice coming out a whine.

"Lo sé mi amor," (I know my love) Lucia's voice is soft as she closes him into a hug. "Why don't we look around and see if we can find something for Mamí to wear when she marries Papí, okay compa?"

The two walk off together with Noah clutching Lucia's hand. Once the pair is no longer within hearing distance Liv cocks her head to the side looking to Rollins, "is it bad that I'm relieved he's not here right now?"

Rollins just shakes her head laughing as Olivia turns back to take off the third dress that was a no-go. Once she is back out in her street clothes Amanda and her take off down another aisle to try their luck. A few minutes into their browsing Olivia hears the excited squeak of hers son's voice, "Mamí, Mamí mira!" (Mommy, Mommy look!)

Dutifully Olivia and Amanda follow the voice of Noah as he continues to call for his mother, they can also make out the hushed whisper of Lucia trying to quiet the boy. A minute later Olivia finds her son happily waving his arms at her.

"Mamí I found your dress!" He squeals, seemingly unable to contain himself.

"Oh you did, did you? Well let me try that on then huh?" Liv runs her hand through the young boys untamable curls. Olivia pulls the plush silk hanger from the rack and runs her eyes quickly over the dress her son is so excited about, she has to admit that it is very pretty, although not something she might have picked out for herself. There wasn't anything especially eye-catching about it but her baby picked out just for her and so she would give it a fair shake.

Once again she finds herself in a fitting room with another wedding dress laying against her skin, pulling the zipper all the way up she smooths her hands down the lace along the bodice of the dress and turns to look in the mirror. Her breath catches, she thinks it might be all the lace that has her reacting this way but, she feels like a bride. The neckline is deep but not un-modest, her boy did well. Taking a deep breath she pulls the curtain back and steps out to show her entourage and get their input.

Amanda and Lucia are engaged in conversation and miss her exiting the dressing room, but not Noah, he had been sitting silently in between the women sullenly awaiting his mother's re-entry. The moment he sees her Noah perks up, "Mira, mira!" (look, look)

Instantly Lucia and Amanda turn their head's in her direction, Lucia's hand flies to her mouth, "oh mija you look perfect. Rafi won't what hit him when he sees you."

"The dress is perfect Liv, you look stunning," Amanda adds with an admiring look directed at her friend.

Noah has made his way over to his mother, "You look like a princess Mommy." That's the comment that completely cements her decision, this is the one.

It's mid-afternoon when the arrive home and Noah bursts through the door first, "Daddy! Daddy! I missed you, it felt like we were shopping forever."

Rafael hasn't even had the chance to put his book all the way down by the time his son is climbing over him into his lap. Raf's laugh is jovial as he receives the boy into his arms.

Parroting Noah's greeting Rafael says, "Noah! Noah! I missed you too, it seemed like you were shopping forever." By the end of his sentence Rafael has thrown his had back and added a dramatic flourish to his tone, the boys share a giggle between them.

Once Noah and Rafael have completely their own greetings Rafael notices his mother and fiancée have entered the condo as well, Olivia carrying a black dress bag over her shoulder.

Gathering his son in his arms Barba rests Noah on his hip as he leans in to kiss Liv on the cheek, "hola, mi amor, you found a dress I see," his gaze shifting the item she carries.

"I did actually, and you, mister, are not allowed to look under any circumstances," then looking at Noah she adds, "and no asking Noah either, you have to play fair." At this Noah gives a decisive nod of agreement.

Barba rolls his eyes and turns his attention to his mother, "Rafi she looks gorgeous in it, I can't wait for you to see her." Ever since the engagement Lucia seems to have a brighter presence about her, Rafael is happy to see it and tries not to take too much credit for it.

Lucia leaves shortly thereafter, and the small family of three carry on with their lives as normal as can be while living in New York City as a police lieutenant and an ADA planning a wedding for the next five weeks.

The final two weeks leading to the wedding are when things start to feel hectic for the couple, the minute details need to ironed out, thankfully there aren't many. The rooftop of the building has a garden and three wooden picnic tables already located there, along with some fairy lights hung along the perimeter of the roof. In the spirit of keeping things simple both Rafael and Olivia decide folding tables and chairs will do to accommodate the remaining guests that won't fit at the picnic tables and their own bluetooth speakers will work just fine for the music. The only things that need to be covered aren't terribly big ones so they do their best not to stress over them.

The wedding parties too are kept to a minimum, one a piece. Olivia asks Amanda to be her maid of honor, and Noah will be Rafael's best man. Although Rafael won't tell Olivia what he will be wearing, which he claims is only a fair trade, so Amanda's dress is a mystery to Olivia as well as she was told what the groom would be dressed in as to match colors.

One other tradition Olivia wanted to partake in was having "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue."

Her something old surprisingly enough had belonged to her mother. It was two simple necklaces that weren't of any financial value but Serena had held onto them because they were the ones she wore on the day she went into labor to deliver Olivia. Liv herself had been shocked that her mother had even kept them, her mother wasn't exactly sentimental, especially not in matters pertaining to her daughter. One necklace was a pretty looking sea foam green geode that had been smoothed out on a long chain that came to rest only an inch or so above the deep neckline of her dress. The other necklace was a series of three spherical beads of the same green color on a chain that was about three inches shorter than the first and landed on her clavicle.

The something new she picked out was a set of white lingerie that was all lace and sheer. Liv didn't really care that it was probably a bit cliche, she wanted the first night they spent together as husband and wife to be special, not to mention sexy. Barba hadn't ever really seen her in anything quite like this either, sure she had nice, fancy even, sets of underwear but nothing like the lingerie she would be wearing on their wedding night. She couldn't wait to see his reaction.

Rafael was the one to provide Olivia with her something borrowed piece, it was the handkerchief he had with him the evening they went on their first real date. She intended to wrap it around the stems of her bouquet. Until they started to really get to know each other Rafael didn't at all seem like he had any interest in romance, then they'd gotten to talking about literature and broadway or movies and he turned out to be an old softie, a true romantic. So when Olivia let on about her somethings tradition he wanted to do something romantic to show her how much he cherished their relationship and that he was doing his best to remember every last moment of it all. She knew that of course but reminders never hurt.

She'd keep her something blue simple. A few days before the wedding she had a manicure and asked them to paint her nails a light baby blue. Olivia didn't feel the need to have to do something with much meaning or purpose behind it, this was fun and easy, that's all she needed.

Almost before they knew it the wedding was upon, just one more day to get through and then, finally, and somehow seemingly instantly they would be getting married. Rafael and Noah went to the jewelers to pick up the rings after a family breakfast in bed, because they decided if there was ever a time in their lives to be indulgent it was when getting married.

Late in the morning Amanda and Jessie came over to the condo to be sure that all the hair and make-up appointments and arrangements were finished. While she was there she and Olivia made sure the wedding dress still fit perfectly, it did. They had both been going tanning in preparation for the wedding and the way the ¾ lace sleeves rested against Liv's sun-kissed (well, technically, sun-lamp kissed) skin was a beautiful complement to the white lace. Happy with how she looked and felt in her dress she and Amanda packed it back into the garment bag and headed back out into the living room to watch Stranger Things while they had the time off to binge it.

When the boys arrived back home they had with them Fin and Carisi. The squad along with Noah and Rafael made their way up to the roof to arrange things and get three more tables and extra chairs in place for the guests. They also hung extra lights overhead anticipating that once the sunset fully the celebration would still be going on. Carisi had procured the table cloths and seat covers, but those wouldn't be set out until the next day, just in case. With the seating arranged and the lights hung the group decided the job was done and wandered back into the condo to have a "family" dinner which would be cooked by Lucia who was set to arrive shortly.

Dinner was a light-hearted affair and the mood carried into the time that followed it in-which the self-made family enjoyed each other's company. Noah and Jessie were running themselves ragged, enjoying being kids, while the adults sat around and enjoyed cups of coffee and easy conversation.

Not too long after the adults had settled themselves into the living room did Jessie come gliding in on her socked feet, laughing with a joy only young children seem capable of exuding. She bypassed both her mother and Carisi going straight to Barba.

"Qero fly!" Jessie practically yelled once at his feet, throwing her arms out.

Without really thinking Barba looked to the small girl saying, "Es 'quiero' senorita" (it's 'I want' miss)

"Q quie-ro," she starts unsure of herself, gaining in confidence when Barba gives a small nod. "Quiero?" Another nod.

Carefully Jessie copied his pronunciation "quiero fly Rafa!"

She seemed more impatient this time so Barba got to his feet, but not before giving her a slight bop on the end of her nose with his finger tip.

"Okay but let's go to Noah's room so I can lay on the carpet."

As Jessie and Barba left together a collection of curious looks were directed at Olivia.

"When did my daughter start learning to speak Spanish?" Rollins asked somewhat bemused. Then shaking her head she decides, "I guess that goes to show how often her and Noah are around each other."

Olivia can only laugh and nod in agreement.

"What was she talking about?" Fin questions, getting back just what it is Jessie is talking about.

Displaying a fond grin Olivia turns to her friend, "Noah must have mentioned how Rafael makes him 'fly' sometimes they call it Superman.

"He'll lay on his back and hold Noah's hands while Noah leans his stomach against Rafael's feet and then Raf will slowly lift him up and let go of his hands so it looks like he's flying. Noah loves doing it and Rafael will hold him up in the air for as long as it takes Noah to start laughing, which isn't usually very long."

Amanda, who is slightly more used to seeing Barba in 'dad mode' isn't really phased upon hearing this but both Fin and Carisi both let out small snorts in disbelief at what they were hearing.

"I don't think I will ever truly get used to seeing Barba so much as relaxing let alone having fun being a dad." Carisi voiced.

Fin nodded in agreement, "I feel that man. When we first started working with him I didn't think he even knew how to smile."

A chorus of laughter and yelling wafts in from Noah's room while the squad laments Barbra's behavioral changes. The afternoon proceeds in much the same way with only the adult watching the children alternating at the will of Noah and Jessie.

When Jessie is told she only has 30 more minutes to play with Noah she and Noah decide that this will not be fought on the condition; that everyone play hide-n-go-seek with each person taking a turn being 'it' so to speak.

There are only so many places for adult bodies can actually hide in a condo so each seems to revolve through hiding in the main bathtub, the master bathtub, the linen closet, Noah's closet, the closet in Liv and Raf's room, there are a lot of closets involved.

After having played each round, and having more fun than any one of the grown ups was willing to admit to, the group went their separate ways bidding each a "good night" and a "see you tomorrow!"

Before anyone knew it, in a whirlwind of; dreams of tomorrow, and the rest of their lives, a light breakfast filling anxious stomachs, makeup, bobby pins, stockings and underwear, dresses and suits, flowers, double-checks, and plenty of deep breaths the hours until the ceremony were gone.

Finally there Rafael stood at the end of the aisle made using the seats from the picnic tables split evenly in two. The squad, Munch, Cragen, Lucia, Lucy, along with a few other friends, and, of course, significant others were all in place ready to witness and share in the happiness of their friends.

As everything seemed to have settled itself and gone quiet Rafael sucked in a breath, this is what he had been looking forward to for so long now.

Turning to Noah Rafael leans down, "Ready mijo?" he whispers.

Rocking on the balls of his feet Noah nods eagerly. Straightening himself Rafael runs a hand over his front fixing his tie into place and securing the buttons of his suit jacket he hears the first notes of the wedding march. Moments later Amanda begins her short walk through the guests, once she has made her way to the would be alter Barba thinks he might be having a heart attack with how fast his heart is beating. Turning his head back to the entryway once more he catches his very first glimpse of his bride.

And, oh, what a sight she makes shrouded in lace, tan skin glowing, hair and makeup and jewelry all perfect, a delicate bouquet in her hands wrapped in his handkerchief, looking beautiful. As Rafael takes her in everything in him settles down, he has never been more ready to take on a new chapter than he is right now.

"Mamí es hermosa mijo, buen trabajo ayudándola," (Mommy is beautiful son, good job helping her.) Raf leans over slightly to relay his thoughts to his son. Noah's smile has never looked so brilliant as it does in this moment Rafael thinks.

In a matter of moments Olivia arrives to her spot next to her family, handing her bouquet off to Amanda she leans down and gives Noah a soft peck on the cheek.

"Hi sweet boy, you look so handsome," she tells him. And he really does, bright eyes, curly hair, adorable suit, and all.

Locking her gaze with Rafael's she says, "this suit is going to have all the best memories attached to it isn't it?"

"So far so good," he says with a chuckle.

Rafael and Noah are wearing the same suits they wore the night he and Olivia were engaged, with Amanda wearing a matching green.

"Are you ready to do this?" Rafa asks.

She beams back at him, "more than, you?" Her eyebrow quirks.

"Without a doubt," he breathes.

Quietly the justice of the peace clears her throat and the ceremony begins. They've opted for the simplest they could get, their desire to be married sooner than later won out over the desire for tradition or overt romance that might be found within other scripts.

It is time for the vows next, and Rafael and Liv are going to be saying their own.

Rafael is first up, grabbing up both of Olivia's hands he took a deep breath and began.

"I didn't think I would ever find someone who I would want to share a life with, forever with. I didn't think I would find anyone who would ever want that with me, and now I have two someones. Never in my life have I been so happy to be so wrong.

"Growing up I didn't really get to see many happy marriages and I thought that maybe there were no such thing as a happy marriage, maybe it was a myth. There isn't a future I can think of involving you and Noah that isn't a happy one, I think just maybe this is the start of our happily ever after. It's funny too, when I was coming up with what I wanted to say to you, and to you," he says looking to Noah who has moved to stand in between his parents. Raf's hand has released one of Olivia's is now on Noah's shoulder, but then he slides it down his chest to rest over the boy's heart.

"I wasn't aware I just how cheesy and sappy I could get but if this is the kind of man I'm going to be when I'm with my family then it's exactly the kind of man I want to be. I love you both with everything that I have and I will do everything I can to show that each day until the day that I die."

As his speech ends quite a few noses are sniffling and plenty of eyes are tearing up. Now that Rafael is finished saying his piece it is Olivia's turn.

"When I was little, being around my mother, the way she was, I told myself I didn't want to be anything like her. So I made up my mind; I would get married, have children that I wanted and loved totally, and I would be happy. But more than wanting that I wanted to protect her, I never wanted what happened to her and what it made her become, made me become, to happen to anyone else, so I became a cop. And that part of my dream slowly started to take over all the other parts.

"After being at SVU for years I started to believe I was never going to be a wife or a mother and I tried to okay with that, so I let it go and stopped hoping, stopped dreaming. Or I thought I had," Liv has begun softly crying at this point, "but then I met you and something felt different, better somehow. Still I didn't hope for anything.

"Then there was Noah, she cups his chin in one hand, then bends down so they are face-to-face and he smiles as he rests his forehead on hers and she gives him a kiss. Standing once again she picks up where she left off,

"and with him my hope came back. And that was enough, more than enough, to have this precious little boy in my life. But when our friendship turned into a relationship turned into love it made me feel like that little girl again so full of hopes and dreams. Thank you Rafa for giving me everything I wanted, thank you for loving me and our beautiful son. I love you both so much and I can't wait to keep loving you for the rest of our lives."

Once the rest of the rest of the ceremony is complete the justice finally announces, "you may kiss the bride."

Rafael doesn't hesitate to lean into his bride, pressing his lips against hers and unable to hold back a smile as he does so, but it's okay because Olivia can't hold hers back either.

"Friends and family I present you, for the first time, the newlyweds!" The justice of the peace exclaims. Olivia and Raf turn to the people gathered to celebrate with them with linked hands and wide smiles, Next them Noah is cheering them on.

Slowly, with plenty of congratulations, most of the crowd trickles down into the condo that has been set up as a sort of holding area until the pictures are finished. The timing for them is perfect, the first set are completely lit with full sunshine but as they continue the back-drop changes to a beautiful sunset.

They have fun with their picture taking, there are plenty of the happy couple, both carefully posed and candid. Noah, of course comes into the mix in any combination they can put him, including one highlighting best man and bridesmaid, which is almost unbearably cute, and one with his abuelita.

Not wanting to keep their guests waiting the pictures are wrapped up and the crowd makes their way back onto the roof. Once everyone is back the music begins to play some soft notes while people seat themselves for a light meal and drinks.

The food eaten and the drinks flowing, from a small makeshift bar that is unmanned but fully stocked, the dancing is about to begin but not before a few special dances.

Rafael and Olivia stand and make their way to the "dance floor" which is really just a clearing amongst the tables, but big enough for most, if not all, guests. Rafael doesn't follow Olivia though, he makes his way over to the speakers and pauses the music, gaining the attention of everyone.

Clearing his throat looking somewhat bashful Rafael says, "I hope none of you mind but I'm going to sing this one."

He doesn't actually wait for anyone's input though, only makes his way over to his wife. Taking her into his arms he begins:

"Wise men say

Only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you…

Olivia rests her head on his shoulder, face turned into him and lets his voice wash over her as they glide slowly and gently around on their feet. This man makes her so incredibly happy and she knows he isn't particularly fond of singing in front of too many people but he is doing this for her and her happiness.

Shall I stay

Would it be a sin

If I can't help falling in love with you

Like a river flows

Surely to the sea

Darling so it goes

Some things are meant to be...

Rafael runs the hand that isn't holding hers up and down her back, letting that action and her presence have a soothing effect on him as he continues to sing to her.

Take my hand

Take my whole life too

For I can't help falling in love with you...

Part way through his song Olivia lifts her head from his shoulder and looks Rafael in the eye as he serenades her, she moves the hand she had resting against the back of his neck to his cheek to rub her thumb over it. Liv and Raf seem almost in a trance as the song finishes, until Noah comes *rushing* over to them springing himself against them. Rafael throws his head back with a hearty laugh and swoops him into an embrace.

"Hola mijo, quieres bailar con Mamí?" (do you want to dance with Mommy?) Raf asks.

"Sí!" Noah yells back at him instantly.

In moments the boys are asking their respective mothers for a dance and so their friends watch once more for the mother-son dance, and then, finally, everyone is welcomed to the dance floor.

For the next few hours Liv, Raf, and Noah feel nothing but joy, being a complete and total family, happily ever after.

Once it starts to get late and Noah starts to yawn more and more Lucia takes this as her queue and corrals her grandson and takes him home with her. The plan is for Lucia to take Noah for three nights during which Olivia and Rafael would take a drive up to Boston and stay two nights on their own to do what newlyweds do. After those few days they would rejoin their son and fly down to Key West to vacation together as a family.

The celebration went on for another couple of hours after Lucia and Noah's departure but inevitably Olivia and Rafael are left by themselves at the end. Tonight they were simply going to enjoy being together in their own home, and blessedly alone.

Wrapping their arms around one another they just breath and share gentle, quick kisses over and over.

Eventually Rafael pulls back, "I'm your husband now," he says a silly grin overtaking his face, a beautiful loving look appears in his eyes.

"Yeah you are Rafa," Liv giggles a bit feeling her mouth form its own goofy smile. "And I'm your wife."

He takes her hand and pulls her to the door that leads back inside. As they make their way down the stairs Raf says, "I can't wait."

Liv can hear the smile in his voice, "for what baby?" She asks him.

His answer is simple, but more than enough, "everything."

A/N: I hope you all liked it. I had started writing this a while ago but got stuck in a rut and everything just took me forever to get out of my head. Would anyone be interested in any sort of follow-up? I also have an idea in mind for a completely different story with teen!Noah and strict Rafa, but in the most loving way possible of course. We'll see.

Anyway, I would so love to hear feedback from you all if you have a second to review. 3 Lindsay