Chapter Text
The news that "it was time" reverberated through Elliot like an electric shock, dispelling the tranquil atmosphere of their new home in a wave of palpable anxiety. His heart pounded, a frantic rhythm echoing the urgency of the moment. He felt his hands sweat slightly, his mind flooded with a mix of excitement and overwhelming nervousness. It was real. Their children were on their way.
Olivia, leaning against the hallway wall, breathed deeply, her face contorted by a pain he could barely imagine. He approached her, embracing her with studied delicacy, a conscious effort to remain calm and not transmit his own agitation.
"Okay, my love," he said, his voice attempting to sound firm and comforting despite the knot forming in his throat. "Calm down. Breathe with me. This... this is normal." He caressed her hair, watching every minute expression on her face.
"Call Serena," Olivia requested, her voice a bit tense as a new wave of contractions coursed through her. She squeezed Elliot's hand tightly, her fingers seeking his like an anchor. "And Barnie... and the kids."
That request brought him back to action. Elliot nodded promptly, pulling his phone from his pocket with hands that still trembled slightly. His fingers slid across the screen, finding Serena's contact.
"Serena?" His voice came out a bit louder than he intended, betraying his apprehension. "It's us... Olivia... labor has started. Yes, the contractions are coming frequently. We're going to the hospital right now. We'll meet you there."
He hung up, taking a deep breath to try and control his own anxiety before calling Barnie. His mother's voice on the other end of the line immediately sounded worried. Elliot repeated the news, trying to maintain an optimistic tone despite the urgency of the situation.
"Mom, Olivia went into labor. We're on our way to the hospital now. We'll meet you there. I'll let Maureen, Dickie, Kathleen, and Elizabeth know. They'll come home to stay with Ellena and then meet us at the maternity ward."
He dialed Maureen's number. "Mo," he said, his voice a little shaky, "Liv's gone into labor. We need to go to the hospital now. Can you come here as quickly as possible to stay with Ellena?"
To his relief, the response from the other end of the line was immediate and resolute. "We're on our way right now, Dad," Maureen replied, her voice firm despite her concern. He could hear Dickie, Kathleen, and Elizabeth's voices in the background, confirming they were coming.
With a sigh of relief, knowing Ellena would be safe and cared for, Elliot hung up the phone. A short while later, the doorbell rang, and his older children entered the house with worried expressions but ready to help. They quickly hugged their father and went to check on Ellena, who had woken up with the commotion and showed a mixture of confusion and excitement. They calmed her down, explaining that mommy and daddy needed to go to the hospital so the babies could be born, promising they would stay with her and take her to meet her siblings as soon as possible.
With this important responsibility entrusted to his older children, Elliot could finally focus entirely on Olivia. She was strong, breathing deeply, but the pain in her eyes was undeniable. He helped her walk slowly to the car, each step loaded with deep meaning. The journey to the hospital would be the prelude to the greatest miracle of their lives. In the car, he held her hand, squeezing it firmly, a silent bond of love and support as they headed into the unknown, toward meeting their children. Anxiety still gnawed at him, but the sight of Olivia's strength inspired him to remain calm, to be the safe harbor she needed at that crucial moment. Upon arriving at the hospital, they found Serena and Barnie already waiting anxiously, anticipation hanging in the air like an impending promise.
Upon arriving at the maternity ward, the medical team quickly examined Olivia. The news surprised everyone: five centimeters dilated. Labor was progressing rapidly. The doctors, aware of the twin pregnancy and the proximity of the due date, began discussing options, mentioning the possibility of a C-section as a safer procedure for both babies.
"Considering they are twins and the proximity to birth, it might be safer to schedule a C-section," one of the doctors explained cautiously, observing Olivia's expression.
However, Olivia's response was firm and immediate. "No," she said with conviction, her voice filled with determination despite the pain of the contractions. "I want a natural birth. I want to feel my children being born."
Elliot, holding her hand tightly, was impressed by the firmness of her request. He looked into her eyes, admiring her courage. "You're an amazing woman, Liv," he murmured, squeezing her hand. "But, my love, if the pain gets too strong, if you want any medication, don't hesitate to ask. They'll give you whatever is necessary for you and the babies to be well."
Olivia shook her head, her determination unwavering. "No, Elliot. I don't want medication. I want my children free from the first moment. I want everything to be natural, as it should be. I can do it." Her eyes shone with surprising inner strength, a deep connection with the children she carried. The medical team exchanged glances, recognizing the mother's conviction. The initial plan might need to be reconsidered.
Nine long hours dragged on, each minute marked by a new wave of intense pain coursing through Olivia's body. The maternity room became a silent stage for her incredible strength and endurance. Elliot remained by her side, a constant beacon amidst the storm of contractions. He held her hand, wiped her sweaty face, and whispered words of encouragement, his voice choked with admiration and love.
With each groan, each deep, controlled breath, Elliot saw the extraordinary woman Olivia was. Her eyes, despite the suffering, shone with unwavering determination, focused on the ultimate goal: bringing their children into the world. The pain was excruciating, etched into every fiber of her being, but there was also a strange beauty in that process, a primal force emanating from her, leaving Elliot in awe.
"You're incredible, Liv," he repeated incessantly, his voice filled with emotion. "You're the strongest woman I know. I love you so much." He kissed her forehead, his lips salty with the silently flowing tears. "You're being so brave, my love. So, so brave."
"Aaaah..." Olivia groaned, gripping Elliot's hand tightly. "It hurts... so much... but I can do it..." She took a deep breath, trying to control the wave of pain that swept through her. "Owwie...!"
He reminded her of her strength, of the journey they had traveled together, of the love that united them, and of the anticipation of the children waiting for them. Each word was a balm, an attempt to alleviate the piercing pain, but also an acknowledgment of the epic battle she was fighting. He felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of that moment, his role reduced to that of a privileged spectator of life's strength and a mother's unconditional love. Despite the visible exhaustion on her face, there was also a radiant happiness in her eyes, the anticipation of the imminent meeting with her children, the final reward for all that ordeal.
"Stay strong, my love..." Elliot whispered, kissing her lips. "You're almost there... I know you are..."
"I will..." Olivia gasped between contractions. "I will make it... for them... Aaaah...!" Another groan of pain coursed through her, but her eyes remained focused, determined.
The doctors examined Olivia with calm urgency, confirming what everyone expected: full dilation. The moment of birth had arrived. The team prepared, and Elliot squeezed Olivia's hand even tighter, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Okay, Olivia," the doctor said in a firm, encouraging voice. "Now it's time to push. Hard, when the contraction comes. You can do it."
Olivia took a deep breath, following the instructions. Her face contorted in intense effort, and a cry of pain escaped her lips. "Aaaahhh!"
Elliot was by her side, his gaze fixed on her face, feeling every fiber of his being vibrate with her pain. "That's it, my love! That's it! You're doing great! Push!" He kissed her sweaty forehead, trying to transmit all his strength and love.
She pushed again, with all her energy, a guttural sound escaping her throat. "Owwie! I don't know if I can... it hurts too much!"
"You can do it, Liv! You're strong! I'm here with you," Elliot insisted, his voice choked with emotion at seeing her suffer so much. "Think of our children, of the moment we will see them. You're almost there!"
Another contraction hit her, and Olivia screamed with all her might, a primal cry that echoed through the room. "Aaaaaahhhhh!"
"That's it! One more time! Push with everything you've got!" the doctor encouraged. "I see the head! Push, Olivia!"
Elliot squeezed her hand even tighter, tears streaming down his face as he witnessed his wife's superhuman effort. "Go, my love! Go, champ! You can do it!"
And then, amidst another powerful push and Olivia's final scream, a sharp, vibrant cry filled the room.
"It's a girl!" exclaimed the doctor, her voice filled with joy as she held the newborn. "Congratulations, Olivia! Congratulations, Elliot!"
Tears of pure emotion streamed down Olivia's face as she gasped, exhausted, but with a radiant smile on her lips. Elliot cried openly, joy overflowing in his heart. He leaned in and kissed Olivia's sweaty forehead tenderly, a kiss laden with admiration and gratitude.
With trembling hands, he took the scissors the nurse offered him and cut the umbilical cord, sealing his daughter's first physical connection with the outside world. He looked at the tiny pink creature in the nurse's arms, his eyes brimming with tears. "She's beautiful," he whispered, his voice choked. "Absolutely beautiful." He kissed Olivia's forehead again, a gesture of deep connection with the woman who had given him that precious gift.
The little girl, still enveloped in the warmth and fluids of the womb, was delicately placed on Olivia's chest. The skin-to-skin contact was immediate, a primal recognition between mother and daughter. Olivia sighed, the exhaustion of childbirth giving way to an overwhelming wave of love and emotion. Warm tears streamed down her temples and mingled with her damp hair. She brought one trembling hand to the tiny head covered in dark fuzz, caressing it with infinite tenderness.
"Hi, my love..." Olivia whispered, her voice choked with tears. Each word was loaded with deep meaning, of a journey that finally reached its first destination. "...hi, my beautiful girl. I'm your mommy." Her voice failed, overcome with emotion. She pressed her gently against her chest, feeling the tiny body warm and vulnerable. This was the miracle she had carried for nine months, the fruit of her love with Elliot. The tears continued to fall, wetting the baby's hair, each drop a testament to the joy and gratitude that overflowed in her heart. It was a unique moment, an eternal bond forming in that magical instant. Soon, they would take her for her first care, but those precious minutes on her chest were a treasure she would keep forever.
As soon as the little girl was taken by the nurses for her first care, a new cry of piercing pain escaped Olivia's lips. Her body, exhausted by the effort of the first birth, was again assaulted by contractions.
"That's it, Olivia! One more time!" the doctor urged, realizing the proximity of the second birth. "You're doing great! The boy is almost here! Push hard!"
"Owwie... it hurts so much..." Olivia groaned, tears streaming down her face. She gathered her last reserves of energy, gripping Elliot's hands tightly over hers. With each new wave of pain, she pushed with all her will, a hoarse moan escaping her throat. "I don't know if I can..."
"You can do it, my love! You're strong!" Elliot insisted, his voice choked with emotion at seeing her suffer so much. "Think of our boy now! He's almost here! Push!"
"Aaaahhh!" she screamed, a final, desperate effort.
"That's it! Just a little more!" the doctor encouraged. "I see him! Push one more time!"
And then, after a few more powerful pushes, a second cry, even stronger and more vigorous than the girl's, echoed through the room.
"He's here!" exclaimed the doctor, her voice vibrant with joy. "Congratulations! It's a beautiful boy!"
Olivia collapsed, exhausted, onto the bed, her body limp and trembling, but a radiant smile illuminated her tear-streaked face. "We did it..." she whispered, her voice weak but filled with triumph. "My two children..." Relief and emotion consumed her, and she wept, a cry of pure happiness and victory.
Elliot, beside her, watched the small pink boy in the nurse's arms, tears streaming abundantly down his face. "My son..." he murmured, his voice choked, overcome by overwhelming emotion. That was his boy. With hands still trembling, he took the sterile scissors the nurse offered him. "Welcome, my big boy..." he said, cutting the second umbilical cord, sealing the arrival of his second miracle.
The nurse brought the baby closer to Olivia, allowing her to see him for a brief moment. His tiny eyes were still closed, but his presence there, real and palpable, ignited an even greater love in the mother's heart. "Hi, my angel... I'm your mommy," she whispered, tears flowing freely. Then, the boy was taken to receive the same care as his sister, while Elliot remained by Olivia's side, their hearts overflowing with indescribable joy. "Our family is complete, my love..." he said, kissing her forehead tenderly.
While the nurses took care of their newborns, taking them for their first examinations and to be cleaned, Elliot turned to Olivia, his face bathed in tears of pure emotion. He took her hand in his, squeezing it tenderly.
"My love..." he began, his voice choked, words struggling to come out. "...I am so proud of you. So incredibly proud." He brought her hand to his lips, placing a soft, reverent kiss. "You are strong, Olivia. A true warrior."
His eyes swept over the exhausted, yet radiant, face of the woman he loved. "You brought our two children into the world... in the most beautiful way I've ever seen. With so much courage, so much determination..." His voice failed again, overcome with emotion.
He leaned in and kissed her forehead gently, tears still streaming down his own face. "I will never forget this moment, Liv. Never. Seeing you... the strength you showed... it was the most extraordinary thing I have ever witnessed. I love you more than words can say." He squeezed her hand again, silently conveying all his love, admiration, and gratitude for her and for their two precious children.
Tears also streamed down Olivia's face. Exhausted but overflowing with happiness, she squeezed Elliot's hand with the same intensity. "I love you too, Elliot," she whispered, her voice weak but laden with deep emotion. "You were with me the whole time... your strength helped me so much... thank you for everything." Her eyes met his, an ocean of mutual love and gratitude filling the space between them. That was the unbreakable bond that united them, strengthened by the ordeal and crowned by the arrival of their two precious children.
After what seemed an eternity, the nurses returned, bringing with them the two tiny miracles. The girl, delicate and pink, and the boy, with his strong lungs announcing his arrival in the world, were carefully placed together in Olivia's lap.
Feeling the tiny weight of her children side by side, an even more intense cry overcame Olivia. They were real, hers, finally in her arms. Tears flowed freely as she watched them, every tiny detail forever etched in her memory.
"Oh..." she whispered, her voice choked, her eyes brimming with overwhelming love. "My beautiful ones..." She brought a trembling hand to each of them, caressing their delicate faces. "My precious ones..." Her voice failed, overcome with emotion. "I love you so much... so much..." Tears flowed freely, wetting the babies' faces, each one filled with joy and gratitude.
Elliot watched the scene with a heart overflowing with indescribable happiness. Seeing Olivia there, radiant despite her exhaustion, with their two children nestled in her arms, was the fulfillment of a dream he had barely dared to imagine in its entirety. He leaned in and kissed Olivia's forehead tenderly, tears also welling in his eyes.
"Thank you, my love," he said, his voice hoarse and filled with deep gratitude. "Thank you for giving me this gift... for fulfilling my dream of seeing you carry our children... of seeing them born. I love you more than anything in this world." He looked at the babies, a radiant smile illuminating his face. Their family was complete, right there, in that magical and unforgettable moment.
"They are perfect, Elliot..." Olivia whispered, her eyes fixed on her children. "...so small... so helpless... I will take such good care of them..." More tears flowed, this time of pure happiness. "Our children..."
They kissed, a soft, emotion-laden seal on their lips, a silent acknowledgment of the miracle they had just experienced. For a long moment, they remained silent, just admiring the little lives resting in their arms, every detail a delight.
"They are so small..." Elliot whispered, observing the delicate features of their children. "I think she has your nose, Liv."
Olivia smiled, her eyes brimming with tears. "And he has the shape of your face. They look just like us."
Suddenly, the babies began to stir lightly, small movements and murmurs catching their parents' attention. Then, faint crying sounds began to emerge, increasing in intensity.
"I think someone's hungry," Olivia said with a tender smile, looking at the children squirming in her lap.
Elliot watched her with admiration. "How do you want to handle the feeding, my love?"
Olivia looked at him, her decision already made. "I'm going to breastfeed both of them. I want them to get all the nutrients my milk has. No formula, at least for now. I want to give them the best possible start." There was a gentle determination in her voice, a strong and unwavering maternal instinct. Elliot smiled, once again marveling at his wife's strength and love.
Elliot watched her with a glint of pure enchantment in his eyes. "You are my Wonder Woman, Olivia," he whispered, his voice filled with deep admiration and affection. "You are simply incredible."
The babies continued to stir in her arms, their tiny cries becoming more insistent, small hungry pleas. Elliot, attentive and with his heart overflowing, leaned in to help Olivia get comfortable in bed. Carefully, he moved her nightgown from her shoulders, facilitating the movement. "Which one will nurse first, my love?" he asked, eager and emotional to witness that intimate moment of nourishment.
Olivia smiled tenderly at her hungry children, her eyes radiating unconditional love. "They can both nurse at the same time," she replied with serene naturalness. Elliot, his hands trembling with emotion, gently held one of the babies, positioning him close to Olivia's breasts as she adjusted on the pillows. With soft, practical movements, she guided the tiny faces toward the food. Her two breasts, large and full of milk, were exposed, a few precious white drops already beginning to moisten her skin.
Elliot watched the scene with a mixture of wonder and profound reverence. His eyes were wet, emotion choking him. This was one of the most primordial and beautiful moments he had ever witnessed. Olivia's generosity and strength were palpable, and he felt deeply honored and moved to share that intimate and essential moment with her and their children. His eyes shone brightly, reflecting all his love and infinite admiration for the extraordinary woman he had by his side and for the beautiful family they were building.
With an instinctive and gentle movement, Olivia positioned the girl at her right breast. The tiny creature eagerly latched on, beginning to suck immediately, small sounds of satisfaction filling the silence of the room. Elliot, his hands still trembling with emotion, delicately handed the boy to Olivia, guiding him to her left breast. The baby also snuggled in, beginning his meal with the same hungry urgency as his sister.
Olivia leaned her head back, a sigh of relief and contentment escaping her lips. Her eyes closed for a brief moment, surrendering to that unique and primal sensation. Elliot watched the scene, his heart overflowing with overwhelming love. Seeing Olivia there, nourishing their two children simultaneously, was an image of beauty and strength that deeply affected him.
"This..." he whispered, his voice choked with emotion, his eyes fixed on those three precious beings. "...this is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life, Olivia. You are incredible." This was the pinnacle of their journey, a testament to the power of love and life, personified in that simple and magical act of breastfeeding.
Elliot carefully sat on the edge of the bed beside Olivia, his eyes fixed on the tender scene before him. The little girl, clinging to her mother's right breast, nursed with small sounds of satisfaction, while the little boy, at her left breast, made similar movements, his tiny lips working with determination. It was a picture of perfect harmony, a silent symphony of nourishment and love.
"You know..." Elliot began, his voice soft so as not to disturb the babies, observing the delicate features of his children. He turned to Olivia, a contemplative smile on his lips. "We never... really picked names for them, did we?" The rush of moving, the anxiety of the arrival... the names had taken a back seat.
Olivia looked up from her children to meet Elliot's gaze, a sweet and mysterious smile playing on her lips. "They do have names, my love."
Curiosity shone in Elliot's eyes. "They do? What are they?"
"You chose them," Olivia said softly, caressing the girl's head with her index finger.
Elliot's brow furrowed in slight confusion. "Me? I chose their names? When?" He tried to remember, but the haze of the past intense days clouded his memory. "I... I don't remember, Liv."
Olivia smiled, a tender light in her eyes. "Remember that night, so long ago? When we got engaged and talked about the future? You said... you had some names in mind." She paused briefly, watching his reaction. "She's Sofia, Elliot. And he's Leo."
The words hit Elliot like a wave of warmth. His eyes widened, emotion catching in his throat. Sofia and Leo. Memories of that special night flooded his mind, the promise of a future now so tangible in his arms.
"You... you remembered?" he asked, his voice barely audible, emotion overwhelming him. "You actually... chose those names?"
Olivia nodded, her eyes welling up at Elliot's reaction. "I never forgot, my love. They always felt... right. For our children."
A wave of gratitude and love flooded Elliot. "Thank you, my love," he whispered, his voice trembling, tears finally overflowing from his eyes as he looked at the two tiny lives nestled in her arms. "Thank you for these lives... for this moment... and for giving me this gift." He raised Olivia's hand to his lips, kissing it with reverence. "I've never... never had the opportunity to choose any of my children's names before. This... this means the world to me, Liv. It's the most beautiful gift you could give me."
He looked again at Sofia and Leo, their hearts beating in unison with theirs. Their names. Chosen with love, memories, and the promise of a future together. This was a new beginning, an exciting chapter written with the names of their two little miracles. Emotion filled the room, a silent testament to the unconditional love that bound this newly formed family.
As little Sofia and Leo finished their first meals, falling serenely asleep in their mother's arms, Elliot picked them up with an almost reverent gentleness. One in each arm, he held them carefully against his chest, walking slowly around the room while gently patting their tiny backs.
His face was radiant, a silly smile plastered on his lips as his eyes scanned the serene features of his children. Emotion overwhelmed him with each passing moment, the full realization of a long-cherished dream.
"My loves..." he whispered, his voice choked, his heart overflowing with unconditional love. "My precious ones..." He paused for a moment, softly kissing the top of each of their heads. "My Leo... my Sofia..." The words were a caress, a silent promise of protection and eternal love. This was a magical moment, the fulfillment of his family, and he felt like the luckiest man in the world. Holding his two children in his arms, small and dependent, was a responsibility he embraced with joy and a profound sense of purpose.
Olivia watched the scene with a heart overflowing with serene and deep emotion. Seeing Elliot there, cradling their two children with so much care and love, was an image she knew she would keep in her memory forever. Her eyes were tearful, but there was a sweet and radiant smile on her lips.
"I love you three," she said softly, her voice thick with tenderness. "My loves." She looked at Elliot, her gaze filled with unconditional admiration and love. "You are the man of my life, Elliot. The best father Sofia and Leo could have. They will feel so much love... so much pride in you." She was certain, in her mother's heart, that her children would grow up knowing what a wonderful father they had, a man who loved them even before their first breaths and who cradled them with such emotion in his arms.
The twins slept side by side, little angels in a peaceful slumber, their serene faces illuminated by the soft night light of the room. Elliot and Olivia lay in their bed, side by side, silently observing the peace that hung over their children. He hugged her lovingly, his arm wrapped protectively around her, as their gazes met, sharing the same admiration and love for the tiny beings who had transformed their lives.
"How are you feeling, my love?" Elliot whispered, his voice full of concern and tenderness. "Are you in any pain? Do you want me to call the nurse? Is there anything I can do for you?"
Olivia snuggled into his arms, a radiant smile lighting up her exhausted but happy face. "I'm great, my love," she replied with a sigh of contentment. "A little sore, of course, but it's a good kind of pain. A pain that reminds me of the miracle that happened today. And seeing you like this... so affectionate with them, so worried about me... it makes me so happy." She caressed his face with her free hand. "You're perfect."
They turned their gaze back to the sleeping babies. "Ellena will be crazy about them," Olivia commented with a twinkle in her eyes, imagining the older sister's meeting with the newborns. "She always wanted siblings."
Elliot smiled, agreeing. "She definitely will. And they're so small... they look like your copies when they sleep." He looked at her with adoration. "I'm loving this. Having miniatures of the most beautiful woman in the world."
Olivia chuckled softly, a sweet, happy sound. "But wait until they open their eyes again. They'll have your blue eyes, you know? Two little pairs of doting dad's blue eyes."
Elliot's heart warmed at the image. "My little Leo and Sofia... with daddy's eyes." He squeezed Olivia in his arms, kissing her hair softly. "Our family is complete, my love. And I couldn't be happier." The silence that followed was filled with the peace of the moment, the love that united them, and the sweet anticipation of the future that awaited them with their three children.
Lying there beside Elliot, watching her children sleep peacefully, a sweet and special memory surfaced in Olivia's mind. She turned to him, a tender smile dancing on her lips.
"You know, my love?" she began softly, her voice filled with nostalgic emotion. "When you told me about your dream... about us having two more children... you said that in your dream, first would come a girl and then a boy. And you had even imagined the names."
Elliot, who was gently caressing her hair, paused and looked at her with curiosity. "I remember that..."
"Yes," Olivia confirmed with a twinkle in her eyes. "And your dream came true exactly as you imagined. Our Sofia was born before our Leo."
A wave of even greater emotion washed over Elliot. His eyes filled with tears again, the realization of that detail touching him deeply. It was as if destiny was conspiring to make his dreams come true, with Olivia by his side, the woman who made everything possible.
"Our..." he whispered, his voice choked, looking from Olivia to their sleeping children. "Our dream... came true."
Olivia held his hand, squeezing it tenderly. A radiant smile lit up her face. "I feel complete now, Elliot. Our family is here, finally together. You, me, Ellena, Sofia, and Leo. My heart is overflowing." She snuggled closer to him, feeling the warmth of his body and the peace that emanated from that perfect moment. "I couldn't ask for anything more."
The next day, the gentle hustle and bustle of the maternity ward took on a special touch. Quick visits were allowed, and the first to arrive, beaming with anticipation, were Eli and Ellena, together.
As they entered the room, their eyes widened in a mix of curiosity and enchantment as they spotted the two small bundles sleeping side by side in the bassinet. Eli, with a wide smile, cautiously approached, observing the tiny faces with a tender expression. Ellena, on the other hand, couldn't contain her joyful exclamation, running to the bassinet with a wide smile.
"Oh my goodness! They're so small!" Ellena whispered, her eyes shining. She looked at Olivia and Elliot, who watched the scene with overflowing hearts. "Which one is which?"
"This is Sofia, our little princess," Elliot said proudly, pointing to the girl sleeping serenely. "And this is Leo, our little lion."
Eli got closer, observing his siblings intently with a sparkle of excitement in his eyes. "They're... pretty small, but you can already tell they're awesome!" he commented, a touch of genuine enthusiasm in his voice.
Ellena was already amazed. "They're beautiful! Can I touch them?" she asked, her hesitant little fingers hovering over the soft blanket.
Olivia smiled. "Carefully, my loves."
Ellena delicately extended her hand, touching Sofia's rosy cheek with her fingertip. "She's so soft!" she exclaimed in a whisper. Then, her eyes turned to Leo, and Eli joined her, observing his little brother with curiosity. "And him too!"
"They'll sleep a lot now," Olivia explained softly. "But soon, soon you'll be able to hold them."
Ellena's eyes shone even brighter with that promise. "I can't wait!"
Eli nodded vigorously, a wide smile lighting up his face. "They're definitely going to be the best siblings in the world!" It was a sincere declaration, and for Elliot and Olivia, it meant the world. The children were already completely enchanted by their youngest siblings, and the love in that newly expanded family only continued to grow, uniting them even more.
Soon after Eli and Ellena's brief visit, it was the turn of Elliot's other children to meet their newest siblings. Maureen, Kathleen, Elizabeth, and Dickie entered the room with wide smiles and tear-filled eyes, the emotion palpable in the air. The news of the twins' birth had filled the family with contagious joy.
Maureen was the first to approach the bassinet, observing Sofia and Leo with a tender gaze. "Oh my God... they're so tiny," she whispered, her voice choked. "Congratulations, Dad, Olivia. They're perfect."
Kathleen, her eyes shining, picked up Sofia with maternal delicacy. "Hi, little angel," she murmured, gently caressing the baby's tiny head. "You're so beautiful... welcome to the world." She looked at Olivia with an emotional smile. "You look great, Liv. What strength you had!"
Dickie approached Leo, watching him sleep with a soft expression. "And this is the little lion, huh?" he said, a proud smile curving his lips. He looked at Elliot. "Congratulations, Dad. Two at once! You guys are incredible."
Elizabeth, with tears streaming down her face, picked up Leo in her arms, her gaze fixed on the baby's serene face. "He's so... precious," she managed to say, her voice trembling. "He looks like an angel. You both did a wonderful job." She looked at Olivia with admiration. "You're a superwoman, Olivia."
As each of them held one of the twins, the silence in the room was filled only by emotional sighs and affectionate murmurs directed at the newborns. It was a moment of deep family connection, a new chapter opening with the arrival of Sofia and Leo, uniting even more the hearts of everyone present. The joy was immense, and love overflowed with every glance and every gentle touch on the little miracles.
Barnie entered the room with slow steps, his face marked by contained emotion. His eyes swept over the small beings sleeping in Maureen and Elizabeth's arms, and then found Olivia and Elliot, radiant amidst that miracle. A solitary tear streamed down his face as he approached, the lump in his throat preventing words from escaping.
Finally, his voice choked, he managed to say: "My grandchildren... they are... they are too beautiful." He approached Olivia and Elliot, embracing them tenderly. "Congratulations, my children. What a wonderful blessing you have received." His gaze fixed on the babies again, and he could not hold back his silent tears, overcome by the emotion of seeing the new generation of his family.
Soon after, Serena arrived, bringing with her a wide and eager smile. Her eyes scanned her grandchildren with tenderness, and she sighed, marveling. "Oh my God, Olivia," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "They look just like you! Especially the little girl... but with Elliot's blue eyes. What a perfect combination!"
She approached Olivia, holding her hand affectionately. "They're beautiful, daughter. Beautiful just like you." Serena's words deeply touched Olivia's heart, and tears welled up in her eyes. It was a moment of pure joy, surrounded by the love of her family and the beauty of her two children. She smiled at her mother, tears streaming freely, a testament to the happiness that overflowed in her chest.
After days of excitement and adjustment at the maternity ward, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived: the return home. The car glided down the quiet street and parked in front of their new home, still fragrant with newness. Elliot got out first, carefully opening the door for Olivia, who held Leo in her arms, while he carried Sofia cuddled against his chest. The two newborns slept soundly, cradled by the safety of the arms that would now be their safe haven in the world.
Inside the house, Ellena was already waiting anxiously, planted in front of the door with wide eyes of anticipation, as if counting the seconds.
As the doorknob turned, she ran to meet them, jumping and smiling as if all the love in the world overflowed within her small body.
"They're here! They're here!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with excitement, her eyes shining with immeasurable tenderness.
She paused for a moment in front of her siblings, looking at them as if they were tiny, newly discovered miracles.
"They're so tiny!" she murmured, amazed. "Can I help, Mommy? I'm a big girl now!"
Olivia, tired but radiant, carefully bent down, balancing Leo, and gently touched her daughter's face.
"Of course you can, my love. You're already a big sister... And one of the best helpers in the world."
Elliot smiled as he saw the two of them together, his heart squeezing with gratitude. This was the kind of scene he never imagined living again: bringing new babies home.
"Let's go inside, girls. The house is waiting for you," he said, his voice choked with emotion.
The afternoon passed like a gentle dream. Ellena made sure to participate in everything. She sat next to Olivia during diaper changes, observing every movement with extreme concentration, as if she were a dedicated apprentice. She handed over the cloths with her tiny hands and said seriously:
"Mommy, I think Sofia prefers this one, it has drawings."
Elliot, across the room, chuckled softly, helping to settle the small cribs.
Later, Ellena brought two toys—a teddy bear with a missing ear and a little rag doll with "Luna" embroidered by Bernie. She placed them gently beside her sleeping siblings, as if offering invaluable treasures.
"It's so they know they're safe here, Daddy," she explained.
"They already know, my angel. Because they have you with them," Elliot replied, bending down to kiss her forehead.
At night, the house was quieter, except for the soft songs Ellena sang in a thin, sweet voice. Sitting beside the crib, she slowly cradled a small pillow as if it were a baby too, in a welcoming ritual that made Olivia and Elliot look at each other with tears in their eyes.
When Olivia finally managed to lie on the couch with the twins in her arms, Elliot sat beside her and pulled Ellena close, embracing all three in a hug that seemed to contain the whole world.
"You are my life," he murmured. "All of you."
There, amidst diapers, feedings, scattered toys, and the charming laughter of a four-year-old, the house filled with a love so profound it almost hurt. A new routine was just beginning—chaotic, exhausting, but infinitely rich. And they were ready. Together.
The next day, the house woke to a serene rhythm, cradled by the occasional cries of the twins and Ellena's hurried little footsteps down the hall. But this day would have something special. In the morning, one by one, the older siblings arrived, bringing bags, extra pillows, and a loving disposition that spoke louder than any words.
Dickie was the first to assume his mission: he sat with Ellena on the living room rug, both bent over a colorful notebook full of drawings and still-crooked letters. He helped her with her homework with the patience of a true older brother, praising every written line with pride.
"You wrote that 'E' so well! Are you going to be a writer, Ellena?"
She giggled and shook her head, full of vanity. "I'm going to be an artist and take care of babies too."
Lizzie, sitting on the couch with Eli beside her, had also taken on the task of studying. He read aloud, and she followed attentively, correcting a word here, praising another there. Between one page and another, she tenderly ran her hand through his hair, enchanted by the boy's dedication.
Meanwhile, in the babies' room, Maureen cradled Leo with gentle movements, walking back and forth, whispering small old melodies, as if he were a precious secret to be held in her arms. Kathleen, beside her, sat in an armchair with Sofia nestled in her lap, her eyes fixed on the sleeping baby, her hands caressing her rhythmic little chest.
"She has Olivia's nose," Kathleen said softly, as if any noise could break the peace of the moment.
"But her eyes... when they open, they'll be just like Dad's," Maureen replied, smiling.
In the next room, Elliot and Olivia slept together for the first time in days, entwined in bed. Dark circles still marked their faces, but there was a rare serenity there—the certainty that they were surrounded by love, support, by something that, for years, seemed impossible: unity.
The house, even full, was silent, as if everyone present instinctively understood the delicacy of that moment. It wasn't just about taking care of babies. It was about taking care of each other. About rebuilding bonds, returning hours of sleep, sharing tasks and affections.
That morning, amidst diapers, notebooks, bottles, and crayons, an entire family took turns in the purest gesture of love: being present.
And when Elliot woke up, slowly opened his eyes and found Olivia still asleep beside him, he smiled. He heard, in the distance, Ellena's muffled laughter, Lizzie's whispered reading, Maureen's soft humming. And, at that moment, he had the absolute certainty that no matter how painful the journey had been, they had arrived, and he went back to sleep peacefully.
Later, as the sun lazily filtered through the curtain gaps, Elliot was the first to open his eyes. He blinked a few times, hearing the rare silence of the room and feeling the familiar warmth of Olivia's body beside him. For a few moments, he just lay there, observing the serene face of the woman he loved, her loose strands of hair on the pillow, her calm breathing. Then he carefully got up, pulling the covers over her, and walked to the window, curious about the quietness of the house.
What he saw outside filled his chest with silent tenderness. In the garden, all the children were gathered. Eli, Dickie, Lizzie, and Ellena were cheerfully playing "boca" with improvised paper balls and loud laughter. Ellena's giggles echoed like music, free, light, while Eli, pretending to be a judge, announced the scores with theatrical gestures.
Maureen sat on a lounge chair, her hair in a messy bun, with Sofia nestled in her arms. She kept her eyes fixed on the baby, as if that tiny being contained all the meaning in the world. Kathleen, in the chair next to her, gently rocked Leo in her lap, as the afternoon sun gilded their faces. The two talked in low voices, complicit, like those who share more than words.
Elliot felt a lump in his throat, and when he turned to call Olivia, she was already standing behind him, also looking out the window, her hands over her heart, moved.
"Th-they're doing so well," she whispered, her eyes welling up. "Look at that. That's our life, out there."
Elliot hugged her from behind, holding her tightly, and tenderly kissed her head.
"It's... it's everything we dreamed of. And even more."
"I never thought it would be like this," she said, smiling against his chest.
"Me neither. But now that it is... I never want to live any other way."
They stood there for long minutes, in silence, just watching. Every laugh, every exchanged glance in the garden, every gesture of care seemed like a small celebration of what they had built. Not without pain. Not without loss. But now, with the living promise that they were all there—together, whole, and at peace.
The following week, the new parents' home became a special gathering place. Elliot and Olivia's colleagues came to offer their well wishes and meet the twins. Maureen, Dickie, Kathleen, and Elizabeth returned, bringing gifts and helping with the first exhausting days. Barnie was always nearby, doting on his grandchildren and offering any necessary help. And Serena was a doting grandmother, never missing an opportunity to visit, showering Sofia, Leo, Ellena, and Olivia with affection.
Amidst this warm atmosphere, the precinct team also made sure to honor the family. Captain Cragen arrived with a paternal smile, observing the babies with a twinkle in his eyes. "Congratulations to both of you," he said in his husky, gentle voice. "They're two little fighters. What joy!"
Fin, with his laid-back demeanor, approached the bassinet. "So, mini-detectives? Already investigating the world?" he joked, eliciting laughter from those present.
John brought a carefully wrapped gift, congratulating the couple with a warm handshake. Ayanna, Jet, and Velasco also came together, their faces radiating happiness for their friends. Night had fallen over the house, bringing with it a gentle peace after the affectionate bustle of visitors.
With two newborns at home, their routine had been turned upside down—night feedings, diapers changed every few hours, interrupted sleep, and an avalanche of tiny clothes drying in the sun. But, surprisingly, Elliot and Olivia were loving it. It wasn't easy, of course, but there was something sacred in that tiredness. The house breathed life in every corner, and the days unfolded at a new, slower, more attentive, more tender pace.
That night, while Olivia breastfed Leo in the armchair in the babies' room and Sofia slept in the bassinet beside them, Elliot took advantage of the quiet moment with Ellena. The little girl was in the bathtub, laughing amidst bubbles and toys, telling endless stories, with the magical energy of someone who still carries the day in their eyes.
"I like it when everyone comes to visit us," she said, splashing water with a plastic cup. "I like it when Lizzie paints my nails, when Dickie tells jokes, and when Maureen lets me hold Sofia for a little bit."
Elliot, kneeling beside the tub, laughed with her as he rinsed his daughter's blonde hair.
"It's good to have a full house, isn't it?"
"It's very good!" she replied, convinced. "And now that we have two babies, everyone wants to come and see them."
"It's because you're special. All of you," he said, grabbing a soft towel to wrap her carefully.
After her bath, Elliot took her to her room, dried every tiny bit of her small body, and dressed her in her unicorn pajamas—her favorite of the week. Then he carefully combed her golden hair, which was starting to form small waves at the ends, while she continued to talk about her plans to teach Leo and Sofia how to play hide-and-seek when they got bigger.
He sat with her on the bed, covered her with the duvet, and chose one of the books from the shelf. It was one they had read hundreds of times, but Ellena insisted on listening as if it were the first.
Elliot's voice took on a softer tone as the words filled the room. Olivia, from the hallway, listened from afar, smiling. It was one of her favorite sights: Elliot reading to Ellena, both immersed in a world of their own.
When he finished the story, he slowly closed the book, kissed her forehead, and was about to get up, but her little arms held him firmly.
"Stay here with me, Daddy. Just for a little bit."
He didn't hesitate. He lay down beside her, hugging her warm, small body, feeling her breathing gradually become heavier, slower.
There, in the silence of the room, enveloped by the smell of children's shampoo and the memories of the day, Elliot felt the sweet weight of fatherhood. It was exhausting, yes. But it was also the purest form of love he had ever experienced.
He stayed there until he was sure she was deeply asleep. Then he covered her more carefully, turned off the lamp, and left silently, his heart overflowing with gratitude for that simple—and perfect—night.
A week later, with the routine starting to adjust—or, at least, taking a possible shape—Elliot and Olivia prepared for the twins' first pediatrician appointment. It was one of those silent milestones in life with newborns, small rituals that mix concern, tenderness, and the joyous anxiety of seeing their children grow.
Bernie showed up early that morning, with a warm smile and open arms to greet Ellena, who jumped into his lap excitedly, dressed in her starry romper.
"Today I'm the boss of the house!" she announced, while Bernie laughed and said that together they would take care of everything like true adults.
Elliot and Olivia left with the babies in their car seats, the shy sun filtering through the trees, and the soft silence of the journey steeped in anticipation. In the office, the familiar smell of hand sanitizer and baby cream, the muffled sound of anxious parents' conversations, and the occasional cry of other little ones formed the backdrop.
Sofia was the first to be examined. Olivia held her tenderly while the pediatrician measured, weighed, observed. Then it was Leo's turn, who, even so small, already exhibited a different manner from his sister—more agitated, more curious.
The doctor smiled after examining both.
"They're great. Growing well, strong, healthy. Both have gained weight, their muscles are firm, reflexes perfect. You can breathe easy... you're doing an excellent job."
Olivia let out a long sigh, as if she had been holding her breath for a whole week. Elliot held her hand and kissed it, his eyes welling up with that silent pride only parents know.
"Thank you for taking such good care of my children," he said, his voice choked, looking at Olivia as if for the first time.
She smiled, still tired, but with that new glow in her eyes—the one that only comes after sleepless nights and boundless love.
On the way home, they were silent for a while, listening to the sound of the twins snoring, lulled by the car. It was a good silence, full of meaning. Every now and then, Elliot looked in the rearview mirror at their children and smiled. And when they parked, still holding Sofia in his arms, he looked at Olivia sweetly and said:
"We are lucky. Very lucky."
She nodded, leaning her head on his shoulder as they walked back home, where Ellena waited, eager to hug her siblings again.
When they opened the front door, they were greeted by a welcoming silence, interrupted only by the soft clinking of pots coming from the kitchen and the delicious smell of fresh food in the air. On the living room sofa, Ellena slept curled up like a bird, her legs tucked under her body, the teddy bear firmly hugged against her chest. Her golden hair spread over the pillow like sunbeams.
Bernie appeared at the kitchen door with a warm smile, his hands slightly stained with spices.
"She tried to wait, but morning sleep got the best of her," he said softly. "She was counting the minutes to see her siblings again."
Elliot smiled sweetly, his eyes already misty from the scene. He walked to the sofa and, careful not to wake his daughter, sat beside her with Sofia still sleeping in his arms. The baby snuggled against him easily, as if she knew exactly where she belonged.
"Liv, give me Leo too," he asked softly, extending his arms.
Olivia approached and carefully handed him the second baby. Elliot gently adjusted the two, each resting on one side of his chest, their faces serene, the warmth of their small bodies spreading an indescribable peace.
And then he couldn't hold back.
Tears came silently, streaming down his face as he looked at his three children: Ellena asleep beside him, Sofia and Leo breathing peacefully in his arms. That moment swept over him like a tide—the weight of the past, the regret for his absences, and the overwhelming gratitude for the present.
He cried because he knew what it was like not to have experienced this before. Because he missed Ellena's first smiles, first words, first steps. Because Olivia, even with all her scars, gave him a second chance. And now, there they were. Three little miracles, three living gifts of redemption, love, and a new beginning.
"I didn't deserve all this," he whispered, in a choked voice, not expecting an answer.
But Olivia approached and gently ran her hand through his hair, kissing his forehead.
"Yes, you do. And they know it."
Elliot looked at his children with a smile through his tears. His heart heavy with emotion, but light with joy. Everything made sense there—in that room, with the smell of food, the sound of pots, and the breathing of babies. The family he almost lost... now whole, asleep on his chest.
The rest of the day passed like a sweet breeze, full of small gestures of affection, gentle laughter, and a lightness that seemed to envelop every corner of the house. Bernie stayed for lunch and then for coffee, helping to tidy the kitchen, telling stories of Elliot's childhood to Ellena—who listened attentively with wide eyes, as if discovering a secret world about her father.
Olivia spent most of the afternoon in the nursing chair, alternating between Sofia and Leo, while Elliot divided his time between caring for Ellena and preparing the twins' things for the night. Sometimes they bumped into each other in the hallway with a tender smile and a brief kiss on the shoulder, neck, forehead—touches that said everything without needing words.
Ellena, still adapting to the new routine, had small moments of jealousy and tiredness, but Olivia always welcomed her patiently, sitting on the floor with her, wrapping her in her arms while gently explaining that love doesn't divide—it grows. And Elliot, who now felt whole, stood by his daughter with more presence than ever, showing with actions what he had promised in words: that she would never be left aside.
As evening fell, the twins had their warm bath and were cradled in their parents' arms, dressed in identical rompers, one light blue, the other aqua green. Their room smelled of talcum powder and warm milk. The nightlight cast a soft glow on the walls decorated with forest drawings. Olivia placed them in the crib side by side, and Elliot gently ran his hand over each of their fine hairs, marveling at the peace he felt.
Later, with the house quiet, night fell sweetly.
In the couple's room, Olivia sat on the edge of the bed, brushing her hair, her eyes tired but with a serene smile on her face. Elliot came out of the bathroom and came behind her, hugging her by the waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.
"I didn't know I could love so much," he said, his voice low, almost reverent.
She slowly turned, searching for his eyes in the mirror.
"Neither did I. But here we are."
And then they lay down together, side by side, hands intertwined over Olivia's belly, where the gentle trace of recent pregnancy still remained. From the half-open door, they could hear the soft sighs of their children in the next room.
Darkness spread through the house, but there was no emptiness. There was warmth. There was presence. There was enough love to cover every gap of the past—and weave the future with firm and tender bonds.
Later that night, the babies cried and Olivia went to them. Elliot always helped her with everything, he went to make sure Ellena was still sleeping peacefully and then walked silently to the nursery. The door was ajar, and a faint, warm light emanated from within.
Peeking inside, his heart warmed at the scene his eyes found, the image he loved most to contemplate. Olivia sat in the nursing chair, with a serene and loving gaze, her two children nestled in her arms, simultaneously nursing at her breasts. Little Sofia and Leo sucked with small sounds of satisfaction, feeding on the precious milk their mother's body produced, a vital and magical bond between them.
Elliot stood at the door, observing that intimate and pure moment, feeling a wave of gratitude and love wash over him. The sight of Olivia, radiant in her motherhood, nourishing her children with such dedication, was the personification of everything he had always dreamed of.
With slow and silent steps, he approached, kneeling beside the armchair. Olivia looked up, a soft smile illuminating her face when she saw him.
"They were hungry," she whispered, her voice filled with tenderness.
Elliot took her free hand, kissing it delicately. His eyes were moist with emotion. "You've made all my dreams come true, Olivia," he said, his voice choked. "Seeing you like this... with our children... is everything I ever wanted and more than I ever imagined."
He gently caressed Sofia's cheek with his thumb, then Leo's. "You've given us the greatest gift in the world. And I promise, my love," he continued, his eyes meeting Olivia's with passionate intensity, "I will make you eternally happy. You, Sofia, Leo, and Ellena... you are my life."
Tears also welled up in Olivia's eyes, overflowing with serene happiness. Her voice was choked with emotion as she replied. "You already make me very happy, Elliot," she whispered, squeezing his hand. "More than you can imagine. I love you so much... and the beautiful family we've created. Seeing you like this, with our children... my heart is complete." She leaned her head, resting it on his, a radiant smile illuminating her face as she watched her two little angels sleeping in her arms.