Out of the Blue [A Benson and Carisi Fanfic]

Chapter Eight

After the holidays, Olivia and Dominick got busy again. This time, however, they still tried to spend their nights together studying and making out.

Olivia still wasn't in contact with her family, but she gained a brand new family the moment she began a relationship with Dominick. Olivia went to church on Sundays with the Carisi's and would eat Sunday brunch with them as well.

"This cake is beautiful, Liv. You did it yourself?" Serafina asked, as she looked at her son's birthday cake. Olivia blushed a bit from the compliment before nodding.

"Yeah, I made it last night. Dominick was sleeping, so I had plenty of time to bake and decorate this." Olivia replied softly.

"Sleeping? Are you two-"

"We don't live together, Mrs. Carisi. Occasionally, we stay the night at each other's apartment. He slept over last night so we could spend his whole birthday together." Olivia replied. She was worried that Serafina may think that Olivia was something she wasn't. 

"I'm sorry if I made you feel bad. Your face fell when I asked... I am so thankful that you are in my son's life. He needed someone, especially someone as caring and understanding as you." Serafina smiled before putting some candles on the cake.

"We are still taking things slow, and I was worried that you may think I'm using him. Dominick and I need to graduate before we can focus on other aspects of our relationship."

"Good, because I don't think either of you wants to put your careers on hold for a surprise baby. I don't think you are using him, so don't worry. Now-"

"Ladies, it is my birthday! Mia and I want cake, so can we get an ETA on when we might be having some?" Dominick called from the dining room.

Olivia rolled her eyes as Serafina laughed.

"We should probably get going."

///

Dominick enjoyed his birthday, even though his father skipped it just like the last three. This time, however, Dominick didn't let it get to him. He had an extra special guest for this birthday and prayed that she'd be there for every single birthday for the rest of his life. Lately, he had been thinking non-stop about his future with Olivia, especially what he may see in that future.

He wanted a big house that was filled to the brim with kids. Dominick wanted to spend every night with Olivia wrapped in his arms, their hearts beating in unison. He couldn't wait to be there when Olivia graduated from the academy, and he wanted her to be there when he made DA in the future. 

"Did you enjoy your birthday?" Olivia asked that night, as she laid beside Dominick. Once again, they were sharing a bed, but nothing more. Neither was ready for the next step in their relationship, especially since they had only been together since early November.

"It was the best birthday I have had in a while, and it's all thanks to you." Dominick breathed, as he pulled Olivia closer. She smiled as Dominick's strong arm wrapped around her, as she rested her head against his chest.

"I think your sisters, niece, and mother helped with that, too. It was a lot of fun to play games and eat amazing food. And you looked adorable in the crown that Mia insisted on you wearing." Olivia laughed softly.

"That crown will probably be yours next month. We can just pass it around to each birthday person." Dominick chuckled.

As their laughs faded out, Dominick held Olivia a little closer. He kissed the top of her head before speaking.

"How soon would be too soon to ask about the next step?" Dominick asked. Olivia opened her eyes slowly.

"What is the next step in your mind? Sex or marriage?" Olivia mused before sitting up slowly. She pivoted her body to face Dominick as he sat up himself.

"Either, I guess. I know that you have said you wanted to wait longer for sex, but do you mean the same thing about marriage?"

"We aren't even out of college yet, Dom. Do you think getting married would be wise right now?"

"It wouldn't be right now though, Liv. It would be in a year or so, since we'd have to plan everything out... I'm only asking because I think I'm ready. I have been dreaming about what our lives may be like, and I want to plan that together." Dominick spoke.

Olivia looked down at her hands and nervously fidgeted her fingers. The idea of marriage seemed amazing, but she couldn't imagine a wedding. Especially one where her side of the church was empty. Her mom and siblings wouldn't be there, and Rick would rather die then witness Olivia get married. There wouldn't be a father-daughter dance or a toast from her mother about how much she loves her and couldn't be happier about this marriage.

The lack of family support was going to get Olivia. 

"Liv?" Dominick asked weakly.

"I'd have no one." Olivia whispered, as she hesitantly looked up at her boyfriend.

"No one? What?"

"I'd have no one to give me away, to sit on my side of the church. My father was a rapist, so I wouldn't have a father-daughter dance. I'd have no one there from my family crying in the crowd as I said my vows. Dom-"

"You have a family, Liv. It may not be the one you were born into, but my family is your family. My mother loves you, and my sisters always compliment you. Mia asks if you are going to be her aunt one day."

"I won't have anyone to help me pick out my dress." Olivia whimpered as tears slipped down her cheeks.

"You will have three sisters, a niece, and a mom to help you." Dominick smiled as he reached out and brushed tears from Olivia's cheeks.

"Are you sure they'd help me?"

"Without even asking, baby! We all love you! Geez, I love you more than life! So please, just know that when you are ready-"

"Do you have a ring yet?" Olivia blurted, and Dominick blushed a dark red before climbing out of bed. He got into his underwear drawer and dug to the bottom before turning to Olivia and showed her the box.

"I hid the ring in there since I know you won't try to steal my underwear, only my shirts." Dominick chuckled.

Olivia scrambled from the bed before reaching for the box. She stopped herself before dropping her hands.

"Do you want to propose right now or wait?"

"It's up to you, beautiful." Dominick smiled.

Olivia took a slow breath before nodding.

"I'm ready."