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Fin and Phoebe’s wedding reception was just as gorgeous as the ceremony, if not more. Laughter and party music echoed throughout the hall; it was a well-earned respite after a hellish year. Olivia sat at a table with Noah, watching Amanda and Sonny chatter across from them as the little boy slowly worked through his half of a generous slice of wedding cake. Sonny excused himself to grab two more drinks for himself and Amanda, and Olivia grinned, giving her a thumbs up.
Amanda grinned and blushed as Jesse bounced over, dragging Kat off the dance floor after another line dance concluded. “Mama, Mama, did you see me?!” Her poufy formal dress made her look like a storybook fairy princess, pairing nicely with her dance partner’s sharp floral suit.
“I did, baby,” Amanda chuckled, lifting her daughter into her lap, “you looked like you were having a lot of fun out there.”
“How much cake did she have?” Kat asked breathlessly, downing half of a glass of water as she collapsed into the chair on Olivia’s left. “She’s unstoppable.”
“Let’s give Aunt Kat a break, hm?” Amanda said, taking a moment to fix Jesse’s headband to push some stray locks of hair out of her eyes.
A sprinkle of laughter crossed the table as Sonny returned. “What’d I miss?” he asked, handing Amanda her champagne.
“Oh Uncle Sonny,” Jesse chirped, “I love weddings!”
“Me too!” Noah piped up, a smear of frosting on his cheek.
Olivia sipped at her own champagne, reaching over to wipe away the frosting from Noah’s face. “Hopefully you’ll get to go to a lot.”
“Maybe,” Noah shrugged and ate another forkful of cake. “Do you know everyone here, Mom?”
“Well,” Olivia sighed, taking a look around the room, “it’s half the department, plus Uncle Fin’s family, so I’d say… yeah, I do.” She nodded decisively at her quick survey of the crowd, but her eyes began to wander more, eventually landing on a shockingly familiar face.
It seemed that Alex Cabot had somehow made it onto the guest list. The former ADA turned and met Olivia’s eyes, giving a conspiratorial smirk and lifting her flute of champagne in a silent toast. Olivia did likewise, taking a deep breath to slow her suddenly racing heartbeat.
Noah tugged at his mother’s sleeve. “Mom, you okay?”
Amanda caught Olivia’s eye and gave her a thumbs up, raising an eyebrow.
Olivia nodded, then turned back toward Noah with a shy smile. “Yeah, um… you know, I know everyone here, but you don’t.” She stood and offered her hand, “C’mon, there’s someone here I’d like you to meet.