Garcia lowly hummed one of her favorite Christmas songs under her breath as she hung the stockings up in her office. This year, she had been so busy that she hadn't had time to put them up until two weeks until Christmas. "It's the season of the heart, a special time of caring," she began to sing aloud, only to hear a low voice behind her join in on the next line.

Turning quickly, she saw Hotch there, leaning against her door, one of those wonderful smiles on his lips. "Jack's been watching that movie ever since you showed it to him. I don't know if I should thank you or send him to live with you for a few weeks."

She giggled lowly, hearing the bell in her Santa hat jingle a little with the movement. "I wish I could say that I was sorry about that, Boss Man. But I'm not. The Muppets are amazing, and one day, you'll see that I did the right thing." She finished putting up the stockings and then turned to him, smiling widely. "So, what did you need?"

"I was wondering if you were doing anything for Christmas. Jessica is going to visit her parents in Georgia, and, well, Beth is going to be staying in New York." A sad look passed over his face and she reached out, resting her hand on his shoulder.

"I take it the long distance thing didn't work out as well as you had hoped?" He shook his head. "Did you try Skype?"

"I feel like we tried everything to make it work, but I guess we weren't as committed as JJ and Will. And I really wanted this to work."

Penelope nodded as she felt the first tears prickle her eyes. "You know what? I am so free for Christmas day. I wouldn't miss time with you and Jackers for the world." She smiled a little, feeling the tears begin to spill down her cheeks.

Reaching out, Hotch gently wiped them away with his thumb. "Tears for me? Really?"

"You're kinda worth it, Aaron." Drawing in a deep breath, she closed the distance between them, hugging him tightly. His arms closed around her waist, holding her tightly. "So, do you need me to bring anything, other than gifts for you two, Christmas day?"

"Well, actually," he began, stepping back to look in her eyes. "I did get a special gift for Jack this year, seeing as how he's seven now, and the added responsibility would be good for him. Would you mind taking care of it until Christmas?"

"And what exactly is this it?"

"A puppy." She felt her eyes widen as her mouth gaped open. "I know, it's a big thing to ask of you, but, with Jessica being out of town, I was hoping that maybe you could."

"I've taken care of Clooney enough, this should be fine." She bit her lip. "Wait, what kind of puppy is it?"

"Jack mentioned that he wanted a cocker spaniel, so I found a reputable breeder who had a litter she was selling and bought him a black one. I would have adopted from the pound, but there were no puppies available, and I want Jack to have the responsibility of training her." She smiled a little and nodded as she picked up her coat and purse.

"All right, and I suppose we're heading out to pick the puppy up tonight?"

He nodded, smiling sheepishly. "Yes? I'm sorry to spring this on you so suddenly."

"That's okay, Jack comes first, and that's how it should be. Well, let's get going before it gets too late." She threaded her arm through his and they went over to the elevators. As the doors opened, she caught a glimpse of Strauss and Rossi. He had caught her beneath some mistletoe and while she tried to protest, there was a sweet smile on her lips that belied that. Just as the elevator closed, she watched him lean in and place a soft kiss on her lips and she sighed. "What?"

"Rossi and Strauss are so freaking adorable together. Are they ever going to go public with their relationship?"

"I don't know. This is still something rather new for the both of them." She smiled and nodded before resting her head on his arm. "So, are you sure that you are absolutely okay with this? I don't want you to feel obligated to do something you're not prepared to handle."

"It is going to be fine, Hotch, I swear." She sighed happily as they rode down. "So, am I just going to follow you to the breeder, then?"

"I was thinking that was how it would go." She nodded and went over to her car, getting in and driving over to where Hotch was parked. He was waiting for her and they drove off into the night.

By the time they reached the house, a light snow had started to fall, adding to the magic of the night. Parking, she smiled and joined Hotch on the sidewalk, taking the soft-sided carrier from his hands. "Have you given her a name yet?"

"No, I thought I'd let Jack do that. It's his puppy after all." She nodded and slipped her arm through his once more. Together, they walked up to the house and she stood to the side as he knocked on the door.

A smiling woman opened it and Penelope felt instantly at ease. "Good evening, Aaron. Is this the woman you were telling me about?"

"Yes, Linda, this is Penelope Garcia. She'll be taking care of the puppy until Christmas Day." He smiled warmly at her and she felt like the sun had suddenly risen in the sky to shine only on her. Dazedly, she smiled back and he rubbed her arm lightly. "So, can we see her?"

"Of course, just follow me." The woman led them to a room in the back of her house and Penelope cooed in pleasure as she looked at the multi-colored pile. "They're six weeks today, and eating food well. I've included a bag of the food we use for their mom, along with a toy for her. I hope this makes your son happy."

"It should. Thanks again, Linda." She nodded as she picked up the lone black ball of fuzz. It whimpered adorably, and Penelope opened her arms to hold it, bringing it close to her chest. "You have to put her in the carrier, Penny, if you're going to take her home. She isn't trained enough to ride in your car."

"I know, but she's just so adorable!" She scratched the puppy's head softly before letting Hotch open the carrier and put the puppy inside. He guided her outside and stuck the bag of food and the toy on the front seat next to the carrier. "So, I'll see you Monday, then."

"Monday." She waved to him after starting her car and pulling off into the night. As she drove, the puppy began to whine and Penelope frowned a little.

"It's all right, puppy. We're almost home," she said softly, hoping to sooth the dog. Finally, she pulled into her parking lot and turned off the car, bringing everything up to her apartment.

She let the puppy run around while she set up a food and water bowl for her in the kitchen, creating a barrier that she couldn't get over in the night. Then she set down newspaper for her to do her business on, not wanting to clean up any messes. Standing up, she smiled at her handiwork and brushed her hands together.

"Here we are, puppy," she said as she picked the puppy up and placed her behind the barrier. "We are going to get along well, right?"

The puppy yawned up at her and Penelope felt her heart melt. This was going to be a wonderful Christmas surprise.