"I don't think that springing that particular bit of news on her was the wisest thing to do, darling," Erin said gently as she kissed Dave's shoulder. "You know she was never able to keep a secret."

"That was sort of the plan, cara mio. I think we're both tired of hiding."

She sighed as she settled back on the mattress, staring up at the ceiling. A part of her knew that he was right, but another, larger, part was enjoying the time she spent alone with her children and Dave. He turned onto his side and reached out to draw patterns on her stomach as she let silence linger in the room. "I don't know if I'm ready to rejoin the world of the living. Yes, you're right, I am tired of hiding. I would like to go out and do things, but I don't want to be overwhelmed with attention."

He let his hand splay out against her skin, and Erin relished the warmth that bled into her. "Cara…"

Erin turned so that she could look at him, her hand coming up to cup his face. "I almost died, David. I don't want to be touched by that life any longer. It's hard enough sending you out there to dance with evil." Dave ran his hand up to her breast, cupping it and letting his thumb run over her nipple. "Don't distract me, beloved. I'm trying to have a serious conversation."

"I know. I just thought that you'd want this, and I'm sorry."

"Don't be." She leaned in and kissed him gently. "I'm just being selfish and afraid. Curtis knocked me around harder than I thought."

He gave her another soft kiss and she wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him close. "I think it's time that you started seriously thinking about a therapist or a group. You need to talk to someone, anyone, who can fully understand what you went through. I only know bits and pieces, and I feel like I'm failing you."

As Erin watched, his eyes filled with tears, and she responded in kind before burying her face in the crook of his neck, letting herself sob. "You could never fail me, David. You've been my rock." She pressed her lips to the bits of flesh that she could find, wanting to tell him without words how much he meant to her. "Do you have someone in mind?" she finally asked, never pulling away from him.

"You might be angry with me for suggesting this, but since she knows about you being alive, you could go to Penelope's group. They've all experienced loss and will know where you're coming from. Or I could have her find you the perfect therapist. You know that she would leave no stone unturned in the background checks."

That made her giggle a little and she nodded. "Maybe I'll go with both options?" she said questioningly and he nodded as he rubbed her back. "Now, I could use a good breakfast. Crying tends to make me hungry."

"As my lady commands," he said before pulling back and kissing her lips possessively. Gently, he tugged her out of the bed and then helped her into her robe before putting his own on. Erin followed him down into the kitchen, smiling when she saw that breakfast was already started, and the table set for six. Six.

"David?"

"He knows nothing. I sort of invited myself over for breakfast this morning, too. Bruce said that it would be okay," Penelope said as she stepped into the room. "You are right, Rossi. He does play a mean game."

"And yet you still won," Bruce teased as he came into the room, smiling at her. "Morning Mom, Dave." Erin gasped a little, pulling the robe tighter around her as she realized that they were not going to be alone for this meal.

"I'll be right back," she murmured as she made a dash for the laundry room, digging through the basket to find a clean nightgown and hurriedly pulling it on before putting her robe back on. "So, what did you all make for breakfast?" she asked as she rejoined them, taking a seat next to her beloved.

"French toast. Penelope suggested it."

She looked at the other woman and smiled gently. "Thank you. Um, I can't recall if I asked you yesterday, or not, but would you please keep this under wraps for a little while longer? I'm not ready to be alive to all and sundry."

The woman gave her a sympathetic look and nodded before reaching across the table for her hand. Erin clasped it tightly and Penelope nodded. "I can do that, Erin. I'm just surprised that Hotch hasn't figured anything out yet. Usually he's more on the ball."

She shrugged as she let go of Penelope's hand and began to eat. "He might have a lot going on right now." Erin took a bite of her food, groaning a little as the flavors exploded in her mouth. "However, I am going to ask two things of you, things that David said will help me."

"Anything, Erin. I would do anything for you, especially after Cruz told me that you admired me."

The smile on Penelope's face turned tender, and Erin blinked back tears as she took a sip of water. "I need you to find me a good therapist, preferably a woman, who understands about addiction issues and returning from witness protection. And…"

"Yes?"

"I would like to join your group, to talk to others about the experience of loss." A few tears began to roll down her cheeks, and she grabbed a napkin and brushed them away, never looking away from Penelope.

"I think that we would love having you with us, Erin." Penelope also sipped at her water and then sighed a little. "When you're ready to come out as alive to the team, I know who you have to start with."

"And who would that be?"

"Blake. She misses you, a lot. And there's a lot of guilt in her heart." Erin glanced over at Dave and saw that he was just as surprised as she was with that particular revelation. "Please?"

"We'll have to see, Penelope." Erin went back to eating, trying to ignore the feeling of renewed hope that was blossoming in her heart. Her mind was still refusing to acknowledge that she was ready to step out, to restore her life, but it seemed as if her heart was there. And that scared her. Dave read her emotions and slid his hand off the table to cover her knee, squeezing gently. "We'll have to see what my therapist says."

"All right, sounds like a plan. I'll have you a list by Monday." Erin nodded and took a deep breath. Things were moving quickly, more quickly than she'd liked, but it was a start. Maybe this new year would be her best one in a long time.