Disclaimer: I own nothing but the words. I let Dave and Erin talk to me and I put it down. This is what my warped mind comes up with.
Reviews are appreciated.
Chapter 2:Proposal
Deep in thought over a pile of cases Hotch had given him, Rossi didn't even look up when JJ knocked on his door. "Come in."
"You busy, Garcia and I have the answer you're looking for?" She said entering the room, followed by Penelope, who closed the door and plopped down in a chair.
"Let me finish this." Dave said putting the final touches on the folder open on his desk. Once it was complete, he closed it and sat back in his chair. "What did you find out?" He was nervous, but he needed to know.
"Before we answer, I want to ask you a serious question." JJ commented. Dave nodded, "If Erin doesn't want to get married would it change how you feel about her? Would you end the relationship or back off?"
"No, I want to spend the rest of my life with Erin, no matter what. Married, living together, or just seeing each other, I'm in love with her and I don't plan on going anywhere." Dave assured them.
"Good," Garcia remarked.
JJ smiled, "Rossi…Dave, if you ask, she'll say yes. She doesn't think you want to get married. Her exact words were, 'would I marry David if he asked…in a heartbeat, but I don't see him ever wanting to get married again', those are quotes."
Dave smiled, "She knows me pretty well, I never thought I'd want to, but it's different with Erin. She makes me want to be a better man. She completes me, mind, body and soul." JJ and Garcia stood to leave, "Thank you, I owe you."
"Rossi, you don't owe us anything, just invite us to the wedding."
"That's a given.
The women left and Dave sat back in his chair smiling to himself.
Dave knew Erin's kids would be home over the weekend, and Erin had plans for lunch on Saturday with Maggie Shepherd. He called the kids and set up lunch so he could talk to them. They at their favorite pizza place. After ordering he asked if they would mind sitting away from the crowds, he really wanted to discuss something with them.
Once seated Katie asked, "Dave, you alright? I've never seen you so edgy."
"I'm okay. I want to talk to without Erin." He said taking a sip his water. Suddenly his mouth was full of cotton.
Jessie's phone beeped, she looked at the text then answered. When she finished, Dan took her phone and put it on silent, before laying it with his in the center of the table. "I have the feeling this is important, so let's leave our phones alone until Dave's done." Everyone put their phone on silent and stacked them in the center. Dave did the same with his personal phone but left his work phone on his belt, he was pretty sure it wouldn't go off.
"Dave, you have our undivided attention. What's on your mind?" Daniel told him.
Dave thought for a minute then, decided to jump right to the point. "You know I love your mother. I want to ask her to marry me, but I need to know its okay with you before I do. If any of you are against it I won't ask. We'll just keep things the way they are." There he'd said it out loud.
"Oh My Gosh, you really want to marry mom?" Katie asked all excited. Dave nodded. "That's great. I won't speak for Dan or Jess, but you have my blessing. Mom loves you."
Rossi smiled and looked at the other two. Jessie was the next to speak, "if you really want to marry mom, why does it matter what we think?"
Dave reached across the table and took her hand, looking her in the eye, "It matters, because you're important to her and to me. I've grown very fond of you, all of you. If you aren't on board she won't say yes. I won't ask if it's going to upset any of you or if you would rather us not. Nothing's going to change either way."
Jessie squeezed Dave's hand, "I love the idea of you and mom being married. I'm good with you asking her."
Next was Daniel's turn, "You know, I'm all for it. I love you both and I know how much being with you means to mom, so go for it, Man."
Dave finally let out the breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Thank you, once we're done here why don't you go with me to see the ring that I've had designed for her?" All three nodded
"When are you going to ask her?" Katie questioned as their pizza arrived.
Dave shook his head, "I'm not sure yet. I was thinking maybe fly to Florence for a long weekend or who knows, I just might ask her one afternoon out of the blue. I don't really have a plan."
"She's going to flip." Dan laughed.
/
/
After lunch they headed to Dave's favorite Jewelry store. Entering Jewelry by Design in Woodbridge, they looked around for a while; finally Dave asked if John or Jenny were in. He'd known them a long time and had already talked to Jenny about designing something for Erin.
"Sure, let me get them. Can I tell them who's asking?" The sales clerk asked.
"Dave Rossi."
Jenny came from the back, hugged him and asked if he was ready to see what she'd designed? Nodding he called the kids.
When Jenny came back, John was with her. She held out a leather ring box, "I think she'll like this Dave, but if you don't think she will, I'll design something else."
Taking the box, he opened it, inside was a beautiful 3 carat pear shaped blue diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds. Dave was speechless.
"OH MY GOSH, that's beautiful." Jessie and Katie said at the same time.
Katie continued, "Dave is that for mom?"
Smiling, "I was looking at it for her, but if you think she'd like something else, we can keep looking."
"NO, NO, and NO. She'll love this, it's gorgeous, but Dave it's so…" She wasn't sure what to say. She knew it had to cost a fortune.
"What my brain dead sister is trying to say is I bet it costs a mint." Daniel remarked looking at his sister.
Dave laughed, "Don't you think Erin…your mom is worth a mint?"
"Well yeah, but Dave…" Jessie chimed in.
"Listen, its exquisite, just like Erin. You know I'm don't throw money around, but she's worth every penny this beauty costs. Do you think she will like it or should we get something else? What do you think and don't think about the money." Dave said. He loved this ring, but he told the kids they could help.
"Well, I think she'll love it, so my vote is this one." Katie said the other two nodded.
Dave turned back to Jenny, "Jenny, these are Erin's children, Katie, Jessie and Dan. we'll take it."
"Nice to meet you, you're mom is a lucky lady." Jenny took the ring, polished it and handed it back to Dave. "I'll send a bill to Bob on Monday?"
"If you want to do it that way, I'll call him and let him know the bill coming."
"Would you like a copy of the bill?" John laughed.
Dave smiled, "No, its okay, I'm sure Bob will lecture me on spending that kind of money, but it's worth it." Dave knew approximately how much it was and he really didn't care. Erin was worth every penny.
/
After the jewelers they went their separate ways. Dave went home and the kids visited friends or did their own thing.
The first thing on Dave's list to do… if he had a list was crossed off.
/
/
Monday morning, the team headed to Salt Lake City, Dave said goodbye to Erin before she was even awake, promising to call her as soon as they landed. The team discussed the case for the majority of the flight, but also had time to relax until landing.
Dave took out his phone, 'Hey, Baby. How's your morning?'
'It's been quiet. Are you still on the jet?'
'Yeah, we still have about 40 minutes. We've already gone over all the details; got our assignments and now it's just wait.' Dave typed back. 'What did you decide to wear today?'
'My navy Michael Kors pantsuit with the light blue blouse, my blue diamond heart necklace and earrings,' she knew he liked her in pants, which she seldom wore to the office.
'Damn, Baby, you wore the Kors and I'm not there. You wound me.' Dave teased.
Erin chuckled as she typed; she knew why he loved this pantsuit. 'That's the reason I wore it. You're not here to stare at my ass every time I walk by.'
Smiling Dave responded, 'but an exceptionally fine ass it is.'
'You're impossible! I hope this case is over quickly, I miss you already. I really didn't get to say a proper goodbye this morning.' Erin was really missing him and he had only been gone 4 hours.
She'd had a busy weekend and they didn't get to spend much time together. 'I miss you too, baby. I'll do everything in my power to get done and home as soon as possible. You better get back to work, I'll call you tonight. I love you!'
'I love you too, David. Be safe.' Erin closed the phone dropping it in her pocket before returning to the pile of reports on her desk.
/
/
Dave sat back thinking about how he wanted to do the proposal. Hotch came from the galley with a cup of coffee, sitting, handing Dave the cup he asked, "How are things going, Dave? We haven't talked in a while. We've both been so busy."
"Things are good. I've been meaning to talk to you, something I want to tell you."
"Okay, you can tell me anything and it's safe." Hotch said concerned.
Dave smiled, "Don't look so worried, it's a good thing, least I think it is." Watching his best friend, reaching into his pocket, Dave looked around to make sure no one was watching, opened the ring box and handed it to Aaron. "I'm going to ask Erin to marry me."
"I think it's great. I know how much you two love each other and how happy she makes you. Does anyone else know?"
"JJ and Garcia, know I'm thinking about it, they felt her out to see if she's open to the idea, but you're the only one other than her kids that know I'm actually going to do it." Dave answered.
"This ring is beautiful. I've never seen a blue stone like this what is it?" Hotch said handing the box back.
"It's a blue diamond, Erin loves them; they're rare so they're harder to find. I'm lucky my jeweler knows where to go to get them." Dave smiled as he thought about the gem now in his pocket. "I haven't had much luck in the marriage department, but this is different…I'm different. Hotch when I think about my future and growing old, about my life, Erin is always there with me. In all my other marriages they were all about me, with Erin it's all about her, it's about us as a team."
"You're different Dave, you both are. You're both mellower, settled, older even. Do you have a plan of action or are you going to fly by the seat of your pants?" Hotch asked.
Smiling, "I was going to formulate a plan, but if emotions overwhelm me I may throw the plan out the window and let nature take its course."
"Spontaneity is always the best way, I think. Plans tend to get messed up, at least in our line of work." Hotch laughed.
/
/
The team spent the week in Utah, arriving back at Quantico Friday afternoon late. Dave tried to call Erin, but she was in a meeting. He left a message that he was done with reports, had been promised the team would be off for the ENTIRE weekend and was heading home, he'd meet her there. To his surprise she was there when he arrived home. They had a nice dinner, cuddled on the couch and made love late into the night.
Saturday was going to be an Erin and Dave day. Doing what they wanted when they wanted. They slept in, had hot morning sex, took a shower and made breakfast together. After cleaning up the pair went for a long walk with Mudgie.
Dave was sitting on the couch watching a movie, when Erin entered the room. He looked up as she entered; she'd been talking to her daughter. "How's Jess?"
"She's all right, needed some mom advice; Jack and Stacy ares getting on her nerves. She asked if when she came for dinner Wednesday if she could just stay through the weekend. I told her that was fine, I hope you don't mind." Erin said.
She started to sit beside him, but he positioned her so she was straddling him sitting on his lap. "Erin, this is your house…your home. The kids always have a place here, it's their home also. If they want to move in with us that's fine." He pulled her to him and kissed her breathless.
Smiling, Erin laid her forehead against him. "Have I told you today that I love you?"
"No, but it's implied and felt every day. I love you too, baby." He tightened his hold on her.
Strauss squirmed some, something was poking into her left inner thigh and it wasn't his erection, which was poking her somewhere else. "David I know you're happy I'm sitting here I can feel it, but what's in your pocket that keeps digging into my thigh?"
He completely forgot about putting the ring in his pocket. Hotch said spontaneity was the best way. Maybe now was as good a time as any to ask. The most she could do was say no. Dave always did do things on impulse.
He looked at her, really looked into her eyes. "I guess the word of the day is spontaneity, so here goes." He reached into his pocket, brought out the box and handed it to her. Erin just stared at him, like he had three heads, and then slowly opened the square leather container. "This isn't exactly how I thought I'd be doing this, but Erin, I love you, I really, really love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, will you marry me?"
She looked from him to the ring back to him. Tears forming in her eyes, she was so quiet. Time stood still as he waited and when she didn't say anything, he was beginning to regret asking. "Its okay, take your time or forget I asked." He said, moving her off his lap and standing.
Erin's mind was reeling; she reached for his hand as he started to walk away. "David…"
"Erin, it's okay, you don't have to answer now or you can forget I even asked if you want." He said not moving and not looking at her. He knew if he moved he would jerk his hand away and that might hurt her and David Rossi would never hurt Erin Strauss.
"David," She stood, reached up and made him look at her. "Yes, Yes, Yes, David, I'll marry you. It just took me by surprise, but yes I'll marry you, I'll say it again, David Rossi I would love nothing more than to be your wife." She kissed him as passionately as she could. When she broke the kiss she handed him the ring box, "Why don't you put this beautiful ring where it belongs."
Dave did just that, taking the ring from where it was nestled, he lifted her hand and slid it on her left ring finger. Kissed it then kissed her. They were both silent for a long time, just holding each other and kissing, Erin couldn't take her eyes of the exquisite diamond on her hand. "I have to make some calls, I need talk to the kids, make sure they're okay with this."
"Erin, I talked to the children. I asked them for their permission. We have their blessing, all three of them. They were even with me when I bought the ring." Dave said smiling at his future wife.
"Really, you included the kids?" He nodded, "Thank you that makes me love you even more. I should call them and tell them you asked and I said yes." Picking up her phone, "I'm sure you need to call or text Hotch, I'm safe in assuming you've talked to him about this." She knew Dave talked to Aaron about all major life changes, especially if it involved her; the Unit Chief was not just his best friend they were more like brothers.
While Erin called the children, Dave called Hotch then sent a team wide text, which simply said, 'she said yes.' He knew JJ and Penelope would know what that meant, but not sure if the others would. He also left a message for Emily.
It wasn't long before he got a message from Morgan. 'When did you ask and why didn't you tell me you were going to?"
'Been thinking about it a while, but it was a very spur of the moment decision to ask today.'
Morgan replied almost instantly, 'Family party tonight your house if I can get it together?'
'Sounds good to me.' Dave replied not even asking Erin. He figured she'd want to show off her new rock.
Less than ten minutes later Morgan sent Dave another text. 'Entire team, spouses, friends and kids will be at your place around 7. Don't worry about anything, we got it covered.'
Dave just replied with a smiley. As he was about to close his phone, he got a congratulations from Emily, with a see you soon message. Messages from the others came in too, most with Congrats and see you for more details tonight.
/
/
Once Erin hung up from the kids, she sat down next to Dave still looking at the new piece of jewelry on her hand. "The kids are so excited. Jessie might stop by later and the other two will be home next weekend for a family celebration."
"Guess now would be a good time to tell you the team will be here around 7 to celebrate." Dave said, he didn't think she wouldn't mind and he was right. "They said not to worry about anything; they'd take care of everything. So what would you like to do for the next couple hours?"
Standing she lead him up the stairs and into the bedroom, "Oh I can think of a couple things, David. They all involve you and me, being naked and getting hot and sweaty." She pushed him so he sat on the bed, kissing him before pulling the polo shirt over his head.
"I like the way you think." He laughed as she pushed him down on the bed and climbed on top.
/
/
Dave came downstairs from his shower, sat on the loveseat next to Erin. "What are you thinking about, baby?" He asked kissing her temple.
"I was thinking when we get married; I want to change my name." She said looking up at his reaction.
"I'd never ask you to do that. I know how important it is to keep your individually. You've been Deputy Director Strauss or Section Chief Strauss for years. You got where you are using Strauss, I'll never ask you to change that…not for me. Besides there's a lot of power behind Strauss, that name can incite terror in federal agents and bring grown men to their knees." He told her taking her hands and giving her his trademark smirk that made her want to kiss and slap him at the same time.
She decided this time to kiss him, "I know you wouldn't. I'm thinking at work I'll use Strauss-Rossi for a while, once everyone gets use to that, drop the Strauss, at home I just want be Erin Rossi…Mrs. David Rossi. I kind of like the Rossi name, it has a lot of muscle behind it also."
"You're my miracle, Erin, you're the one person who gets me, who knows me, who loves me faults and all. Baby, as long as you're my wife, I don't care what you call yourself." Dave said, she could see every emotion in his dark eyes.
"I love you, David. I never thought I'd ever love someone like I do you. So once this sets in we need to set a date and plan our wedding."
"We need to do more than plan our wedding; we need to plan our marriage." Dave told her. "Our wedding will be one day, but I plan on our marriage lasting the rest of my life."
"You're right; starting tomorrow we plan our marriage with a wedding day thrown in." Before she could go on, the doorbell rang.
Dave got up to answer it; he leaned down, kissed her and said. "OH…by the way, thanks for wearing those jeans tonight."
She threw a pillow at him both laughed out loud, they knew he wouldn't be able to take his eyes off her ass, he loved to her backside, when home he made no attempt to hide that fact, and tonight she'd let him. He made her a very happy woman.
/
/
Penelope and JJ entered together, rushing into the living room and to Erin. "Ring, ring, show us the ring." Garcia said as she approached. Erin held out her hand. They looked at the diamond, then at Dave as he entered the room. "Oh nice job Studly, you have really good taste, it's stunning."
"Erin, it's beautiful." JJ said really looking at the rock on her hand. "I think engagement suits you too, you're glowing."
As the rest of the team arrived, the women automatically gravitated to Erin, all wanting to see the ring Dave bought her. Sensing they weren't needed in the living room, the guys headed for the den taking Jack and Henry with them.
Once the guys were in the den, Dave put a movie on for the boys, while the men poured drinks and sat around the table.
"Okay Rossi, spill when did you decide to pop the question?" Morgan asked.
Dave looked at Hotch who smiled, "I've been thinking about it since Curtis tried to take her out, but I talked to her kids a couple weeks ago, and bought the ring. Today we were sitting on the couch making out and it just felt like the right time, so I asked.
Will smiled, "Good thing you didn't have to wait as long as I did, I thought JJ would never agree to marry me."
"For a few minutes I thought she was going to say no. It took her a while to answer, but she said it caught her off guard." Dave said taking a drink of his scotch.
"Well, I'm happy for you, Dave. You deserve to be happy; Erin deserves to be happy after all she's been through the last few years." Hotch patted his friend on the back.
An hour later, JJ knocked on the den door, "We were wondering where you boys ran off too."
"We didn't run, we just thought we'd give you ladies a chance to ooh and aah and talk about whatever it is women talk about when one of their own has a life changing event happen." Reid commented, making the other guys chuckle.
"Well we're done with the ooh's and aah's and would like for our men to join us, besides where is my child?" She asked.
Will pointed to the couch where Jack and Henry were sitting eating chips, dinking juice and watching Monsters Inc. She told the boys they were going to the living room, but they could finish their movie.
Dave said he'd be there in a couple minutes, stopping at the bathroom to brush his teeth. He tried to always brush and use mouth wash after drinking before kissing Erin.
/
/
Dave entered the living room and sat on the floor at Erin's feet. She absent mindedly began to play with his hair. The group asked questions, laughed and enjoyed the celebration. They ordered pizza's, played charades and talked more about Rossi's proposal.
Beth leaned forward in her chair, "I know everyone wants to know and no one will ask, have you two thought about a date yet?"
"Not yet, we haven't really talked much about anything. I was so shocked when he asked; it took awhile to wrap my brain around what he'd said. I'm pretty sure he thought I was saying no with my silence." Erin told them running her hand down the back of Dave's head playing with his neck.
"I will give you this Dave; you have great taste in jewelry. That is a rock and a half and it's beautiful. I've never seen a blue diamond." Alex commented, looking at Strauss' hand again.
"From what I've read, they're very rare and hard to find." Hotch said, when everyone stared at him, he shrugged. "I saw the ring last week. I'd never seen one either so I did some research."
"Colored diamonds are very rare. I think that's why I love them." Erin said. "I was shocked when I opened the ring box and it was a blue diamond."
"Only the best for my lady," Rossi said, rubbing her calf.
/
/
After everyone had gone, Erin sat next to Dave on the couch, cuddling into his side. "I love my ring, David. It's beautiful, but you shouldn't have spent this much. I can't say I know what it costs, but I know it's a lot."
"Babe, you're worth every penny. Yes it was more than the average man can afford, but I'm not your average man, you aren't the average woman and I want you to have everything you've ever wanted. I know how much you love blue diamonds. It's a one of a kind, just like you." Dave told her kissing her temple.
"Please tell me it's insured?"
"I called before I walked out of the store with it and had it insured." Dave stood, pulled her to her feet and headed up stairs, both were exhausted.
/
/
Erin woke Sunday morning and looked at her hand to make sure it hadn't been a dream. Smiling she turned to see Dave awake and watching her. She kissed him, cuddling into his side, placing her head on his shoulder. "Can we talk about setting a date?" She questioned.
Dave smiled, pulling her closer, "Sure."
"Do you have your calendar? We can coordinate dates?" She asked grabbing her phone, opening her calendar. He did the same. Erin found the perfect date. "Are you good with a short engagement, less than 6 months?" Dave nodded and she marked it down in both their calendars. The children would be home from school for the semester. She would see the Director on Monday, put it on his calendar, make sure that it was noted -the Alpha team would be off limits three days before and three days after so they could attend, take part in the preparations, and the celebrations. She would also call Emily to make sure she could be there. "Can we start to make some plans while we cuddle this morning?"
"We can talk about anything you want to talk about, we can plan anything you want to plan, and we can do whatever you want."
"Do I need to ask who your best man will be?"
"You have to decide what kind of wedding we're having before I can answer that. Are we having a private small thing like JJ and Will's, a big church wedding, or somewhere in between? Are we going to have someone stand up with us? All questions we need to answer." Dave questioned and he could see she was thinking.
"I know we have a little time. I was thinking small the kids, the team, Andy and Maggie, Amanda. Anyone else you can think of?" She asked.
"We don't have to invite Amanda, the smaller the better. Oh, you want to invite Abbie, she's been you're assistant forever, I guess we should ask Cruz?" Dave commented, he could see this had a chance of getting out of hand. "I'd be happy to hit a judge on Monday. I really don't care as long as when it's done, you're Mrs. David Rossi."
"Amante, I don't want a justice of the peace, besides you promised your team they'd be invited to a wedding, or at least you promised JJ and Penelope when you enlisted them to get Intel on me and if I'd be interested in getting married." She raised an eyebrow when he looked at her shocked. "David, you forget I'm FBI also, besides Penelope mentioned last night how worried you were, I'd say no."
"We hadn't really talked about marriage; I just needed some reassurance that you wanted to get married too. If I asked and you said no, I don't think my ego could have taken a hit like that and survived." Looking at her, "Nothing would have changed, not how I feel and we would still be together, living together, but…" He didn't finish.
"Well, I said yes and I'm thrilled about being your wife. Besides wedding plans, there are a couple other things we need to talk about." She said.
"Such as?" Dave asked.
"You're a very wealthy man, David. I'm sure your attorney will bring this up. I have no problem signing a prenuptial agreement. " Again she saw the shocked look on his face.
Sitting up, bringing her with him, he turned to face her. "Erin, I don't want nor do I need a prenup. From this day forward everything that is mine is yours. We are a team, partners in every sense of the word. I've already told my lawyer not to even mention prenuptial agreement. I also plan on getting the rest of the paperwork done this week to have your name on everything. We've already done the house and I've changed my will. By the time we say I do, I want all the legal crap out of the way."
"David…" he held up his hand and that told her there was no arguing with him, his mind was made up. "Okay, okay, no arguments, you can win, but you know I'm not marrying you for your money, I'm marrying you for your hot body."
He nodded, smiled and kissed her. "I know."
"Jack is going to hate this. I guess I should call him today, before he hears from the kids." Erin really didn't want to deal with her ex, but someone had to. It wasn't fair to let the kids say something and him come down on them.
"Why don't you let me handle Jack." Dave said, pulling her down with him, kissing her breathless. "Enough talk for now, I've never made love to an engaged Erin Strauss, I think it's time I did."
/
/
Sunday afternoon, found Dave and Erin sitting in the den. He was writing and she was jotting things down in a notebook. He knew her brain was working overtime deciding how she wanted their wedding to be. Finally she looked up and said, "We really need to decide how big we want this wedding to be so I know how to plan things like where we want to have it. Where the reception should be, things like that."
"I'm good with whatever you want, Baby."
"I was thinking we have a small ceremony here similar to what you did for JJ and Will, with a family party afterwards. Just keep it small and intimate." She said watching for a reaction.
Looking up from the keyboard, "That sounds good to me. Are you having someone stand up with you? Do I need a best man, and or groomsmen?"
"I would like Danny to walk me down the aisle and the girls to be up there with me, so yeah you need a couple guys." She said. "Do you have an idea who you want?"
"You have to ask? Hotch will be my best man and Daniel will be the other one. Once he walks you down, he can step over with Aaron and me." Dave told her looking back at his computer as Erin went back to making notes.
/
Later in the day when Erin went to call the kids and make some tea, Dave picked up his phone to call her ex. It was time to let him know he could no longer control Erin or her life. Strauss answered on the second ring, "Jack, this is Dave Rossi."
"Yeah, what do you want?" Jack snapped.
"I'm calling to let you know, Erin and I will be getting married in a few months and you will not give her any shit about it." Dave said.
Strauss laughed, "You can't be serious. Erin and you married? You know it won't last, Rossi. I'm surprised it's lasted this long."
"Well, Jack, it doesn't really matter what you think. Erin and I love each other, and we are getting married. I'm just giving you a courtesy call so you won't hear it from someone else. Remember who you're dealing with. You give Erin any hassle or trouble about it and you'll deal with me. Also you won't give Erin or the children any grief about them being there or being part of it. She is their mother and she has every right to have them with her on her day. One more thing, if you decide to ruin Erin's day or upset her…ever, I'll use every dime, contact and power I have to ruin you, and I have plenty of all three. Oh and remember this, starting today, everything I have belongs to Erin, so she has lots of all three as well. Are we clear?"
"I won't give Erin or the kids any problems. I'll leave Erin alone as long as she does the same. Tell her I said congratulations." It was clear Jack Strauss was afraid of the trouble Dave could make.
Dave hung up, smiled to himself and dialed Hotch.
"Hotchner,"
"I need a best man; you know where I can find one?" Dave laughed.
"Well, Reid would be thrilled to stand up with you, you are his idol, and I'm sure Derek would make a good one." Hotch countered.
"Those are both good choices, but I was thinking, there is this guy who's like a brother and he's also my best friend. I kinda wanted to ask him. So Aaron, will you be my best man?" Dave asked serious.
"You know I love you, Dave, you're more of a brother than Sean. I'd be honored to be your best man." Hotch told him. The two men talked for a few minutes, Dave gave him the date and told him he'd give him more details as he got them.
Rossi hung up as Erin walked back into the room. "Jessie didn't make it last night, but she said she'd be here in a couple hours. She wants to stay a while."
Dave nodded, "I talked to Jack, he knows and he won't give you or the kids any aggravation, he said to tell you congratulations. I also talked to Hotch; he's my best man as if you didn't already know that."
"What did you say to Jack? Do I want to know?" Erin asked sitting on the couch as he came to sit with her.
Smiling, "I just told him we were getting married and he better not give you or the kids any problems. If he did he'd deal with me, my contact and my power. I also told him starting today, you have the same contacts, power and money that I have, that from now on everything that's mine is yours."
"Bet that did it, He's afraid of you." Erin laughed. "He talks big, but he's always been afraid of David Rossi and all which that name stands for.
Dave just shrugged. They talked about her kids, work and several other topics. "Are you wearing your ring to the bureau tomorrow?"
Erin looked at him, "Of course I'm wearing it. I'm not taking it off ever."
Smiling he kissed her hand, "you realize when people start seeing it there will be questions. Are you ready for the world to know? We've kept the relationship pretty quiet, not a lot of people know."
"David, more people know than let on they do, and at this point I don't care. I'm not going to hide I'm crazy about you anymore. We both know how short life can be, you make me happy and I want the world to know it. Andy knows, he's okay with it, so to hell with the rest of the FBI!"
/
/
Erin had a breakfast meeting with the director, other deputy directors and section chiefs. When the meeting was over, she stayed in her seat. She knew Andy among others had noticed her new jewelry. Once everyone was gone, Director Andrew Shepherd sat in the chair next to her, picking up her hand and looking at the new accessory. "Erin, something you want to tell me?"
"Nope." She smiled.
He gave her a fatherly look, laughing. "May I ask when you got this?" Pointing to the diamond.
"Saturday, Dave asked Saturday afternoon, it's going to be a small intimate wedding at our house, of course you and Maggie are invited." She gave him the date, requested a few days off before and after and asked that Dave's team be given the same few days off. Andy wrote everything down, telling her not to worry; all the dates would be approved.
Dave had been sitting in his office reading reports and making notes for Hotch. He stood, stretched, grabbed his coffee mug and headed to the break room. He stopped to talk to Morgan and Reid.
"Did you two set a date this weekend?" Morgan asked.
"Yes," Dave said telling them what it was. "She's asking the director to approve three days before and after off for all of us. JJ and Penelope have already told her they want to be there for everything."
"You know, Dave the gossip is already started." Reid commented. Rossi just shrugged and went to get more coffee.
In the break room, two female agents from another team were standing off to the side. Dave smiled as he listened to part of their conversation.
Agent 1 "Do you have any idea who Strauss is involved with?"
"No why?" asked agent 2.
"You haven't seen her this morning? She's sporting a rock the size of a small country on her left hand today. She wasn't wearing it Friday."
"So you think she got engaged over the weekend?" The second agent asked.
"She must have, whoever she's marrying has great taste. The ring is beautiful even from far away."
"Thank you." Dave said over his shoulder. He wasn't surprised when both agents looked at each other then watched him walk away with their mouths gaping open.
