Author's Note: *waves sheepishly* Been a long time huh? Inspiration hadn't hit in a long while for these guys sadly. However, I did muster enough to finish at least this little one, I'm hoping as time goes on that I will be able to finish the rest of the stories. A big thank you to everyone who's messaged me asking if I'm returning. I hope you enjoy the last part of this short story.
Part four:
Four hours later and six flower shops, Hotch came back to the BAU with what he knew to be a subpar bouquet of mum's, a few lilies, pink tulips and baby's breath. He just prayed to whatever God was listening that she wouldn't wipe out his whole existence. However, that didn't worry him as much as losing her from his life or her love. As his steps ate up the distance between the front door and her office, Aaron debated on just what to say to her. How to apologize for not remembering the special day?
"That's all you could find?" came Rossi's deep voice from beside him.
Glancing down at said arrangement Aaron tried not to cringe, knowing the older man was right. "All I could find on such a short notice."
David chuckled, fighting to keep the grin off his features and the laughter from his voice. "Good luck Hotch may God or in this case Garcia have mercy on you."
"Not funny Rossi and stop enjoying my torment so much," Hotch shot back restarting his steps and trying to keep the doubt from his mind. His right hand unconsciously going to his pants pocket making sure her surprise still tumbled inside.
Stopping at her office door, Hotch took a deep breath trying to keep his nerves at bay. It wasn't like he hadn't done this before. Well no, maybe not quite like this, but apologizing had become second nature to him. He just hoped this time would be the last. Shaking off any bad thoughts, Aaron placed the flowers, a single pack of Hershey's chocolate, once again the only thing he could find, and the small portable speaker down on the chair.
Footsteps making him turn slightly to see Morgan, Rossi and Reid standing back all with their arms crossed and for two of them amused expressions on their faces.
"This isn't a free show besides don't all of you have work to be done?" arching a dark brow and giving all three his best hard stare to hopefully make them go away.
"And miss the fireworks. No deal Hotch this is priceless all we need is popcorn," Morgan shot back grinning at his boss.
Reid looked over at Morgan a puzzled look on his features, "Fireworks? But I thought you said Hotch was going to be groveling at Garcia's feet no mention of fireworks."
A slight growl came from Hotch who just turned his back on them, setting to work. As Morgan answered, "Pretty boy just watch and see what happens. Trust me it'll be worth having put that paperwork down for."
Searching through his I-pod, finding just the right song before hitting play and setting the device down to grab up the candy and flowers. Waiting would kill the most patience of men especially when ones future hung in the balance. His palms began to sweat as the first chorus of the song played. No door opened, no Penelope coming out to see what all the fuss is able. For a few seconds his heart sank, along with his hopes and he started to turn away. When the door opened a crack, Penelope's tear stained face came into view, making his heart sink.
"Penelope," his voice came out as a horse whisper, closing the remaining distance towards her as the second chorus started to play.
For the morning sun in all it's glory
Meets the day with hope and comfort too
You fill my life with laughter, somehow you make it better
Ease my troubles, that's what you do
"Go away boss man, right now…" she paused mid words to stare at the man she loved. See the bouquet and chocolate. Yet, her heart dropped a faction at not seeing what she really wanted. 'Maybe I'm just being too silly and sensitive.' She thought ducking back into the office to wipe her eyes.
Sighing JJ stood from her perch to stand before her friend. "Give him a chance Pen you just can't let it go without a fight."
"Penelope I'm sorry. I didn't mean to forget. Things just…" he stopped talking for a second raking his free hand though the dark brown locks frustration tearing up his insides. Taking another step towards the door, he prayed she wouldn't slam it in his face.
Penelope, shaking off her hurt, took her own step forward she reached for the edge of the metal door pulling it backwards gasping at the sight of Hotch standing in the threshold. It wasn't his presence that startled her the most but the dejected look in those chocolate brown eyes that she loved so much which hurt. She knew better than anyone how hard their job was. How could she possibly stay mad at him for this.
"Aaron," she breathed taking another step forward reaching out to touch his face but being side tracked by the flowers and chocolate in his hand. "Are those for me?"
There's a love less defined
And its yours and its mine
Like the sun
And at the end of the day
We should give thanks and pray
To the one, to the one
Glancing down for a second, he nodded once before handing over the items watching as she took them breathing in the scent, before looking back up at him. For a moment Aaron was speechless realizing just how lucky he was to have someone so special. In that moment even with all the hell they gave him, Hotch was glad their team. No their family stood around watching while he pulled first a medium sized box from his pocket presenting it to Penelope. Who gave him a quizzical look, taking the offered item while JJ took the flowers and candy.
Slowly, with hands shaking she opened the hard shell wondering, but not getting her hopes up to high, what could be inside. Once uncovered, Penelope didn't understand at first as her eyes only settled on the gold watch wrapped around a small velvet pillow. Her eyes tore away from the piece of jewelry when she heard both Emily and JJ gasp. Staring down at Hotch, who'd drop to one knee offering his hand for the box in hers.
"You know I'm not good with words. Actions, those are what I can do," swallowing hard Aaron pulled the watch from its confines, removing the pillow and reaching for Penelope's wrist. Which she gave to him still unsure and excited about what exactly is going on. Slipping the piece on her wrist he continued to talk. "I'd bought this a while ago just never had the chance to give it to you. We've been so busy. But that's no excuse."
"Hotch its okay really. I understand why, I was just being sentimental and stupid," she cut him off only to be cut off herself as Aaron shook his head.
"No you weren't, things just got out of our hands and control. For that Penelope I am sorry. I put this job first like I always do," he paused when she dropped down to face him still not sure as to why he was on his knees in the first place.
"I don't understand what you're getting at boss man. You're starting to worry me just a little that the bump on your head from the last case has effected something," she smiled reaching up to softly touch the side of his head just below the hair line.
He took the hand in his rough callused one, reaching into the forgotten box to pull his second surprise to where it rested at the bottom of the box. Offering up the two carat garnet in a sterling silver filigree setting.
"Aaron?" Penelope breathed, her free hand going to her heart as tears swam in her eyes, clouding her vision, making her blink several times.
"I can't promise to not forget an anniversary, or birthday," he began.
"We'll help you out there Hotch," David interrupted as both Aaron and Penelope looked back at the older man, who shrugged. "Got to help him out somehow are we'll all be miserable."
Laughter erupted in the corridor from everyone around and once it settled Aaron looked back at Penelope his heart shining in those deep brown depths.
"You know I'm not good at this Penelope in fact in Morgan's words I suck at it. But I do love you, with all my heart and soul. Which you carry with you. I want," he reached up to wipe a stray tear from her cheek before continuing. "I want you to marry me. Be Jack's second mother and maybe…" he left the last part hanging wiggling his brow suggestively making Penelope laugh through her tears.
She stayed quiet just staring from the ring to Aaron's face and back again. At a loss for words, even though her heart was screaming out for her to say yes and stop stalling.
"I think this is the point where you either break his heart or say yes, Garcia," Reid stated a bright smile crossing his handsome features.
Hotch sent a quick glare to the younger man before turning back to Penelope. Watching her expression, waiting for an answer weather good or back.
Shaking her head to clear the cob webs for a second, she nodded slowly a bright smile splitting her features. For once in her life Penelope Garcia was speechless and all she could do was let the tears slide down her cheeks, a goofy look on her face.
There's a love less defined
And its yours and its mine
Like the sun
And at the end of the day
We should give thanks and pray
To the one, to the one
Have I told you lately that I love you?
Have I told you there's no one else above you?
Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness
Ease my troubles, that's what you do
Take away all my sadness, fill my life with gladness
Ease my troubles, that's what you do
"Is that a yes?" Hotch had to confirm his own nerves, not to mention a bum knee were starting to get to him.
"Yes," she answered so quietly that if he hadn't been listening so hard he would've missed her saying. "Yes I'll marry you."
"Bout time," Emily voiced a chuckle following the words as everyone watched Aaron slip the ring on Penelope's finger then cupped her face between his hands giving her the sweetest kiss.
Penelope wrapped her arms around his neck, as his hands slipped from her face one tangling in her silken blonde locks as the other wrapped around her waist pulling her body flush against his.
"Okay you two really in a public building with kids around. Reid cover your eyes. Get a room you two," Morgan exclaimed laughter in his voice as well as pride and happiness for two of his best friends.
When they finally broke apart, Penelope's cheeks were scarlet and even Aaron's was dusted with a light shade of red. He rose first before helping Penelope to her feet as well wrapping a possessive arm around her waist.
"Ready to go home? Jessica has Jack for the next two days," he spoke just loud enough for her ears.
"Just gotta grab my," Emily handed her, her purse, computer case and jacket.
"Take off we got this," JJ stated pushing the two of them forwards. "Congratulations both of you."
"I expect the first baby to be named after me by the way," Morgan stated clapping Hotch on the back and giving Penelope a wink. "And don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"Which isn't a lot Morgan," Rossi tossed at him while shaking hands with Hotch and giving Penelope a quick kiss on the cheek. "Go have fun you crazy kids. You deserve it."
JJ and Emily came from Penelope's office, sliding between Rossi and Morgan, with Reid on the end watching as the couple left. A happy sigh leaving everyone's lips.
"Job well done I'd say," JJ smiled being the first one to start after the couple.
"I don't understand that wasn't a job. Hotch did all the hard work," Reid stated drawing the attention of four people. "What, he did. There was no job involved what so ever."
Morgan just slapped Reid on his back saying nothing for a change just enjoying the family moment.
The End….
