Thrashing and moaning woke Emily sometime later that night. Turning on to her other side she saw that JJ was fighting a nightmare and was tangled in the blankets.
"No, Emily, no, please don't kill her," whimpered the blonde.
"Shh, JJ, it's okay, I'm fine. Wake up, sweetheart. I'm right here," Emily said as she caressed her lover's cheek.
"Emily!" JJ shouted as she finally came awake and looked around wildly her eyes taking a moment to recognize her surroundings. The moment she was awake, she threw herself into Emily's arms and began sobbing.
"Its okay, Jenny, I'm right here, baby. He didn't kill me, I swear."
"The knife slipped when you tried to knock him off balance and it slit your throat. There was so much blood," JJ whimpered.
"Listen to me, he didn't hurt me. I'm fine, see?" Emily responded. Shifting so she could reach the lamp on JJ's bedside table, she turned it on and turned JJ's face towards her. "Look at my throat, not a scratch," she reminded.
"I see it," the media liaison replied shakily. "It seemed so real, though, you know?" she asked.
"Yeah, I understand completely. How about I get you some warm milk so you can get back to sleep," Emily suggested.
"Actually, some hot chocolate sounds really good right now," JJ answered.
"Hot chocolate it is, then," Emily said kissing JJ's lips before climbing out to bed to make the requested drink.
XXXX
"I'm inviting everyone to my place for a brunch on Saturday. Significant others are welcome, be there by 9:00 if you want to help me prepare the food I'll be making," Rossi said as the team sat around the round table just before their morning briefing.
"Can we bring anything?" Emily asked.
"If you'd like, you can," Rossi replied. Everyone nodded and turned to Hotch to start the briefing.
XXXX
"Reid you and JJ have been requested to give a profile to the police in Richmond. They have a case but don't want to call us in as a team yet, but they are interested in the profile we could give them. The rest of you, get busy on the paperwork," Hotch instructed. Rossi, Morgan, and Emily groaned at the idea of paperwork.
"And you won't have me to pawn them off on," Reid said with a smirk. Morgan and Emily both laughed at his comment.
"Garcia, I want you to keep working on that search I've asked you to do, but make yourself available if Reid and JJ need you to do anything to help them with their profile," Hotch told the tech.
"You got it, super agent," Garcia said flashing a bright smile.
"That's all, get to it," Hotch said standing up and exiting the room.
"Be careful, I love you," Emily said giving JJ's hand a squeeze as she walked by.
"I will and I love you to," she said returning the squeeze before following Reid out of the room.
XXXX
"So you and Emily are pretty serious, huh?" Reid inquired with a smile at his best friend.
"Yeah we are. She's the best thing that's happened to me. I know we haven't been dating long, but I love her so much. Don't get me wrong, Will and I had some great times, and he's given me this little one, but I think Emily is the one I'm meant to be with," JJ explained.
"I'm happy for you, and I know the others are as well," Reid said as they began the drive to Richmond.
XXXX
"I wonder why Rossi's hosting brunch this weekend," Emily mused.
"Probably because he wants to be around family, especially after the close call you had recently," Morgan commented.
"Hmm, true," Emily agreed.
"So are you bringing anyone to Rossi's?" Emily quizzed.
"Maybe…" Morgan answered with a smirk.
"Oh, do tell," Emily requested.
"Nope, I'm not telling, princess. You'll just have to wait and find out if I'm bringing someone on Saturday," the dark-skinned man replied impishly.
"Oh, come on, Derek, give me a hint?" Emily begged. Morgan shook his head. Emily pouted at him for a moment before giving up and turning back to the file in front of her. This was definitely one mystery she was looking forward to solving.
XXXX
Thankfully the profile Reid and JJ gave to the Richmond police was enough and they managed to catch the unsub that very same day.
"It feels good to be able to help without having to run ourselves ragged," JJ commented as they drove back to Quantico.
"Anyone serious in your life, Reid?" JJ teased.
"Nope, not right now. Maybe soon, though. There's a woman I met at a bookstore I go to a lot," he admitted shyly.
"Have you gone out on a date?" JJ wondered.
"We've met for coffee at the bookstore a couple of times. I think I'm going to ask her out to dinner soon. I'm not ready to tell the team yet, so please keep it between us," the genius said.
"Of course I will, but I'm happy for you and hope it goes well," JJ said with a smile as she yawned and rested her head on the back of her seat for a brief nap while they headed down the highway.
XXXX
"Your poor ankles," Emily said as they settled on the couch that night. She'd chosen to spend the night with JJ again.
"Yeah, I know, they are so swollen and they hurt. Wearing my favorite pair of shoes is becoming a challenge. I think I'll have to go shopping for new shoes soon," she said softly.
"Don't say that around Garcia, she'll jump all over that," Emily said with a chuckle.
"That she would. Well I guess I better begin going through these files for my replacement while I'm on maternity leave. It won't be long now," the expectant mother said rubbing her stomach as the baby gave a good solid kick.
XXXX
"Wow it smells great in here," Hotch called out as he and Jack walked into Dave's kitchen that Saturday morning around 10:00. He was the last to arrive due to Jack needing a haircut and asking his daddy to take him instead of waiting for him mom to do it that week.
"Hey there, Jackster, are you having fun with your dad this weekend?" Emily asked as she hugged the little boy who threw himself at her.
"Yep! We had pancakes then I gotted my hair cut then we going to the park!" he little boy cried.
"I wasn't sure if there would be anything he would eat so I fed him beforehand," Hotch explained.
"That's fine, if he's still hungry you can fix him a plate," Rossi said. Hotch glanced around the kitchen noticing that he was missing one team member.
"Where's Morgan?" the unit chief wondered.
"He called me and said he would be hear soon, he had to do something first," Rossi informed the group. Just then there was a knock at the door and Rossi went to answer it. The male agent opened the door to find Morgan and a young woman standing on his door step.
"You guys are the last to arrive, come on in, welcome to my home," Rossi said graciously. He couldn't help but think he recognized the woman on Morgan's arm, but he wasn't sure.
"Hey Rossi, I'd like you to meet Jasmine Wilks, she works in the Crimes against Children Division. She joined Katie Cole's team a few months ago," Morgan introduced.
"It's nice to meet you, Jasmine. Please make yourself at home."
"Thank you, Agent Rossi. I have been a fan of yours for years," Jasmine explained.
"You're very welcome, but it's either Dave or Rossi," he said. Jasmine gave him a smile as the three of them headed into the kitchen. Everyone took to Jasmine right away and began asking her questions.
XXXX
"How did you and Morgan meet?" Reid asked.
"Actually we met at the coffee shop down the street from the Bureau. I accidentally spilled my coffee on his shirt and then let him borrow my jacket until he could get back to the bureau and get a clean shirt from his go bag," Jasmine said laughing at the memory.
"It wasn't until we were almost back to the bureau that I realized she was following me. I asked her if she worked in the FBI and she said she works for Katie Cole," Morgan added.
"Made a memorable impression, did you?" Garcia teased. Jasmine nodded, she definitely liked Derek's team.
"How far along are you?" she asked turning to JJ who was sipping a glass of Orange Juice.
"Seven and a half months," JJ responded.
"Do you know what you guys are having?" the redhead asked as she gave Emily and JJ who were cuddled up together on the couch a soft smile.
"No, but we can't wait to find out," Emily said with a huge smile.
"Speaking of the little bambino, where's Will at today?" Rossi interjected. "He's welcome here as well," he reminded gently.
"We know, he had to work," JJ explained. Jasmine gave her boyfriend a look so he hurried to explain.
"Will is the father of JJ's child, but they chose to break up and just remain friends. He's okay with JJ and Emily as a couple, though," Morgan explained.
"Ah, I see," Jasmine replied.
"Daddy, can we go to the park now?" Jack asked pulling on his dad's pants. All the adults smiled at the three-year-old.
"Sure we can kiddo. Why don't you get your shoes on and I'll grab your coat and we can go," Hotch said standing up and heading for the coat closet bidding the rest of the team goodbye as he went. Everyone else left soon after glad to have had that time with their team who were more like family than just coworkers.
XXXX
The next few weeks were rough for everyone. Emily and Reid had gone to Colorado and were held hostage by Cyrus then JJ caught the flu and couldn't take any medicine so she had to just ride out which made both her and Emily miserable. Now it was three weeks before the baby was due and JJ definitely couldn't wait for the little one to be born. Sighing and placing a hand at the small of her back, she walked into the bullpen another agent trailing behind her.
"Hi everyone, this is Agent Jordan Todd. She comes to us from Counter Terrorism. She will be filling in for me while I'm on maternity leave," JJ said giving the other woman a smile.
"Hi," Jordan replied giving a slight wave.
"Jordan, this is the team, Agent's Morgan, Prentiss, and Dr. Reid. You've already met Agent's Hotchner and Rossi," JJ said making introductions.
"Welcome to the team, I'm Derek Morgan, but you can just call me Morgan, I'm sure you'll fit right in," he said with an easy smile.
"Thank you, Agent Hotchner said you guys are easy to work with," she said softly.
"Hotch's right, we are usually harmless," Emily teased. The nervous agent laughed at Emily's joke.
"Well if you'll excuse us, we have training to begin," JJ said leaving the bullpen and heading to her office. Little did either of them know that would be the only day of training Jordan would get.
XXXX
"That's the third time I've seen you wince in pain in the last hour, angel fish. Are you in labor?" Garcia asked as she and JJ sat in her office. Jordan was working with Hotch and Emily on something while Rossi and Morgan were in Las Vegas with Reid.
"I'm not in labor, Pen, I swear. Ouch!" JJ cried as she grabbed at her stomach.
"See, I told you," Garcia argued.
"But I can't be in labor, I still have three weeks," JJ complained.
"Well, I hate to tell you this, gumdrop, but Peanut is ready to come into the world now," Garcia pointed out. The media liaison was about to argue when another sharp pain ran through her stomach.
"Okay, maybe I'm in labor, oh god, this hurts," JJ whimpered as she doubled over in pain.
"Come on, chicky, let's get you to the hospital," Garcia said helping the pregnant woman up and putting an arm around her as she tried to take a step but stumbled due to the pain. Slowly they made their way into the bullpen.
"Excuse me, I'm not a doctor, I don't even play one on TV, but I'm pretty sure JJ's in labor!" Garcia called out as they entered the bullpen.
"What? Are you okay?" Emily cried rushing over to her girlfriend's side and wrapping an arm around her.
"Yeah, just peachy," JJ said through gritted teeth.
"I'll get the car. Emily you and Garcia get her go bag then help her to the car," Hotch instructed. The two women nodded and proceeded to do what they were told.
"I'll call Will, keep me posted and I'll let the guys know," Garcia said as she kissed JJ's cheek before closing the door. Emily mouthed thank you as she settled in the back seat next to her girlfriend while Hotch drove them to the hospital.
XXXX
"Hi JJ, how are you feeling?" Monica asked as she walked into the room.
"I'm doing okay, glad the last contraction just ended," she said sinking back against her pillows.
"Ah, I see, let me check you and we can see how far along you are," she said taking her place at the foot of the bed.
"Garcia got a hold of Will, he's on his way," Emily said, reading a text message. JJ nodded as she concentrated on breathing through the pain that was creeping up on her once again.
"Everything looks good, you're about four CM along," Monica said brightly.
"That's good, almost halfway there," Emily reassured her girlfriend squeezing her hand.
"Can I walk around for a bit? I think it might help," JJ requested.
"Sure you can, just make sure you take it slow and stop when you need to," the doctor cautioned.
"I will," JJ promised as she with Emily's help got out of the bed and headed out to make laps around the maternity ward.
XXXX
"A familiar voice calling their names made the walking duo stop walking halfway through the third lap around the ward. Will smiled as he ran up to the two women.
"Hey cher, how are you doing?" he asked giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm doing okay, the contractions are getting stronger and more regular, but I desperately needed to walk for a bit," the laboring woman explained.
"Do you want to walk with us?" Emily offered.
"Sure, I'd love to," he said as he took his place on JJ's other side and they continued walking.
"So how are you feeling, Emily? Are you excited?" Will asked the brunette.
"Excited, nervous, terrified, happy, take your pick," Emily replied. The New Orleans native chuckled and gave the female agent a smile.
"Both you and JJ will make excellent mothers, I just know it," he assured.
"You'll make a great father as well," Emily replied. Will smiled and finally felt himself relax a bit. They were almost back to JJ's room when she stopped in her tracks and gasped.
"What is it?" Emily asked worriedly.
"Um, I think my water just broke," JJ explained staring down at the puddle forming on the floor.
"I'll help you back to your room, Will; can you get a nurse and maybe someone to clean that up?" Emily asked as she tilted her head at the puddle while guiding JJ back into the room.
"Sure thing," Will said walking off. A foot or so from the bed JJ doubled over in pain and cried out.
"Oh fuck, that hurt, that was the worst one yet. Fuck, this hurts so much, Em," she whimpered.
"I know it does, just try and breathe," she soothed as she rubbed JJ's back. Finally the contraction eased and JJ with Emily's help was able to climb back into bed just in time.
XXXX
"Will said your water broke?" Monica said as she walked in with a nurse.
"Yeah, and the contractions just kicked into high gear," JJ moaned.
"That's normal, do you want an epidural after I check and see how far along you are?" Dr. Christianson questioned. JJ nodded vigorously causing the others in the room to smile. "Looks good, you're now five CM along," Monica said as she pulled off her gloves and went to wash her hands.
"I'll have Alex here bring you the consent form so you can get the epidural," Monica said exiting the room. Fifteen minutes later JJ was resting comfortably after the epidural took affect.
"Whoever said child birth without drugs was possible must have never had kids," JJ said with a huge goofy smile on her face.
"Looks like someone's a lot happier," Will teased.
"I sure am," JJ agreed.
"I just got off of the phone with Garcia, Morgan, Rossi, and Reid just got back. They said once they were done at the office, they'll head here so they can se the newest member of the family," Emily said reentering the room. JJ nodded and yawned.
"Why don't you take a nap, JJ? You'll need your rest for later," Will said.
"That's a good idea, I think I will," the expectant mother said as she let her eyes close and she drifted off to sleep.
XXXX
Emily stretched and yawned.
"I think I'm going to get some coffee, do you want some?" she whispered to Will.
"That would be great, thanks," he whispered back. Nodding Emily rose to her feet and after letting her back pop in protest she headed off in search of the much needed coffee.
XXXX
Coffee's in hand, she headed back to JJ's room but was stopped by the sight of the rest of the team in the waiting room.
"Hey guys how are you?" she asked as she made a detour into the room.
"We're okay, how's JJ?" Rossi questioned.
"She's doing really well. She's sleeping right now. It was pretty tough until she got the epidural," Emily informed them. Taking a closer look at Reid she frowned.
"You okay, Reid?" she asked in concern.
"Yeah, today's just been a long day," he said quietly. Emily gave him an understanding nod.
"I'd better get this coffee to Will, but as soon as there's a baby, I'll let you know," the profiler said giving the group a wave before turning and making her way to JJ's room.
XXXX
"The team is here," Emily said quietly as she settled in the chair after handing Will his coffee.
"That's good, I know they're just as excited as the rest of us," he said with a smile.
"How's Reid?" came a sleepy voice from the bed.
"Welcome back, sleeping beauty," Emily said kissing her forehead.
"How's Reid?" JJ repeated.
"He looks a bit rough, but he's hanging in there. I think seeing Peanut will help heal him," she said matter-of-factly.
"He'll be fine, he has all of us," JJ said wincing as a contraction made itself known. The epidural was wearing off.
"The epidural wearing off?" Emily asked.
"Yeah it is, and I think it's almost time, I feel a lot of pressure," JJ said trying to find a comfortable position and not really succeeding.
"Then looks like I came back just in time," Monica said as she took her usual spot and began checking JJ.
"How much longer?" JJ wondered.
"Not much longer now, you're around nine to nine and a half CM along. I'll check back in 20 minutes or so unless you need me before then," the doctor said as she stood and took her leave.
"Will you go tell the team the baby will be here soon?" JJ requested looking at Will.
"Of course, JJ, I'll be right back," Will said patting her hand.
"Peanut's almost here," Emily breathed as she gently kissed JJ's lips.
"I know, I can hardly believe it. Are you sure you want to be part of this?" JJ checked.
"Yes I'm sure, as long as you want me to be part of this?" Emily questioned.
"I certainly do," JJ said as she winced at the contraction that was building. Emily reached out and took her hand letting her squeeze it.
XXXX
"Do we have a baby yet?" Garcia asked excitedly when she saw Will in the doorway of the waiting room.
"No, but it won't be long now. JJ asked me to let you all know that the baby is almost hear."
"Tell her we love her," Morgan requested.
"I will, I should get back to her and Emily, one of us will come let you know when the baby is born." The team nodded and waved as Will left them anxiously awaiting the arrival of the newest member of the BAU family.
XXXX
Arriving back in the room he saw that JJ was shaking and panting and whimpering in pain.
"I need to push, I desperately need to push," she whimpered. Nodding Will rushed out to get Monica and a nurse. Two minutes later they came running into the room.
"Okay, its show time, we'll get you ready for delivery," Monica said as she and the nurse took their places. JJ nodded as she fought the urge to push.
"Can I push yet?" she asked.
"Yes, on your next contraction, tuck your chin to your chest and push. Will, Emily, help support her from behind," the doctor instructed.
"Oh god here comes one," JJ panted.
"Okay, push! One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10, and breathe. Again, push, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, and 10. Okay, rest," Monica said. JJ collapsed back on to the pillows sweating and exhausted.
"You're doing great, sweetheart," Emily crooned as she wiped her lover's face with a wet cloth. Dr. Christianson looked at the monitor and noticed another contraction was coming.
"Another contraction is coming; it's time to push again. JJ nodded and began to bear down as the contraction started. She continued to push for about 15 minutes before the doctor had something new to report.
"Ouch, I feel burning," JJ exclaimed.
"That's because I can see the head. Okay, JJ, give me one big push, you're just about to see your baby." It took four more pushes, but JJ finally felt her child slip from her body. She collapsed back on to the pillows in relief tears of joy streaming down her face.
"It's a boy!" Dr. Christianson cried.
"We have a son," Will said happily as he beamed at JJ and Emily.
"Do you want to cut the chord, Dad?" the nurse questioned. Will nodded and made his way to where the nurse was standing on shaky legs.
"Cut between the two yellow clamps," Will did as he was told and smiled when his son let out a loud angry cry.
"Seven pounds, three ounces, 20 inches long born at 7:33 PM November 8, 2008," the doctor said writing the information on the birth certificate. "Do either of you want to help clean him up?" the doctor asked glancing back and forth between Will and Emily.
"I think Emily should," Will said.
"I agree," JJ said tiredly. Smiling broadly, Emily walked over and began helping to clean the squirming baby. Once the baby was cleaned and swaddled in a blanket, Emily carefully picked him up.
"Okay, little man. Let's go see Mommy." The anxious but excited new mother made her way across the room carefully cradling the newborn in her arms.
"Here you go, Mommy. Here's your little boy," Emily said with tears in her eyes as she transferred the baby into JJ's arms.
"Hi, kiddo, I'm your Mommy, that other woman who was just holding is your Mama and that man sitting next to me is your Daddy. We're all so glad you're here.
"He's beautiful, JJ," Will said as he ran a finger down the baby's cheek.
"Yes he is," she agreed.
"Do you guys have a name for this little charmer?" the doctor asked.
"Henry William LaMontagne," JJ answered as she stared transfixed at her son.
"Okay, I need Mom and Dad to sign the birth certificate," Monica said bringing the document over to Will and JJ. They quickly signed the document with huge smiles on their faces.
"Can I hold him?" Will requested.
"Of course you can, here you go Henry, here's your daddy," JJ said as she with Emily's help placed the newborn in his father's arms.
"Hey Em, can you go to tell the team that he's here and that once they get me cleaned up they can come see him, please?" JJ asked. Emily nodded and after giving JJ a lingering kiss, she made her way out of the room to share their joyous news.
XXXX
"We have a baby!" Emily cried as she stepped into the waiting room. Everyone was instantly on their feet and making their way over to the excited brunette.
"What is it? The suspense is killing me," Garcia whined bouncing on her toes.
"It's a boy, seven pounds, three ounces, 20 inches long, born at 7:33 PM."
"Does he have a name?" Hotch wondered.
"Yes, but I'll let JJ tell you that."
"How's she doing?" Rossi wanted to know.
"Great, exhausted, but so happy."
"Can we see them?" Morgan asked.
"Once they have them both settled you can. I'd guess in about 10 minutes or so," she replied. Everyone nodded as they tried to suppress the smiles on their faces with little to no success. "I should get back to them, but I'll make sure you're told when it's time to come back and see them," Emily told them.
"Give JJ our love," Rossi requested.
"I will," Emily promised as she turned and headed back to her family.
XXXX
"The team sends their love and can't wait to see both of you," Emily informed them as she walked into the room.
"Okay, once they finish up the tests they need to do on Henry, they can come back," Will said. Emily glanced over to the other side of the room where the doctor and nurses were performing a number of tests on the baby boy. Finally after what seemed like forever, Will was told to go get the team so they could see the newest edition to the family.
XXXX
"Oh, sugar, he's beautiful," Garcia cooed when she laid eyes on the baby in her best friend's arms.
"Thanks Garcia, we're pretty partial to him as well," JJ said with a smile.
"Emily said you had to be the one to tell us his name, so what is it?" Reid questioned.
"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Henry William LaMontagne." JJ held up the baby so everyone could see him.
"Who wants to hold him first?" Emily asked. The entire team raised their hand causing everyone to laugh.
"Garcia, Reid, Morgan, Rossi, then Hotch," JJ suggested. The others nodded and began using the hand sanitizer to clean their hands so they could Henry. Garcia was nearly exploding with excitement when she took the baby into her arms. The moment he was in her arms, she fell in love.
"He has your eyes, JJ, but he has will's nose, and a combination of your smile, he's perfect," the tech gushed.
"Thanks, Pen, we were wondering if you and Reid would be Henry's godparents," she said looking at the two.
"Yes, absolutely I'd love to," Garcia exclaimed.
"Really, you want me to be his godfather?" Reid nearly squeaked.
"Yes, Spence, there isn't anyone better we could think of. If something happens to all of us, it's yours and Garcia's job to get this kid into Yale," JJ said.
"What's wrong with Cal Tech?" Reid pouted.
"Nothing, I guess that would be okay to," Emily teased.
"Do you want to hold your godson?" Garcia asked. Hesitantly the genius nodded and carefully took the infant into his arms.
"Wow," Reid breathed as he stared into the baby boy's eyes and found the little one staring back at him. The rest of the team took their turn holding Henry. He had been happy until he was in Hotch's arms for a little while then he began to cry.
"I think someone's hungry and sleepy. Here you go, little guy, here's your mommy," Hotch said as he handed the fussy baby to JJ.
"We'll let you go so you guys can get some rest. We'll be back to see you tomorrow if we don't have a case," Rossi said.
"Emily, you have the rest of the week off so you can help them get settled in at home," Hotch said as he was about to leave.
"Thanks, Hotch," Emily said as she settled back into her chair with a tired but happy sigh.