Hey everyone!

So, this is it. Last chapter. I know, I know, very sad. But do not fear, for I have decided that it is not the end. First read the chapter though, and I shall tell you what I have decided to do because I've had some readers ask me to continue with this story. This is the longest chapter, but it's well worth it.

Please enjoy and review.


When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody,
you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

~Nora Ephron
- - - - - -

Hotch was at his wits end so he did what he felt was necessary. He called Emily.

"Prentiss." Emily answered, having not looked at the phone before opening it. She was currently cooking herself some soup and listening to some relaxing music. With December falling upon DC so quickly, the weather was getting really chilly, something Emily wasn't too fond of. Emily couldn't believe how fast time had flown since Foyet had been killed. It felt like just yesterday that she was running point from Hotch's apartment. It seemed like Emily had been thinking more and more about Hotch as time went on. With her spending so much time with him and Jack when the team had free time though, it wasn't a surprise that the man occupied Emily's thoughts everyday.

Speaking of Hotch, his voice over Emily's phone made her stop what she was doing and quickly rush to turn down her music.

"Emily, are you busy?" Hotch asked an undertone of panic in his voice. Emily was immediately on edge. She turned off her stove and began to put away her soup, ready to leave the second he asked her to. "No, what's wrong Aaron?" Emily asked knowing full well that since they were out of the office using his first name was more than acceptable. It had become expected.

"Jack's sick…" Hotch said trailing off. Emily froze.

"I'm on my way." Emily said not bothering to ask him if he wanted her to come over. The fact that he had called her was invitation enough. Hotch didn't have to thank her, she already knew. They both hung up their phones at the same time and Hotch went to sit on his son's bed as he waited for Emily. It wasn't like Hotch was unable to take care of his sick son. It was just that he had never taken care of Jack when he was sick by himself. To be honest, the whole prospect of caring for an ill child made Hotch a little nervous. In situations like this a child needed a woman's tender love and care. Emily was the only option in Hotch's mind; that and she on his speed dial.

Hotch wasn't too surprised when he heard a knock at the door no more than twenty minutes later. She had to have sped quite a bit to get there at this time of day. He had dismissed the team a little earlier than normal today seeing as how snow was in the forecast later on and the fact Jack hadn't looked too well around lunch time. He had felt a little warm according to Garcia who picked him up from daycare this time, but she hadn't been to worried about it. Hotch hadn't truly freaked out until Jack rushed to the bathroom the second Hotch opened the door. The sounds of his throwing up was the catalyst for his abrupt phone call to Emily.

Hotch opened his door and tried to suppress his smile as Emily brushed past him, dropped her bag on the ground, and rushed into Jack's room. She looked as panicked as he felt. Since the park a few weeks back, Emily was no stranger in his apartment. Well, she had been in his place a fair number of times after Foyet's attack also, so she knew where everything was. Hotch bent down and grabbed her bag. Curiosity got the best of him and he peaked inside and saw a container of something. Figuring she wouldn't mind, Hotch took it out and almost rushed after her and gave her a huge hug. Inside was some warm soup and, peering back inside the bag, Hotch saw some crackers and some cans of ginger ale. Emily was his hero.

Hotch took the food into the kitchen as Emily quietly shut Jack's door a little. Walking quietly down the hallway back to Hotch she saw her bad open on his dining room table and rolled her eyes lightheartedly. Sometimes that man was too nosey for his own good, something Emily had learned about him during one of their get-togethers. Hearing Emily's heels, Hotch turned around and held up her container of soup.

"How did you have time to make soup? You got her too quickly to have possibly made it." Hotch said genuinely curious. Emily laughed.

"I was already making soup when you called. I figured Jack would need it more than I would." Emily replied shrugging her shoulders at Hotch's eyes softened. Hotch was sure there wasn't anything Emily wouldn't do for Jack and it made him eternally grateful for her. Emily walked over to Hotch and smiled at the mild fear behind his dark eyes. Leave it to Hotch to have a panic attack over a stomach bug.

Emily took the soup away from Hotch and put it in his fridge mentioning how Jack could have it after he woke up. He had fallen asleep after Emily had kissed his forehead. It had been like he didn't want to close his eyes until he saw her.

Turning to Hotch Emily began talking about giving Jack a cold bath to bring down his temperature and then giving him some Children's Motrin, which she actually managed to pick up before she got there just in case Hotch didn't have any. He didn't. Hotch listened as Emily talked about ways to make Jack feel better and suddenly crossed the kitchen and pulled her into a hug. They had become more comfortable offering each other hugs of late, but this one was more than a casual friendly hug.

Emily relaxed in Hotch's arms and wrapped her arms around his back, returning his impromptu embrace. Emily would never admit it out loud, but she loved it when he touched her, especially when he hugged her. Once he gave her a kiss on her forehead and she about died from overwhelming happiness. Hotch was quite the affectionate man when give the opportunity and time to express that side of himself.

They stood in their embrace for quite some time. Hotch had his chin rested on her head, and Emily's face was buried in his chest. Neither of them could deny their feelings when in such a position. Emily knew Hotch needed time to even entertain the idea of a relationship with anyone, especially her. She would've been more worried if he had wanted to rush into something. Emily didn't mind the slow approach they had been taking since Haley's death, admittedly they had begun this little dance just after New York. Emily was a very patient person though; something one would need to be when dealing with the emotionally taciturn Aaron Hotchner.

Over the recent weeks Hotch had been failing to find any conclusive reasons to deny himself a relationship with Emily Prentiss. Sometimes there are no logical reasons not to be with someone. For the longest time he focused on Haley and that drove away any romantic feelings for the woman in his arms. Months had passed though, since Haley's death, and Hotch couldn't deny the growing feelings in his heart for Emily. She had been a source of never wavering comfort and support for Hotch and Jack despite his attempts in the very beginning to push people away. She had stayed and in turn become an essential part in his life and in his son's life. Hotch was in too deep to run away now, if he did he would end up hurting himself as well as Emily and Jack; and that was unacceptable.

Hotch moved his head and gently pressed his lips to the side of Emily's head, trying to convey the words he could not form at the moment. Emily shuddered when his lips touched her skin and tried to resist the urge to look up and kiss him where she desperately wanted to. Emily was still convinced he needed time. So time she would give.

"I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for us Emily." Hotch said pulling back from her just enough so he could look into her eyes. The depth of emotion lurking in their dark recesses made Hotch's heart skip a beat. Emily's pupils were dilated with an emotion Hotch knew well, but did not express near enough. A familiar tension hung in the air as they gazed into each other's eyes; attempting to decipher the hidden clues within. Finally Emily spoke, her words causing the air to ripple like a pond in which a stone had been tossed into.

"You don't have to thank me Aaron. I'm here because I want to be. I care about you and Jack…" Emily said letting her voice falter as she realized what she had said.

Hearing the real meaning in Emily's words Hotch began to lean into her, slowly closing the gap between their lips. Emily's breath caught in her throat as her eye lids grew heavy and slowly closed in a tangible anticipation. His breath ghosted over her lips and they quivered with excitement. Emily felt the butterflies in her stomach flap with mad abandon as her pulse sky rocketed.

His lips weren't even a centimeter away from hers when Jack's moans ruptured the moment. Jack was slowly walking down the hallway to find Emmy and his Daddy when he saw them standing a few feet apart in the kitchen. Emmy's face was red and Jack thought that she was sick too for a moment until she saw him and made her blush fade away. Jack looked over at his Daddy and saw how he was looking at Emmy very hard, almost like Jack did at something when he was very hungry.

Emily, calming her pounding heart, rushed to Jack's side and got down on her knees to his eye level. She didn't want to risk picking him up and upsetting his stomach. "Hey sweetie, how are you feeling?" Emily asked placing the back of her hand across his forehead. Emily frowned, he felt very warm. She turned around to face Hotch, worry etched on her delicate features.

"I think you should give him that cold bath now Aaron," she said as Hotch approached them. Feeling his son's head in the same fashion he nodded in agreement. Emily got up by herself, not wanting to add more temptation to her already tempted body by touching Hotch, and grabbed her bag. Reaching for the Children's Motrin, Emily read the directions quickly and began measuring out the correct dosage. Emily then grabbed a can of Ginger Ale and made her way back to where the Hotchner men were standing.

"This will make you fever go down," Emily said handing him the small cup of medicine which Jack reluctantly took. "And this will help your tummy." Emily said opening the can of soda and watching as Jack drake it to rid himself of the taste of the medicine. Taking both can and cup from him, Emily put them on the table quickly and turned back to Jack.

"Daddy's going to make you a cold bath so that will help make your fever go down as well. After that you can have some soup and crackers I brought okay sweetie." Emily said pushing some of his hair out of his face. Jack nodded, not wanting to open his mouth in case he got sick again. Jack hated being sick.

Hotch took Jack back into the bathroom as Emily set out to get the soup warmed up. Emily was appreciative for the few moments alone Jack had provided her. She needed to collect her thoughts and she couldn't very well do that if Hotch was nearby. He had almost kissed her…he would've if Jack hadn't gotten up. Emily wasn't sure what surprised her more. Emily closed her eyes and was transported back to that moment. She could feel his phantom breath on her lips and the warmth from his body. His scent was overpowering her senses once more and Emily let out a sigh of frustration when she opened her eyes and was greeted by the cold refrigerator door. Emily wondered what it meant. Obviously it meant that there was a possibility-okay, more than a possibility-that Hotch harbored intense feelings for Emily. Though Emily knew a kiss did not always signify such feelings. On the other hand it was Hotch, and Hotch was not the kind of man to kiss a woman on pure whim. He was not that guy.

Emily worked on auto pilot as she heated up the chicken noodle soup in the microwave and grabbed a bowl from the cabinet to the left of the sink. Emily didn't even hear Jack come into the kitchen wrapped in a big towel. He had abandoned his Daddy and came to see Emmy and make sure she was feeling okay. Her cheeks weren't red anymore and Jack was happy about that. He didn't want Emmy getting sick too. Emily went to go to the microwave and almost crashed into Jack. She jumped, startled, then laughed at the straightforward look he wore on his face.

"Sweetie, you need to make noise when you enter a room. You nearly gave me a heart-attack." Emily said taking in the water he was dripping on the kitchen floor. Jack looked down; upset at the scare he had given Emmy. Emily sighed realizing at that moment just how alike father and son were. Emily bent down to his level once more and kissed his cheek this time making Jack smile. He felt cooler than he did before his bath much to Emily's relief.

Hotch entered the kitchen and saw Emily toweling Jack dry quickly but still managing to keep him wrapped in it. Jack was giggling, as Emily was able to get a few tickles in there once in a while. If Hotch had ever doubted Emily's mothering abilities he'd never do it again. She was a natural and that warmed his heart. Emily looked over and saw Hotch staring at them affectionately. Emily felt her cheeks warm and her pulse quicken.

"Emmy, your cheeks are red. You're not getting sick are you?" Jack asked feeling her head in the same manner that she had done to his a little earlier. Emily couldn't help but laugh at the obvious concern the little boy displayed. Yes, he was definitely his father's son.

"No sweetie, I'm not sick. Just a little warm. Now go with your Daddy and get some clothes on. When you're dressed you can have some soup." Emily answered, gesturing for Jack to take his Daddy's outstretched hand. Jack nodded and took Hotch's hand feeling better now that Emmy had told him she wasn't getting sick. Hotch smirked at Emily who looked down to hide her growing blush. Chuckling, Hotch took Jack back to his room silently thinking to himself that Emily was quite beautiful when she blushed. Emily mumbled under her breath about cocky men and went back to preparing Jack's soup. Emily couldn't help but smile though as she thought about the apparent playful nature Hotch was displaying. Emily wondered what else he would do before she left. Honestly with Jack being ill Emily didn't feel right about leaving. Perhaps she'd broach that topic with Hotch later.

Jack didn't take long getting dressed and soon he was sitting at the dining room table waiting to be fed. Hotch entered the kitchen and saw that Emily had taken the liberty of making some eggs as well. She looked behind her and smiled. "I figured you'd be hungry as well," she said smirking at the shock present on his face. Hotch didn't hesitate as he walked further into the kitchen. He grabbed Jack's soup and some crackers Emily had gotten from her bag.

Emily turned back to the eggs and reached towards the upper cabinet on her left to grab two plates, but suddenly Hotch's hand covered her outstretched one, effectively stopping her. Emily shuddered as she felt his body pressed lightly into her back and bit her lip to stop from leaning backwards into him. She could hear his carefree chuckle and watched as he grabbed the plates for her. He was trying to get her flustered. Emily wasn't sure where this playful side of his had come from, but Emily knew two could play this game.

"Oh, thank you sweetie," Emily said kissing he cheek softly then she heard how Hotch's breath caught in his throat. Oh yes, this would be fun. Emily grabbed the plates from his hand and began putting some eggs on them. Emily turned and slid from his little trap with no problem what so ever. Hotch stared at her, her words echoing in his head.

She was good, real good.

Hotch would have to admit that being with Emily made him loosen up considerably. More now since he knew of the effect he had on her. She made him want to laugh and be a little spontaneous just so he could see her eyes light up and her cheeks color.

Hotch grabbed his plate which Emily left on the counter and followed her to join Jack at the table. Emily sat across from Hotch and grinned at the opportunity that had been presented to her. Jack smiled at Emmy and his Daddy before he started telling them about what Reid had taught him about dinosaurs the other day. Jack had been floored to learn the young doctor found dinosaurs as fascinating as he did. Emily and Hotch laughed at Jack's gusto as he talked, both happy that Reid was able to find a child to entertain so easily. It was no secret that he wasn't that good with children. Emily looked over the table at Hotch who looked at her at that precise moment and she swallowed her giggle as he raised his eyebrow at her. Emily couldn't help but feel like they were acting like a couple of teenagers. It was exciting.

Emily, who had taken off her heels when Jack had been taking a bath, slowly raised her leg and brushed it against Hotch's leg. Emily had to duck her head and bite her tongue to stop from laughing as Hotch jerked up a little in alarm. Hotch looked over and saw Emily's shoulders shaking with repressed laughter. When she looked up Hotch noted the mischievous glint in her eyes and felt his heart speed up. She was going to be the death of him if she kept looking at him with that look. Jack was unaware that anything was transpiring between his Daddy and Emmy. Yawning, he turned to Emmy who was smiling at his Daddy. They did that a lot, smile at each other. Jack liked that.

"Emmy, I'm tired." Jack said putting Emily and Hotch's little game on pause for a moment or two. Emily reverted instantly back to mother hen and felt her eyes soften as Jack looked at her. "Okay sweetie, lets get you back to bed." Emily said picking Jack up in her arms and following Hotch to Jack's room.

Emily laid Jack down and Hotch covered him up. Emily ran a hand over Jack's cheek and kissed him tenderly. Hotch felt a rush of affection hit him swiftly as he put his hand on her lap, rubbing circles on her upper leg. Emily shot him a sly smile then turned back to Jack who was on his way to dreamland. "Goodnight Jack, sweet dreams." Emily said reaching down to grab Hotch's hand. Hotch leaned over and kissed his son on the forehead. "I love you buddy, get some sleep," he said squeezing Emily's hand.

"Night Daddy, night Emmy. Love you." Jack said and then he was out. Emily felt as if the air had been knocked from her lungs. Of course Jack could have simply been addressing Hotch, but part of her think he meant that for both of them. If she hadn't already loved the little boy, what he said right then would've made her love him. She already loved him thought and it was something indescribable to know he felt the same way.

Hotch felt Emily stiffen with Jack's words and gently stood up, not letting go of her hand. He lead them out of Jack's room and closed the door behind him making sure to leave it open a crack just in case. Hotch walked to the kitchen. Emily made sure to grab their plates from the dining room table. Hotch still hadn't let her hand go, much to Emily's pleasure. Once Emily put the dishes in the sink Hotch turned her around to face him and decided he didn't have time to play games with her. Not when Jack had inadvertently given him the green light. Emily didn't have time to think before Hotch's lips were on hers.

It was better than any dream she could've dreamed (and did dream). It was like rain after a fire that had burnt down half a forest: It was instant relief.

Emily was pressed between the kitchen sink and Hotch's warm body, blocking out any of the chill from the snow that was currently falling outside. Emily reached up and began to play with Hotch's hair which caused him to smile against her lips. They broke a couple times for air, but they didn't stay apart for long. Emily couldn't fight the overwhelming elation surging through her veins as she realized what was happening. He was opening himself up to love again, something Emily doubted she'd see for many more years. Emily decided in that instant that she'd fight tooth and nail to keep him open like this.

Hotch felt as if a large burden had been lifted from his chest as their drawn out kisses digressed into quick pecks. Hotch chuckled as Emily let lose a small laugh. Opening his eyes, Hotch saw the new determination in her eyes that took his breath away. Dave had been right all along, not that he'd ever admit that aloud.

Emily rested her head against Hotch's chest and felt her heart soar as he hugged her closer to him. They still had a whiles to go, but they'd get though it somehow. Some of the best romances have bumps during the journey, wrong turns and misunderstood forks while on the road, there's would be no exception.

As Hotch held Emily against him and Emily clung to Hotch they realized that they would take his new chapter of their lives head on, determined to make it work. They had faith they could make it: They would make it.

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
~Martin Luther King Jr.


Phew, that was really long. I had thought about splitting it up into two chapters, but I really wanted to just get the story over and done with so I could start my second on. *drum role* I am going to start a new story which will be the sequel to this one! *cheers* You didn't think I could leave Hotch and Emily just standing in his kitchen did you? Well shame on you if you did. There is so much more I have to cover! Like will Emily move in? What will the team say? How will Jack react? Strauss...would she dare interfere? What about on cases, how will Hotch handle seeing Emily in danger? They haven't even said 'I love you' for goodness sake. So fear not readers, there will be more.

I want to take a quick second to thank all of you who have been such a great body of support. As I said in my Author's Note I had only intended on this being a oneshot, but you all pushed me to make it longer and I'm so glad I did. (I'm sure you are as well) I will start working on the sequel asap. Also I'm going to try and put up a JJ/Rossi fic for ilovetvalot by tomorrow. (sorry I didn't get it up today.) If any of you wonderful readers/fans of mine have any ideas for the sequel I hope you'll tell them too me. It is, after all, because of you I wrote so many chapters for this story. Hope you all enjoyed this story!

Peace out.