A/N: OHMYGOD guys! Last chapter right here. LAST. CHAPTER. I'm thinking about doing an alternate timeline to this from JJ/Reid's perspective. What do you guys think? I'm kinda sad that this is ending. There will be more stories from me, just not as often since I've got lots of homework this year and we are just getting started. How was Chapter 8? Likey? It was my favorite. Sorry about the link guys! I'm going to try to post it again. *big breath* So, for the last time (on this story at least) Happy Reading!(:
His dark eyes were soft as they stared back at her. Unlike in all the movies she'd seen or stories she'd heard, he didn't waver when he pushed his chair back and came to kneel in front of her. His voice held no quiver; he was confident in himself, in his love for her, in hers for him. She was frozen holding the tiny slip of paper that altered everything. Will you marry me? He gently took the wrinkled "fortune" from her hands and laid it on the table next to the ring. Her eyes were huge, she could feel it, and her hands trembled slightly as he held them in his. His eyes looked black in the candlelight as he stared at her.
"I know you aren't the type to settle down. I apologize if this is unexpected for you. I know that you're a drifter and I don't blame you for it. I think I can even live with it, as long as I know I can call you mine when you're away from me. I love you, Emily Prentiss. I've loved you since we came back from the double serial killer case in St. Louis. I came back and I was so tired, ready to leave. And you were sitting on my office couch with a look of determination on your face. 'Please tell me you haven't been there for two days' I said and you said 'I heard you were coming back today' but I knew better. I wasn't supposed to love you then. I had Hayley and Jack. You were an outsider coming under my authority into my extended family and I wasn't supposed to love you. But that look on your face," he paused, smiling slightly and shaking his head, "God, that look in your eyes. No one was stopping you for getting onto the team, especially not me. And after that, I became so aware of you. The way you tilt your head to the side when you're thinking. Or the way you walk someone to their apartment to soothe them ever since they got stabbed in it," his voice softened and became gentle, "The way you run out on your own to face your past because you're afraid that it will hurt someone you care about. Or the way you pull through your own death because you know we needed you. I was enamored. Engrossed. I still am. Even now, you'll get a spark in your eyes and I want to know what you're thinking. I don't want to think of any man getting an opportunity to make you theirs. Because, ever since you came into my life from an office couch, I've loved you. I'm not expecting you to commit to one place. I don't care where you are at the end of the day. I just want you to be mine, wherever it is you go to sleep at night."
Her eyes, brimming with tears since the start of his speech, began overflowing. He crooned to her as he used the pad of his thumb to carefully remove her tears without disturbing her makeup. He lifted her hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles repeatedly, waiting for her tears to subside. They didn't, slowing only to a steady stream. She hiccupped once, earning a smile from him. He reached for the white cloth napkin on the table and lightly wiped her face. He reached for the ring in front of her and held it between his forefinger and thumb. It was gorgeous, and must have cost him his life savings. The bands was silver and smooth. Two large diamonds sparkled proudly near the top, guarding an ocean blue gemstone that rested in the middle of the band. Blue had been her favorite color since she was little, and his name was engraved on the inside. It was not overly gaudy, something just right for her. He paused, holding the ring within a centimeter of her third finger on her left hand. He raised his eyebrow slightly, waiting for permission to slide it into place. She took a deep breath.
"Yes," she whispered, nodding her head. The metal was cool as it slipped over her knuckle and came to rest on her finger, where it would stay. His eyes were warm, burning as he stood and used her hands to pull her up with him. He placed one hand on her lower back and tilted her chin up with his other.
"Mine says Emily, in case you were wondering," he murmured before slanting his lips down over hers. His free hand settled gently on her cheek while hers threaded into his hair. Their lips moved in sync until she regretfully pulled away, trying to catch her breath. She pressed closer to the front of his body, wrapped her arms around his waist, and laid her head on his chest. His arms wrapped around her shoulders and his chin rested on her head.
"Can we stay like this forever?" she murmured. He made a sound of contentment in the back of his throat and dragged his fingers carefully through her curls.
"I'd like that. But I'm afraid that Garcia will tie us to chairs and torture us if we miss her party tonight," he joked, kissing her forehead. She sighed.
"Yeah, I guess. Is this why JJ and Pen took me shopping?" she questioned as he laid money on the table and held the door open for her.
"I did tell them that I planned on proposing tonight. I didn't know they'd drag you off to boutiques for four hours," he admitted, throwing an apologetic smile in her direction. His eyes ran over her body again. "Remind me to thank them for that. You look ravaging." Her cheeks flushed crimson as he took her hand, lightly entangling their fingers and led her to his car. He opened the door, always a gentleman, and held the hem of her dress while she slid into the seat. He pecked her lightly on her cheek before shutting the door and moving to the front. He slipped into his seat and she immediately grasped his hand. She didn't take her eyes off his face the entire ride to Rossi's house, excuse her, mansion. His sigh did move her eyes to the house in front of them as he pulled up into the gravel driveway. Her eyes grew wide, same as last time, as she took in Dave's house. It was a beautiful plantation style house with just a bit of a medieval castle flair. He kissed her hand before stepping out of the car. She didn't bother to try to let herself out; last time she had done that, he'd thrown a fit. He extended his hand to her, as if she was a princess, and helped her out. She was tucked under his arm as they made their way to the dark cherry wood doors. He raised an eyebrow as he knocked the gold knocker. Rossi greeted them, a smile on his face.
"Emily," he said warmly, giving her a light squeeze. Aaron growled low in his throat and she quickly pinched his side. His eyes slid to her face and she glared. He grinned apologetically. "You look beautiful."
"Thanks Rossi," she beamed, stepping into the foyer. He clucked at her when she went to slip out of her heels.
"Hello Aaron," he greeted. He reached out a hand and they did their little bro-hug thing that always made the girls snicker.
"Emily! Hotch! We're in here," JJ's voice floated in from the backyard. Rossi led the way through his priceless-painting-decorated halls out onto the back deck. They both froze as he slid the door back.
"Surprise!" the girls shrieked. Derek and Spencer offered apologetic smiles as they registered the shock on the new couple's faces. The backyard had been transformed. The giant trees that shaded the grass had been covered in twinkling lights. Their trunks wore white satin ribbons. A few rows of padded chairs rested into the grass just in front of a magical gazebo. Stairs led to the large octagon floor. The white railings that guarded it were weaved with lights and ribbons. A table off to the side held a four tier cake decorated with pink roses and white swirls as well as plates and wine. The rafters of the patio held glittering stars that curtained down to the floor. Quiet music filled the fairytale setting from the team of violinists off to the side. White-clothed tables were set up on the concrete with a beautiful array of flowers and pictures of Emily and Aaron as centerpieces. The small, rocky waterfall that led down into the small pond that the gazebo sat upon had been rigged with lights. Water lilies floated in the water and a path of stepping stones led to the stairs. Emily recognized her mother at the same time that Jack flew at Aaron, a little tux-clothed streak.
"Daddy!" he squealed, wrapping his arms around his neck as Hotch automatically caught him.
"What's all this?" Emily whispered.
"Your wedding silly," JJ said softly, coming up with Penelope from the side. They were in casual clothes, but the gleam in their eyes told Emily she was about to be wardrobed again.
"Right now?" she squeaked.
"Yes, honey, right now," said an older voice. Elizabeth Prentiss walked towards her daughter and gave her a delicate kiss on the cheek. The politician's eyes were happy for once as she embraced Emily. Hotch hadn't said anything, but the bright smile on his face gave his take on things.
"You ready?" Pen asked, practically vibrating in place. Emily paused, squeezing Aaron's hand. Jack wiggled down from his arms and wrapped his tiny little hands around Emily's legs.
"Will you be my new mommy Emmy?" he asked excitedly as he looked up at her. Her heart swelled and her eyes filled with tears. She untangled her hand from her fiancé's and knelt down to Jack's level.
"Of course I will sweetheart," she promised as she wrapped him in a hug.
"Come on Jack," Spencer called. "We've got to help you with your very important job while Emily gets ready." He winked in staged way and Jack wasted no time in flying over to him. JJ and Pen tugged on Emily's hands while Derek led Aaron off to the other side of the house.
"I don't have anything to wear," Emily blurted as they closed the door to a guest bedroom that was bigger than her apartment back in England. Penelope burst out laughing while JJ hit herself on the head with the heel of her hand.
"That's what this is for," she enunciated slowly, pulling a dress out of the closet. Emily blinked, not understanding that she was getting married. Two very familiar faces busted through the door.
"Hello again!" squealed Janelle.
"Hi," murmured Victoria shyly. Emily gaped.
"How exactly did you plan a wedding in six hours?" she asked as she turned to Penelope. The tech wiggled her fingers in Em's direction.
"Never doubt the powers of the Tech Master." Emily chuckled as her friend began pulling her blue dress off. She stood very still in a silk robe while Janelle and Victoria fussed over her, adding last minute details. She wasn't allowed to look in a mirror as they slid the satiny gown over her head very carefully. JJ carefully clasped a necklace around her neck.
"Something borrowed," she started.
"Something new," Pen giggled as she shoved a garter into place, laughing as Emily squealed and tottered.
"Something old," her mother whispered quietly as she slid a heavy butterfly hairpin into her up do.
"And something blue," JJ finished as she handed her friend a bundle of blue flowers. "Now you can look in the mirror." Emily turned slowly and gasped. Her hair, bangs and all, had been pulled back into a delicate poof that led into a side bun. A beautiful white flower had been tangled into the bun and her butterfly hairpin glittered in the back. Her blue eye shadowed had been replaced with a sparkly white and her eye liner had been changed to silver. More mascara had been added, with silver flecks, and her eyelashes were twice their normal length. Her cheeks were bright, rose petal pink and shiny lip gloss covered her lips. Her shoes were white and sparkly, with fake diamonds on the heels. Her necklace was not fake, a silver cover to a small blue stone that was suspended on a chain and rested just below the hollow of her throat. And the dress. What a beautiful dress. The dress was strapless again and the bodice was bedazzled in a series of upside down V's. The material did not cling to her, instead gently water falling over her slender frame. No other beads decorated the train, which flowed out delicately past her feet. The back was corseted but otherwise plain. She looked beautiful.
"It'll be some honeymoon," Pen teased, wiggling her eyebrows. Emily was too stunned by her reflection to respond.
"Don't be nervous," JJ whispered, coming up to stand next to her. "You've been married without being married for a long time." Her friend's words rang true and helped soothe any nerves. She was taken by the hand and led out until she waited just behind the back door. She peaked out of a window and smiled. The guests had taken their seats. Aaron was standing next to a pastor in a beautiful suit. He looked so sure. She realized all of her nerves were gone. Em looked to the left and JJ and Pen reemerged. She sucked in a breath at her two best friends. They were dressed in blue (the theme was around Emily's ring), dresses that were strapless as well with a thick belt of beading. There weren't any other decorations and the dresses flowed down to the floor. Their bouquets were white. Spencer appeared to the right with Derek; both were dressed in high class suits. Spencer glanced at her and murmured a 'congratulations. You look beautiful' before moving quickly to JJ. He didn't disturb her up do as his hand wrapped behind her neck and he kissed her softly. Emily's heart melted.
"You really do look amazing," Derek said, smiling as he carefully hugged her. "As do you baby girl," he added, hugging Penelope as well. The music changed and Derek offered his arm to Penelope.
"Good luck," the tech mouthed as they began their walk down the aisle. They separated at the edge of the water, Derek standing two places away from Hotch while Penelope stood two places away on the other side.
"Here we go," smiled Spencer, pecking JJ's cheek. He turned his million-watt smile on Emily. "Congrats." JJ blew a kiss as they began their walk. JJ took the maid of honor's traditional spot while Spencer stood one place away from the groom. Rossi grinned as he appeared quite literally out of nowhere, almost scaring the bride half to death.
"Congratulations, princess," he murmured as he kissed her cheek. Emily's mother appeared, also clad in a blue dress.
"No matter the past, I love you Emily," she said softly as she kissed her daughter's forehead. Tears threatened, but the brunette refused to let them fall. The older Prentiss took Rossi's elbow as they walked down the aisle as well, her mother taking the third space away from where Emily would stand while Rossi claimed the best man's traditional spot.
"Surprise," whispered a deep voice in her ear. Her breath caught as she whirled around. Her father, a figure she had missed most of her life stood before her. "I couldn't miss your wedding day pumpkin," he said, tears slipping from his eyes as he squeezed her waist.
"Daddy," she hiccupped as she hugged him back. He offered her his suit-clad arm just as a spike in the music came, signaling her cue. She paused on her father's arms in the doorway, her eyes finding Aaron quickly. His eyes widened, then a smile broke out on his face. She felt her own smile shine through any doubts she had left as she began the walk. Aaron met her at the bottom of the stepping stones, and, in an age old symbol, her father placed her hand in his. They ascended the stones and stairs together and stood in front of the pastor. She didn't hear a word he said, only repeated what she was told to repeat. Her attention was focused only on those black eyes she loved so much. She moved her eyes to the pastor as he announced triumphantly "You may now kiss the bride". Aaron's lips met hers in a soft kiss and, in that kiss, she found everything she had been looking for when she left for England. Home. He pulled away, eyes soft.
"I love you," he whispered. She kissed him back as her answer. The guests clapped wildly and their team ambushed them, squealed "Congratulations" and tight hugs all around. The cake cutting was typical; flashes went off in every direction, but he was very careful not to ruin her dress as he fed her her piece. It wasn't until she was swirling under the lights on the patio wrapped in his arms that she spoke.
"This is a fairytale," she murmured, laying her head on his chest. His arms tightened as they swayed. She glanced to her right and saw JJ and Reid wrapped up in each other. To her left, Derek spun Penelope, making her laugh. Her father was speaking with Aaron's surprisingly young mother while her own mother was engrossed in a conversation with Rossi. There were so many types of love.
"I'm married to the woman of my dreams. If this is a fairytale, I'm never closing the book," he whispered into her hair. She looked up at him.
"Emily," he murmured in his gravelly voice, bringing his lips down on hers. She was washed over with de ja vu as she remembered their first kiss, at JJ's wedding with Will. When he pulled away, his eyes were soft.
"I can't believe you waited for me."
"I'll always wait for you Emily. It doesn't matter where you go. I will always be here when you come back." She stood on her tiptoes, connecting their lips once again.
"Promise?"
"Promise."
GAHHH! IT'S OVER! I don't know what to think. I'm very happy with this chapter, but sad that it's ending. Here are the links! (Remove the spaces when you copy it into the address bar)
Emily's blue dress:
www .hum /blue-dress-4
Emily's wedding dress:
www. wedding shoppeinc pr/RD1068/ 23013?gdftrk=gdfV2619_a_7c732_a_7c7280_a_7c23013&gclid= CJ2m4oPriLICFYk-MgodxxsAHQ
Emily's wedding ring:
diamond weddingbandsfor women
The Bridesmaid dresses:
www. unique -vintage. ?utm_source= GoogleBase1&utm_medium=BaseFeed1&utm_campaign=products&gclid=CPnolv_ziLICFYk-MgodxxsAHQ
That's all for now guys! Thanks so much for staying with me through this. I couldn't ask for better fans. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. Much love!
