Hey everyone.
So finally, I've finished this story. I had not intended on taking so long to get this story done, but hey crap happens. Am I right? Yes, I think so. Anyway I'm currently going through a Star Trek phase where I'm totally obsessed with the movie and said actors like the drop-dead handsome Zachary Quinto & Chris Pine. Now I have started watching Heroes just because of ZQ (as if i need ONE more show to be crazy over. dammit) So that's what has been occupying my mind of late. That and I'm super excited for the CM episode Wednesday. MGG is a directing genius (so I hear) so bring it on.
Please enjoy this last chapter and review!
Love one another and you will be happy.
It's as simple and as difficult as that.
~Michael Leunig
Emily Prentiss felt as if at any second she was going to faint.
"Breathe Em." JJ, Emily's maid of honor, said as she finished putting Emily's simple diamond necklace on her neck. Emily couldn't even role her eyes at the useless advise. Garcia was tying the sash around Jordan Todd's stomach when she turned to Emily.
"Oh sweetie, don't be nervous. Everything is going according to plan and soon you'll be Mrs. Emily Hotchner." Garcia squealed at the end of that statement causing the ladies to laugh. Emily nodded and focused on her breathing, letting her hands fall on her expanding stomach. At four months Emily had been concerned about fitting the dress, but Garcia had many connections.
It wasn't too constricting and Emily's eyes lit up as she felt the light fluttering of the baby. Emily was one week shy of five months and she was falling more and more love with the life inside of her. It was very light and sometimes it would startle her, but Emily was enjoying every second of it. JJ patted Emily's belly assuredly as she grabbed her flowers and the others lined up behind her.
Jordan and Garcia both gave Emily gently hugs and words of comfort as they went to stand behind JJ. Emily nodded her thanks and focused on calming her erratic heartbeat when JJ straightened her shoulders and began her march down the isle to stand at the alter.
Morgan smiled at Garcia as she took his arm. They laughed quietly at how uncomfortable Reid looked as he awkwardly offered Jordan his arm. After a few seconds Morgan and Garcia took their stroll down the isle meeting JJ and Hotch at the end. Morgan gave Hotch's stiff shoulder a firm pat in an effort to calm his friend's nerves. Hotch smiled his appreciation at the gesture and smiled at the beaming faces of JJ and Garcia.
Emily took her place behind Reid and Jordan as they walked their turn.
"You ready kiddo?" David Rossi asked offering his arm to Emily. Emily looked at her old friend and then saw everyone begin to stand and turn as she heard the cues for her grand entrance. Swallowing her nerves, Emily nodded and took Dave's arm happily.
Emily saw the familiar faces of friends and family as cheerful faces stared back at her. Sean and his girlfriend nodded as Jessica smiled at Emily kindly. Friends of Emily's that had flown in from New York and Chicago surrounded Ambassador Prentiss along with other family members. Emily had never felt more supported in her entire life. She scanned the happy faces of her brides' maids and her eyes feel upon the handsome Jack as he stood next to his daddy with a million dollar smile on his little face. He was more than excited to be the ring bearer.
Emily finally looked up and met Aaron's eyes. She had never seen him look so in love with her before and it made her heard do flips. She felt the baby move more and she broke into a heart melting smile that stole everyone's breath away.
Once they reached the alter Dave took Emily's hand and kissed it gently before handing it to Aaron. Emily couldn't have imagined having anyone else give her away so when he told her he'd be honored to she had almost cried. Dave then took his rightful place as best man after ruffling Jack's hair playfully. Jack giggled a little then turned his attention to the preacher so he wouldn't miss his cue.
"We are gathered her today…" the preacher began but Emily and Aaron weren't focused on what he said. They stared at each other with wonder and happiness that reverberated throughout the entire room. When addressed Hotch repeated his vows with sincerity dripping with love than brought a fresh wave of tears to Emily's already misty eyes. "I do." Those words plucked at Emily's heartstrings as she repeated the same words with conviction and devotion.
"I do." Emily said her voice steady and wavering at the same time. Hotch squeezed Emily's hands he held as the pastor asked for the rings. Jack, hearing his cue, excitedly stepped up and presented the rings to Emily and Aaron who smiled at him. Emily slipped the ring on Hotch's finger and heard Garcia sniffle behind her. She looked behind her and saw Morgan and Reid's eyes slightly blurry and almost laughed.
Hotch then slid Emily's ring on and barely held in his sudden desire to kiss her right then and there.
"By the powers vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the voice said cheerfully and Aaron pulled his wife into his arms and met her lips eagerly. Emily grinned into the kiss as people stood and applauded. Morgan whistled and Emily could hear the happy cries of the women behind her. Part of her wanted to run from that alter and keep Aaron to herself for days without cell phones, but they had a party planned and she knew Garcia and JJ would hunt them down if she tried to disappear into marital bliss without the proper send off.
Hotch broke away and grabbed Emily's hand to lead her down the alter when their limo was waiting to take them to the designated party spot. Emily grinned and together they made their way down the isle, shouts and cheers following them. Emily looked back and saw Jack excitedly talking with Dave and his Aunt Jessica. The others were wearing broad smiles as they began to make their way to the reception.
- - - - - -
If Emily thought she had finished crying while getting married she was dead wrong. Between Dave and JJ's toasts she had shed significant amounts of tears. They really were too good to her and Aaron.
Emily and Aaron both spent a lot of the night on their feet dancing with friends and family. It was especially entertaining to watch Emily attempt to dance with Reid who stumbled a few times, but eventually got the rhythm. There were laughs and smiles all around as Emily felt as if she were floating on the cloud.
Jack talked enthusiastically about his baby brother or sister growing inside of Emily as they danced. Hotch twirled Jessica who told him that Haley would be very happy for him. Morgan danced with a very ecstatic Garcia while JJ and Jordan joked around on the dance floor. Reid and Dave looked after baby Henry and viewed their friends with amusement.
The day came and went in a whirlwind of tears and laughter. Emily and Aaron danced their first dance as a married couple and were smiling the entire team. Afterwards they sat down to catch their breath with Aaron's hand on Emily's growing belly. He still hadn't felt the baby move, but he was optimistic still. Emily was growing tried with the day's events but couldn't bring herself to ask to go home. They were going to Hawaii for a five-day honeymoon and had a plane to catch a little under twelve hours. Emily saw that Jack had fallen asleep on Reid's lap as he talked with JJ who also was sporting a sleeping child.
"Ready to call it a night Mrs. Hotchner?" Aaron asked delighted at how right her name sounded. Emily giggled and laid her hand on his. "I think so Mr. Hotchner. We should say our goodbyes and go get some rest." Emily replied as he helped her stand.
Emily and Aaron walked over to where the gang was; most of the guests had already left. "We're going to head in now since we have an early flight to catch tomorrow." Emily said as Morgan and Garcia got up to embrace them both. Jessica came over in time to take Jack home and gave Emily a big hug.
Jack woke up and threw his arms around his parents, for he was determined to start calling Emily his mom once she returned from the honeymoon. Aaron kissed Jack and told him they'd call him the second their plane landed.
"You can call us whenever you need sweetie." Emily said and snuggled the little boy to her chest without hurting the baby. Jack nodded and kissed Emily's cheek then when she placed him on the ground, Jack kissed her belly. "See you soon baby. Have fun with Mommy and Daddy." Jack said and Emily felt her eyes fill with tears once more.
The rest of the team gave hugs and wished them a good time. "Stay out of trouble." Emily said when Dave kissed her forehead.
"Oh Emily you take the fun out of everything." Dave joked and hugged Aaron quickly. She laughed and Aaron put his arm around her waist and everyone walked out to the limo. Emily looked back at her friends and family and waved as she got in the car. Hotch gathered her in his arms when the limo took off and kissed for the millionth time that night. Emily sighed contently and knew there's was going to be a marriage that many envied because she'd be a fool to let this go. She had wanted him forever and now they had each other forever. Emily relaxed into Aaron and he placed both hands on her stomach.
Everything was perfect and Aaron couldn't wait to start forever with his growing family for this was not the end. Not by a long shot.
True love stories never have endings.
~Richard Bach
I'm so happy that I'm finally done with this story. Hopefully by Friday I'll begin the fourth (and last) installment of this series of stories. It'll focus on Emily's pregnancy and the drama that goes with it. I have no idea how long that will be because I will skip around a bit month wise. I really want to thank all of you who have put this on your alerts and have reviewed this story (as well as read it) I'm glad you enjoy my writing, and I hope you'll continue to support me as I continue to write.
Peace out.
