Chapter 11

"I think I have loved you since the night I got my divorce papers. I just never realized it until I lost you." He said into her hair where he had buried his face.

"You didn't lose me. I just took a long detour to where I needed to be."

There was long silence as they held each other until Emily broke the silence in quiet voice.

"I'm glad you came." Her breath was warm against his chest.

"I'm glad you called." She could hear the smile in his voice even though she couldn't see his face.

An hour and a half later; Jack came down stairs to find his dad and Emily asleep on the couch.

"Daddy?" He whispered, tapping Hotch on the head.

Hotch felt the tiny fingers of his son poking his head and he picked his head up and looked over the arm of the couch at his son. Then he realized his arm was draped over Emily's waist, her head rested on his arm.

"What is it Jack?" He asked almost scared to hear what was about to come out of the little boys mouth.

"Why are you and Emily sleeping on the couch and why are you holding her like that daddy?" He asked with a very serious look on his face.

Emily stirred and heard the tiny voice behind her. She rolled over to see what was going on; only she forgot she was on her couch and hit the floor at Jack's feet. She laid there stunned as Hotch's head looked over the side of the couch with a concerned look on his face; but he couldn't hide the smile in his eyes as he asked her "Emily are you okay?"

Jack stood there laughing down at her. "Emily fell on her butt."

"I'm fine Aaron. I just forgot that I was on the couch." She said smiling up at them both.

Hotch got up and helped her to her feet. "Are you sure you are ok? You didn't hurt your leg again did you?"

"No I'm fine I promise." She said as she straightened her clothing that had twisted while she slept.

"My Jackster, did you have a good nap sweetie." She asked the little boy who still stared at the two of them.

"Yes… Um… My Emily, why were you lying on daddy sleeping?" He asked inquisitively.

"Well my Jackster, your daddy and I were talking and I guess we were tired to, so we took a nap too." Emily tried to explain the best she could to him.

"Do you like my daddy, my Emily?" She could see the questions spinning in the little boys head.

""Yes I do like your daddy and I like you too." She said tousling his hair.

"No, I mean do you like my daddy like my mommy liked my daddy?"

Emily looked at Hotch who was just smirking at her. He really wanted to hear her explain that one to him.

"Yes I do Jack." Was all she said. She really didn't know how far to go in explaining what was going on. Hell she didn't know what was going on yet.

"Are you going to go on dates with him like Beth used to?"

Emily's eyes widened, her head shot up to look at Hotch. He had an equally shocked look on his face at the mention of the other woman's name. He decided to help her with his son.

"Jack, Beth in I broke up, I told you that. I really like Emily and I would love for her to go on a date with me, but that is her decision. Would you have a problem if Emily and I started dating?"

"No. I like my Emily. She makes me laugh and she always makes you smile daddy." Said the smiling boy.

"Well buddy, I think it's time for us to go home."

"I want to stay here with my Emily." Jack cried.

Emily quickly knelt beside the little boy "My Jackster; maybe if it's okay with your daddy, I can come over tomorrow and we can hang out."

"Can she daddy?" Said an excited Jack.

"Yes, if she wants to." Hotch replied.

"I will see you tomorrow my Jackster." She said as she hugged him and kissed him on his cheek and forehead. She stood back up and turned to face Hotch.

Before she could say anything Hotch stepped forward and pulled her in to his arms. Emily wrapped her arms around his waist like it was the most natural thing on earth. It felt right, it felt safe, and it felt like home.

"I know there are things we still need to talk about maybe we will get a chance tomorrow." He said and then he leaned down a kissed her gently on her lips.

He wouldn't push her for more. He was content in the fact that they were taking the next step in moving their relationship forward. He pulled back and smiled down at her.

"I'll see you tomorrow Emily." He said as he moved Jack toward the door.

"What time would be good for you Aaron?" She followed behind them.

"If you make it around eleven then I can cook you lunch. Maybe grill out some steaks?"

"That sounds good, but don't go to any trouble on my account. I would be just as happy to pig out on pizza or some Chinese or something."

"It wouldn't be any trouble. So I'll see around eleven?" He asked.

"Absolutely." She replied with a wide smile.

A/N: I know this chapter is lacking but I felt the need to have a little Jack moment. Hopefully the next chapter will be better.