The next morning everyone woke up early. As neither Aaron or Jessica were due until at least late afternoon, Sean spent the day helping get ready, having fun and hanging out with everyone. At around 3pm, he went to hide in his room, taking a 6 pack of cans of soda with him. No one was dressing up until later. But everything else was set and ready. Dave had got a marriage licence for Aaron and Jessica, he'd sorted out all the formalities, he'd got a vicar who was staying that night in the mansion with them, he'd set up the same wedding set up as he had for J.J's wedding and everything was basically set. The caterers were busy preparing food and everyone else just had fun. In the afternoon, to Dave's suggestion, both boys had slept for a solid 4 hours, only waking up and showering just before the bride and groom arrived.
At 4pm Aaron and Jessica arrived. Jack greeted them happily but soon ran off to play with Henry and Mudgie.
The wedding was set for 6pm and so everyone went to change. Aaron helped Jack put his new suit on, noticing that it was different from the suit Jack had worn to Matt's dinner.
"You get a new suit buddy?"
"Yeah outgrew the last one so Uncle Dave was awesome and paid for this one. Do I look smart or what dad?"
"Very smart buddy." As soon as Jack was in his suit, he brushed his teeth and used the bathroom before going to Morgan to hide with him. Everything went smoothly and they all ended up standing and chatting in Dave's massive back yard. Soon, needing to distract him and Jess whilst they sneaked Sean into the back yard, Matt and James stood chatting with Hotch and Jessica, with Hotch and Jessica's backs to the rest of the back yard. They kept him distracted, occupied and talking whilst the others sneaked Sean into the back yard and hid him behind the big bush near the altar but on the far side of the yard from where Hotch was standing with Jessica. Morgan led Jack to the altar and, just before everyone standing filing around to watch, Jack lay on the ground and Morgan and Garcia, knelt over him, pretending to be concerned.
"HOTCH! JESS COME QUICK! SOMETHING'S UP WITH JACK!"
Aaron and Jess ran down the aisle and knelt down over at the altar, not noticing Sean move from the bush to just behind the big bush altar and stand there hiding, the vicar helping.
"Jack? What's happened Morgan?"
"TA-DA! I'm fine dad! Aunt Jess!" Jack jumped up as the wedding music started playing.
"Are you Aaron Hotchner and are you Jessica Brooks?"
"We are."
"Are you ready to be married?"
"Huh? Married?"
"Yes I have a licence in your name, so Aaron do you take this woman to be your wife?"
"Say you do bro! She's perfect for you!" Aaron was shocked as his brother appeared from behind the altar!
"Sean? What the hell are you doing here?"
"I'm here for your wedding bro! Say yes"
"Wedding? Morgan's getting married, not us!"
"Not according to my nephew….."
"Jack? Buddy? What's going on?"
"You and Aunt Jess need to marry dad. You're perfect for one another. Everyone agrees with me. I just want a happy family and Aunt Jess would make the perfect second mom to me. Do you love me dad?"
"Yes I do buddy"
"There's your answer vicar. He said yes I do!"
"Jessica Brooks do you take this man, Aaron Hotchner, to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"What?"
"Aunt Jess? Do I make you smile?"
"Yes you do Jack!"
"Do you love me Aunt Jess?"
"Yes of course I do…."
"There's your answer vicar."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!"
"You can't be serious. We didn't answer the questions you asked!"
"You did. You said yes I do after I asked them."
"We were talking to Jack…."
"Dad, do you love Aunt Jess?"
"Yeah course I do buddy?"
"Would you like her as your wife and my new mom?"
"Er….. I think we need to talk buddy…."
"No we don't simple question. Would Aunt Jess make you happy? As your wife?"
"Yeah if she was….."
"She is…..Aunt Jess, do you love dad?"
"Of course I do Jack."
"As a husband?"
"I'd like him as a husband but why?"
"Cos you're married. I GOT A FAMILY AGAIN!"
"Buddy, is that what you want?"
"Yeah I just want a happy family, you, me and Aunt Jess as a mom. All these guys have been helping me…..have been for a couple of months….hi Uncle Sean. You're apartment was nice by the way!"
"Buddy you've been in Uncle Sean's apartment?"
"How else would I know to be here Aaron? Congratulations. Jess, Aaron, you make the perfect couple and Jack here outsmarted the both of you."
"You mean everything that's happened is because you wanted us to be a family and wanted Jess as a mom buddy?"
"Yeah. You're not gonna get a divorce are you dad? Aunt Jess would you like to be my new mom? I'll never forget my real mom but you can be my second mom or step mom….."
"Buddy why don't we go talk? We can't do it this way….."
"In fact you have guys. You are now officially husband and wife. KISS THE BRIDE!"
"Morgan, what are you on about? This is your wedding not ours!"
"No, I was never gonna be getting married. It was lie and you fell for it, BIG TIME. WHO HERE THINKS THAT HE SHOULD KISS HIS NEW BRIDE?"
Everyone raised the hands!
"Sean how did you get involved? And who else is involved Dave?"
"Whoever's just raised their hands have been involved…but it was all down to Jack here…."
"Please dad. I just want a family, you, me and Aunt Jess as my new mom and Uncle Sean of course. He's family. Why can't you just admit the truth?"
"What truth is that buddy?"
"That you really love Aunt Jess, and I mean like J.J and Will love each other, and Alex and James do. I know you do dad, we can be a real family again. I'll never forget about, love or miss mom any less but Aunt Jess already does everything a mom would do for me. She and you make each other so happy and you both make me happy. Oh and I'm staying with Henry next week whilst you guys are on a honeymoon in Hawaii…."
"Honeymoon?"
"Yeah dad. Uncle Dave's paying. But you have just been married please say you'll stay married and I can have both a dad and a mom again. That's all I want. Do you really love Aunt Jess dad, like Will loves J.J? You can't lie to me so you have to tell the truth…"
"Yeah I do."
"Aunt Jess, do you really love dad like J.J loves Will?"
"I do yeah….."
"Oh can I still keep the cell phone now you guys are together? I can charge the battery at home now. Thanks for the battery swops Henry, Uncle Dave….."
"Cell phone?"
"Yeah, you wanna see it? But first can I keep it? Please?"
"You have your own cell phone buddy? Since when?"
"Since all they guys and me have been trying to get you guys together. So over a couple of months maybe slightly more. Oh and did you guys get my text messages? From that number you didn't recognise?"
"That was your cell phone?"
"Yeah, been texting these guys for months as well as starting to text you."
"And where have you been keeping this cell phone?"
"In my back pack. Oh and Miss Andrews has been helping too by keeping it safe in the day and helping me change the battery when Henry's bought me a fresh battery to school. So dad can I keep the cell phone? Please?"
"You've got it now. but who bought it for you in the first place buddy? I didn't….."
"Aunt Penny, but Uncle Dave paid. Please say we can be a family dad? Aunt Jess would make you and me so happy and we could make her happy. What'd you say dad? If you say no, I'm moving in with Henry for good!"
"So all of this has been down to you buddy?"
"Yeah, you're not mad are you? Uncle Derek will protect me if you get mad at me. He promised. Oh and Mudgie loves me. Missed me on Monday and Monday night though but I was here Tuesday night…."
"You were here Monday and Monday night weren't you? I dropped you off Sunday….."
"I was in New York with Uncle Dave and Uncle Derek visiting Uncle Sean and bringing him here….where he's hiding from you since Tuesday….."
"You went to New York on Monday and stayed the night?"
"Yeah, shared a twin hotel room with Uncle Derek. Uncle Dave had his own room cos he snores but Uncle Derek looked after me and so did Uncle Dave. We bought Uncle Sean back with us on Tuesday…."
"You've been here since Tuesday Sean?"
"Yeah and I'm here til Monday. Been hiding here when you've come around…"
"You've been hiding out here? But I called you Thursday to chat….you were here ?"
"Yeah bro. Surprise! Hi Jessica!"
"Hi Sean."
"So buddy tell me exactly what you guys have been doing cos you're starting to confuse us….start at the beginning…"
"Okay well it started with Uncle Dave, I think, ah, 12 weeks ago tomorrow, which about 3 months. It actually started on the Sunday before when Uncle Dave was hanging out at our place after soccer. I'd been thinking about it for ages and Uncle Dave could see I was sad and needed to talk to someone. So you remember Uncle Dave and Uncle Derek taking me to the park to play with Mudgie and Clooney that Saturday?"
"Yeah I remember. You enjoyed the time playing with the dogs in the park, didn't you?"
"I didn't go to the park. Instead we went back to Uncle Dave's and, with a lot of help from Mudgie, who was a great pal that day, I told them all my worries about wanting a happy family and wanting you guys to get together. We had a real good talk."
"Then on the Monday we and team had a good talk and came up with ideas."
"And where was I that Monday Dave?"
"In a meeting…..but then J.J invited Jack for a sleepover right?"
"Yeah I remember that. So? He's always going there for sleepovers…."
"That Saturday everyone met at Uncle Dave's where we all had a real good talk and they all wanted to help, including Uncle Matt….."
"Matt you were in this too?"
"Yeah, it's been real good….."
"Not only did we talk but they gave me the cell phone to keep in contact with them and I've texting them all ever since, apart from all the times we've all met up."
"And how have you been able to afford a cell phone and send texts?"
"I'm paying for it but its worth it."
"Dave, you're paying for my son to have and use a cell phone? He's only 10….smart but still only 10, and batteries don't last 3 months even without using the cell phone…."
"I've only been texting the guys and they've been texting me. And plus I got a fresh battery for the cell phone every day. Miss Anderson helps me by keeping it safe for me in school and by helping me change the battery that Henry's been bringing in. Thanks for this part mate!"
"J.J, your son is involved too?"
"Yeah I am Uncle Aaron. Jack needed fresh cell phone batteries as he couldn't charge it at home so mom and dad, and Uncle Dave, have been charging the batteries and I've been taking a fully charged battery to Jack in school and swopping it for a used one that mom and dad recharge. It's been cool!"
"Can I continue dad?"
"So Miss Anderson is in on this too?"
"Yeah Uncle Dave and Aunt J.J went to talk to her before school the Monday after I got the cell phone. She wanted to help…..then you know when I went for another sleepover at Henry's house and you and Aunt Jess went see that movie?"
"Yeah, when Dave pulled out. You recovered yet Dave?"
"I was never ill. I just needed an excuse not to turn up. That was your first date. I'd even booked the showing so that no one was there….."
"First date? Thought it felt weird….."
"Yeah but it might get weirder….."
"I did sleep in by the way Hotch that Saturday…"
"When you stood me up after asking to go for a run in the park? And what happened to you Matt? Never known you hung over!"
"I wasn't. Sorry Jess. But that was your second date. Oh and James had a mate in the park keeping watch on you guys…."
"James you were in this too?"
"Yeah, have been since we started it all…..been good too…."
"Yeah and whilst you guys were in the park we were all over at J.J's talking….."
"Then I was involved in your 3rd date Hotch. I never had a meeting….."
"What the art exhibit you stood us up at?"
"Yeah that….and then everyone met up at J.J's the day after to plan Dave's dinner…."
"I take it Mudgie's okay Dave?"
"Yeah he was fine, still is. We were crashing with James and Alex….."
"That close? And I take it the rooms were fine to use…."
"Yeah but you guys needed to share a bed…..after the romantic dinner which Jack helped set up."
"You were at Simon's sleepover buddy weren't you?"
"Yeah, that part was true but Aunt J.J had me for the first couple of hours, but I got back in time for pizza dinner and the main sleepover. Was great fun at Simon's sleepover."
"And we were involved in what was going to be your 4th date…but we couldn't find an excuse to pull out. Plus James did want to challenge you."
"Everyone then met up at mine on the Friday, where Jack came up with a really good plan. Invite you both and then let us know where you going, what time, etc. and we'd bump into you and Jack could join us and leave you two alone. Worked a lot too…..first was bowling…"
"What when you James, Morgan and Matt appeared at the bowling alley?"
"Yeah, Jack beat us all though."
"Then you know when I went to the bathroom dad after bowling? I sent a text when I was in there to Aunt J.J to let her know we were leaving for Burger King."
"So that wasn't a coincidence J.J?"
"Nope. You and Jess needed to eat dinner together…."
"And the movie the following Saturday?"
"That was set up. So I could sit with Henry and leave you guys alone. The pizza hut meal after was also set up so you and Aunt Jess could eat dinner alone….then we all met up when I went for the sleepover at Henry's that Friday. The zoo was set up too."
"I remember the week after that. You took him to a suit fitted on the at Tuesday didn't you Matt?"
"Yeah."
"Did you like the surprise though dad?"
"What surprise was that Jack?"
"I put a meal on for Hotch and Jess in my back yard. Dave cooked, I was the host, Morgan was a waiter and Jack was a waiter. Everyone was dressed up in suits."
"And we thought Jack was sleeping over at Henry's house. But he wasn't. He gave us a real shock when he bought us out the bread for our soup."
"Yeah but dad you don't realise. I'd been at Uncle Matt's all day. J.J having me was a ruse. I was never gonna sleep there. Was gonna sleepover at Uncle Matt's from the start of the planning of the meal…."
"Oh yeah school had been cancelled that day right buddy?"
"Yeah but after going to the museum with Uncle Spencer that Saturday, you know how I went back to Henry's house after soccer?"
"Yeah did you learn some new moves Henry?"
"Not that day. Everyone came over."
"Yeah to plan the Friday…..did he find you some clothes dad?"
"Did who find us clothes?"
"Uncle Matt's mate who owns the hotel. Uncle Dave's friend owns the restaurant but Uncle Matt's mate Joe loves playing pranks and setting people up."
"Yeah and he wanted to help. He had no intention of finding clothes…."
"What did you sleep in then dad?"
"The clothes we wore buddy….."
"Oh right….oh by the way did you get those text messages on the Sunday when I was at Henrys?"
"What the weird ones saying I like you and I love you?"
"Yeah those ones. Aunt Penny know websites…..and how to hack into phone calls. We were listening to you guys talking. EVERYONE was laughing so hard….."
"You guys were listening to our phone call?"
"Yeah but that's the only time. But Aunt Penny also has one of those machines that block cell signals, which is why you couldn't use your cell phones Friday night."
"And I'd told the driver to go home. He was never gonna stay. It was the only way to get you guys to stay over in a hotel room."
"Yeah and Joe set you up with that double room. He did have one or two vacant rooms."
"That guy in the hotel is your friend Matt?"
"Yeah. He's a great guy. Good laugh too….oh and neither Joe nor Dave's mate ever tried ringing for a cab…."
"It was all a set up guys?"
"Yeah….."
"For the next couple of weeks, already having started plan this wedding, we helped Jack drop all those hints and send text messages to both of you from your own cell phones…"
"You used our own cell phones to set us up buddy?"
"Yeah, you're always leaving them around. I just waited for the right chances. These guys told me what to say both in the text messages and all the hints. Aunt Penny helped with those websites sometimes though and I did use my cell phone to send you those other messages….oh and I used your cell phone to find Uncle Sean's number. That brings us to last Monday, when we went down to talk to Uncle Sean."
"Yeah and after hearing what Jack said and hearing about all the things they'd done to set you up, I just had to be here. SURPRISE BROTHER!"
"I just can't believe you've been since Tuesday. I picked up Jack on Wednesday. Came inside too. Came inside again when I dropped him off yesterday…..where were you hiding?"
"My room. Got a TV. a borrowed laptop from Dave, my own bathroom everything….it's cool and it's at the opposite end of this house to where you thought you were sleeping tonight so you wouldn't see me. Dave even was so good in paying for us all to have suits fitted. We all went on Wednesday then collected them yesterday."
"And I was gonna be your best man today dad….."
"You guys have set us up so many times?"
"Yeah, 11 dates so far."
"And for a profiler bro, you're not that smart…..you've outsmarted by your 10 year old son bro!"
"I know that now Sean."
"Uncle Dave we almost forgot the rings!"
"Oh yeah Jack, you can't get married without wedding rings. Here Aaron give this to Jess and Jess give this to Aaron and vicar start again in a second….."
"Dad, Aunt Jess please. You'd make the perfect couple…do you guys wanna make me and yourselves happy?"
"Yeah buddy we do, especially making you happy."
"Then why wont you both admit you wanna get married?"
"Cos its not that simple buddy. You can't just force 2 people to marry, no matter how perfect they seem for each other. I'm sorry buddy but this isn't the way to do things."
"Aunt J.J? I'm moving in with you guys FOREVER! Dad admit it now or I'm never speaking to you guys again. I'll speak to you Uncle Sean but say no after everything we've done and I'm divorcing you dad! You too Aunt Jess! All I want is a happy family. Is that too much to ask?"
"No buddy of course it isn't. Why, after all this time and after it being just you, me and Aunt Jess the way we've been for the past 5 years, do you suddenly want a happy family so bad? I mean you like the life we got now don't ? We're all doing okay. I know it's hard not having your mom anymore but I thought you like the life we had now buddy? We'd never forget your mom and we all still love and miss her so much but no one can replace her…."
"Aunt Jess can. All the kids at school have happy families with a mom and a dad. I'm always seeing them with both their parents, why can't I want the same?"
Suddenly feeling like everyone was staring at him, Jack turned and ran into the house away from everyone. He made it to the stairs before he couldn't hold back and sat on the stairs and burst into tears, crying into his knees. Aaron had thrown the ring back at Dave and had rushed off after him, Jess throwing her own ring at Dave before following close behind, leaving everyone else in shock. They found Jack sitting at the bottom of the stairs with his knees bent right up and his face buried into his knees sobbing hard. He felt his dream would never be. Aaron quickly sat down beside Jack and put his arm around his shoulder. They waited until his sobs had eased before speaking.
"Is that why you suddenly want a family buddy? Cos you see all the other kids with both their mom's and dad's?"
"Yeah plus I really would love Aunt Jess as a new second mom. But my simple dream of us being a happy family of mom , dad and me I know now will never happen. I just want what every other kid I see has, a family. I do like our life now but I just want a mom again dad. All the other kids have got a mom. Aunt Jess is like a mom to me. She and you love each other and yet I know I'll never again have what all the other kids do. A mom, dad and them. I'll never be as happy as they are. I know that now. My dream will never come true and it was stupid of me to even want something I know I'll never have. You guys are perfect for each other but you'll never marry and it was stupid of me to even think that you guys would or that I could have something as simple as a new mom in Aunt Jess. The last 12 weeks have been fun but all fun has to end sometime and I guess that fun is over and I realise now things will never change and that simple dream of happy family is stupid and impossible and I was trying to get something I will never have….."
Jack started crying and sobbing again into his knees.
"Buddy that dream wasn't stupid, or impossible. I know its hard for seeing all the other kids with both a mom and dad and seeing their happy families all the time. I'm so sorry my job cost you your mom and that I couldn't save her too. I really did want to though and all the time I'm always thinking about how different things could have worked out. If I hadn't chased Foyet, if I'd only done something or shot him when he stabbed me at my apartment, if I could of kept you guys safer, if we'd found him earlier, if only we'd known he'd end up at our house before we eventually worked it out, if only I'd gotten there sooner before he'd killed your mom, I could have saved her, everything. I always wish it could have been different and that your mom was still alive today. I'm just so sorry that he killed her and took something so special and important away from you. But we're doing okay aren't we buddy? I know it must be tough for you living between 2 homes but both me and your Aunt Jess love you so much and take the best care we can of you. Aunt Jess is so good in taking care of you when I have to go away on a case that's it's unbelievable and I know it's only thanks to her that I didn't have to retire from my job at the BAU after your mom's funeral simply so I could still be your dad and take care of you."
"You were going to have to have to retire like an old man just so you could take care of me and be my dad?"
"Yeah buddy, you remember when Chief Strauss came to the apartment that time?"
"Yeah, she was an okay lady. I'm sorry she died."
"So am I. So am I. Well when she came round that day, she was there to offer me early retirement with full pension pay and full benefits. It was only when Aunt Jess came round that day and was cooking pancakes for dinner that we talked and she so kindly offered to take care of you when I had to be away, cos she knew and still knows I love my job and didn't want me to have to give it up just because I had to be there for you full time. Of course I would never dream of blaming you for anything as nothing is your fault. Aunt Jess just knew I was being asked to choose between you and my job and that of course I would have to choose you every time. So she made the amazing offer to take care of you when I had to go away on a case and she has been amazing ever since. I just hate that my job takes me away from you so much and that I'm seeming to miss so much of your childhood because of my job. I do try buddy to be at home as much as I can but when we're at home, we have great fun don't we? You're happy aren't you?"
"Yeah we have fun and I'm real happy and you're an awesome dad and take awesome care of me. I love living with Aunt Jess too and she always takes awesome care of me and loves me so much and I love her so much, just as much I love you dad, but its never gonna be the same. I'm never gonna have a mom again. I'll never forget about mum, I'll never stop loving her and I'll never stop missing her. It always hurts to think about her and I love it how both you guys always let me talk about her and remember her and take me to go visit her whenever I want to. But I know she'll never come back to me Although I know she's always watching over me and keeping me safe and I know she'll always be a part of me and be in my heart, I know she can never come back to life and be a real mom again, though she was an awesome mom to me before she died and will always be my real mom. But I can want a second mom can't I dad and still always love my real mom?"
"Of course you can buddy and I and Aunt Jess know she'll always be in your heart and a part of you and that you'll never stop loving her, you'll never stop missing her and you'll certainly never forget her. I know it really hurts to think about her. It still hurts us so much when we think about her. But we know was a fantastic mom to you buddy and that no one can ever replace her in your world. She'll always be watching over you and will always be keeping you safe, no matter where you are or what you're doing. I know you'd love to have another mom again buddy but this isn't the way to go about it. I have to find you a mom myself but to do that I have to find the perfect woman for both and you and that will just take time, if anyone can ever come close to what your mom meant to the both of us."
"Aunt Jess is perfect. Not only can I see that but everyone else can too, including Uncle Sean, who I never really get to see. I'd like to see Uncle Sean more but even he can see you guys are perfect for one another. Aunt Jess already loves both us so much, she knows all about your job, never complains about you being away so much or spending so little time at home sometimes. She already takes care of me at the drop of hat and is already always there for the both of us, no matter what. You and Aunt Jess already get on so great and everything. Dad, apart from mom, she's the longest standing relationship you've had with a woman since mom died. I know you're good friends with Aunt Penny and Aunt J.J and Aunt Alex but you work with them. Outside work Aunt Jess is the only woman you've known and who still likes you after 5 years! Oh by the way I knew Beth was never gonna be my mom. She was never the mothering type. She was a good mate but she wasn't a mom at heart, I could always see that. But she did make you happy. But even from the moment I met her I knew she would never want to be my mom. She was nice and all but I knew."
"You knew even when you first met her that things wouldn't work out buddy?"
"Yeah a kid knows dad. I could see she would never want to be a mom to me and I'm sorry to say this dad but I'm glad you guys broke up. She might of made you happy but she wasn't right for you. Why have you never had a girlfriend since Beth dad? You never bring anyone home….."
"I never have the time to go looking for a girlfriend buddy. I'm always too busy being your dad and doing my job. I'd like to find a woman who would make us both happy and who would be a second mom to you but it's gonna take time…."
"But every year I'm getting older and I want a mom whilst I'm still a kid, not when I've grown up and left home. I don't need a mom in my life then, not like I do now. Why can't you guys just see what we all see and already know? Why won't you guys just admit that you are perfect for each other and do really love each other? Why is it that Uncle Sean, who lives in New York, can see it too, and he's never around?"
"Cos a brother knows Jack, I always knew from after Haley's death that Jess was perfect for you bro. Why won't you just admit it? That you love Jess and that she would make the perfect wife for you?" Sean had been hiding just inside the kitchen listening and appeared from his hiding place and walked towards them.
"It's not that simple Sean and have you been listening the whole time?"
"Yeah but I am real family so you can't tell me to go away….not like the others in the kitchen…..who by the way ALL think the same thing. Just admit it brother, you love Jessica and Jessica admit it, you love my brother."
"GUYS! COME OUT HERE!"
The others all sheepishly appeared from the kitchen.
"Hi Hotch. Hi Jess. Hi little man Jack. Sorry your dad won't admit his true feelings for your aunt but I can make him if you want me to….."
"No it's okay Uncle Derek. Dad admit it, I know you too well and you can't lie to me. We don't lie to each other, well apart from the last 12 weeks when I've hiding all this from you but it's been fun. But tell the truth dad, you really do love Aunt Jess don't you?"
"Yeah buddy I do."
"And don't you think she'd make you the perfect wife?"
"Er…..yeah buddy….."
"And you really would like to marry her wouldn't you?"
"It's not that simple buddy. Yeah I would but she's my sister in law. I can't marry her…"
"Actually dad you can. Uncle Derek says the law will let you and Aunt Jess marry."
"Are you sure he read the law right buddy?"
"Yeah, tell him Uncle Spencer."
"Actually Hotch, the law says you can. It says that as long as the wife is deceased, or dead, which sadly is true, the sister in law can marry the brother in law. I wish, in this case, Haley was still alive so Jack could still have his mom and happy family but as she's sadly died you can legally marry Jessica….."
"Been reading law books have you Spencer?"
"There isn't a book I haven't yet read Hotch. Hey come to think of I could take the bar exam and be a lawyer but I couldn't deal with people, and I love my current job….."
"What's a bar exam dad?"
"It's like a test. People have to pass the test or exam before they can work as a lawyer or in the law system. I had to pass my bar exam to be a prosecutor."
"You were a lawyer before you were with the team?"
"Yeah buddy, I worked to help get justice for victims and send criminals to prison."
"How come you didn't know the law then dad?"
"There's a lot of law to remember buddy. And that was years ago. Plus even then I was working in the criminal law system. Marriage law comes under family law which is different to criminal law."
"Oh right. How many different types of law are there?"
"Way too many buddy. I might of read it somewhere in the past but I've done a lot since then and unlike Spencer I can't remember everything I've ever read."
"That's cos Uncle Spencer has got that ei….eid….what's it called again Uncle Spencer?"
"Eidetic memory Jack. Basically means I remember every word I read in every book."
"Yeah that's it. So dad you can marry Aunt Jess. The law will let you. So tell me now dad, do you want to marry Aunt Jess?"
"Er…..I'd…...er…like to….er…"
"Dad, here's an easy one. Do you think that Aunt Jess would make the perfect second mom for me and make me happy?"
"Yeah buddy I do. I'd like you to be the happiest kid alive and to have a mom like Aunt Jess….."
"Another easy one for you dad. Does Aunt Jess make you so happy?"
"Yeah buddy she does."
"Aunt Jess? Do you really love dad A LOT? You're always telling me you love him and you're always looking at dad like mom looked at dad and like Aunt J.J looks at Uncle Will and how Aunt Alex looks at Uncle James, and like them, I can tell you're always thinking about him…..so come on Aunt Jess spill it. You really love dad don't you?"
"I'm always looking at him like J.J and Alex look at their husbands?"
"Yeah and how Tina looks at Uncle Derek. Not sure what your looks mean but those eyes are the same. You do really love dad don't you Aunt Jess?"
"Er…..yes Jack I do….sorry Aaron….. I think you're son will make a top profiler….."
"I learn from the best….well what should be the best. Dad how come you can be that profiler thing but still fall for everything and not notice me doing anything. I've outsmarted the profiler! Dad can I have I your job. I think you need to go back to school…you're slipping…."
"I can't believe my son outsmarted me Jess! You really can read your Aunt Jess that well buddy?"
"Yeah I spend enough time around her but she has those eyes….whatever that means….."
"Aunt Jess do you think dad would be the perfect husband for you?"
"Er….yeah Jack I do….."
"Would you like to be my second mom Aunt Jess? You know all about my first mom and I know would never mind me remembering her, and know I would never stop loving her or missing her and that no one could really take her place but you could come real close….."
"Yes Jack I'd love it if I were your second mom and I'm always sorry that Haley died. I know she was a superb mom to you and that no one could replace her but I would like to think I came a close second in trying to be like a mom to you."
"And you do Aunt Jess. You really do. So you'd like to be my second mom?"
"Yes Jack I would."
"Would you like to marry dad?"
"Er…sorry Aaron but the answer is yes….."
"Does dad make you so happy Aunt Jess?"
"Yeah Jack he does. He's a great guy. A great good looking guy….Aaron I hate to say this but if you hadn't married Haley, I would have married you….even back then….."
"Thanks Jess…..er…if I hadn't married or got together with Haley, I would of gone after you and probably married you….."
"Dad would you like to marry Aunt Jess?"
"Er…..I'd like to but it's never gonna happen, especially after I put Dave, J.J and Morgan in the hospital….."
"Aunt Jess, would you like to marry dad?"
"Yes Jack, I would."
"Dad what do you say?"
"Where's my gun? Think Dave, Morgan and J.J need to fear for their lives after this…."
"No we don't…..3 against one Hotch? You're outnumbered old man…..and I'm the best shot in the FBI….."
"And I can beat a man up Hotch…..done it before….."
"And you wouldn't kill your oldest friend Aaron….."
"Dave is that the best defence you can come up with?"
"That and I'd pay for round the clock security. Hey Morgan, J.J, you want a new job? I can pay you guys well…."
"Hotch I know what it's like to grow up in a single parent household. It's tough and I hate that little man Jack is having to go through what I did and I know it can't be easy for him. You're a brilliant dad Hotch, everyone can see that. Jessica you are one of a kind. All that you've done for both Hotch and Jack is incredible, it really is and we all always take our hats off to you for everything you do and all the support you give them and all the great care and love you give to Jack, as well as to Hotch. He's so lucky to have you take Jack at the drop of a hat just so he can go with us on a case. You already make his life so much easier. Being a single parent is hard enough but you take so much burden from off his shoulders. And its only thanks to you, he's still on the team and still working as our Unit Chief. He never worries about Jack when we're away. Of course he's always wanting to get back and misses Jack but we can tell he doesn't worry about his son's care when he's away as you take fantastic care of Jack every time. That and he looks forward to the nightly phone calls you let him and Jack have. They mean the world to him when he's away with team on case. Even on the worst cases, that one phone call cheers him up no end and makes him smile. Everyone sees that. We all are determined to protect Hotch from being killed by any unsub and we would all lay our lives down just so he could come home and be with Jack again. We all love Jack so much that we'd do anything we could to make sure he still had one parent in his life, especially after Foyet murdered his mom, which we all sorry for Jack. She was a great lady and a fantastic mom. But everyone see's how you make Hotch so happy and how you guys are perfect for one another. We can all see that you 3 would make a perfect happy family. Oh and Sean's a great guy, he really is. Can't he come hang out with us more Hotch?"
"He does live in New York Morgan…."
"Been thinking about moving but New York is only a train ride away brother. I really should see you and Jack, and Jessica more…."
"I'd like to see more of you Sean. Since that New York case, you've really turned your life around and become a better guy."
"Thank you Morgan. Means a lot to me that does. It really does."
"You only grew up with one parent Uncle Derek?"
"Yeah little man Jack I did. My dad was murdered by a man with a gun when I was 10. After that it was just me, mom and my sisters."
"Your dad was killed like my mom was killed?"
"Yeah Jack, I know what you feel like having a parent die. Dad was a great guy. Was a cop too like your dad is a FBI Agent. He was killed trying to stop a guy robbing a store. I still miss him to this day. So when Foyet killed your mom, I knew what you were going through and have been going through since. I just wish I'd had someone like your Aunt Jess in my life. My mom was, and still is, a great mom and a fantastic lady. My sisters are just as great. But not having a dad in my life after 10 was hard. Luckily you've got a fantastic dad in Hotch here. But I can only imagine what it must be like to lose your mom, especially a mom like your mom. But we think your Aunt Jess would make a great second mom to you."
"It's not that simple Morgan. We've both got our own lives and we'd need to talk before anything was ever, if ever, decided…."
"Can I move in Aunt J.J dad if you don't get married? I can be part of a real family then…..Will can be my new dad, Aunt J.J can be my new mom and Henry can be my brother. I've always wanted a brother and he's like a brother to me now….."
"Sorry buddy but no you can't…but you do understand things like marriage aren't that simple and that you can't just throw 2 people together and marry them?"
"I know that dad, but it was a good try and it's been a good 12 weeks guys…..hey if dad and Aunt Jess don't go on that honeymoon to Hawaii, Aunt Alex, you and Uncle James could go…."
"So true Jack. Shame to waste a good vacation…."
"Aaron why don't we go talk somewhere now. Guys you do promise not to eavesdrop this time don't you?"
"Yeah, we promise. We can all go and hang out in the back yard….."
"Talk about what Jess? We can't get married….."
"But we've just admitted in front of all these guys that we think we're perfect for one another, we'd make each other happy, we love each other, we'd make Jack happy, we both agree that I'd make a great mom to him and we've both admitted we want to marry!"
"So, just saying things is different from actually being married…..Haley and I were married for over 20 years but look what happened. My job ruined the marriage and she divorced me. If we married it would only be the same. The BAU seems to destroy any marriage, it destroyed Gideon's marriage, it's destroyed, or partially destroyed all 3 of Dave's marriages, his womanising did the rest and it eventually destroyed my marriage to Haley. I'm just surprised she put up with so much from me before it became too much for her. I'd just do the same to you and it wouldn't be fair on you. I'm sorry buddy but we can't marry and no you can't move in with J.J."
"Can I move in here? Mudgie's a good mate….."
"Sorry buddy but you're staying living with me."
"Aaron we could marry. I've always known about your job and Jack's right, apart from Haley, I'm the longest standing relationship you've had with a woman outside work…..and plus the number of times you've stayed over at my place after a case to be with Jack, not only do we sort of live together from the amount of times you've stayed over, but I'm used to you dropping everything and then picking things back up when you get back. I know you're job means you are never really home and that you have to leave at the drop of a hat. I don't mind. I know all about your job and still love you. Why don't we at least go talk alone? Talking always helps…."
"Please just go talk dad. I know I'll never get a happy family again but you and Aunt Jess need to talk….and I need to go cuddle Mudgie….where is he Uncle Dave?"
"I think he's following the caterers around, following the plates of food…..reminds me it's probably past his dinner time. You can help me feed him. IF we can get him away from the food…."
"Aaron come on let's go talk. We need to talk and Mudgie clearly needs to eat and Jack clearly needs to feed Mudgie before Mudgie eats our food….."
"Sure. Why not. You be okay now buddy?"
"Yeah, still sad but I'm okay. Uncle Dave? Tell Mudgie I'll be right back. Need the bathroom and need to wash my face…."
"Sure Jack."
"Sorry about all this dad. I just want to be happy again….and want you guys to be happy…."
"We both want you to be happy buddy. And we'd like to be happy too….we just need to have a serious talk."
"Oh and Aaron hold on these why don't you? They only fit your fingers….."
"How'd you get these to fit our fingers Dave?"
"Jack. He sneaked a ring from Jessica for sizing and then sneaked your wedding ring from Haley to get your ring size. He sneaked them both back without you noticing….."
"Buddy you wanted this so bad you did all that you did and sneaked rings to get our finger sizes?"
"Yeah but now all that effort has gone to waste. I'm not sure why I bothered to do anything now. All our efforts have come to nothing and been wasted and its all my fault."
"No one's said anything's been wasted yet or that all your efforts and all that all you guys have done have come to nothing Jack. And why is it all your fault?"
"Cos I wanted the dream and opened my mouth. If I'd kept quiet we could of all gone on with the lives we've had without doing all we did, but we did have real fun, that I'm not sorry for. But I am sorry for wanting the dream. I know now it will never happen…..and I'm sorry I tried…..and sorry I ever wanted it….."
"Buddy you never have to be sorry for wanting such a simple dream. I'm sorry that you don't have that dream at the moment. I'd like to give you that dream. And you never have to apologise for trying to do something. I'm glad you talked to Dave and Morgan. I know now why you felt you couldn't say anything to me or your Aunt Jess and I'm glad you had fun, I really am. And you wanna know something else?"
"Sure….what is it?"
"You know how your mom is always looking down on you, watching over you and keeping you safe?"
"Yeah?"
"Well I think she's been laughing and having fun just watching all that's been happening over the past 12 weeks. She would have been so happy to see you having such good fun. She'd be happy that you talked to Dave and Morgan about your worries and she would still always want nothing but for you to be happy."
"You really think mom would have been enjoying and laughing watching us?"
"Yeah buddy I do. And she would like nothing more than for you to have your happy family and have someone like Jess for a second mom. She knows you'll never stop loving her, you'll never stop missing her and you'll never forget her. But she'd want you to have another mom like Aunt Jess. She'd definitely approve of Aunt Jess as a mom for you. She'd want nothing less than for all 3 of us to be happy and, even now up in heaven, just seeing you happy, makes her happy. Just seeing you happy, makes me so happy buddy."
"Me too Jack. I love to see you happy. I really love to see both you guys happy. And you wanna know something else Jack?"
"Sure."
"If your dad did propose to me right now, I'd say yes!"
"Dad….will you propose to Aunt Jess?"
"First we have to seriously talk. You serious Jess? You'd really say yes?"
"Yeah Aaron, I've always wanted to marry you but you married Haley and you guys were true soul mates. I hate that your job caused so many problems in your guys' marriage but she always loved you, even after she left you and even going through the divorce she loved you. She never stopped loving you Aaron."
"She's telling the truth there dad. Mom always loved you, even after we moved in with Aunt Jess. She was just so sad and stressed out but she never stopped loving you. She just got fed up of your job taking you away so much."
"Really? Haley never stopped loving me? Even when she left? And through the divorce? Wow. I never stopped loving her and I'll still never stop loving her. But Jess, you've always wanted to marry me?"
"Yeah, but I've always fancied you anyway. You've always been good looking and you've always seemed the perfect husband. Haley always told me of the fun you guys had upstairs….if you know what I mean….."
"Yeah I do….."
"I don't. What fun was that dad?"
"Er…..playing games buddy. That's all. Like board games and stuff. And hanging out together, talking, watching movies, and all that….."
"Oh right. Grown-ups are weird….."
"She really told you about that Jess?"
"Yeah and if Haley hadn't gone after you I would have. That's for sure. She just got there first. But you guys were real good for each other and I was happy for you two. I really was. I hated seeing you guys break up as it hurt her so much to have to do it. But she couldn't cope any longer with you being gone so much. She always trusted you and knew you would never cheat on her."
"Cheat? Like cheat at a game?"
"No buddy like Uncle Dave when he was married all three times met other women on the side. That's called cheating which I never did."
"So are you guys gonna talk alone or can I go use the bathroom now?"
"Go use the bathroom buddy. We're talking anyway…."
Just as he was about to run off to the nearest bathroom, one of the caterers whispered in Dave's ear.
"Excuse me but can you bring a soda here for me?"
"Sure sir. Be right back." Jack ran off to the bathroom and Aaron looked at Dave.
"Something wrong Dave?"
"No, just a question about the food. Shame it has to go to waste….maybe Mudgie can have a feast….."
"Nothing's going to waste Dave, not yet anyway."
"Er….there's a dog bowl with kibble in on the side by the microwave. Can you give it to the black lab whose following you around. His name is Mudgie and he's hungry…"
"Sure sir…..he's currently sitting staring and drooling at the table outside which is filled with food, hoping something will drop down on the floor. But I'll give him his dinner."
"Chop up a chicken breast, no bones, and a couple of sausages and add them to the bowl before you give it to him. A little treat for him."
"Sure sir. Someone will be right back with the young man's soda. Does anyone else want something to drink?"
"Yeah bring us all a soda actually, including Henry here…."
"Thanks Uncle Dave….."
"So you guys really think me and Jess are perfect for each other?"
"Yeah we do. Even your brother agrees with us and he hardly see's you."
Jack returned from the bathroom and sat back down next to his dad
"Bro, I know its been 5 years but its time you moved on. Haley would want you to move on. You might never stop loving her and everything and I'm sorry I couldn't make it to her funeral, though I did really try to be there, honest I did, its really time you moved on. Jessica and you make each other so happy. I may not really see you but I know you bro, and even I can see you two make each other really happy and are perfect for one another. I hate that my nephew had to lose his mom, especially like he did. But he's a great kid. Real smart too and so much fun to be around. I've had a great few days here when he's been here. He's wanted this so badly that I'm surprised you haven't noticed. All these guys, who are so great and I'm friends with all of them now, have done so much to help you and Jessica get together, it's unbelievable. Just HOW did a 10 year old and all these guys outsmart a profiler, Jack's dad, and their Unit Chief? And how did you fall for any of it bro without realising?"
"I have absolutely no idea. You've been thinking about moving from New York?"
"Yeah the city's been hard on me. I can find work here. I'm a trained chef, a bar tender, I've been in the hotel business, I'd work for someone else this time."
"I know a few contacts I could help you find a good job and a good place to live. How's the apartment doing by the way?"
"It's great. Thanks for help with the rent. Really helps that. Oh and thanks for the help with my case. Only did a couple of months and since I got out, I've turned my life around. So thank you."
"You're more than welcome. Glad I could help you out."
"Are you really moving here to Quantico Uncle Sean?"
"Hoping to, but I need to find a job and a place to live first. Then I gotta move here. But if its okay with your dad, I'd really like to see you more. Your my only nephew and since I've been here, I've found you to be great fun to hang around with. I never knew you were so smart or that you 're such a great kid to be around. I know in the past your dad hasn't trusted me, but I really have turned my life around now and I'm a different person, all on the straight and narrow now Aaron. Promise. And if I move here, I can be away from all that trouble and you can help me stay away from trouble. If I get settled here, I can have a great stable job, a nice place to live and I can be around you guys more, that's if you'll let me see Jack sometimes."
"You really have turned your life around Sean. Even I can see that. You really do seem like a new guy."
"I am. At the moment I'm working a stable job as a high class hotel bar tender. It's a full time day only job, it's good pay and they treat me well. I'm respected and trusted and liked by both the staff and by customers. There's nothing under hand about the job and I'll never make the same mistakes again. I know now that running my own business isn't for me but working somewhere like I do now is just as good. Even though I'm working behind the bar all the time, I don't drink, apart from a beer some nights. But on duty I have to stay alcohol free but they let me have free juice and soda, water and coffee to drink on duty, which is great. They even give me real nice lunches on my lunch break. But even though the job is great, I can find just as good a job here. They even promised to give me a glowing reference if I wanted to move here and find a job here. The apartment's great, I don't go out in the evenings now as I'm tired from the job. I haven't had a girlfriend for a while but I'm still looking. But all in all, my life is great. Thanks for all the help you gave me, it was worth it. I even quit smoking for good!"
"Wow! You have changed Sean. I'm proud of you brother! I'm just glad I could help you out. So if you move here, not only will I help you keep on track and keep on the straight and narrow and out of trouble, but I'll help you find a job that's just as good and, until you find a real good place to live, which I'll help you with in looking and paying rent for, you can crash with me and Jack. And even after you find your own place, I'm fine about you seeing Jack more. You can even come watch his soccer games. He's a fantastic player. His team is so good."
"That's cos you and Uncle Dave are our coaches dad!"
"You're Jack's soccer teams coach? You too Dave?"
"Yeah and we never lose. Shame there's no games tomorrow but when you do move here, you can come watch every game you want to."
"And when Aaron's away on a case, you can still see Jack….I don't mind….."
"Thanks Jessica. Thanks bro. I'll be at every game I can Jack and I'd love to see you more. I'd love to see all you guys too more."
"I'd love to see you more too Uncle Sean. You're an awesome cool uncle!"
"And we'd love you to hang out with all of us Sean. You're a cool guy. We often all hang out together, get together for barbeques, meals, parties here, you'll enjoy it."
"I don't really drink now a days by the way. I tend to stick to one beer a night if I do drink. The rest of the night I stick to soda, juice, water, or coffee."
"That's okay. That's a good thing Sean, we don't mind. In fact none of us drink a lot of alcohol. Dave drinks scotch a lot, Morgan likes to drink beers, Will likes to drink, but only if J.J is around for Henry, Spencer doesn't drink alcohol. He tends to stick to coffee and soda. A LOT of coffee, mixed with A LOT of sugar….Matt likes to drink but doesn't drink that much. I might have the odd beer but most nights I don't drink anything alcoholic cos I'm home with Jack and when it's just me and Jack I don't drink alcohol. I'll only have a beer or two if someone like Jess is around for Jack but even then I don't drink that much. Jess tends to stick to soda most times. She does drink the odd beer but most of the time she'll drink soda. Garcia doesn't drink alcohol and drinks soda when we're together. J.J might drink the odd beer, but like me, she doesn't really drink. Alex will drink a beer or two but she doesn't really drink. And, when James is with us, he'll drink beer but he doesn't drink that much and never gets drunk."
"Wow, that is surprising given your stressful jobs."
"Yeah well when we're home we have other ways of relaxing like hanging out and having fun with Jack and Henry. And when I'm at home with Jack, all we do is have great fun and I REALLY do relax and can just enjoy hanging out with my best buddy. Sure single father hood is tough but we do okay. And plus I always have all these guys to help me out with Jack, though Jessica does so much for Jack. She'll take him and look after him at the drop of a hat. And she takes fantastic care of Jack when I'm away. She treats him like he's her own son and loves him so much. He even has his own room at her house. Jack really loves her just as much as she loves him."
"And I do wish that Jack was my own son but I know he'll always be Haley's real son. But he's still my blood…."
"Gross Aunt Jess….."
"Sorry Jack but you are. You are a part of my sister. Her blood runs through your veins…."
"Ergh….gross Aunt Jess! But you really do wish I was your son? I know I'll always be my mom's real son and belong to her and be a part of her and she'll always be a part of me, but I could be your step son. Or your adopted son."
"Step son Jack, I could never replace Haley as your mom but I could be your step mom…."
"Yeah…dad you have to say something….."
"Like what? For once I'm speechless. You'd really want to marry me Jess?"
"Yes Aaron I would. Would you want to marry me?"
"Er…"
"Dad just admit the truth."
"Yeah. I would. But it's complicated than simply getting married. I mean we live in 2 different homes and both have lives of our own. I know we both have Jack but I got my apartment and you got your house."
"We could move in with Aunt Jess dad. I already got a room there and I spend most of my time there already. Aunt Jess is a great cook. You and I are hardly at the apartment anyway dad. It still feels like home there but I seem to spend most of my time at Aunt Jess's house….."
"He's right Aaron, you could just move in….."
"Er…"
Just then someone came out of the kitchen with cans of soda for everyone, giving Aaron a few seconds break from the interrogation he now felt he was getting. After handing round the cans of soda, the person left and they turned back to Aaron.
"So why not just move in with Jess Aaron? You're hardly at you're apartment anyway….."
"Cos the apartment is my place Dave?"
"Lame excuse Aaron."
"So what else apart from moving in together is stopping you from admitting you should marry Jessica?"
"Other things, like…er….we haven't you know…."
"What are you talking about dad?"
"Er….why don't you and Henry go grab a slice of that pizza outside each to munch on?"
"Sure, can I bring it back here?"
"Sure can. Here I'll hold on to your soda for you buddy."
"Thanks dad. Come on Henry, pizza time!"
The 2 boys ran to get pizza.
"You and Haley didn't do it until your wedding night Aaron. And she always said you were good in bed….."
"She told you about that stuff Jess?"
"Yeah she told me about everything. Plus I've already seen you naked bro…more than once even. And I didn't get embarrassed at the hotel room….."
"What happened at the hotel room bro?"
"We were stuck without a ride home, so we ended up checking into Matt's friend's hotel. It was pouring with rain and we got soaked. We had no spare clothes but the manager offered to wash and dry our clothes for morning."
"You told Jack you slept in your clothes…..that's what he thinks….."
"That was a lie….whilst the manager washed and dried our soaking wet clothes, we had to share a double bed naked!"
"Bloody hell! Anything happen then?"
"No, except in the morning I woke up with the male morning problem…er…..hard problem…"
"Oh right. You woke up with a hard on bro?"
"Yeah and I had to pee so bad. I ended up covering it up with a pillow and running to the bathroom to…er….sort it out in the shower….."
"That's not the first time I've seen you naked Aaron…seen you a few times when you've stayed over."
"Yeah but that was the first time I saw you naked…..and the first time I'd slept naked in a bed with a naked woman in 3 years and even then the times I've done that before have been when I've….er…..done it with Haley or Beth."
"3 years brother? You've gone without sex for 3 years?"
"Yeah but went without for over 2 years after Haley died and about 2 years before when she divorced me. I like it but I don't always need it….plus in the past 3 years I've been so busy with the Unit Chief job, going on cases so much and being a single dad to Jack."
"You've only slept with 2 women in your life bro?"
"Yeah. But unlike some of these guys, I prefer to know the woman first before….er…..sleeping together…."
"Tell me something Aaron…"
"What Jess….."
"Do I get you going? You get me going…."
"Er…would it be wrong to say I've…er….thought about you…..when….er…. I've…..you know….."
"Nope same with me….."
"So apart from the sex and moving in together, what else is holding you back Aaron?"
"The fact my marriage to Haley ended in divorce. The fact that I'm hardly home and when I am I have to often rush off again. The fact that Jess is my sister in law and son's aunt, all different things like that."
"What if you didn't come with us cases all the time Aaron?"
"But that's part of my job and I'd have to. I couldn't leave you guys to go without me."
"What about if I went with them instead of some cases? You could stay at home and, as long as you didn't mind covering my paperwork and going to meetings in my place, I wouldn't mind."
"You'd really swop places with me for a case?"
"Yeah. I'd protect the team and you could be at home sometimes. You could not only pick and choose your cases but you could be at home more."
"I'll think about that Matt, but thanks."
Just then the 2 boys returned munching on pizza.
"We miss anything good dad?"
"No buddy we were just talking. So Jess are you really serious? You'd let us move in if we got married?"
"Yeah, Sean could even move in to the guest room….."
"I couldn't do that Jessica. You guys would need privacy and I'd be under your feet."
"No Sean I insist. You wouldn't have to pay rent, the rooms have doors anyway, my house is big enough and we could all help you keep on the straight and narrow and Aaron could keep an eye on you and make sure you didn't get into trouble. You could even do some cooking if you wanted to. I don't mind."
"I'll think about it but thank you. I'll have to find a job here first though before I even moved."
"That's fine. So Aaron what do you say?"
"To what? To you inviting my brother to live with us? It's your house, it's fine with me. Does mean I can help you and keep an eye on you Sean."
"No Aaron it would be our house, and Sean's house if he lived there. But would about marrying? What else is standing in your way? I know all about your job, I'm used to your lifestyle, with the guys' offer and Matt's offer you wouldn't have to go on every case and could stay home sometimes, but I never mind you going away now and I'm used to that lifestyle. So do you love me Aaron?"
"Er…yeah….."
"Would you like me to be your wife?"
"Er…."
"Dad just answer….."
"Buddy it's not that easy you know…."
"Yeah it is. The answer's yes isn't it dad?"
"Fine yes it is."
"So will you propose or, like some women do, should I propose to you?"
"Can I do something first?"
"What's that?"
In front of everyone, he leaned forward and pressed his lips against her and they shared a kiss. Jack could only close his eyes.
"Er gross dad. Kids are watching….."
"Get a room guys…"
"They got a honeymoon suite upstairs….."
Aaron broke the kiss off.
"Jess will you stand up in front of Jack? Jack do I have your approval?"
"Yeah of course. Go for it dad! Oh and I got this for you as well just in case. I know the rings you got are for the wedding but you could use this to propose…sorry Aunt Jess I borrowed one of your rings….."
"That's okay Jack…." Jack handed his dad the ring he'd borrowed from his aunt's jewellery box.
"Thank you buddy. Nice ring choice."
This surprised everyone else, they had no idea Jack had bought a spare ring of his aunt's.
With Jess standing with Jack on her left, Aaron got down on one knee in front of her and took her left in his hands.
"Jessica Brooks, will you do me the honour and pleasure of being my wife?"
"Yes, definitely."
Aaron slid the ring onto her ring finger and stood up and they embraced in another kiss.
"Ergh dad, not here. Now can we get the wedding started. Oh Aunt Jess we got a surprise for you. It's currently upstairs. Uncle Derek can you go get it? Aunt Jess you're gonna love it. Dad's already dressed up. You should be too…."
"You don't mean, a wedding dress Jack?"
"Oh yeah, go get it Uncle Derek…..quickly…."
Morgan ran up the stairs to where the wedding dress had been hiding in a side closet and bought it downstairs.
"Aunt Jess would you do me the honour of wearing this dress to my dad and your's wedding?"
"You guys bought me a wedding dress?"
"Yeah and thanks to Jack here borrowing one of your dresses, we know it fits….."
"Wow…..I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll wear Aunt Jess, please. You'll look beautiful in it. I know you will. It's perfect for you. Aunt J.J helped me but I chose it for you myself."
"You chose this one yourself Jack?"
"Yeah, with Aunt J.J's, please say you like it"
"I love it and it's the perfect dress. Thank you so much Jack."
"Er….who paid for it Dave?"
"I did, along with all our suits. Except your suit which Matt paid for but I paid the rest of our suits. Fitted suits as well."
"When did you guys get all the suits and the dress made up?"
"Went on Wednesday, picked them up yesterday. Same tailors who made up the suits for Jack, Matt and Morgan for Matt's meal and the same tailor who Matt took you to for that suit did all 8 of our suits in only 2 days."
"I know Jack told me you'd paid for another fitted suit for him and that he'd outgrown the last one Matt bought him."
"Wasn't exactly true. Jack has grown and the suit could have been taken out but I wanted to buy everyone new fitted suits. The dress was Jack's idea."
"Thank you Dave. Thank you buddy, the dress looks fantastic. Good choice. So where's the other dress that you borrowed?"
"Upstairs. Was gonna return it. So Aunt J.J, Aunt Alex can you help Aunt Jess put the dress on quickly?"
"We sure can Jack, Garcia come help with the make up too. Not that she needs any as she's already got a real nice face. But come on girls, let's get Jess ready."
"Cool, which room J.J?"
"Is your make up stand set up Garcia?"
"As always. Let's take her to my room. Come on Jessica, time to go get ready quickly for your wedding."
"Can we stop by a bathroom first girls?"
"Sure, there's by my room. See you guys soon!"
"Jack will you do me the honour of being my best man?"
"Yeah! Although I was going to anyway but thanks dad!"
"Sean, as you're the closest living relative, will you give her away and escort her down the aisle?"
"Will be my pleasure Aaron."
"I can't believe I'm doing this….. I think I need the bathroom, be right back….."
"That's an idea, whilst Jess is getting ready why don't the rest of us use the bathroom before the wedding."
"There's a second and third bathroom downstairs and at least 3 upstairs….."
"How many bathrooms have you got here Dave?"
"Enough."
"Isn't it only you and Mudgie that live here?"
"Most of the time. Steve stays here when I'm away and Lisa has her own place."
"Whose Steve and Lisa?"
"Oh sorry. Steve is Mudgie's dog sitter. Mudgie loves him and he spoils Mudgie. Lisa is my house keeper."
"Oh right so where are the bathrooms downstairs Dave?"
"I'll show you Sean. Will you take Henry upstairs and 2 other can use the other bathrooms upstairs and the other 4 of us can share the 2 remaining bathrooms downstairs whilst Hotch is in the other one."
"Come on Jack, you can go after me…."
"Thanks Uncle Derek."
About only 15 minutes later, everyone was gathered at the bottom of the stairs when they heard Garcia clear her throat from where she stood at the top of the stairs.
"Guys you go wait outside. Sean will you escort Jess to the altar if me and Jack go wait for her?"
"Sure, be my honour brother."
Aaron and Jack hurried outside with the others and, as everyone stood around, Aaron and Jack stood at the altar, Suddenly a waiter appeared with a cushion.
"Hey buddy, would you do us the added honour of being ring bearer? When the vicar asks you stand here in front of him between us holding the cushion on which the rings will sit?"
"Sure dad. Love to."
Meanwhile Jess was led downstairs by J.J and Alex.
"Hi Jessica, as you're closest living relative besides Aaron and Jack, I've got the great honour of escorting you and giving you away."
"Thank you Sean. Wow I can't believe I'm getting married today…."
Sean offered his right arm bent and Jess hooked her left arm in his and he began to lead her out to the back yard.
Suddenly the wedding march music started playing and Aaron and Jack looked behind to see Sean leading Jessica in a beautiful wedding dress.
"Wow! Dad she's looks so awesome!"
"Yeah buddy I know she does…"
Sean led Jessica down the aisle and then handed her to Aaron and stepped to the side.
"Who gives this beautiful bride away?"
"I do, I'm one of her brother in laws."
"Before we begin I need to ask each of you a question. Jessica Brooks are freely and of your own free will prepared and willing to marry this man?"
"Yes I am"
"Aaron Hotchner, are you?"
"Yes I am."
The wedding went beautifully, Aaron and Jess exchanging vows, Jack being the perfect ring bearer, never stopping from smiling the whole way through the ceremony.
Finally the vicar said the words.
"Aaron Hotchner, Jessica Brooks, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Aaron you may now kiss the bride…."
Everyone, including Jack cheered loudly as Aaron and Jessica shared a kiss before breaking off and Aaron knelt down and pulled Jack into a tight hug.
"You did it buddy! Thank you! You'll have your dream….."
"No dad. Thank you. And Aunt Jess?"
"Yeah Jack?"
"You look AMAZING! AWESOME AND AMAZING! You are BEAUTIFUL!"
"Thank you Jack."
"That dress is perfect on you Aunt Jess! So are you guys happy now?"
"Yeah buddy we are. You made us realise that. We couldn't of done this without you and your dream. Thank you buddy!"
"You're welcome dad. Now can eat Uncle Dave, I'm starving!"
"Sure. GUYS GET THE FOOD! Jack I got a surprise for you….."
"What's that Uncle Dave?"
"Your dinner. Well your's and Henry's main course. For starters you got a hot dog, for mains you got pizza and plates of mac n cheese and for dessert you got ice cream. Am I missing any favourites off?"
"Hot dog, pizza, mac n cheese and ice cream?"
"Yeah. Actually come to think of it, we all got the same. It's part of my thank you for being so patient in getting your dad and aunt together. Sean I hope you like mac n cheese"
"Actually I love it!"
"You love mac n cheese too?"
"Yeah, haven't had it in a while. Love hot dogs, pizza and ice cream too."
"Dad, Uncle Sean should of my dad!"
"You love mac n cheese Sean?"
"Yeah you never know brother?"
"Nope but been years since we lived together at home."
"Oh and I forgot one more thing Jack….during dinner, along with ice cream we all get a peanut butter and jelly sandwich…..to help fill us up…."
"PB&J sandwich Dave? I haven't had them in a while but I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches."
"Really Uncle Sean. PB&J are the ONLY sandwiches I eat!"
"Rossi, what kind of dinner is that?"
"A mixture of Jack's favourites Morgan. We got chicken breast and sausages as well. Oh and along with the mac n cheese, there's bacon…."
"I love bacon too! Can never get enough of the stuff myself!"
"Dad, I love Uncle Sean!"
"In that case Sean I'll get them to put TRIPLE the bacon on 3 servings…."
"Triple portion of bacon?"
"Yeah Jack on yours, Henry's and now also Sean's"
"Uncle Dave, your awesome!"
"Thank you Jack. Figured that as this day is all thanks to you and all down to you, I'd have them serve a dinner consisting of all your favourite foods! Sorry Aaron, Jess, I hope you like dinner…..but I figured Jack deserved it….."
"That he does, he sure does. Don't worry, at least we can eat everything…..hate fancy wedding food anyway….but thanks, Jack deserves a dinner like that on a day like this."
"Seeing as he can keep it at Jessica's now, I gonna buy him a new bike, and anything else he wants."
"Really Uncle Dave? A new bike?"
"Yeah, with all the safety stuff and helmet of course, with head lamp."
"Thanks Uncle Dave!"
"Seeing as you rode in that triathlon Aaron, I'll buy you a new bike too so you guys can go for rides together…."
"Dave you don't have to do that you know…."
"I WANT to do that Aaron. Anything Jack, or you guys want is on me. But especially anything Jack wants, as long as you agree of course. Oh and, for your mom Jack, I'll do something special for her."
"Thanks Uncle Dave. That'll be real nice…..shame she couldn't be here today though."
"No but look up Jack at the top of the altar….."
Jack and Aaron, who hadn't looked upwards, looked up at the top of the top of the altar as the vicar pulled a on a rope and a curtained off picture of Haley smiling widely appeared and appeared to be smiling down on them.
"Hi mom! Miss you! Love you!"
Just then the weirdest thing happened that surprised everyone. Even though there was absolutely no breeze or air flow at the time, Jack and Aaron and Jessica felt a wind blow through their hair and everyone heard the same voice that sounded like Haley coming from the sky "Hi guys, I love you Jack, I've always loved you Aaron, I love you Jess. Jack I'm sorry I'm not here anymore but I'm happy that you've finally got your dream. You 4 will make a very happy family. I'm happy for you Aaron, I really am. I'm happy for you too sis. Thank you for being there for my boys all this time. You two are perfect for each other and I wish you all the happiness in the world. You deserve this Aaron. You deserve it even more Jack. I miss you guys loads. I'm happy for you Aaron and Jess and Jack. Jess you'll make a great mom to Jack. You already are a great mom and now you can be his proper mom. Hi Sean, glad you could make it. Jack well done. I have to go now but I'm happy for you all. I'm always watching you Jack, and keeping you safe, I promise. I love you so much Jack. I've enjoyed watching you efforts by the way over the past 12 weeks. l love you guys and I'll always love you Jack. Bye for now. Love mom."
"Wow dad! That was mom!"
"Yeah buddy we all heard it. Wow! Thank you Haley!
"Thanks mom! I love you! Always will!"
Everyone was shocked at having heard Haley's voice talking from the sky. No one, not even rational Spencer, could explain it. Haley's voice had been clear as she spoke to Aaron, Jess, Jack, Sean and all the others.
"Dad she was watching us set you guys up!"
"Yeah buddy looks like she really was and enjoyed watching you. Wow! Jess I can't believe that!"
"Neither can I! She can even see Sean here…..she's watching us right now!"
"I know, it's unbelievable…..she's happy for us! And she even said we were perfect for one another."
"Yeah, and what's even weirder is she said the 4 of us will make a happy family. She wants Sean to join our family for good!"
"Yeah Sean it looks like you're moving in. Jack you've got your dream!"
"Yeah buddy a happy family at last!"
"Awesome!"