Hey guys, first of all thank you for your reviews, they really motivated me to write a new chapter! I have to say that this is without a doubt my very favourite chapter so far and I think you will just love it!
For a moment I pondered about ending this story here but Amelia's story isn't fully told yet and since you've all been so kind in the past two months there's more to come as long as you want to read more!

And now enjoy reading and have some cookies!


They were still immersed in their play when they heard the first knock on the door, Emily walking into the hall to get it, knowing JJ was busy entertaining Amelia.
Opening the door she was surprised that it was not Garcia standing in front of it, as usual, but Spencer.
"Hey Spencer, come in. You just took over Garcia's position of the early bird." She smirked at her friend and ushered him inside the house.

"Am I here too early? I hope I'm not bothering you guys." Spencer almost nervously spoke up, fiddling with the strap of his bag, but was interrupted by JJ's voice coming from the adjacent living room.
"Just come in Spence, you know you're always welcome here." She softly laughed, still finding it cute how insecure he would become in certain situations.

Letting out an inaudible sigh of relief he walked over to where JJ and Amelia where settled on the floor and upon seeing who was joining them Amelia immediately got up and hesitantly walked over to him.
Looking up at him with wide eyes she seemed to think about something for a moment before she wrapped her small arms around Spencer's legs. "Hello Spencer." She mumbled and he was almost taken aback by this gesture while Emily and JJ simply watched in awe at Amelia's display of affection.
"Hey Lia, it's nice to see you again." He smiled down at her and gently ruffled her hair before she loosened her hold on his legs again.
"She was really excited to see you Spence. I guess you left a good first impression." JJ smiled and watched as Amelia ran off before returning to them with a book in her hand and a pleading look in her eyes.

"You wead to me Spencer?" Again she looked up at him and they all knew he wouldn't be able to deny her request.
"I think we still have some time until the others arrive, so why not?" He uncertainly looked towards JJ who nodded in return.
"Go ahead Spence. This will give me the chance to help Emily with the last preparations." JJ got up and gave Amelia a kiss on the forehead before disappearing in the kitchen but not before reassuring the little girl.
"Don't worry Lia, Emily and I are right here if you need something." With that she was gone, leaving Amelia and Spencer in the living room to continue reading the book they had started the last time.

It didn't take long until the rest of the team arrived as well, Hotch and Jack arriving last since he had to pick him up from preschool first.
Amelia, who wasn't quite comfortable around so many people, found refuge in JJ's arms and watched as everyone was greeted and led inside and into the backyard.
Once they were all settled down and Morgan had taken over the barbecue duty JJ and Emily went back inside the house to get drinks for everyone while they let Amelia play on a blanket they had spread out on the grass for her.

Noticing that she was all by herself Hotch decided to go over to her with Jack, knowing his son would be more than happy to have someone to play with while the adults were talking.
Seeing the older man approach her Amelia's eyes went wide, wondering what he would want from her.
"Hey Amelia, this is my son Jack. He is 5 years old and I wondered if you two would like to play together?" He bent down to her level but before he could say anything else Amelia's lips began to tremble and she let out an ear-piercing cry. "I want mummy." She uncontrollably sobbed and blindly ran off towards the house where Emily was catching her before she could trip over the stairs.
Holding her close to her chest she took her into the house where JJ was waiting for them with a concerned look on her face.

Not knowing what had happened Emily continuously rubbed her back and let her cry against her chest until she was exhausted.
"Oh sweetie, it's alright. We're here for you." JJ sadly looked at Amelia's shaking form and gently ran her fingers through her hair in a comforting manner.
Seeing the sad look in her eyes Emily carefully leaned over and placed a small kiss onto JJ's forehead before speaking up. "Hey Lia, is it ok if we go outside together? You don't have to get down if you don't want to." She knew Amelia would need them now and decided it would be best if she was close to them for the time being.

When she felt her nodding against her chest they made their way into the backyard again where the team was patiently waiting for them.
"Oh good, you're back. Is everything ok?" Garcia almost frantically asked and watched Amelia cuddled closer into Emily's embrace.
"Yeah, she's just a bit shaken up but hasn't told us anything so far." Emily reassured their friend and Hotch went to explain what had happened while they were gone.
"I just thought she might want some company." He concluded his speech and even though he knew it wasn't his fault still felt a little guilty for upsetting the girl.
"I think she just isn't used to play with kids at her age yet." JJ contemplated and shot a small but reassuring smile towards him as they all sat down again.

Right then Morgan announced that the steaks were ready and after some persuasion Amelia turned around on Emily's lap to eat a little bit as well.
They soon fell into light-hearted conversations and JJ eventually excused herself to get ice cream for everyone much to Amelia's and Jack's delight.
"Alright, we have cookie ice cream for the kids and strawberry and vanilla for everyone else." JJ went to explain, earning a pout from Garcia.

"Hey, since when is the cookie ice cream for kids only?" She asked in mock exasperation at which the team only laughed because it was so typical her.
"I think you have to settle this dispute with Amelia; she was the one who chose it." JJ grinned and saw Garcia turning towards Amelia and speaking up in the sweetest voice.
"Hey Lia, can I have some of your yummy ice cream too?" She almost pleaded and after a moment of contemplation Amelia nodded and let out a slight giggle.

After Amelia had finished her ice Emily noticed how tired the girl was and decided to get her ready for bed, giving JJ the chance to talk to Hotch without interruptions.
"Hey Jen, I'm bringing Amelia to bed. You can stay here with the others." Emily quietly spoke up from behind JJ and momentarily encircled her waist and pressed a soft kiss onto her lips.
"Thank you." JJ spoke up just as quietly, getting the hint before wishing Amelia a good night and watching as the two of them disappeared into the house.

"The three of you make a great family." Hotch mentioned with a small smile on his face and JJ couldn't help but return the smile as she thought of them together.
"Yeah, I'm glad things are working out so well considering what she's been through. And Emily is just great with her." It still made her heart swell with love to see the two of them interact and get along so well , knowing the doubts Emily still had at times.

"So are you JJ." Hotch added before asking "I take it you want some more time with her?" It wasn't an accusation and his face held nothing but understanding when he looked at her and JJ was grateful for that.
"Yes. I want to be there for her until she's ready to go to preschool and stay with a nanny. I understand the problems this could cause for the team but I really have to do this." Her voice grew quiet and she hoped Hotch would find a solution for the time of her absence.

"You don't have to explain yourself JJ. I already guessed that you would want to stay home for a while and I looked for someone who could transfer to our team for the time being. Garcia also offered taking over some of your tasks until you come back so you don't need to worry about it." He explained and hearing his words eased JJ's mind considerably.

"Thank you Hotch, you have no idea how much this means to me." JJ let out a small sigh of relief, grateful to be part of a team who had also become a family to her over the past years.
"I just don't want you to make the same mistake I made with Jack. Family should always come first and I want to support you with that. Both of you." He nodded towards Emily who was returning from the house and wrapping her arms around JJ's shoulders from behind.

"Hey." JJ quietly spoke up and softly smiled up at her while taking her hands in hers.
"Is everything ok?" Emily asked and upon seeing her nod she leaned in to kiss her soundly. They were interrupted though when Garcia stopped her conversation with Morgan to address them.
"Aww, aren't you two adorable? I swear you couldn't be any cuter if you wanted to." She beamed at her friends, effectively eliciting a chuckle from Morgan. Seeing a slight blush creep up on JJ's cheeks paired with a look of pure happiness and love Emily had to smile in awe over how beautiful she looked in the low light of the impending night.
"I love you Jen." She whispered under her breath and seeing her glistening eyes JJ was equally awestruck as she leaned in for another kiss, whispering a feather light "I love you too." against her lips as she did so because in the end that was what mattered – their love for each other.


I love hearing your thoughts guys ;)