Chapter 25

Finally leaving the National Park, Aaron pulled the coach out of the parking lot. Dave was once again his co-pilot. Jack was in his usual "navigator" spot, happily enjoying being between his two real-life super heroes. "How are you going to head home Aaron?"

"Why?"

"We could spend the night at my cabin," he smiled.

Aaron shook his head. "We're too far east to do that." He smiled at Dave. "Not that we didn't think about that." Dave smiled back. Aaron pulled onto a stretch of freeway designated I-15. "We're going southwest a bit on this and then take State Road 40. That will get us into Maryland towards Taneytown, on to Westminster. That's where Cait has us staying tonight."

"And tomorrow?"

Aaron smiled. "We head a more southwest again to miss Baltimore on a two lane road that will eventually connect up with the 495."

"The road home," Dave smiled.

"I don't wanna go home," Jack frowned. "But then again….." He looked at Dave. "What's wrong with me Uncle Dave?"

David Rossi laughed at his youngest nephew. "Jack, you had a wonderful vacation as a family that you all enjoyed. You don't want to lose that." Dave pointed to his chest. "But your heart is telling you something else. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that."

Jack smiled. "It's time; time to go home."

Dave smiled at him with love. "Yuppp, it is."

"So what's for dinner?" Aaron and Dave laughed. Cait rolled her eyes at Matt and Mike.

Matt pulled Cait into a hug. "Mom, this trip was truly amazing." He kissed her. "But I'm ready to get back home too."

Mike put his long wingspan of arms around them both. "I second that vote."

Cait kissed them both as they released her. "The journey has been long; wonderful, and amazing." She looked at her two oldest sons. "I'm ready too," she confessed. The boys smiled. Aaron winked at Dave.

They pulled into the campground outside Westminster. In less than thirty minutes, they had a fully functioning campsite. The boys took off to swim in the pool once again provided by the Circle K campgrounds.

Aaron looked at Cait. "What is for dinner?"

Cait smiled and pointed at Dave. He smiled. "I may have noticed a number to a certain local Westminster pizza place that delivers."

Aaron kissed Cait. "You're good Doc."

"So is he," she smiled.

They enjoyed their final night under the stairs without the glare of suburban lights. The last remnants of s'mores were enjoyed by all. Jack snuggled in Cait's lap again. Matt and Mike looked around as their dad and uncle took a sip of their scotch. "I'm gonna miss this too," they said together.

Cait and Aaron smiled at each other.

-00CM00-

Aaron had the coach on I-270 approaching I-495. Cait was standing behind Aaron as the boys played video games. Her cellphone pinged with a message. Been following you all; BBQ's waiting for you. Oriental Cole Slaw in fridge; dressing next to it; buns on counter. Rest on you. Welcome home. J and I have missed you. Lisa

Cait smiled and shook her head. Dave looked at her. "Lisa has dinner waiting for us," she smiled. Aaron smiled as well. Thanks luvs, Cait texted back. Missed you both as well; had a great time; better yet to get home. :D C

"That's two wonderful friends you have," Dave commented with a smile.

Aaron signaled a right turn for an exit. Cait looked at him. He smiled. "My co-pilot found a gas stop that also has propane. We return the coach with it all re-filled and I won't pay DC prices." He glared at Dave. "And you're not; period." Dave looked at him. "I'm armed; remember?" Dave shook his head with a laugh.

Cait rubbed Aaron's shoulder, kissing his check. "You're good my husband."

-00CM00-

Aaron pulled the coach up the driveway on Deer Valley Road. He got the coach backed around to face out the drive-way. The boys and dogs tumbled off the coach. Dave stuck around to help them get things unloaded off the coach and then grabbed his duffle bag from the back bedroom. He looked at them all working in the garage, cleaning out the coolers. "I'm glad you're home, safe and sound. Thanks for including me in the journey," he smiled. He was treated to a chorus of "good-byes" and heartfelt love. He and Mudg went around the corner to walk home.

By ten that night, the house was quiet. Aaron pulled Cait into his arms, coming out of the bathroom, wearing his glasses. "It is good to be home," he said in her ear, kissing her temple, as she turned down the bed.

Cait kissed his cheek. "Yes, it is." They fell into bed; their own bed.

"Damn this feels good," they said together.

-00CM00-

Hotch was at his desk in the BAU Monday morning. Derek Morgan didn't bother to knock, walking into his office. He ceremoniously dumped a stack of files on Hotch's desk. "This is the second time I've filled in for you," he growled. "Don't ask for a third," he said, turning on his heel to head out. Hotch laughed. When Dave got in at nine, it was Round Two of case files and reports with pretty much the same attitude.

Hotch walked into the usual morning 10 am briefing. Emily smiled. "Look at you; tanned and relaxed," she smiled. JJ pointed at her, giving Hotch a huge smile.

"Mom and dad had a great time meeting you all in Vegas," Reid smiled.

"We all enjoyed that," Hotch commented.

"It's about goddamn time you relaxed and got away from this place," Emily snarked. Morgan pointed at her with a smile.

Garcia blew in. "Sir," she said looking at Hotch. "May I say that you look amazingly relaxed? And you so needed it. Like in super, duper needing…"

"Garcia," Hotch intoned. "Let's get started."

Dave looked at Morgan and Emily and smiled. "Welcome back Hotch." Morgan and Emily shared a laugh.

Hotch looked at them and then Garcia.

"Right sir."

#####

A/N: I know the journey was long. However, I have to say that while I was "officially" on a writing break back then, I really enjoyed writing this one. It's the family that I love so much, together again, and getting to do some research along the way as well. Just a note: I used my atlas so much, the front and back cover came off. I hope some of you followed along using the same type of resource.

A huge thank you once again for the following and favorite alerts. And for those of you that reviewed, each and every one was deeply appreciated. To everyone else that just took the time to read, I appreciate that as well. I hope you enjoyed it.

My usual shout-out to the usual suspects; you know who you are and how much you mean to me.

It's my vacation time! See y'all in August.

*Knightly bow*