Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who reads and follows this story. Every review is read and appreciated. Thank you again.

Sean, Aaron's brother arrived on the weekend and he was also helping out in any way he could. He always liked Penelope from the few times he's seen her but he loved her now for what she brought to Aaron and Jack's lives. He had never seen his brother smile so much as he had in the last few days, not even when he was married to Haley. Jack was another story. He always appeared lost when he visited him but since Penelope has been in his life in a more significant role, he has blossomed. One thing he did see was the constant attention he paid to his new mom. He made sure she always had something to drink or eat. He was always hugging her but the most precious moment was when Aaron was telling him about the trouble they were having with Haley's parents. Everyone thought he was playing the other room but before they knew it, he was next to Penelope as if he was guarding her. Later that night Sean mentioned this and Aaron told him Jack didn't like anyone talking bad about Penelope or making her cry. He was surprised by how grown up he acted instead of the five year old. Good changes were happening to his family. He was happy for his brother when he was told that he was going to have another nephew. Aaron talked with so much excitement in his voice you couldn't help but be happy.

He did surprise Aaron by asking about Emily and was not surprised at all what he heard.

"Aaron you are some top notch profiler but you couldn't see that she had feelings for you."

"I didn't know."

"Then again you always did have eyes only for Penelope, even while you were married to Haley." He said. "I didn't think you were ever going to do something about it."

"I've liked her for a long time but always thought she was out of me reach. I was married and I would never cheat on Haley. I've never told anyone this but Haley divorced me because I was always gone not really being a full time husband and father. But I also think it was because she knew how I felt about Penelope. I don't think she was mad or upset about that. Penelope and Haley were friends to an extent and she told Penelope to go after the man she loved. I'll always love Haley and I was happy. What I feel for my soon to be wife is nothing compared to that."

"Just don't ever take that for granted, Aaron. Very rarely do people get second chances at love."

"I know how lucky I am."

The week flew by confirming all deliveries and making wedding favors. They also made baskets to put them in. The suits were picked up and hanging in closets. Her dress was hanging in a closet at JJ's house. They decided to do a rehearsal with just the four of them and then they were going to a restaurant where some others were joining them. Then they would separate and not seeing each other until the ceremony. JJ was in charge of making sure that the hall was decorated just as she wanted.

They had their bags packed ready for the honeymoon, which she still didn't know where they were going. He just said to dress warm. Jack was going to go with them but Sean volunteered to stay and watch over him. He was excited to spend the week and half with his uncle. The only thing Aaron told him was to make sure the Brooks didn't have any contact with Jack. They didn't even know when they were getting married.

On the day of the rehearsal dinner, Aaron was filled with excitement. He told Penelope to stay on bed while he ran Jack to school. She didn't listen because she had breakfast waiting for him.

"Honey I told you to stay in bed."

"I know but I couldn't." she said. "So I got up and made breakfast."

"Anything I can help with?"

"No. I got it. Go sit at the table." She brought their plates to the table. "Jack was excited this morning."

"He was talking a mile a minute. Tomorrow can't get here fast enough for him."

"I know. I'm pretty excited too."

"Is there anything you need to do today?"

"Not really. I just want to relax here at home before the rehearsal. This week has been so busy and your son is moving quite a bit more."

"Is he?"

"Yeah." She giggled. "It's the coolest feeling. I know we shouldn't talk about this right now but are you going back to work once we get back from the honeymoon."

"We'll be gone a week and a half and we won't be home until Wednesday. I'll go back that following Monday. In what capacity I don't know yet."

"Have you missed it?"

"Yes and no." he said. "I love being home for Jack and being here when you come home. I'm not looking forward to going to work and not seeing you or talking to you. You work in another department now. It's going to be harder."

"I think you made the right decision. It's less stressful and I rarely see Derek or Emily."

"Enough about that, let's go sit out by the pool for a while."

The rehearsed two times and then talked to the priest that was going to marry them tomorrow in the church they had picked out. The church would be decorated buy the sisters of the church as Penelope's instructions. She was glad that Aaron decided he didn't want people all in their new home when she suggested they get married there. They would have had an outdoor wedding but it was begginning to be too hot. Jack and Sean were seated in the first row watching. Jack couldn't sit still, he was too excited.

They went to the restaurant where some of the guests met them for dinner. Sean had reserved a private dining room for the group so they could celebrate in private. He chose one of the most expensive and elegant Italian places to eat. Sean had insisted he was picking up the tab for the dinner. Everyone was talking, laughing and having a good time. It was getting late and everyone was starting to leave. Aaron walked Penelope to JJ's car.

"I'm going to miss you sweetheart but I can't wait to for you to be my wife tomorrow."

"I'm going to miss you and Jack as well. I can't wait until you become my husband tomorrow."

He smiled. "Don't stay up too late. You have the spa package in the morning and then lunch will be delivered as soon as you let me know that you are ready for it."

"JJ said she was going to call you since I can't have any contact with you until the ceremony."

"So I won't be able to talk to you before you go to bed."

"Nope. She said she was hijacking my phone as soon as we get to the house."

"Fine. Make sure you put the security on as soon as you get home. "

"I will."

Aaron, Jack, Sean, Will and Henry were sitting around Dave's kitchen table eating breakfast and laughing. He watched the others interact with each other. Jack and henry were laughing about who knows what while eating. Suddenly Jack looked at his father.

"I miss mom, daddy."

"I know buddy, I do too." He said. "We'll see her in a few hours."

"Can I call her? Please."

"Well I'm not supposed to talk to her but I don't see why you can't." He handed Jack his phone. "Call her but she may be busy. She's at the spa with JJ."

"Ok."

The phone rang and JJ answered.

"Hotch, you know you can't talk to Penelope."

"It's me Jack not daddy." He giggled. "I want to talk to my mom, please."

"You want to talk to her or your daddy?"

"I do. I miss her."

"Ok hold on."

Jack looked at Aaron. "She told me to hold on."

"Jack."

"Mom." He said. "I missed you."

"Oh Jack I missed you too. I've been thinking about you. Have you ate breakfast?"

"I'm eating now but I wanted to talk to you. When am I going to see you?"

"You'll see me at the church in just a few hours. I have to go now Jack. I love you and daddy."

"Ok mom. I love you too."

He hung up and gave the phone back to Aaron. Everyone waited to see what he would say but he continued to eat his breakfast.

"Well what did she say?"

"That she loved me."

Aaron just sat there while everyone else laughed. "She didn't tell you to tell me anything."

"Just that she loved you too."

Aaron laughed at the expression on Jack's face. He stood up and put the dishes in the sink.

At the spa, JJ tool the phone from Penelope's shoulder. She blinked a couple of times.

"What did Jack want?"

"To talk. He missed me."

"That little boy loves you so much."

"I know. I love him so much too. To me he's my son, not my stepson."

"Haley would be happy for all three of you."

"I hope so JJ, I really do." She whispered. "Can we make a stop before we go home?"

"Sure."

Penelope kneeled down in front of the grave, brushing away some dried grass and dirt.

"I came today to say thank you for raising a perfect little boy. I know you didn't get much time with him and for that I am sorry. He's growing up so fast or that is the way it seems. I'm marrying them today and I couldn't be happier. I hope I'm as good a mother to Jack like you were. I'm not trying to take your place and I never would. I love Jack as if he were my own son and in a way he is. I know you are always looking down him and watching. Today I promise you that I will always love your son and make sure he grows into the young man you would be proud of. Bye for now."

She walked back to the car and JJ looked at her sincerely. "Everything ok?"

"Yes." Penelope whispered. "I needed to talk to Haley today and I'm really glad you could bring me. Don't tell Aaron we came here. He knows how emotional coming here makes me, especially right now. He'll just worry."

"I won't but it's time for you to go get your hair and make-up done. You're getting married in just a few hours."

"I'm ready." She sniffed and then giggled. "Let's go."

Her lunch was delivered just as Aaron said and then the make-up and hair ladies showed up. Penelope had never pampered as she was today and it was all because of Aaron. Now they were on the way to the church. There she would finish getting ready. She wished her parents could be here but she knew they were watching from above. The nerves in her stomach threatened to spill her lunch and she didn't want that to happen. Some of the ladies from the church came to help carry her things inside while they snuck her in. Sherry, the lady that organized the weddings in the church gave her hug.

"Are you ready to get this show on the road?"

"I am."

"Aaron got here just a few minutes ago and asked if you were already here. I told him you weren't and as soon as you get here I would let him know. Jack is such a cutie, he wants to see you. Is that ok?"

"Where is he?"

"Standing just outside the door."

Penelope beamed. "Let him in JJ."

JJ opened the door and Jack walked in in his dark gray suit that matched Aarons. She saw him look around for her and when he spotted her, his eye lit up.

"Mom." He said as he hugged her. "You look so pretty."

"I'm not even dressed yet but thank you sweetie. But I have to say you look so handsome in your suit."

He blushed a little. "Thank you. I have a present for you. It's from daddy."

He handed her a square box wrapped with a bow and a card. She took it and read the card.

My beautiful wife to be

I can't wait for you to become mine. In this box is just a small token of how much I love you.

Aaron

Penelope opened the box and gasped while tears made her blink her eyes. Inside were a pair of tear drop earrings.

"Those are nice." JJ said. "That man loves you."

"Tell daddy I love them and I love him."

"I will."

"I'll take him back and then we'll get you dressed." Sherry said.

"Let's get this dress on you."

An hour later she was dressed and staring at the mirror. She couldn't believe that was the same person she saw this morning in the mirror.

"We traditions and the first one you already received: your something new. The earring Aaron gave you. Next is the something blue; your garter. Your something old …"

"I have that one covered. I had a piece of my mother's lace veil sewed into the dress."

"Oh Pen." JJ said. "Moving on to your something borrowed. I have here my tennis bracelet will gave me on our first anniversary."

"Oh JJ, thank you."

"It's the least I could do for my best friend." They hugged. "I wish you the best."

Sherry interrupted before the tears started. "Everyone get where you need to. Remember Penelope when you hear the music start, start walking down the aisle."

Everyone left and Penelope took one last look in the mirror before she walked to the door. She opened it and blinked, not believing her eyes.

"You look beautiful Penelope."

"Derek what are you doing here?"