Chapter 34

The next few days went by in a blur. There was much activity, all of it certainly centered around Penelope. It entailed making sure that she got up out of her bed regularly. They were getting her used to her wheelchair and trying to make sure all her needs were being met. They made sure she was able to get some semblance of a bath and Fran even helped Penelope wash her hair. Derek was there every step of the way to help. His leave of absence only had one month left and he wanted to make sure he spent every possible moment with Penelope.

Everyone in the family pitched in and were there for her as much as feasible. Luckily, the team was on stand down for one more week. So, they spent time helping her and keeping her company. Jack and Henry became almost permanent fixtures at Casa Rossi, which of course delighted both Penelope and their unofficial Nana, Fran. They loved hanging out, watching movies and playing games with their Auntie P, not to mention, they absolutely adored Mudgie and Clooney. All four of them were practically attached at the hip.

It was also made known, that on Saturday, there would be one of their usual traditional family barbecues because there was going to be a huge announcement from Emily. Everyone was dying to find out the good news, most especially, Penelope. Dave was still pretty sure he knew what it was all about. It should also be noted there were times that Emily would borrow a car and disappear for a few hours at a time. She would always return home without an explanation. She'd just smile and answer any questions that all would be revealed in due time.

Derek also made sure that his girl was able to go outside in her wheelchair to get plenty of fresh air and soak in the sunshine. Penelope was thrilled to be able to watch the boys run around the yard with the dogs on their heels. Penelope loved the outdoors and smiled ear-to-ear when Derek had already surprised her twice with a beautiful picnic, which included romantic music and some much needed alone time that would always end up with some fierce and passionate make-out sessions . She was enjoying this very charming and fairy-tale-like side of her sculpted god. He would twirl her around in her chair to the music as if they were dancing. With her leg still in a cast and her ribs still healing he didn't want to chance of hurting her by removing her from the wheelchair too much.

At last, it was Saturday. Everybody was chomping at the bit to hear Emily's news. The food all had been prepared and cooked and they'd just sat down at the tables outside in the backyard. It was a gloriously sunny day which was accompanied by a slight gentle breeze. The food was all dished out on their individual plates and grace was said. They all knew that there was a lot to be thankful for.

The family began to eat and quite without warning, Penelope shrieked out, "Alright, Em! We can't stand it anymore, will you please, tell us your news. NOW!"

Emily cleared her throat and glanced around the whole table. "Alright guys, alright! I suppose I should put you all out of your misery. So, here goes! I'm leaving Interpol and moving back to the states. I've talked to the director and I'm coming back to the BAU!"

Dave shouted out, "I knew it! I knew you were up to something!" Fran leaned over and lightly hit his chest. "Ohh, hush you!"

Penelope couldn't contain her happiness, "OMG! No way! Really? That is total awesome sauce! Yayyyyy!"

Emily replied, 'Yes way, PG! I'm here for one more week and then I will be back in two weeks. I just need to finish packing up my flat and getting everything shipped over. And then I'm back for good! I really missed my family."

There was a round of loud applause and congratulations. JJ and Spencer ran over and hugged her. Then She went around and hugged the rest while she saved Penelope for last. There were lots of comments and chatter within the group.

Once the initial shock wore off, Dave lifted his glass up. "A toast."

Emily giggled and replied, "I don't know about that. Don't you want to know the rest of the good news, first?"

Dave looked perplexed and before he could say anything, Spencer jumped in, "There's more?"

"Absolutely, Reid!"

Derek busted in, "Well, lay it on us, girl?"

Emily looked directly at a fidgety and bursting at the seams Penelope, "You know how you've been dying to know about my love life, PG?"

Penelope nodded and screamed, "I knew it, you found yourself a great Brit guy?"

Emily grinned and answered, "Not exactly, PG! I have definitely found myself a great guy but he is not a Brit."

"Shoot! Spill it already, girly! I can't stand this."

Emily couldn't help but laugh out loud and long. She loved keeping them all in suspense. And knew that Penelope wouldn't stand for much more.

Emily opened her mouth to speak. "Well…not only am I in love with this man but I have accepted his proposal of marriage."

The family screeched out, "WHAT? WHO?"

An unexpected voice spoke up and said, "Me!"

All heads swiveled in the blink of an eye as he stood up and made his way over to Emily's side. He grinned and spoke, "It's me guys! I'm the lucky one."

Dave just sat there totally stunned and muttered out, "Well...I didn't see that one coming."

Hotch looked at him, smirked and retorted, "Gotcha!"

Suddenly the noise was overpowering. Everyone was completely shocked and were yelling back and forth. With things like: "Damn! Holy cow! Who would've thought? Unbelievable! Really?"

Hotch decided to use his what was becoming his trademark whistle and everyone began to calm down before it became altogether quiet.

By this time, Hotch and Emily were standing there, arm in arm. "This has been a long time coming. We both knew we had deep feelings for each other even before Em left to go to Interpol. But as you know, I was with Beth then and we didn't think it would work being on two different continents. But as time went on, and I broke up with Beth, Emily and I began talking more and more. I even flew out there a few times on our downtime. Em secretly visited here a few times as well. Needless to say, we've been together for over a year now. I finally popped the question, about a month before you got hurt, Garcia. All this has been in the works for some time. I know we shocked the hell out of all of you but I hope you are happy for us?"

Penelope immediately blurted out, "Are you kidding, Bossman? Of course, we're happy for you guys! I think it's total amazeballs. Congratulations!"

"Thanks, Garcia!" Hotch's face lit up with one of his rare wide grins.

Everyone except Penelope, jumped up and ran over to the new couple and hugged and kissed them all shouting their congratulations. They were all completely overjoyed.

Dave hugged them both and before he walked away, he exclaimed, "Now, this really deserves a toast. I'll be right back because we are going to do this right with Champagne." And he took off to his wine cellar for only the best champagne with Fran hot on his heels.

In the meantime, the happy couple headed for Penelope where all three of them shared in hugs and kisses. Penelope was deliriously happy for them.

Dave and Fran both came back running over to the table with a bottle and several sparkling crystal champagne flutes. Dave happily poured some into all the glasses as he was sporting a huge smile. When he was done, he held up his glass and clinked on it with a spoon.

The entire family lifted their glasses up including the boys who held up their juices as Dave pronounced, "A toast. Here's to two of the greatest people I have ever known. We wish you nothing but happiness, joy, and a long wonderful life together. You guys deserve everything good that life has to offer. To Emily and Hotch, Congratulations and much love. Salute!"

The new couple grinned at each other and gave each other a quick kiss which was followed by everyone clinking their glasses together.

Afterward, the group finally settled down and ate their meal with nothing but joy on their minds. The girls all wanted to know when and where the wedding would be and what kind of wedding they wanted.

During the rest of the afternoon, Hotch and Emily told them all they really wanted was a simple little ceremony and a reception with just family, and maybe a few friends invited something along the lines of the LaMontagne's wedding. They didn't want a big fuss and didn't want more than maybe fifteen to twenty people present. Dave and Fran offered their backyard for both the ceremony and the reception. The couple gladly accepted. They were anxious to get married quickly. It was decided that the following Saturday would be the big day. This way it happened before Emily returned to London. The honeymoon would be at a later date.

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