Chapter 69
A few weeks later at work, Emily and Spencer were having lunch in Rossi's office. Hotch walked in at one point to ask Rossi about a report he was working on. Emily figured he must've made eye contact with her a few too many times because Rossi gave her a look once Hotch walked out.
They'd been skeptical about him for a while ever since he made a comment about Hotch needing to wait till he was cleared to go back out in the field after his ears got injured from the bomb in New York. He'd implied he knew how much Hotch cared about Emily when she was at Liberty Ranch and Hotch took a moment to calm down. Rossi knew. But he'd never speak about it to them. And then the way he looked at her after Hotch left almost became too much for her.
"So, I know it's Hotch's birthday tomorrow and I had an idea...", Rossi said to Emily and Spencer.
"It's his birthday tomorrow?", Emily played dumb.
"How did you not know that?", Spencer asked.
"How would I know that? I don't have an eidetic memory like you, boy wonder.", she nudged him with a laugh.
"Anyways, I was thinking we could throw a surprise party for him at my house. Maybe even invite Jack and Haley. I know he said they're on good terms and I know he doesn't always get much time to spend with Jack doing fun things like that. It could be them and us, the whole team. Do you guys know any friends of his we could invite or his brother?", Rossi asked, looking from Spencer to Emily and locking his eyes on hers for a little longer than she would've liked.
"I met his brother once. I don't know how close they are.", Spencer said.
"He mentioned to me recently that he saw him not long ago and they were keeping in touch so maybe we could call him and see.", Rossi said, looking over at Emily. "Would you do that, Emily?"
"Wha- me? Why me?", she asked defensively.
"I could do it I guess, just wondering if you would and maybe call Haley too...", Rossi said.
"Oh. Yeah, sure. I'll go pull their numbers right now.", she said, walking out fast.
She went to her desk and pretended to look up Sean and Haley's numbers before walking back up the steps and to the hallway. She stood outside the bathroom and called Haley. After a few rings, she picked up.
"Hey!", Haley said.
"Hey, sorry to call randomly but I had a question...", Emily said.
"Okay... you sound rushed. Wait, why are you calling me from work? Is Aaron okay?", Haley asked.
"Oh, yeah. He's completely alright. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to freak you out.", Emily said.
"No, no, you're good. What's going on?", Haley asked.
"Rossi wanted to throw Aaron a surprise party tomorrow night for his birthday at his place which by the way is like a freaking mansion. He put me in charge of contacting everyone, oddly enough. So, would you want to come? Bring Jack too, of course.", Emily said.
"Sure! It sounds fun. It's been a while since I've seen everyone and I'm sure they'd love to see Jack now. None of them have since he was a newborn.", Haley said.
"Great. Oh and I was going to call Carson but if anyone asks, can we just say it was you who called him. Otherwise, they'll wonder how I knew about one of his friends and-", Emily said.
"No worries.", Haley chuckled. "Oh, Jack just woke up from his nap. Do you wanna say hi. Oh, if you have a minute..."
"Yeah, put him on! Wait, why is he at home and not preschool?", Emily asked.
"A bunch of kids got sick with the flu so they sent everyone home for a few days. He seems to be fine though.", Haley said.
"Okay, yeah, put him on.", Emily said and after a few seconds, she heard Jack on the other line.
"Hi, Emily.", he said in his cute little sleepy voice.
"Hey, sweetie. Are you feeling okay?", she asked.
"Mmhmm.", he said and she heard him yawn.
Suddenly she saw Hotch heading towards the bathroom which she was standing right outside of, so she knew of course he would come up to her, which he did.
He looked all around before he spoke. "Em, who is that?", he asked.
She didn't have time or any excuse to lie so she hoped that nothing about the surprise party would come up. "It's Jack.", she said to Hotch. "What did you do today?", she asked Jack and covered the speaker while he spoke.
"Why are you talking to Jack? Can I say hi?", he asked.
"Yeah, he just woke up from a nap so he's a little groggy.", she said to Hotch. "Oh that sounds like fun. Oh hey, sweetie, your daddy's here too. Wanna say hi?", she asked Jack.
"Yeah.", he said.
She handed the phone to Hotch who gladly accepted it. "Hey buddy, why aren't you at school?", Hotch asked.
"Kids got sick.", Jack said.
"Ohhh. Are you sick?", Hotch asked.
"No.", Jack said. "Mommy, can I have snack?", Hotch heard him ask Haley.
"Jack.", Hotch said.
"Yeah?", Jack said.
"I gotta go but I'll give the phone back to Emily now, okay?", Hotch said.
"Okay.", Jack said.
"Alright, I love you. I'll see you on Friday, okay?", Hotch said.
"Okay. I love you, daddy.", Jack said and Hotch handed the phone back to Emily.
"Hey, can you put your mommy back on the phone now?", she asked Jack.
"Okay. I love you.", Jack said.
"I love you too, sweetie.", she said.
"Hey, sorry he's not very talkative right now. Like I said, he just woke up from a nap. But tomorrow night. What time?", Haley said.
"Oh well, I was thinking-", Emily started and looked at Hotch who was still standing next to her. "Aaron. Didn't you have to go to the bathroom?", she asked.
"Well, I just thought that-", he started before Emily pushed him towards the door.
"Go! Go to the bathroom.", she said and he looked back at her confused but walked in anyways. "Anyways, I was thinking about maybe 7:00 if that's not too late for Jack. You know what let's do 6:30. Is that okay?", Emily asked.
"6:30 is good, yeah. He can stay up a little bit. I'll make sure he gets a good nap in since he'll be home tomorrow anyways.", Haley said.
"Great, I'll let Rossi know and text you the address and I got him a-", Emily started but was interrupted by Hotch walking back out and over to her. "Yeah, I'll talk to you later.", she covered up.
"Did he just walk back out?", Haley asked.
"Yep.", Emily said.
"Okay, text me the address later and we'll see you tomorrow.", Haley chuckled.
"Sounds good, bye.", Emily hung up. "Jeez you came out of nowhere."
"I was just in the bathroom right there.", Hotch laughed. "Why were you on the phone with Haley?"
"Uhh it was just some girl stuff.", she said.
"It was so important to call in the middle of the work day?", he asked.
"Aaron, it was girl stuff. Do you really wanna know?", she raised an eyebrow and he put hands up and shut his eyes, shaking his head.
"Nope. No, that's alright. I'm good.", he laughed.
"Mmhmm that's what I thought.", she said. He took her hand and pulled her off to the side more. "What are you doing?" He put his hand on her face and gave her a kiss. "Aaron, we're at work.", she whispered with a giggle.
"I know but no one's around. I just wanted one little kiss.", he smiled.
"You're too cute.", she kissed him again.
"So what do you think we should do tomorrow night?", he asked.
She knew what he was insinuating and if they were going to pull off the surprise party, she had to play dumb. "Oh, well JJ and Garcia are having a girl's night at JJ's place so I was just gonna hangout with them. Why?", she asked.
"Oh. Um, no reason, I guess. Just wondering if you had any plans...", he said.
"Yeah. I might be over there late. Is that alright? Did you want to do something?", she asked.
"No. No, that's fine.", he said, not so convincingly.
"Okay. Well, I'm gonna go finish lunch and get back to work now.", she smiled, giving him a kiss on the cheek and patted his chest, walking away. Emily walked back into Rossi's office and closed the door.
"So? Did you get ahold of anyone?", Spencer asked.
"I figured I'd call Haley and she said she could contact his brother and another friend of his so we got all that taken care of. I told her 6:30 if that's alright.", she said.
"Sounds perfect. Should we do a cake or?", Rossi asked.
"His favorite's a Devil's Food Cake.", she said, looking down at her phone, texting Haley what she'd gotten Hotch for his birthday. After she realized what she said and felt their eyes on her in that awkward moment of silence, she looked up. "I heard him mention it before..."
"We can get one of those. I'm thinkin' I'll invite him over to play some poker, have a nice scotch, just got some new Cuban cigars. Have him think it'll be a guys' night.", Rossi said.
"Hotch doesn't smoke cigars.", Emily laughed.
"He does sometimes, well- on occasion when I have them.", Rossi said.
Emily stopped. Hotch told her he never smokes. Anything. But it's not like she could ask him right then. "Reeeally...? Interesting...", Emily said, knowing she'd scold Hotch after the party.
"I'm gonna go finish up some work but keep me updated with the plans.", Spencer said, walking out of Rossi's office.
Rossi looked at Emily and waited for her to make eye contact with him after watching Spencer walk out.
"So... are you gonna get him anything?", Rossi asked.
"What? No. Maybe a card from all of us I guess. Why? What'd you get him?", she asked.
"A bottle of scotch, of course. 20 year old single malt.", Rossi said.
"No shit...", Emily said, wondering if she could return her gift, seeing as how she got him the same thing. She also got him a new tie and outfit for herself to wear for him that night in bed.
"Think he'll like it?", he eyed her.
"Um, yeah. I'm sure he will. You know him better than I do though.", she said.
"Right.", he said, nodding his head and looking at her in a way where she could tell he knew something.
"Well, I'm gonna go do some work now, so keep me updated as well.", she tried to smile and walked out, back to her desk.
By the end of the day Emily was waiting until everybody left but Rossi went into Hotch's office, making her have to wait even longer until they could go home. He came out a few minutes later and gave her a thumbs up, letting her know he invited Hotch over for the next night and their plan was on. Once he walked out, she packed up her things and before she could head towards Hotch's office, he was already walking out of it, down to her desk.
"Hey, what did Rossi want?", she asked him.
"He invited me over tomorrow night for drinks and poker with the guys.", he said, wrapping his arm around her.
"Oh, that sounds like fun.", she said.
"Yeah...", he said, quietly.
Once they got home after what felt like a really long drive because it was silent almost all the way there, he went to the bathroom. Emily changed into her pajamas and waited for Hotch to come out until she heard the shower. She went over to the door and knocked.
"Hey, did you want some company in there?", she asked.
"No, I'm fine.", he said.
She was a bit taken aback by his response. He never turned that down. She shrugged it off and got in bed. Once he came out, he changed into his pajamas as well and got in bed on his side, not bothering to move to the middle or closer to Emily.
She scooted over to him, laying on his back, she curled up next to him, laying on her side. She rubbed his chest and kissed his neck, getting no reaction from him, she took her hand and ran it up his chest under his shirt, still kissing his neck. After a few times of doing so, he turned on his side, away from her.
"Honey, what's wrong?", she asked, rubbing his arm.
"I'm just really tired.", he said.
"You've been acting weird all night since Rossi left your office. What's really going on?", she asked, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Nothing, Em. I just wanna sleep.", he said.
"Aaron...", she said.
He finally rolled over to face her and reached for her side, rubbing it. "Sweetie, I'm sorry but I'm just really tired right now, okay? And alright, fine, I'm not in a great mood either but I don't feel like talking right now. Maybe tomorrow but let's just sleep now, okay?", he said in a tired but also kind and trying voice.
"Okay. Thank you for communicating that to me. I appreciate it. I love you.", she said.
"I love you too, sweetie.", he said, leaning in for a quick kiss before turning around again.
She couldn't help but wonder if he was upset because she had pretended to forget about his birthday being the next day. She started to feel bad but knew he was okay and that he would find out that wasn't true the next day anyways. She instinctively reached her arm out for him but instead, gave him his space and backed up to her own pillow, falling asleep shortly after.
The next morning, more than anything, Emily
wanted to roll over and give Hotch a big hug and kiss and cook him a birthday breakfast and have morning birthday sex and give him presents but she knew she had to wait.
The alarm clock woke Emily the next morning and normally Hotch turned it off right away but not that time. After going off 5 times, Emily got up and walked to his side of the bed and turned it off. He was obviously awake and his eyes were open but he was just staring at the ground, worrying Emily. She knelt to the ground and touched his face.
"Honey, you alright?", she asked.
"Yeah.", he mumbled, not looking her in the eye.
"Okay. Come on. You're getting up.", she said, lifting him and making him sit up.
"Emily, stop.", he said.
"No. You need to get up, Aaron. I know you're not in a good mood but you still need to get to work. You can be upset for whatever reason and you don't have to talk to me but you still need to get up.", she said, dragging him by his hands to stand up. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him.
"Em, I love you but I just need some space right now. In this moment. I'm not pushing you away. I just... need some space...", he said, taking her arms off of him and walking out to the kitchen.
She hated seeing him like that but kept telling herself it would be over later that day. She went to take a shower and by the time she was changed and ready, she went out to the kitchen for coffee. Hotch was sitting at the table hunched over, sipping his own, still in his pajamas. She looked at her watch and her eyes grew wide.
"Aaron, we have 5 minutes till we have to leave! You need to get dressed.", she said.
"I think I'm just gonna call out sick.", he said.
She rolled her eyes and walked over to him fast. "I'm sorry. I respect your space but I'm not going to let you just call out sick today because you're in a mood.", she said , picking him up from his seat. She pulled him inside their room and grabbed a suit for him. She handed it to him, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Em...", he said.
"No no. You are going to work. And you know what? I'm driving.", she said.
"Fine.", he said, giving up and standing to get changed.
He finally got ready and grabbed his briefcase walking out the door before her, allowing her to grab the car keys. She didn't try to speak to him on the way to work, knowing he would continue to stare out the car window the whole time and not engage anyways.
Right after they parked, she reached for his hand but he pulled away, unbuckling his seat belt, and got out of the car, heading inside. She followed after and was glad to see he waited and held the door open for her. Once they got on the elevator he reached his hand over and took hers in it, squeezing it tight and stroking it with his thumb.
"I'm sorry, hun.", he said.
"It's okay. I just don't want to see you give up even for a day.", she said, confused about him being all over the place with his emotions the past day but she went along with it, knowing that's what he needed. "I'm right here if you need me for anything. You know where to find me.", she giggled.
"I do.", he kissed the top of her head.
When they heard the elevator ding, they broke apart and stepped to the sides before getting off. Emily looked all around and didn't see anybody. She grabbed Hotch's shoulder and pulled him back to face her.
"Hey. I love you.", she said, tilting her head.
He looked all around and didn't see anybody either. He put his hand on her face and lips to hers. "I love you too.", he said and walked ahead, up to his office.
A few hours later JJ came up to Emily's desk and leaned against it. "Hey what's up with that?", JJ asked her, motioning her head towards Hotch obviously stressing over something he was working on.
"I'm pretty sure he's upset because I'm pretending like I forgot his birthday today. We have that surprise party for tonight at Rossi's but I told Aaron that I'm going to hang with you and Penelope to have a girls night.", Emily said.
"You did not! You're seriously letting him think that you forgot his birthday?!", JJ asked.
"I need him to think that if we wanna pull off this surprise party!", Emily said.
"You better have something real nice planned for later to make up for it.", JJ said.
"Oh trust me... I do.", Emily laughed.
By the end of the work day, everyone left and went to Rossi's to set up for the party. Emily had told him that she'd be there soon and she would be on cake duty. Once they all left, Emily walked into Hotch's office and helped him pack up. They walked out to the car together and she drove them home.
Back at their apartment, Emily was changing into jeans and converse but still had on her shirt from earlier and loose curls that hung down to her shoulders. She didn't change her makeup either, knowing that nobody would be dressed up at all. She walked out of their room to grab her keys and give Hotch a kiss goodbye.
"Bye honey, have fun tonight.", she said, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"You too.", he said, sounding down again.
She was finally able to ignore it, knowing that in just about an hour, Hotch would know that no one, especially Emily, actually forgot his birthday.
She picked up his Devil's Food cake from a bakery that stayed open late and texted Rossi, letting him know she was on her way to his house. When she got there, she went through the side gate to the backyard where everyone else was.
"Hi, sorry I'm late! But I got the cake.", she said, holding it up. "Whoa, I thought this was gonna be small, just a few of us. Not the whole BAU.", she laughed.
"It's only like 30 people or so.", Rossi laughed. "Just go set the cake down over on that table by the plates. He should be here in just a few minutes."
"Okay.", she said. She walked over to the table Rossi had pointed to and set the cake down. As she took the top of the box off, she heard her name and little footsteps running towards her.
"Emily!", Jack called to her, running up with his arms reaching out.
Without even thinking about it, she bent down and picked him up. "Hey, sweetie.", she smiled. She held him to her side and he hugged her neck. The main team members looked over at her confused. Confused as to how Jack knew her and why she was calling him sweetie. Haley walked up to them and tried to come up with a plan, hoping Emily would catch on and follow her lead.
"Emily, hey. Sorry about that. As you can see, he gets attached pretty easily.", Haley said, taking Jack back.
"Oh, it's fine.", Emily laughed, waiting to see where Haley was going with it.
"Thanks for playing with him the other night while I was talking with Aaron. I know you probably wanted to just leave work already and get home.", Haley said.
"It's no problem. Anytime, really.", Emily, smiled.
After that, everyone kept talking amongst themselves again while Haley and Emily walked off to the side with Jack.
"I didn't even think of that happening.", Haley said.
"Neither did I. Nice save.", Emily laughed.
"I'm so sorry. I should've made sure-", Haley started.
"No, no. It's fine. I think everyone bought it. Oh. Where's Carson and Sean?", Emily asked.
"Ummm... oh, they're over together.", Haley pointed.
"Great, I'm gonna go say hi to them.", she said, leaning down and ruffling Jack's hair first.
As she approached Carson and Sean, they both looked over at her and tried to hide a smile, pretending they didn't know her already. Since nobody could hear them, they talked normally but put their hands out and shook hers.
"Emily! I feel like it's been so long.", Carson said.
"A couple months. Same with you, Sean. I guess that is a little while. You guys met before?", she asked.
"A couple times.", Sean said.
"Maybe all four of us should get together soon.", she said.
"Yeah, that'd be great. Hey, nice party. This house... wow.", Sean said.
"Trust me, I know.", she said.
"So, Aaron hasn't returned any of my texts today. He alright?", Carson asked.
"I think he's just bummed, thinking everyone forgot his birthday.", she said.
"He's never been a huge birthday person before though.", Sean said.
"Yeah, that's why I'm kind of confused.", Carson said.
"Really?", she asked.
All of a sudden, they heard a knock on the front door and Rossi had everybody quiet down while he went inside and answered the front door.
"Hey, come in. We're all set up outside but let me get you a drink first.", Rossi said.
"Yeah, sure. I could really use one right about now.", Hotch said walking over to Rossi's bar where he fixed him a scotch on the rocks.
"That bad of a day, huh?", Rossi asked, walking towards the back door.
"Yeah, you could say that...", Hotch said.
"Hopefully this'll get your mind off that.", Rossi said, opening the door and walking out into the backyard.
As soon as Hotch stepped out and saw everybody, they all shouted, "Surprise!" He instantly turned to Rossi who patted his back, leading him out to everyone. "You planned all this?", he asked him.
"Well... with the help of Reid and Prentiss. But everybody was in on it.", Rossi said.
"Wow. I honestly did not see this coming.", Hotch said.
"Daddy!", Jack said, running up to him.
"Ohh! Hey, buddy!", Hotch said, picking him up. "Where's your mommy?"
"There.", Jack pointed as Haley walked up.
"Hey. Happy birthday!", she said.
"Thanks. There's a lot of people here...", he said, looking all around.
"Yeah, Dave invited more than we thought so make sure you get some cake before it's all gone.", she said.
"There's cake too?", he asked.
"Yep. Devil's food cake. Emily made sure to get it. She knew it was your favorite. It's right over there at the table with the plates.", she said.
"Oh god... Emily... she helped put this together?", he asked.
"Yeah, her and Dave and Spencer. That's what she was doing on the phone with me yesterday. Making sure I could come tonight with Jack.", she said.
"I feel horrible. I thought she forgot and- ugh I'll have to talk to her later.", he said.
"I'm sure she'll understand.", Haley said.
"I'm gonna go say hi to everyone but I'll come back around.", he said, giving Jack a kiss and setting him down.
"Alright, so are we. Everyone was going crazy over Jack when we got here, seeing him so much bigger now.", she said.
"I bet.", he said, walking away. He saw Emily talking to Sean and Carson and started walking over after a few minutes of interacting with everyone else. Once he headed over to them, Emily went to JJ and Penelope.
20 minutes later, Hotch went inside to refill his drink and Rossi came in. "There a balcony upstairs if you need some fresh air... alone. Some quiet space.", Rossi said and Hotch nodded. Rossi walked back outside and Hotch stood there for a moment and watched Emily laugh, talking with everybody, having a good time. He still felt... off and decided to take a moment and headed towards the balcony upstairs. Emily looked over and saw him walking up. She knew that was her moment to get him alone so she followed him.
She walked up the stairs and down the hallway until she spotted Hotch standing out on the balcony through the study. Facing the front lawn, Hotch leaned forward against the wall of it. She walked up and leaned against the doorway, watching him look at the moon's reflection on the drink in his glass and out towards the street.
"Hey.", she said, almost whispered.
He didn't turn around, he wasn't startled, he barely moved. "Hey.", he said after a long pause.
"Are you mad?", she asked.
He shook his head and was silent again for another moment before he said, "No."
"Are you okay?", she asked.
"I don't know.", he shrugged his shoulders. She stood up straight and walked over, leaning forward against the wall right next to him, copying his posture. She turned her head and looked at him but he was still staring straight ahead. "I don't know...", he said again, taking a sip of his drink.
She brought her hand to the back of his neck and rubbed it. "Honey, talk to me. Is it the party? Was that too much?", she asked.
"No. No, this is...", he trailed off and turned to face her. He took her hand in his and kissed it. "The party is very nice. Thank you."
"I'm sorry I made you think I-", she started.
Before she could finish, he pulled her in and held her to his body, placing his lips on hers. "Thank you, sweetie.", he said, pressing his forehead to hers and tucking her hair behind her ear.
One of her hands was on his side and the other, holding onto his bicep. "Happy birthday.", she said.
"Thank you, hun. And thank you for helping throw this party tonight. I'm really sorry I've been so off the past day or so.", he said.
"It's okay. I'd be upset too if I thought everyone forgot my birthday.", she said.
"Yeah... it's not just that...", he said.
"Well, what else is bothering you?", she asked, rubbing his arm.
"I don't mean to sound like an ass when I say this but I don't think you'd understand.", he said.
"Try me. If I don't, I'm still here to listen.", she said.
He pulled back and wrapped his arm around her lower back as they leaned forward on the wall again, picking up his drink.
"I'll be 50 in just a few years and... I don't know if I feel like I've done everything I can with my life in that time frame. I feel like I've missed out on something, that all this time has gone by and I don't know if I have done everything I want to but instead, done everything I felt I had to or was expected to. I've been successful in my career, sure. But I feel like something is missing and I don't know if time is running out or not for it because I don't know what it is...", he sighed. "I don't know... maybe it's just some mid life crisis I'm having."
"That's completely normal to feel like that.", she said, resting her head on his shoulder.
"I feel like I've wanted to make a difference in people's lives in some way. I mean, that's why I do what I do, right? But I don't think I have ever stopped and taken the time to really do that for the people that matter the most to me. I feel like I've let a lot of people down. My brother, my friends, Haley, Jack... you...", he said.
"Honey, how could you have possibly let me down?", she laughed. "If anything, you build me back up again each time I feel like I'm losing it.", she said, rubbing his chest.
"No. I've let you down.", he said.
"How? Why would you think that?"? She asked.
"All those time I hurt you before we started this relationship, fights we've gotten in, not being good enough for you, the pregnancy...", he said, with his voice cracking at the end and taking a sip of his drink, swirling it around.
"Aaron...", she said.
"Em, I don't deserve you. I know what you always say about that but... you're too good for me.", he said.
"Don't say that. I don't want to ever hear you say that. I choose what's good enough for me. I love you so much and I chose to be with you because of that. You haven't let me down. What happened with us before we got into a real relationship is in the past now and we wouldn't be where we are at now if it wasn't for that. Every couple has fights. That's normal but you never let me down because of them. And... the pregnancy... that wasn't just your fault. We were both responsible for that happening. You supported me through the whole thing... you did the complete opposite of letting me down with that. I don't know how I would've gotten through that without you.", she said, letting a tear fall on his shoulder. She stood up straight and turned him to face her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he brought his around her back.
"Em, I-", he started.
"Don't talk right now.", she said, bringing her lips to his. She slid her hand to his face and pulled his face in more. Parting their lips, their tongues danced around with each other and it all became more passionate and slow. Breaking for air after a minute, she stroked his cheek and looked in his eyes.
"Can I tell you I love you or should I still shut up?", he laughed.
"That's perfectly acceptable.", she said.
"Okay, good. I love you, Emily.", he said.
"I love you too.", she kissed him. "In fact... I might have a few other surprises for you tonight...", she smirked.
"Oh? I think I like the sound of that.", he chuckled.
"Mmhmm. But first, we need to get back out there. I got you your favorite cake.", she said.
"I heard.", he said.
"Are you good?", she asked.
"I'm better. You always seem to make me feel better.", he said, giving her a kiss.
"Happy birthday, sweetie.", she said.
"Thank you.", he smiled.
She wrapped her arms around his neck again and hugged him tight before they went back inside. Right as they stepped out into the hall, Rossi walked up to them and they stopped in their tracks.
"Thought I'd find you both here. People were wondering where you went. Come on, there's cake.", Rossi said, walking back downstairs.
"Do you think he knows?", Emily asked Hotch.
"He definitely knows. He just won't say it unless one of us does.", he said.
"Are we really that bad at hiding it?", she asked.
"No. He's just that good and JJ's your best friend. I don't think anyone else has a clue.", he said.
"Let's hope it stays that way for a while.", she said, walking ahead and down the stairs as he followed behind.
Once they went back outside to everyone, Hotch walked over to Jack and picked him up, looking over at Emily and smiling.
"Daddy, can I have cake?", Jack asked.
"You can have a couple bites of mine.", Hotch said, holding him with one hand while he went to cut a piece of cake but Emily walked up first.
"Let me cut that for you.", she said.
"Emily!", Jack said, reaching out for her. Hotch gave her a worried look and she waved it off.
"Haley came up with an excuse when it happened earlier. We're all good.", Emily said, grabbing Jack and holding him up on her side.
"Can we go to the zoo on Saturday?", Jack asked.
"The zoo, huh? Let's see what your daddy thinks.", she said, looking over at Hotch putting a piece of cake on his plate.
"Sure. We haven't been in a while.", he said.
"Have you said hello to Carson and Sean?", she asked.
"They're here?", he asked.
"Yes! Go bring Jack over. Your brother still hasn't met him.", she said.
"Here, come with me. I'll pretend I'm introducing you and you're holding Jack for me. It won't seem weird to others. Come on.", he said.
Emily followed Hotch, expecting weird stares from everyone but receiving none. They found Carson and Sean chatting off to the side further away from everyone and walked up to them.
"Hey, happy birthday man!", Sean said, giving Hotch a "man hug".
"Thanks, Sean. There is someone that I'd like you to meet. Jack? This is your uncle Sean.", Hotch said.
He looked confused so Emily stepped in. "That's your daddy's brother. His name is Sean.", she said.
"Hi.", Jack said, shyly, leaning back on Emily.
"Hey, buddy. Can I get a high five?", Sean asked and Jack reached out giving him one and started giggling when Sean kept throwing his hands up for more.
"Where's Haley?", Emily asked Hotch.
"I think she just ran to the restroom real quick.", he said and she nodded.
"So. How was the 1 year?", Carson asked.
"It was a few weeks ago but it was good. Nice dinner, nice drawing from Jack...", she tickled him. "He got me black pearl earrings.", she pointed to Hotch.
"Yeah, well, she got me this Rolex so I felt like my gift was-", he said, holding up his wrist.
"Stop. I told you. They're really nice and I love them.", she said, bringing her hand up to touch his arm but quickly brought it back down once she realized what she was doing.
"I wanna bite.", Jack said, reaching for Hotch's cake. He picked a piece up with his fork and fed it to him.
Right as he did that, Haley walked up. "I leave you two alone with each other for 5 minutes and you're feeding him chocolate cake that's gonna keep him up for hours.", Haley raised an eyebrow and Hotch panicked until she started laughing. "I'm kidding but he did already have a couple bites of my piece so no more for you, Jack.", she pointed at him.
Jack pouted and hugged Emily's neck again. Haley laughed and rubbed his back. "It seems like everyone bought the story we came up with earlier.", Emily said.
"I tried to think quickly on my feet.", Haley said.
"What was it?", Hotch asked.
"That I came by your work one night to talk about something and Emily watched Jack and played with him while we were in your office.", Haley said.
"It worked? People bought it?", he asked.
"Guess so.", Emily said. "Hey, Jack, sweetie. I'm gonna give you back to your mommy now, okay?", Emily said, handing him over to Haley.
JJ walked up to their group and smiled, expecting to be introduced. "Well, look who it is. All the cool kids.", she laughed.
"JJ, this is my brother Sean, you've met him once, my friend Carson, and of course Haley and Jack.", Hotch said, moving so she can shake their hands and give Haley a side hug because of her huge belly.
"Hey Jack. I haven't seen you since right after you were born. Look how big you are now. How old are you now?", JJ asked even though she already knew.
"Three!", Jack said holding out 3 with his fingers.
"Three?! Wow that's so- ahh.", JJ winced in pain.
"Jayje. Are you alright?", Emily asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine.", JJ said, scrunching up her face and taking mastered breaths. She placed her hands on her very pregnant belly.
"JJ how long have you been getting this pain?", Haley asked.
"I don't know. Every 10 minutes or so in the last hour? I'm fine, really.", JJ said.
"Oh my god, you're having contractions!", Haley said.
"No, I can't be because I'm not even due for another 3 weeks.", JJ said.
"Well, whenever it was supposed to be, isn't anymore because you're having this baby tonight.", Haley said.
