Emily had not personally lived at Number Two West Priors Place long enough to really have it feel homey to her. They'd moved there after Italy so she could have a place to recover from her grief in peace. But she still moved out only a few years after.
In the meantime, her parents' house became an unofficial meeting house for their different associates. All kinds of people came and went. But it happened past Emily's time there.
Her parents' residence was not quite dreary. It just had not seen a lot of familial gatherings. (Although that could be attributed to the D.C. Prentisses being the last of their number) But... Recent events had changed this. Elizabeth and Fitzhugh embraced the tide change.
Especially because they recognized that their only child deeply loved every new person who had come through their doors. It gave the house new life.
So it came to no surprise when Emily's parents took the next stage of dinner night into their own hands. Each were innately curious about Doctor Amaya Elle Jo Rainer.
The doctor began to realize that something was up after dinner and dessert had been had. Fitzhugh directed Zion and AJ to play one room over. He joined everyone else in the sitting room again.
Amaya (playfully) pounced at her first chance. If anything... she was amused.
"Okay." she said to Emily's parents. "You two have some kind of plan. What's your game?"
Fitzhugh laughed. "No game."
Elizabeth spoke. "We trust you know a lot about Emelise, like we do about Virginia?"
"Yes." Amaya then had a realization of her own. "You're curious about me now."
Fitzhugh nodded. "Yes. And you can tell us anything."
Amaya took this in stride. "What's your first question?"
"Are your mother and father still around?"
"No. But they were called Henry and Lux. I loved them so much." Amaya worked hard to keep her cool. "Both have been gone since I was a child."
Elizabeth said gently, "What happened?"
"A massive tornado. In the aftermath, we only had a memorial. There were no coffins. Ever since... I've dreamt ever since that they're just lost. Wild things have been happening in my life lately, so maybe it wouldn't be too much to pray they're still in the land of the living."
Amaya cleared her throat as a reminder to herself to not ramble. Or get very dark.
"I see bits and pieces of them in my children all the time." she offered. "Even Will."
Elizabeth's curiosity really gave itself away. "Is that right?"
Amaya nodded. "Yes. My boy must have my father's height because his father was not all that tall. He also inherited my father's eyes. But Ginny... She looks like me, and is yet the spitting image of Lux."
"I never knew that!" Virginia blurted.
"Then you learned something new today." her mother informed her.
Virginia made a sound of capitulation but said nothing.
Amaya turned back to Emily's parents. "My mom and dad were great. So warm. Very kind. A dash kooky in a fun way. How about we go for drinks next week and we take our time? I'm so curious about both of you."
"Deal. I will call you tomorrow." decided Fitzhugh. "New question, then: are you married?"
"I was. Twice. Divorced one, widowed the second time. Neither man ended up being that good to me. Both are now in the great beyond. At least I became a mom."
She studied her new friends.
"Does it bother you that I have so many children spread across three different age groups?"
Fitzhugh shook his head. "Not at all. Bette and I are eager to take it all in. The good, the bad. All of it. Besides..."
Elizabeth swiftly picked up the torch. "We are not without or own doozies. For instance, we have been best friends ever since we were ten. Boarding school."
Amaya sputtered, "What? Really?"
"Mhm. Another doozy is that we didn't get married until Emelise was one."
Unable to stop herself, Emily promptly cried out, "What?"
Virginia snickered.
Fitzhugh chirped merrily to Amaya, "It's all true. Ask a new topic. This is fun."
Amaya chose a lighter topic. "Then share a fun memory from abroad. Please?"
Emily's parents didn't hesitate. "The koi pond."
Emily groaned at once. The exact memory she'd shared with Virginia just as they'd left home was about to be told. In full detail.
But Virginia just held her close as she also settled in to listen.
Amaya was getting along extremely well with Fitzhugh and Elizabeth. Both of them loved her dearly. Already.
This was amazing.
Meanwhile at the LaMontagne house...
Dinner had been run-of-the-mill that night. Just the LaMontagne four. Everyone else had moved out now. So it was just... Quiet.
Mundane, too.
That is how JJ found herself tackling her family's laundry in the utility room after dinner on a Friday night. Will was about. Henry was in his room. But Michael sat just beside her door now, playing with toys. It was nice he could entertain himself.
JJ's chore was interrupted when she received a text on her phone. From a number she didn't know. How odd.
So she opened with message with some curiosity.
JJ! This is Virginia. Emily gave me your number, just in case measure. Nothing is wrong. But I have a surprise.
JJ was quick to answer. Oh? Where are you?
Emily's parents' place. She can tell you. Her parents just gave me something I want you to see.
Virginia then sent her a snapshot of the gorgeous Prentiss family ring.
It's beautiful. Em will really love it.
Virginia's answer was lightning-fast. Thanks! Any idea on how to propose?
JJ was to the point. That is a question for William.
Copy that. Please don't tell anyone about the ring but him, Virginia sent.
You have my word.
Virginia then said something very kind. You were the first person I wanted to tell. I mean it.
JJ's heart skipped a beat. She and Virginia already got along. They were even sisters-in-law. But now she was extending a hand in friendship.
JJ sent, That is incredibly sweet. Thanks for thinking of me. Have a great night.
Same to you, Virginia sent in kind.
JJ then scarce made it through setting her phone down and setting aside a folded shirt of Henry's when her phone chirped at her with a text from someone else now.
Emily.
Can't chat for too long. Will fill you in on Monday. See what Amaya just gave me.
JJ laughed out loud at what came next. A picture of a dazzling engagement ring.
It was now very clear the situation that was unfolding. JJ felt deeply touched.
Her sisters by law, and by friendship had received rings to propose to the other with. Both had thought of her first. Because they loved her. JJ's heart melted.
She sent a fast response. I'm so happy for you, Em!
Thanks! I also want to call Will at some point next week, Emily sent bck.
Why?
To ask him for proposal ideas!
JJ laughed. You want to ask my husband because you've known him for so long, huh?
Ding, ding, ding. I will see you on Monday. Good night.
JJ once more bid a loved one good night.
She was yet chuckling to herself a few minutes later when Will wandered in.
He said, "There you are."
JJ set aside a pair of Will's folded up work slacks.
"There you are." she kissed him. "What have you been doing?"
"Actually," Will gave a nervous laugh. "I just gave Henry money for the book fair on Monday. He thanked me. And took it. But giggled insanely. Like when he has a secret he's really struggling to keep."
JJ laughed, too. "I already put spending money in his backpack earlier. Seems he found it."
"Wow. Then twenty bucks says he comes home with some kind of learning book."
He hoisted JJ on to the laundry table so as to keep her eye level.
"You on?"
"Yes." JJ kissed him. "Deal."
Will stroked the small of JJ's back with just his fingertips. She arched her back immediately. Like a cat. Physical touch was JJ's favorite sense. Mostly because the dial turned itself up to eleven during a pregnancy.
JJ even let out a soft contented sigh.
"You good, cher?" Will interlocked his hands behind JJ's back.
"Mhm." she put her hands on his arms to keep herself steady. "All good."
Will said, "I came in here to tell you about the book money. Did that. Might I ask what you were laughing about before?"
JJ nodded. "I just got a text from your sister. Virginia got my number from Emily as a 'just in case' measure."
"Actually… That move already seems prudent. What did V say?"
"She and Emily and Zion are at the Prentiss house. Amaya is, too. Probably also the little ones. I guess dinner?" JJ shrugged. "Your sister sent me a text and a picture to say that Emily's parents gave her a proposal ring."
Will's heart skipped a beat. "Oh, my God."
JJ smirked. "It gets better."
"How?!"
"Virginia asked me if I had any ideas for proposals." JJ laughed now. "I've only ever been on the receiving end of a proposal. By you. So I told her, 'That is a question for William.' Be on the lookout for a call from your sister."
Will shook his head in amusement. "Does she know yet that you said 'I'll think about it' to me? Twice?"
"No. So be cool. You were your little sister's first thought." JJ plucked a stray thread from off her husband's shirt. "It seems that she really values your opinion."
"I'm flattered. And over the moon that we're one step closer to officially bring Emily into the family." Will turned thoughtful. "My money is on Virginia becoming a Prentiss."
"No doubt. And not just because Emelise is technically the last of her line." JJ cleared her throat. "Speaking of our dearly beloved big sister… Em got a ring from Amaya. She also has plans to talk to you about proposals. Try not to meet her on the same day as Virginia."
Will just felt dazed. "Okay..."
"Keep it together." JJ caressed her husband's cheeks. "It seems Emily and Virginia both decided to text me first, but it they both definitely love you enough to think of you during such an important milestone."
"The same could also be said about their feelings towards you, Jennifer." Will rubbed his wife's back again. "Do either of them know that the other has called you? Or mentioned me? Or that the other has family heirlooms?"
"No. So far. I think their parents actually Parent Trapped them."
"Wow. Your best friend and my long-lost sister. Friends are the family you choose... But I guess this is what happens when family brings a friend into the fold."
JJ pulled Will closer to her. He now stood directly in between her legs. JJ then intertwined their fingers together. And kissed Will's.
"My heart is overflowing with happiness." JJ said softly to her other half. "Every last hope I've had for you since this all began has come true. None of it is by any means over, but… I love that we have also been delivered of many unexpected joys."
Will nodded in agreement and touched his hands to JJ's baby bump. She held them in place.
Both LaMontagnes were completely enamored with the taut round shape of JJ's middle. Their youngest and last children were growing within. Happy. Healthy. Much-wanted. Much-loved.
Will pulled his wife into a warm hug. "I can't imagine my life without you. Certainly not any of what's happening now. You are my anchor. Thank you. I love you."
JJ suddenly felt her heart fill up with so much love for her husband that she was at a loss for words.
But Will understood. This woman was his first love. He knew everything about her. Including how to be in JJ's corner at times like this: initiate physical contact. She loved it. Craved it.
JJ didn't like to talk about it, but for years after her father left, her mother had not been big on hugs and the like. Or even just regular approval. Both of them had been hurting.
Will understood. On some levels.
And he loved her, anyway.
JJ wrapped her arms around him but made no move to speak.
"Oh, cher." Will whispered to her. "You don't have to say a word."
Gratitude-filled, JJ placed a few gentle kisses on Will's throat and leaned even more into his hold.
This man called her his anchor. But he was hers. They completed each other.
Soulmates.
Their brief spell was disrupted after only a brief bout of quiet.
Michael poked his head into the room from the hallway. "Daddy? Mama?"
Both of the boy's parents immediately changed their tunes to bright and sunny.
JJ hugged her middle child when Will put him on her lap. "Hey, big man! All done playing?"
The boy nodded. "Yes."
JJ kissed Michael on top of his head. "What did you want?"
Michael snuggled close to JJ and sighed. "You."
JJ's heart jumped.
Never in her life—until they'd accidentally made Henry—had she considered motherhood for herself. Now she was comforting Henry's little brother as he drifted off to sleep. And Henry was in his room. Her sons' youngest siblings were growing in her womb. Their angel, Maggie Rose Charlotte, watched from heaven. JJ had no words to describe her love towards her offspring.
She loved being an FBI agent. But she loved being a mother the most.
"Rest." JJ patted Michael's back and rubbed it. "Rest. We've got you."
Michael yawned and closed his eyes. "Thank you."
Will helped JJ from the laundry table and guided her to Michael's room. Clothes could wait. For now.
JJ and Will worked together to get Michael into clean pajamas. He didn't even stir.
But JJ sat with Michael on his bed. Held him. Watched him sleep. This little miracle was her snuggliest child to date.
Will sat beside them.
He pressed a kiss to JJ's temple. "We made a beautiful boy."
JJ kissed him in return. "We sure did. And… I've been thinking."
"About what?" inquired Will.
"It has never been lost on me that without our precious Emelise Adele, you and I would not be together. Or dead."
"Correct." Will realized. "There would also be a reality where I wouldn't have known about Henry. Crazy."
JJ shuddered. "And it's also crazy to think that I was already pregnant when Emily made that last push in Florida."
"Even more wild to think that we owe our lives together to Emily because she fell out of the sky when she did."
JJ nodded in agreement. But said nothing. It appeared she had one more idea on her mind.
"Will," she remarked after a moment. "Amaya was right."
He said blankly, "Pardon?"
JJ scrambled to rephrase. "I mean the part about how she's choosing to believe that this mess is over. It all started because we got curious."
"Any idea on when it will end?"
"No. Too many people are dead. We are stalled for now. Let's just pray no one else dies."
"I feel you. Everyone who has died in this case died protecting a secret, or surrounding one." Will ran his fingers through his hair. "And it all connects to my past. What do you think?"
"It's all so crazy, but I am your anchor, babe. You are mine. Emily is our port in the storm… Even if we're in the eye of it for now."
A weight lifted from Will's shoulders now. "So… We'll be okay?"
"Absolutely." JJ kissed him. "We always are."
Just then, Michael made a happy sound as he slept. He even hugged JJ close.
It took her everything in her power not to cry.
Will held JJ again. She leaned against him. Instinctively. Calm flooded her system.
"It's okay to cry, darling." Will whispered to her. "You deserve it. After everything life has thrown at you, I promise you that crying because our baby boy loves you is very normal. Your feelings are valid. One hundred percent."
JJ exhaled shakily. "Same to you."
"Thanks, darling." Will then motioned to Michael. "How about we watch him sleep?"
"Yes, please. I would love that."
Michael's dream state was deep. And peaceful.
His parents did watch him sleep. Just for a little bit longer.