AN: I know it's short, but I just didn't really know what to do with this chapter.

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Disclaimer: Don't own criminal minds or the beginning and ending quotes.

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"Gratitude helps us see what is there instead of what isn't." - Annette Bridges

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"Are you sure we're going to have enough food?" Emily asked; her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Rossi and Mattea had spent all morning cooking up dish after dish. Despite their best efforts to help, Erin and Emily had been repeatedly shooed out of the kitchen.

"What we don't eat today the team will later," Rossi stated adding yet another dish to the overflowing table.

Rossi had invited the whole team, but everyone had prior plans. Hotch was spending Thanksgiving with Haley's family. Morgan had flew home to Chicago and Reid to Vegas. JJ hadn't stated her plans, but they all knew she was flying to New Orleans. And Garcia was meeting up with some people from her support group who didn't have any families to spend the holiday with.

Clyde joined them in the dining room. "Now how come you can't cook darling?" He'd been on the receiving in of her many failed meals. "I still remember the year you tried to make Christmas dinner."

Emily defensively crossed her arms. "It was only a small fire."

"Mom, you do realize we had to call the fire department for your small fire," Mattea pointed out stressing the word small.

"I still haven't figured out how you girls survived on Emily's cooking," came a voice from the archway.

"Look who I found at the door," Erin announced stepping into the dinning room.

Mattea spun around. "Nonna Carmeilina!"

At her exclamation Chloe and Elise came running into the room. Carmeilina embraced the three girls before moving to hug Emily. "It's good to see you again."

"I'm so glad you could come," Emily replied releasing Carmeilina. "Carma this is my father, Dave, and mother, Erin."

Carmeilina gave both of them a warm smile. "It's so nice to finally meet you two."

"Same for us since we've heard so much about you," Dave replied.

"All good I hope," Carmeilina spoke with a smile.

"Of course," Erin replied.

With her shock wearing off Mattea was able to produce her first question, "How long are you here for?"

"About a week," Carmeilina answered.

Mattea smiled. "That means you'll be here for my performance Friday, and you'll get to meet Caitlin."

"Wouldn't miss it."

Clyde spoke from his position in the corner in the room, strategically behind Emily and Rossi, "It's a pleasure to see you again Carmeilina."

Carmeilina's warm smile was replaced with an expression of stone. "I'm sure it is Mr. Easter."

Clyde visibly shuddered under her hard stare as he made his escape to the kitchen.

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A little while later they were all seated in the smaller dining room. Rossi took the head of the table with Erin seated across from him. To his left was Carmeilina, Mattea, and Elise. To his right was Emily, Chloe, and Clyde. Clyde had purposely chosen the seat furthest away from Carmeilina as possible.

"So tell me about this Caitlin," Carmeilina started the conversation.

Mattea's face lit up. "Caitlin is my best friend. She's-"

The door bell rang alarming everyone, but Carmeilina. She stood up. "I'll get it."

Rossi protested, but she insisted she could get it. Mattea was the first one to notice the new visitor standing in the arch way. Everyone jumped as the clatter of a fork dropping and Mattea's chair hitting the floor sounded throughout the room. Mattea had bolted up from the table, not caring as she ran to throw her arms around the new visitor. "Daddy!"

Emily covered her mouth as she looked Matthew up and down. She couldn't believe he was actually there. Carmeilina busied herself pulling up another chair between herself and Mattea.

"I'm here sweetie," Matthew reassured the crying teenager.

"I missed you," Mattea chocked out.

Emily hesitantly stood up and took the few steps towards them. She allowed her hand to lightly brush against Mathew's arm. "You're really here?" She asked with unshed tears.

Matthew didn't say anything but used his other arm to wrap her in a hug. Everyone was silent as the trio seemed to communicate without speaking. Eventually they sat back down at the table; Carmeilina and Emily switching seats.

"Everyone this is Matthew," Emily introduces. "Mathew these are my parents Erin and Dave; its a long story. You remember Chloe and Clyde and the little one is Elise."

"It's nice to you. I hope it's okay Carmeilina invited me?" Mathew said.

Rossi smiled. "The more the merrier."

Mattea turned to Matthew excitedly. "Are you staying long enough to see my show?"

Matthew smiled. "I'll stay as long as you and your mom will have me."

Mattea looked to Emily; her eyes gleaming. "You're welcome to stay as long as you can," Emily told him hoping should wouldn't be left to pick up the pieces when he inevitably left.

Matthew grinned. "Thank you Em."

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"Family. Today's little moments become tomorrow's precious memories."