Chapter 4: Geniuses on the Way
It was just another regular day at work for them. Emily was at the point where she was not able to leave to assist the rest of the team with cases. Garcia was enjoying the company since she didn't accompany them on many cases. She tried her damned hardest over the weeks to try and get Emily to talk about the father of her children but was still unsuccessful.
She was sitting at her desk going over a case report. There really wasn't much Emily could do at this point. They were shocked that she had made it to thirty-nine weeks being that twins sometimes arrive early. She was grateful that for all of the help that her coworkers offered her.
"Here's that water that you had asked for." Reid said handing her a large bottle of ice-cold water. He also brought her the fresh fruit she had brought for a small snack. She gladly accepted the glass of water and snack. Reid could tell something was off with her. One moment she would be focused on her work and the next she would pause for a minute or two.
"Thank you for taking care of me." She thanked him before trying to focus on everything but what had just happened. She technically had a week left, but she knew she wasn't going to make it that much longer. Everyone was surprised that she made it to thirty-nine weeks.
"Anything else I can do for you?" He offered so that she wouldn't have to get up. She shook her head and chuckled. He saw that she was trying to get up and put his hand out to help her up.
"I feel like I might fall over at any minute." She groaned as she tried to move around. She thought moving around might help with the uncomfortableness. Fortunately, they were about to be briefed on a case so getting up from her seat wasn't pointless. Garcia began filling them in on what was happening with the case that they were about to go investigate.
That was when she felt it again and winced. This it caught the attention of two others. Both of them knowing that Prentiss was trying very hard not to draw any attention to herself. She went back to focusing on their upcoming case knowing that she wouldn't be going out to work on it. Garcia had just finished up going over the case and Hotch let everyone know that they were leaving in half an hour.
"Emily?" She looked up at a worried Reid, JJ and now Garcia. "Are you alright?" Reid asked knowing the answer but trying to get her to admit it. He put his hand out to help her up out of the chair. As she was getting up, she felt another sharp pain in her lower abdomen and sat back down. She but a hand over her enormous belly and took in a deep breath to breathe through the pain.
"I think someone is in labor" Garcia said earning a glare from Prentiss. They asked her how long it has been going on and she was honest with them. She still couldn't believe this was possibly it. She reminded them that it could just be Braxton-Hicks.
"I think this is it Emily." Reid went on about how he noticed that her pains weren't going away. The women weren't convinced either, especially JJ.
"I think he's right." She agreed. "I thought the same thing at first with Henry." She added hoping to put her friend at ease some. Hotch was trying to round everyone up to head out to the jet when he noticed JJ, Reid, Garcia and Prentiss still in the meeting room. He noticed the Emily was sitting in a chair hunched over.
"Is everything okay?" Hotch asked concerned for Prentiss. She shook her head as she was breathing through another contraction. The others all nodded in agreement this was indeed labor.
"Emily's in labor." Reid responded with the others nodding in agreement.
"I'll drive, you stay with her and help her to the vehicle." Hotch stated as he went to tell the others that there has been a change in plans. Reid managed to help Emily out of the chair. She was leaning against him as they made their way out. Hotch had the SUV parked outside waiting for them. Reid helped her in and sat behind Hotch. JJ sat on the other side of Prentiss and Garcia called shotgun. Rossi and Morgan followed behind them.
"Is there anyone you want me to call?" Garcia offered to call their family for them. Reid was focused on keeping Emily calm until they arrived at the hospital. JJ was trying to comfort her friend as well, and Hotch was driving.
"Just my mother." Prentiss managed to reply. Reid had called his family before most of this had occurred. He knew that she may not make it there in time, but she was approved to go meet her grandchildren. The Doctors only request was that she check in with him every day she's out. Emily wanted to try and reach out to her mother again.
Garcia jumped on it and got an answer right away. Emily couldn't see the expression on her face, but she could hear the excitement in her friend's voice. That had to be a good sign. Garcia informed her that her mother was excited and taking the first plane that she could get.
"Your mother said she was hopping on the first flight she could get and will be here as soon as she can." Garcia announced making Emily smile even though she was in so much pain. "She also said she wouldn't miss it for the world." Garcia said hoping to make her feel better.
"Thank you." Emily replied as she tried to relax again knowing that this was only just the beginning. Garcia asked if she needed her to make anymore calls. Emily shook her head.
"Do you need me to call their father?" She asked hoping that the guy was going to show up for his kids and to be there for Prentiss. She shook her head again stating that she would do that. She insisted that she would make that call and proceeded to get her phone out to do so.
She called Reid's phone and it began to ring. The others asked if he was going to answer his phone. He looked down suppressing a laugh when he saw that Emily had called his phone. Afterall, she did tell Garcia that she would make that call.
"Aren't you going to answer that?" Garcia asked turning back towards Reid. He shook his head.
"Nah." He replied. I think being here for Emily is more important than taking some call at the moment. They then looked at Emily who was still waiting for someone to pick up on the other end.
"Did you get ahold of him?" Everyone was looking worriedly at Prentiss who just ended the call without leaving a message. Garcia offered to go hunt the guy down and drag him to the hospital. Emily assured her that it wouldn't be necessary. Everyone else was trying to comfort her while Hotch stayed quiet on the whole situation. He realized that Reid's phone went off right as she made the call and was starting to make connections.
They finally made it to the hospital. Hotch let Reid and the ladies out to go get Emily checked in. JJ and Garcia offered to stay with Emily, but she insisted that she wanted Reid with her. This shocked both women as they made their way back to the waiting area. The nurse told Garcia and JJ they could come back when she was settled in, provided she wanted visitors.
Emily wanted things to go a certain way and she knew that Spencer would fight for her and what she wanted. She agreed to let the team wish her luck, but that was it. She grabbed Reid's hand as they made their way to the back. Once they were, they were there it dawned on them that their baby geniuses would be here soon.
"This is it" She managed to choke out as helped her get comfortable. He nodded as massaged her back for a little bit. She motioned for him to let the others come by before things started progressing.
In the Waiting Room
The team was all gathered waiting for an update and talking among themselves. Two of the team members knew something but they weren't about to say anything. Those two were laughing at the rest of the members theories about who could be the father of Emily's twins.
"I can't believe this guy is letting her go through this alone." Morgan went on about how it seems like the father hasn't been in the picture the entire time. Garcia and JJ had to calm him down. They assured him that Reid was taking good care of her which made him feel a little better.
"I don't think that's the case at all." Rossi countered Morgan's statement. He also reminded them that Prentiss was a private person. "He's probably been waiting on her hand and foot this whole time." He added and reminded them that she is not obligated to share every detail of her life with them.
"So, I've been doing some digging and…" Before Garcia could finish, Reid had approached them to fill them in on what was going on.
"How is she?" Hotch asked the question that everyone else wanted to know. He let them know that she was doing fine. If they wanted to wish her luck now would be the time.
"Em is hanging in there. She is trying to rest while she can." He explained and motioned for them to follow. Reid got a few looks for referring to Prentiss as Em.
Emily's Hospital Room
She was glad to see Reid when he walked back in. She told him that it was okay if they came in now. She asked Reid to help her sit in an upright position so that she could talk to them. The nurse looked at the team waiting outside and sighed. Morgan was the first to come in followed by everyone else.
"You got this Prentiss!" He said causing her to chuckle. He then looked over at his friend and laughed. "Don't hurt him too much we still need our genius." He added causing everyone to laugh. Prentiss assured them that Reid would get out of here unharmed.
"I promise Reid will not be harmed." She promised that he will get out alive. Garcia and JJ were next. Both of them wished her luck before joining Morgan out of the way. The nurse was still glaring at all of the visitors. As the women were leaving Rossi and Hotch flashed their badges at the nurse to try and change her attitude towards them.
"Let me know if they give you trouble." Rossi motioned to the nurse who walked away for a few minutes. Emily nodded with approval and thanked him.
"If anyone is getting on my nerves it's her trying to force all of these interventions on me." She made it known that the medical staff has already annoyed her. Reid assured them that he would fight for her.
"Good luck to both of you!" Hotch said looking at the both of them.
"How long have you known?" Reid asked getting a knowing look from both of the older men on his team.
"Let's just say for a while now." Rossi added and he motioned towards the engagement ring that Emily had on a chain around her neck. They then looked over to Hotch.
"You too?" He nodded and laughed.
"The two of you may be secretive, but you are pretty easy to profile for some of us." Hotch said as he and Rossi made their way out to give them their privacy. Emily just stared at Spencer in shock. He shrugged knowing that someone was eventually going to find out their secret.
A few hours had passed since the team went back to the waiting room. Emily was starting to get really uncomfortable at this point. He helped her into a more comfortable position.
"Thank you" She said weakly as he ran a cool wet washcloth over her forehead. He also moved her damp hair out of the way and kissed her gently.
"You're doing great, Em" He encouraged her. It killed him to see her in so much pain and not be able to do anything about it.
"Can we skip to the second part now?" She begged as another contraction ripped through her. She grabbed on to Spencer as if she were holding on to him for dear life.
"I wish I could take all of the pain away." He said after she let her grip on him loose. He offered to go get her more ice chips which she gladly accepted. He also quickly updated everyone. He also noticed that her mother made it in.
"How is she?" Everyone waiting wanted to know. Reid informed them that it still may be awhile.
"She's hanging in there. Her water finally broke so things have started to progress." Reid answered trying to make his way back to her as quick as he could. He brought her the ice chips that she had wanted. As Reid was giving her some more ice, a nurse came in to check on her.
"Getting shot at and beat up hurt less than this!" Emily cried as more pain came her way. The nurse was speechless. Reid had to explain that they worked for the FBI.
"You can always ask for an epidural." A nurse offered hoping she would take the offer. This was not the first time that they tried to push interventions that Emily did not want. Spencer was about to defend Emily's wishes but she spoke up first.
"What part of no I don't want it do you no understand!" She yelled as she sat up. "If you don't stop asking, I will get up out of this bed and kick your ass myself!" She added. The nurse looked at Reid. His expression told her that Emily wasn't kidding so she got out as quick as she could. Reid took the opportunity to try and find a nurse that wouldn't continue to upset her. Maybe her being at ease would help things move along.
"Em, look at me." He got her attention as he pushed her hair out of the way. He planted a kiss on her forehead before placing the cool washcloth there. She looked up at him tiredly. "You are the strongest person I know. Actually, you are the strongest person on the team if I'm going to be really honest here." He added as he massaged her lower back.
"Really?" She managed to get out before another pain struck her. Reid nodded as he supported her through the contraction. He continued massaging her lower back earning a content sigh from Emily. He also noticed that something was on her mind.
"Emily?" He asked trying to get her attention. She just looked at him for a few seconds before she even realized that he was talking. "Em," He succeeded in getting her attention this time. "what's wrong, love?" He asked truly concerned. He moved her hair out of her face again and looked into her worried eyes.
"What If I screw up? What if I end up being like my mother was to me?" She told him her fear of turning out like her mother. Even though they were trying to repair their relationship it still worried Emily. He assured her that could never happen.
"You won't screw up Emily." He promised her that she wouldn't. "You are too nurturing and loving to be as cold as your mom was towards you." He continued listing all of the qualities that make her the best mother. He also reminded her how good she was with all children, especially on cases. He told her that their little ones were going to adore her the minute they came into the world.
She was about to say something but couldn't due to the intense pain. Reid promised her that it would all be over soon, but she didn't believe it. She panted through another contraction pulling Spencer down to her as she held on tight. After letting him go he promised her that the end was getting near. He noticed that the pains were very close together, she couldn't speak as much, and also turned down the light snacks he snuck in for her. She did however take him up on more ice chips.
"Oh god…baby is fixing to come" She cried out doubling over in agony using Spencer for support. She now felt the urge to push. The doctor walked in this time to see how things were progressing for herself.
"Well Emily, it looks like its time for your first little one to make his or her debut." The doctor said as she situated herself at the foot of the bed. This was it, she couldn't believe this moment was finally here. She was both nervous and excited.
"Em, you hear that we get to meet our little ones soon" He cheered as he took his place next to her. The doctor and nurse instructed him on how to help. He helped Emily get into a comfortable position.
"Hopefully, I don't know how much more I can take." She stressed how tired she already was from the previous 20 plus hours. She stopped counting after so long and just wanted to have her babies in her arms.
"On the next contraction I need you to push." The doctor told Emily as she moved the sheet covering Emily. She motioned for Reid to take his place. Reid gently held her leg and encouraged her.
"You can do this, Em" Reid kissed her before she pushed. She tucked her chin to her chest gave it everything she had, and it hurt so much that she cried. She rested when it ended.
"You're never touching me again!" She cried as she bore down again. Reid just shrugged it off knowing that she didn't mean it.
"Keep going Emily, you are doing great." He tried to encourage her, but she wasn't having it at the moment. The doctor told her to rest in between contractions which she gladly took advantage of and leaned back against the pillows.
An hour later and she was still at it. She was getting tired and frustrated. Reid couldn't even calm her down at this point. She was starting to worry that she had failed her children already.
"It's not moving!" She screamed. "I have been doing this for the past hour and nothing has happened. It feels like the baby hasn't even moved." She cried taking a break during this contraction. The doctor disagreed with her statement.
"Actually, your baby has moved down more than you think." The doctor said as she encouraged her to keep going. Reid pushed he hair out of her face and encouraged her.
"Emily, you can do this. I know you can." He reminded her of all of the times she saved him. "I meant what I said. You are the strongest person I know, and our children will adore you. I love you." He added as he kissed her tenderly. She was touched by his words and motivated to bring their child into the world more than ever.
Another contraction struck her, and she gave it everything with her newfound source of energy. The doctor informed them that she was very close. She was now determined to get the baby out in the next push.
"I can see the head." The doctor informed her and asked her to hold off on pushing for the next one or two contractions. She explained that it would bet better for her body to adjust. Reid peered over her leg and saw their child emerging from Emily.
"Em, she has your dark hair." Spencer said still in awe that they were about to meet their child.
"Really?" She asked not believing that she was almost here. The doctor told her that she could feel baby's head now if she wanted too. She felt their child, and this made it even more of a reality for her. "She has a lot of hair." Emily stated as she tried panting through the contraction. She turned to the side and pulled Spencer close while waiting out the contraction.
"Just one or two more good ones and your son or daughter will be here." The doctor promised her.
"Did you forget there's another one in there?" Emily deadpanned causing Reid and the doctor to chuckle. The doctor then told her to push again.
"Actually Em, the next one should arrive quicker. This little one paved the way for his or her sibling." Reid said hoping to put her at ease and it worked. Emily gathered all the strength that she could and pushed again. Suddenly she felt the child emerge from her body. She fell back against the pillows with tears falling down her cheeks when she heard a loud cry.
"She's beautiful Em!" Spencer exclaimed as the doctor handed him the medical scissors to cut the cord. The placed the baby on Emily's chest. She stared at her not believing that she was finally a mother.
"She is isn't she" Emily whispered not being able to take her eyes off of their daughter. She didn't want this moment to end but knew that the other baby was about to come. She couldn't wait to meet him or her either. While she was holding her daughter, the doctor was checking to make sure that the second baby was in the correct position to be born. The doctor informed them that the second baby was ready to meet them as well. She didn't see any complications, so she decided to let Emily rest for a few contractions to rest. A few minutes later, nurse took the baby from Emily and put her in a bassinet next to the bed.
The doctor went back to the foot of the bed to prepare for the second birth. Reid took his spot next to Emily. Holding her first child gave her energy to keep going. She couldn't wait to have them both on her chest and holding them close. Reid gave Emily some ice chips and put a cool washcloth on her forehead.
"I need you to push during this next contraction." The doctor said as she prepared to deliver the baby. Emily nodded and did as she was told. She held on tight to Spencer's free hand. She had hoped that Reid was right about the second baby coming faster.
"You're doing an amazing job, Em" Spencer said as he kissed her hand that he held. She bore down again with more strength. Before she knew it the doctor was telling her to stop again to let her body adjust. Reid kept encouraging her and holding her tight when she needed him. A half an hour later she fell back against the pillows as the doctor placed the second baby on her chest.
"It's another girl and it looks like they are identical!" She announced as put the baby on Emily's chest. The nurse brought the other baby to her as well so she could bond with both of them while they cleaned and stitched her up.
"What are we going to name them?" She asked Reid who was still looking down at the three most important women in is life. She shifted one of the girls around so that he could see her.
"I really think she looks like an Emma." Reid said as he pulled the list of names they liked out of his pocket. She couldn't help but laugh at this. He actually brought the list with the names that they agreed on
"I think she does too." Emily agreed and suggested his moms name for her middle names. "What about Diana for her middle name?" She looked up at him hoping it would be okay.
"Emma Diana Reid" Spencer said saying her name. He was touched that she wanted to use his mother's name. He knew his mother would be honored that her granddaughter was named after her. They were going to call her before Reid would go get the team to meet the girls. "What about this one?" Spencer asked about the name they wanted for their other daughter. She asked him to show her their list.
"I think she looks like an Ava. What do you think, Spense?" Emily asked hoping Spencer would agree, which he did. He suggested Elizabeth for her middle name. Elizabeth was also Emily's middle name and also her mother's first name.
"Ava Elizabeth Reid" He said trying her name out as well. Emily nodded happily she lived it too. Emily was all cleaned up and now ready for visitors. They decided to spend a little longer with just the four of them though. This was they called his mother and gave her the news. She also managed to get that first feeding in for both girls before Spencer went tell the team. She told him that it was okay to go get them now.
Reid promised her that he would be back soon and made his way to the waiting room. He was shocked to find that they were all still there waiting. He walked up to where they gathered getting their attention.
"Did she have the babies yet?" Elizabeth Prentiss was the first to speak. Reid nodded happily. She had arrived a little later than the rest of the team.
"How is she?" Garcia asked hoping to hear good news. Reid motioned for them to follow him. As they were walking to Emily's hospital room, they passed that same nurse that gave them a hard time earlier. Rossi flashed his badge before she could say anything causing the others to laugh.
"Don't worry Emily threatened her." Reid laughed remembering his fiancé threatening to get up and kick the nurse's ass herself. The rest of the team knew he wasn't joking. Reid opened the door and asked if she was ready for visitors. She nodded happily.
"We would like you to meet our daughters Emma Diana Reid and Ava Elizabeth Reid." Emily said as they gathered around to see the new additions to the BAU family.
"We have some girls now!" Garcia cheered as Emily placed one of the girls in her arms. "Who am I holding?" She asked noticing that they both looked alike. Emily laughed.
"That would be Ava." She said knowingly. She could already tell them apart and not just by the hospital bracelets, although they helped at the moment. Reid handed Emma off to Rossi who was looking down at her happily.
"Did I hear that right Emma and Ava Reid?" Morgan asked Emily who nodded. The secret was out now. Dave looked at Derek with that I told you so look. "The two of you did good with these two." He added congratulating the happy couple.
"They are baby geniuses" Emily motioned towards her fiancé. Garcia passed Ava off to Morgan who happily held her. Emily asked Garcia and Morgan to be Ava's godparents. The two of them happily accepted the task. They asked JJ and Rossi if they would be Emma's godparents and they also accepted.
"How are you feeling?" JJ asked Emily while everyone else was passing the girls around.
"Sore and tired." Emily admitted that she didn't think it would have lasted twenty hours. JJ nodded in agreement.
"It's worth every hour." She replied remembering it took fifteen until Henry arrived. Emily agreed. "Henry will now have someone close in age with him." She said cheerfully thinking about all of the playdates in the future. Emily noticed that Hotch didn't come in with them. She also noticed that her mother didn't come in either. She thought Garcia had told her that she was on her way earlier.
"Did my mother ever make it?" She asked JJ fearing the worst. It wouldn't be the first time she was let down. JJ nodded and motioned towards the door.
"She's in the hallway talking with Hotch." JJ assured her that Elizabeth Prentiss didn't walk out on her again. She wondered what her mother was asking Hotch. She'd get it out of one of them at a later time. Right now, she was enjoying time with her family. Hotch eventually walked in a few minutes later and congratulated them.
"They're beautiful Emily" He said has he held one of the girls. While holding Emma he reminisced on when Jack was that small. He told them to enjoy them being little while they can.
"Enjoy every moment because time flies." He told both of them knowing their little secret before everyone else. "Next thing you know they will be starting school." He went on about how they should always make time for the family.
"We already do." Reid assured him knowing that he was talking about what had happened to him and Haley. He pat Reid on the shoulder and told him to take care of them.
"He has been doing that for the past two years." Prentiss assured Hotch that Reid has been nothing but good to her. This made him genuinely happy. Hotch realized that he was the only one left and decided to let them have time with Emily's mother without the team around.
"Someone else is here to see you." He said as he made his way towards the door after wishing them well. Elizabeth Prentiss walked in and immediately hugged her daughter. Even though it was unexpected, Emily gladly accepted it. She couldn't remember the last time her mother genuinely showed her any affection.
"I'm a grandmother now?" She asked as Emily passed her one of the girls.
"You have two granddaughters, Emma Diana Reid and Ava Elizabeth Reid. Emma was born at 4am weighing 7lbs 2oz and Ava was born at 4:45am weighing 6lbs 15oz." Emily proudly told her mother.
"They are beautiful just like their mother." Reid said as he swapped babies with Elizabeth so she could hold her other granddaughter. She agreed with him.
"They are big for twins." Elizabeth said after hearing what their weights were.
"I made it to 39 weeks. I was told if they didn't come by next week, they were going to induce me." She explained that she was glad that they come on their own because she didn't want all of the drugs. They laughed when Reid told her how Emily almost got out of bed and kicked the nurse's ass for trying to push interventions that she didn't want.
"I know I haven't been the best mother to you, but I want to be in you and your children's lives." Elizabeth asked if they would be okay with her being around more. Emily started crying and tried to sit up to hug her mother but winced in pain. Elizabeth noticed this and got closer to her.
"I would love that." She replied trying to wipe her tears away. Even though she wasn't there for Emily it meant a lot that she was trying to make things right. She also glad that her girls would have their grandmother in their lives.
"I was telling Aaron that I'm retiring soon. If you need someone to watch the girls, I will gladly do that for you." She offered which Emily and Spencer would gladly take her up on. Emily saw this as a great opportunity to make up for the lost time she had with her mother and to make amends. It was getting late, so she congratulated them again and wished them all a good night. She promised that she would be back the next day.
Spencer had put both girls in the bassinet together knowing that they would thrive from the contact with one another. Emily looked at them already sleeping peacefully. She told Spence that they should probably take advantage of them sleeping now.
"Before we get some sleep, I have something for you." He said as he pulled a small box out of his pocket. It was a necklace with all of their birthstones on it. "Each pendant is out little family" He explained as he put it around her neck and put her ring with it.
"Thank you for the best gift I ever received." He explained that she and the girls were everything to him and that he would do everything he could to keep them happy and safe.
"Thank you." She replied back thanking him for everything. She then motioned for him to join her on the bed. She kissed him and pulled him close. He was about to say something else, but he noticed that she was fast asleep using him as her human pillow.
"I love you forever." He whispered as he too fell asleep.
