The penultimate chapter my friends. Enjoy it.

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Chapter 66: Road to a Happy Ending

Getting down on one knee, he held out the box and opened it, "Will you marry me?"

"No."

"No?" he asked, stunned and nervous. He was sure they were in the same place, that they both wanted the same things out of their relationship. Could he have been that wrong?

"Not no," she said. "I just can't answer yet. I can't say yes."

"But why? Why not?"

"I need to talk to the boys. Jack and Nate both need to be ok with this."

"They are," he promised, a sense of relief taking over. She wasn't saying no because she didn't want to marry him, she just wanted to know that their kids were on board, too.

"You talked to them before talking to me?"

"Yes."

"And? What did they say?"

Emily had another rough day with her shoulder. The stitches were out and there was more function, but the pain and swelling were still there. It bothered her, but she was strong and tried not to let it slow her down. It didn't help that James' surgery was coming up, and Nate was on edge.

Jack was struggling with trying to be around and be a good brother to Nate while wanting to be with friends like a normal teen. Sometimes it felt like his family was fractured. Both boys were on the verge of change, growing up and moving away from the little kids that clung to them. Jack more so than Nate, but they would both get there soon enough.

It was hard. But he knew they were raising them right, and they would be ok as they grew more and more independent. He wanted to instill in them that they were family, that family stuck together, and that no matter how old they got, home would always be open to them.

Mostly, he wanted them to know that he loved them both and wanted to make their family a little more official. There were many a night when he and Emily would stay up late cuddled in bed, talking about what they wanted out of life.

For the most part, they were content and happy with their circumstances. More than that, they thought things were going well. In their home life, things were perfect. They loved their new home. They loved the time they spent together as a family. And they loved to talk about what happened next.

He wouldn't be with the FBI forever and the kids would be out in the real world soon enough. They liked to discuss what that meant to them.

"We can always retire to my grandfather's cabin in the Alps. We'll only come down from the mountain when the boys come to visit. Fix it up with some top of the line internet and satellite. It could be nice."

"It would be interesting, for sure. Can you even garden?"

"Excuse me? Have you not seen our yard?"

"It's a decent suburban garden, but I don't know that we have the talent to live off the land."

"I don't like hunting."

"Me either. I wouldn't mind spending a week or so there. Who knows, maybe we'll decide we love it, stockpile years' worth of rations, and hightail it up there for the rest of our days."

"Maybe we can go there one day. Just the two of us… Feel it out."

"I'd love that."

"Or, you know, we can be like so many old people and retire to Florida. Buy a nice beach house and spend time in the sun until we burn to a crisp."

"Peaceful."

"I'd be happy staying right here, home, as long as we're together," Emily mumbled, sleep seeping into her bones.

"I'd be happy with that too. So happy…"

Conversations like that were a dime a dozen between them. Their dream destinations may have changed, and the way things worked were altered, but the theme remained the same. As long as they grew old together, they'd be happy.

He wanted that. She wanted that. And he felt now was the time to do something about it, to take a step to make their dreams a reality.

So, while Emily was resting, under the guise of giving her some peace and quiet to relax, Hotch took the boys out to dinner where they dined with Elizabeth.

"This was quite the surprising offer. Is my daughter not here?"

"No, she's at home. She pushed herself a little too hard getting things done at the house."

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. I'll have to check in on her. It's not bad is it?"

"Just some pain. The doctor told her that was normal and just her body's way of saying to stop and rest."

"She was never good at that."

"Still isn't."

She examined the man before saying, "She doesn't know I'm here, does she?"

"No. And we're going to keep it that way for now. The boys didn't know until you arrived either."

"What's going on?"

"Yeah, Dad. All you said was that you needed to talk to us all and that it was a surprise. What's up?"

"Oh… Oh! A good surprise? For Emily?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes," Hotch affirmed, watching a sense of glee fill his, hopefully, soon-to-be mother-in-law's face. "I know that I don't officially need it, nor would Emily even really care if I asked, but I'm a traditionalist when it comes to this, and I'd really like your blessing."

"You have it," she said.

"What are you guys talking about?" Nate asked. "What's this have to do with Mom?"

"Listen," Jack suggested.

Hotch smiled and thanked Elizabeth before addressing the boys. "Nate. Jack. I brought all of us here because there's something very important I need to ask you."

They were all ears, curious. At least Nate was. Jack was a little more in touch with what was happening.

"Emily and I have been together for some time now and have known each other a lot longer than that. We've been happy, and I hope you both have been happy too."

They nodded.

"I… Well… I would like to ask her to marry me, and I wanted to make sure it was ok with both of you first. Emily and I made a promise not to do anything that you didn't support."

"It's about time, Dad," Jack said. "Really took you long enough."

"Ugh… Thanks? Does that mean you're comfortable with this?"

"We already live together. At least if you guys get married, we'd be more of a family."

"You know that we're already a family? Right?"

"I know," Jack responded, "but this would make it more real. Like Emily would be my stepmom, not just Emily."

"Does that make a difference to you?"

He shrugged.

"I had a mom, and she was great. I miss her and love her. I always will, but Emily is who is with me now. She's been good to me. She treats me like her son. It would be nice to make it more official. To be her son in some capacity."

"You never said anything."

"It's just a formality," Jack said. "Emily has made it clear that she loves me and thinks of me just as she thinks of Nate. You shouldn't get married just because I thought, 'hey, it would be cool if she was my mom, too,' when I was a kid."

"You're still a kid," Hotch reminded him.

"When I was younger," he clarified.

"But you still want that now?"

"Yes. I'd like that still, but I just want you to be happy. Both of you. I'll be off to college soon enough. I'd like to think I wasn't leaving you to wither and die all alone."

"Really, Jack?"

"Come on, Dad. You were alone for a long time after you and mom divorced and then she died. You dated more in the last few years, but you weren't truly happy until you and Emily got together."

"So, we have your support then?"

"Of course."

"Thank you, Jack. What about you, Nate? What do you think about this?"

"Would that make you my dad?"

"I'd be your stepdad. I wouldn't be replacing your fathers, but I would be a father figure, just as I hope I have been."

"Nothing will change?"

"Nothing will change," Hotch assured. "We are happy living together and being a family, right?"

"Yeah."

"It will still be just like that, only your mother would have a fancy new ring on her finger and we would eventually have a wedding if she agrees."

He took a moment to ponder.

"If mom wants this, then I want it too. I love you Hotch. I… I'd like for you to be one of my dads, too."

He smiled in victory and satisfaction. They all were on board. The ring had been picked out and ordered, burning a hole in his office drawer for months now. There was no better time to act.

"Do you think I'd ever go against their wishes? If they weren't comfortable with this, I would have put it off." He smiled. "Everyone I talked to was happy about it. They gave their blessing."

Eyes narrowed, she asked, "Everyone? Who exactly is everyone?"

"The boys. Your mother. Some of the team…"

"So, literally everyone in our lives."

"I even asked James if he'd have a problem with it a while back. He was happy for us. I'm thorough."

"Yeah…"

"I was excited," he reiterated. "And a little nervous."

He got up from his knee, standing before her with the ring box still held out to her.

"So… What do you say? Want to get married?"

Engrossed in each other, neither noticed the crowd that had gathered around them.

"Say yes," they heard someone call, finally noticing the gathering crowd.

There was a swarm around them cheering and they had been completely oblivious, lost in their moment together. Everything else ceased to exist but the two of them.

"Listen to the people," Hotch said. "Marry me? Let's make our family a little more formal."

"Are you sure you want to be lawfully attached to me? I'm kind of a drama magnet."

"It's one of the things I love about you."

"Lie."

"Well, there's nothing about you I hate. That will just keep things interesting. Certainly, the way you handle yourself is one of the many things I love about you."

"There you go being all romantic again."

"You bring it out of me. What can I say?"

"I love you Hotch… Aaron. And god, I don't know what kind of wife I'll be. Most days, I don't even know how I'm doing as a girlfriend, but I want to be on this journey with you. I want our boys to be our boys. So, yes. I'll marry you."

"You'll marry me?"

"Yes."

"She said yes," he yelled to the crowd before sweeping her up into a big embrace and smothering her with kisses. "We're going to get married."

"I love you," she said.

It wasn't until the crowd's cheers started to die down and they were brought down to earth that he slipped the ring on her finger.

"It's gorgeous," she told him.

"I'm glad you like it."

"It's so unique… So me."

"That's what I was going for."

"I don't know what to say."

"Say nothing. Your face says it all."

"I love it. I really do. It's not flashy and it's just the right amount of traditional and modern."

"It's unique," Hotch added. "I helped design it."

Emily looked away from the ring to him. "Really?"

"Yeah. There were all sorts of patterns and designs and stones and shapes. It was… overwhelming, but I went with the traditional diamond in the center but added in Nate's birthstone. I thought that would be special, and the vine pattern looked the nicest to me. I just… I thought of what you would like."

"I love it," she said. "I love you. I… I don't know that I'm surprised by this… Not completely. We talked about it, but I was surprised by the location and everything else. The timing… It's been… It's been a very special day."

Her voice was laden with emotion, happy emotion.

"Indeed, it has," Hotch agreed.

"What do you say we head back to our weekend getaway to celebrate this next chapter of our life together."

"I can't think of anything better for us to do."

"Me either."

The news was not shared that night. Instead, they went back to their room for a private celebration. Champagne was sipped, clothes were lost, and a celebration was definitely had. For the night, it was just about them, but that didn't mean she wasn't excited to share the news.

It was lucky that when they returned home that Sunday, Elizabeth, the boys, and all their friends were waiting for them for a surprise engagement party. Apparently, Emily learned, when she talked to the boys that morning, she gave them the confirmation that she said yes, that she wanted to talk to them in person to make sure they were truly accepting, but that she said yes.

The party showed their approval.

The boys were happy for them, for their family officially joining.

"Have you set a date?" Pen asked.

"We haven't. Not yet."

"Who are you kidding, Pen? They didn't do any planning. When would there have been time for that?" She winked as she asked that.

"JJ," Emily admonished, a light blush filling her cheeks. "There are impressionable ears around."

"We all know what sex is," Jack said. "Relax."

"That did not make me feel better. I'm going to get another drink," Emily huffed.

"I'll come with you," JJ said, leaving Hotch behind sending glares at his son.

Catching up to Emily, JJ smiled and said, "You both seem very happy."

"We are."

"We're really happy for you. Can't say we didn't see this coming. There was an office pool on this too."

"Yeah? Who won?"

"Rossi," JJ whined. "Pen was out first. She thought, for sure, the two of you would have eloped about a month in."

"Doesn't sound like us."

"No, but she's a hopeless romantic. She's living a bit vicariously. She's been in a bit of a slump since her and Dean broke up."

"He wasn't good enough for her anyway."

"She knows that, but she did like the company."

"I know. We'll have to get her back out there." Emily's eyes narrowed. "Actually… I know someone that makes me think of her every time I see him."

"Oh. Do tell."

"His name is Nick Cooke. He's a computer science professor who creates apps in his free time. Games, useful apps… all kinds of things."

"Sounds promising, but is he handsome?"

"Dark hair, dark eyes. Like a hairier, slightly less buff, nerdier version of Derek."

"Well, I'm sold. When can we make this happen?"

"I'll see if he's interested before I bring it to Pen. One step at a time."

"Alright. Alright. She can handle the single life a little longer."

"I can show you his employee profile," Emily smirked.

"Yes!"

The two women gossiped and caught up a bit, something they hadn't done as much of as they'd have liked lately. With everything in her personal life and the cases the team had, time outside of the home was rarer these days. It was something they all understood, especially knowing the struggle of moving and unexpected drama, but they all made a point to set some summer plans.

Needless to say, the impromptu engagement party was a good first step. It brought everyone together again with no one being hurt, no one being put to work, and everyone just having a joyous time.

It was a perfect start to their next chapter. Nothing had really changed after their engagement except for a pretty little ring on her finger and more concrete talk about wedding dates and plans. Mostly, though, planning was minimal. They were in no rush and didn't really want anything big.

It was just a happy time, and they wanted to enjoy it. No pressure.

So, they focused on family. Nate's birthday came and went. He was nearly a teenager and had teen angst to prove it. He grew another inch in height and attitude. They had a small celebration with just the family, low-key since James was still recovering. Hotch and Emily took him and a few friends to a carnival that was happening in a nearby town. It was just enough celebration to make him feel happy and loved without making things too hectic. He had a special day with James and Collin too, which was, perhaps, the highlight of his birthday.

The school year was soon over, and that meant the family trip. There would be few more with all of them together, so, despite wondering whether it was the best financial decision, they decided to go for it. They had money put away and could still pay their bills, so it would be fine.

This year, they chose Mexico. It allowed for a shorter plane ride, kept them close enough that if anything happened with James, they could get home relatively quickly, and it allowed for some beach relaxation on top of visiting some landmarks. Exploring the Mayan ruins in the morning and snorkeling with dolphins at night was a hell of a good time.

All of it was good fun, and well earned. Despite Nate's anxiety over James, he found a way to really get into the trip and enjoy himself too. So, it was just what they needed. The sightseeing tired them out and the beach sitting offered the scenic relaxation they needed to recoup.

Emily and Hotch seriously considered getting hitched under the fading sun one night, sand between their toes and the two best men as their witnesses but thought to hold out a little longer.

"We're only doing this once. Let's do it right."

"I don't want a big wedding," Emily said. "Simple. Just us and our family."

"That's all I want too."

He reached his hand out to hers, meeting in the sand between them. They sat there in the sand watching their boys, holding each other, and, not for the first time, he felt so grateful for her. He was so grateful that she made it through that accident relatively unscathed and that she lived through all the trauma in the past.

He was grateful that he found someone who accepted him so completely. She never questioned his commitment to the job or guilted him after canceling plans. She never tried to change his views or argue with him to no end.

They had their differences. They had their own opinions. They had their fights, of course, but they were never serious. They were bumps in the road that left them better for it.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Emily asked.

"Like what?"

"Like you want to eat me… or stalk me."

"Maybe I do," he teased. "I'm just happy… Happy we're here together… as a family."

"Me too. I couldn't think of anywhere else I'd rather be."

"We should start planning when we get home."

"The wedding?"

"Yes. We can talk dates and venues… the whole nine yards."

"I thought we agreed on small and simple."

"We did, but those things don't mean it can't be everything you dreamed of when you were a girl."

"How do you know I dreamed of any wedding?"

"Didn't you?"

"I may have thrown a doll wedding a time or two, but I was never any Disney princess. I'd like to wear a nice dress, but it doesn't have to be a true wedding gown, and I'd like to have a small gathering with our friends and family, but nothing big… Just something intimate."

"But still special and beautiful. We can have the perfect wedding and not go overboard. I've been married, but you haven't. I'm hoping this will be your only marriage, so I want this to be everything you've dreamed of."

"Hotch, it's not about the wedding. It's about the marriage. We could have a courthouse wedding, and I wouldn't care at all as long as we're happy and treat each other right."

"I want the day to be perfect for you. No courthouse wedding for you."

"With you by my side, it would be perfect."

"We'll think on it. We'll find a happy medium."

"Actually, I had an idea, but we'll discuss it after vacation. Right now, it's just family, sun, and fun."

"Perfect."

They didn't speak of plans or planning again during their vacation. Rather, time was spent just focused on each other and their kids. The last few carefree days were absolutely amazing. They returned home happier and more united than they left.

Of course, the vacation didn't erase reality. James was still healing, and the occasional seizure took its toll. That was taxing on Nate, especially when he was around to watch it happen. Not only that, but he could see his father falling into old patterns after a seizure. His temper would be short and his fatigue high. It made things difficult. The surgery definitely helped, but it was finally hitting Nate just how permanent the epilepsy was.

His father would never be the same person, the same carefree – carefree in his naïve eyes – and easy-going man he once was. The surgeries and the period of no seizures gave him a false hope. But that wasn't there anymore. The glass was shattered and now he was picking up the pieces.

Emily tried to help, but, ultimately, it was Hotch that got through to him. Hotch and the therapist in combination helped him become him again. Emily would credit Hotch more than the therapist. Dr. Garland was great, but there was nothing like a little connection and comfort from someone you loved to help a person feel a little less alone in their suffering.

"I didn't really like my father," Hotch told Nate as they tossed the ball around in the backyard.

"Why not?"

"He didn't treat my mother right. He didn't treat any of us right."

"He hurt you?" Nate asked.

"He hurt a lot of people. He wasn't a very good guy, but sometimes, he did really thoughtful things. It's the opposite of your dad. Your dad is generally good, but sometimes he does hurtful things."

"Yeah."

"And then my dad got sick."

"Like my dad?"

"A little different. He had cancer. I had to watch him get sicker and sicker, until one day, he was just too sick to keep going."

"He died," Nate stated.

"He did. I know you're scared of that happening to your dad, but he isn't going to die. Not anytime soon if he can help it. I know things have been rough. Watching your dad suffer, no matter the good and bad that happened between you, is incredibly hard. Watching him change, and act out, act in ways so unlike himself… I've been through that. It's not easy, especially not for a kid."

"I'm not a kid."

"Maybe not. You're certainly acting beyond your years. I'm proud of you, Nate."

"Why?"

"For so many reasons all the time, but, right now, I'm proud of how strong you are. You're so brave and so strong. Sometimes being strong means asking for help, letting others be there for you and support you. You're not afraid to let that happen. You're a great young man, Nate. I know your mom and dad are proud of you too."

Hotch slowly eased into things until Nate let out a rant of feelings, expressing his anger and frustration and sadness with the situation. The conversation was the beginning of Nate opening up to them more. Instead of acting out as much, though it still happened on occasion, he would do something more constructive.

It wasn't always talking. Sometimes, he just didn't feel like that. But he would play his guitar or ask Hotch to play ball with him. He even asked Emily a time or two, though she was a little less fun when it came to sports. She blamed the bum shoulder, and maybe that was part of it, but, it seemed that, despite her superior marksmanship, her hand-eye coordination when it came to pitching a fastball was about as coordinated as a newborn calf. It wasn't great.

Nate enjoyed the play time anyway.

Emily did too.

By the time the fall rolled around and school was back in session, the family seemed to be in full sync and pretty happy.

James' seizures eventually went away, but it was a long process. Emily was back to work full time. She taught a few online classes over the summer, but she much preferred the live give and take of a classroom to flat, cookie-cutter online teaching. Jack was in his second year of high school and out of that awkward, transitional freshman stage of things. Hotch had been making it a point to spend less time at the office. He brought work home sometimes, but everyone liked to have him around. If that meant he worked on some paperwork while they watched a movie, then it was fine. He was there and available when he was needed.

It was different, but Emily really liked it. They had more together time.

"How long do you think you'll be with the BAU?" Emily asked one day.

The holiday season was rapidly approaching, they still hadn't done anything official for their wedding, and, though it didn't bother either of them, the rest of their friends were concerned they were backing out. Somehow, that brought Emily to this question.

Their future was on her mind, and she could tell something was weighing on Hotch as well.

"Trying to tell me I've reached retirement age?"

"For the FBI and field work? Maybe. But Rossi manages, and you're in great shape. You could last a long time. I'm just asking what your plans are… What our plans are."

"Our plans are something we figure out together."

"That's why I'm asking. We talk about what we're going to do when the kids are out of the house and we retire, but every time we talk about it, it's not really clear when that might be."

"Do you want me to retire?"

"No… I mean not no, as in never, but I just want you to be happy. If working until your dying day makes you happy, I wouldn't fight you on that. At the same time, I'd like to have a solid picture of the future, not just the many perfect scenarios we've come up with."

"You just want to know what you'll be saddled with."

"That's not it either. I think… I just think I want to think more realistically about our future. If you want to work until your 100, then you do that, and we can take short trips when you have the time. If you wanted to retire today, then we get a jump start on those future plans. I'm just ready to start our future."

"I feel like we've been working on our future." His hand reached out for hers. "Are you saying you're ready to get married?"

"I've been ready."

"But ready to actually walk down the aisle?"

"I told you I would have walked down to the courthouse and marry you any day. I'd do it right now. Come on," she said, standing and pulling his with her. "Let's go. Let's do this right now."

"Emily," he pulled her back. "Hang on. I don't doubt you, but we're not getting married like that. Not without the boys and our family. But let's make a plan. A real one. About the wedding… and maybe some less hypothetical plans for our future."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Remember what you suggested in Mexico for the wedding? I think we should do that."

"Really? You're that ready?"

"Yeah. I'm ready."

"Me too. I'll make some calls, and make sure one of my nicer suits still fit."

"I'll tell the boys. Get them suited too."

"I'm glad you want this."

"I'm just sorry I put it off."

She was about to walk away when he gripped her hand.

"I'm not ready to retire just yet," he said, "But give me another few years and we can talk about that again."

"I'm not in a rush. Not yet. I just want to be realistic about our future."

"We'll have an amazing future. That's all there is to plan for."

"I love you."

"I love you too, Emily. Now, I think we have some wedding planning to get done."

"We do."

"Get on it," he said, playfully swatting her butt.

"None of that mister or this shindig won't ever get planned."

"Can't have that."

Hotch just smiled as he watched her go.

It was happening. In a matter of months, they would be man and wife. But there was something he had to do before that could happen.

To ensure that everything went smoothly, the next day, Hotch took a detour on his way home from work and went by to see James.

The man was in good spirits that day. His seizures came and went. They were still trying to find a medicine that best controlled the episodes with the least side effects. The good day made their discussion a little easier.

"What are you doing here?" James aske curiously, maybe a tad worriedly.

Collin stepped in.

"What he means is, how are you, Hotch? What can we do for you?"

"I just wanted to check in, maybe talk for a minute."

"Come in. Take a seat," Collin said. "We were just about to eat. Would you like to join us?"

"Thanks for the offer, but dinner's waiting for me at home."

James ushered him in.

"I can see that I'm intruding, so I'll cut to the chase. Emily and I are getting married."

"That's not news," James said, "Emily told me when you proposed, and Nate brings up all the time how you're going to be his dad now too. Can't say I'm thrilled about that part, but not much changing it."

Hotch could understand what he was saying and why he was feeling some resentment, but that wasn't what he wanted for this conversation.

"Nate knows that you're his father, James. He loves you, and I won't be replacing you or Vince. I'm just going to be exactly what I have been, another man he can count on in his life. Just like Collin."

Hotch sighed.

"But what I meant when I said we're getting married is that we've set a date. Everyone else isn't going to know until they show up, but I thought you deserved a little warning."

"How nice."

"Don't be an ass, James," Collin told his partner, knowing the sarcastic remark could be misconstrued. "When is it?"

"We're keeping it low key, just the close family and friends. It'll be the weekend before Thanksgiving. It's semi-formal, so you'd have to make a bit of an effort, but I know it would mean a lot to Emily and Nate if you would come. Collin, of course, you're invited as well. Now," he said, leaning forward in the seat, "I know things between us haven't been great, but I'd like to think we've made strides to be civil, friendly even. There's no love lost between us. That's clear, but I promise you, James, that I love your son. I love the family we have created. I'm not asking your permission to marry her, but I would like your support, and I know they would too. So, please don't say anything about the surprise, but come. Please come."

James wasn't sure it as a good idea for him to be there. He had been openly vocal about not liking Hotch before. Times had changed, but given recent circumstances, he didn't want to be an unwelcomed guest there.

"Why do you want me there? What good would that bring?"

"The truth of the matter is that you're family. We're family. We may not always get along, and sometimes I want to erase you from our lives because I see the hurt you cause the people I love, but I know that not having you around would be worse for them. Whatever Emily thinks she feels about you, I know she loves you. She wants you there, she wants you to be okay with our choice, and it's important to me too."

"Why?"

"Because you're the most important man in Nate's life. Having you there will make him feel like it's ok to be happy about the marriage. I know he tries not to be too happy around you. Let him be happy, James. Support us to support him."

James sighed.

"I only ever wanted him to be happy… for Emily to be happy too."

"I believe you, James. I'm asking you to prove that. We've had conversations like this before, but now is when it counts. Come to the wedding, show Nate you've given us your blessing, and be a part of the family we've created, or don't, and ostracize yourself from us further."

James looked to Collin who gave a subtle, pleading nod.

"I'll be there," he conceded.

"Great. I hope you mean that, and I hope you'll try to be happy for us."

Collin grabbed James' hand in support, letting him know how proud he was.

"I'll give you a call with all the details soon."

"Okay."

Hotch left things there and took his leave, not wanting to muddy the calming waters. Unbeknownst to him, Emily had a similar conversation with Jessica as the date grew closer. She knew the woman held some hurt feelings when it came to her relationship with Hotch and Jack, but Emily wanted to make sure the Jessica was on board with things.

Jessica made it clear that she was past whatever mixed feelings she might have had. They would never be best friends, but she saw how good Emily was for Hotch and Jack, so she accepted them. It wasn't a quick path. It took her some time and some bad behavior before reaching that point, but she was there.

"I'm happy for the both of you. Jack loves you, and you treat him well. That's all that matters to me, and I know Haley would be happy about this too."

"You think so?"

"Yeah. She and Aaron loved each other, but they grew apart. With the divorce, I knew that she would have wanted him to move on and find someone like you who accepted him and his job and who loved her son."

"That means a lot to me Jessica. Thank you."

"Just let me know when to be there, and I'll be there."

Emily hugged the woman, one of the few close moments they ever shared, but, in that moment, Emily finally felt like she would have had Haley's approval. Winning over Haley's family, even just a little, gave Emily comfort.

Now, they just had to get things set.

It didn't take much. They weren't extravagant people. Still, they wanted it to be uniquely them. Invitations were rather informal. The only people they were inviting were those who mattered. The team. Emily's mother. James, Collin, and Jessica.

Emily even found a nice dress. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was beautiful. The white bodice fit her perfectly and the lace draping was just exquisite. She loved that it didn't automatically scream wedding gown, but still fit the bill.

The men in her life were outfitted with nice suits. Both the boys had vastly outgrown theirs and needed new ones, but it was worth it. Having a suit on hand could come in handy. Hotch had taught them that.

Emily's birthday passed, and Halloween, then Henry's birthday too.

The next thing they knew, it was the Saturday before Thanksgiving. They were arriving at the venue, an intimate little restaurant with a lovely indoor garden. The priest, a Prentiss family friend, was there waiting. All their family began arriving. The moment was approaching. There were never two people as ready for it as they were.

"We're doing this," he said.

"We are," she agreed.

"No backing out."

"I couldn't even if I wanted to," she responded, the biggest grin of excitement.

Their happy ending wasn't going to be picture perfect. Nothing ever was. But they were well on their way to a happily ever after.