Hello again dearest readers! Found time to sneak in a chapter…Enjoy! Ok, it's short, but it's something. As per usual, don't own, no profits made, yada yada.
Chapter 43
The rest of the night passed quietly, and celebration day dawned bright and clear. After waking the boys to a hearty breakfast of oatmeal and toast, he got them dressed and set to playing in their room. Fortunately, the team had sent over several new Leggos kits, including two of Star Wars theme, with Morgan's movie, so the boys were immediately engrossed. Aaron set to checking out the various packages available for revelers at the dinner theater, and decided to go for the full royal experience.
A knock on the door interrupted Hotch's planning. He opened up to the enthusiastic presence of one Penelope Garcia, who-of course-came bearing multiple bags. "Greetings Papa Hotchner!" came her enthusiastic greeting. "I bring costumes for the young princes and their royal father," Garcia explained, as she handed the bags over to the stunned father. "I, of course, shall be suitably dressed, as will my noble escort. Derek said no, as did Sir Rossi, but Ladies Jennifer and Emily, and the young squire Henry, shall be suitably attired. I am still working on Ladies Savannah and Erin, and Sir Will."
"Thanks Penelope," chuckled the amused dad. "I bet the boys will be thrilled, and I thank you for your foresight. I was just planning on going for the full experience, so the costumes fit right in."
"Yippee!" clapped a pleased Garcia. "Well, if you need anything else, just let me know, OK? Now, may I peek in on the wonderkind, and perhaps collect a hug from them?"
"They're in Jack's room" responded a smiling Hotch. "Feel free."
After Penelope bustled out, grinning and spouting endearments for the junior Hotchners, Aaron fixed the boys a lunch of tomato soup and grilled cheese, then put them down for a nap.
Soon, it was time to rise and prepare for the festive evening. The boys did indeed enjoy dressing up in the costumes Penelope provided, and Hotch laughed at his reflection in the mirror before joining his sons in the living room. "Cool costume Dad!" exclaimed Jack with a grin.
The Hotchners then trouped to the car, and after buckling he boys into their car seats, the Hotchner men set off to Hanover to meet their team at the dinner theater. Will and Erin Strauss had actually capitulated to pressure to wear costumes, so Rossi also agreed. Morgan was the lone refuser.
After meeting the rest of the team, the group were seated in the Yellow section, and prepared for a delicious feast and rollicking good times. The evening was all that was expected, and more. The boys were involved as Knights in training to their endless delight, and the Yellow Knight won the knightly contest, to Penelope's joy. After meeting the Knights and obtaining autographs, the weary BAU bunch soon headed home with happy memories.
The next morning, the exhausted Hotchners slept in, and indulged in an impromptu brunch of pancakes and fruit when finally waking. The boys played happily with their father in the back yard for most of the day, before having a pizza dinner and watching another of Morgan's Star Wars movies.
The rest of the week passed in a similar fashion. Play, meals, naps, and movies. The Hotchners became closer, and meshed as a family. Jack stood out as a strong and loving brother, making Spencer feel very safe and decreasing the number and severity of his nightmares. Hotch made Spencer feel safe as well, and cared for, and patiently listened to anything that Spencer felt safe enough to reveal. As time passed, Spencer found himself feeling secure and cared about. It was a strange experience for him, but he liked it.
Another week soon passed, and Spencer had but one nightmare, and a growing feeling of security and belonging. He also felt loved for the first time in his young life. This made him nervous, as it also gave him something to lose. Little by little he let the Hotchners into his heart, and dared to love them back.