I'm sure you all will be pleased. I did use the word would, making you think whether Hotch might be dead or not. I figured it could be taken either way the way I worded it. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Thank you so much for your comments and reviews they are appreciated! You readers are awesome!
Hotch stood waiting under the gazebo, in the park, by the bank of the lake. Everything had to be just perfect.
Lights weaved their way in and out of the trellis, ascending towards the middle of the gazebo's inner roof creating a beautiful teepee of white lights.
The sound of the nearby running water was soothing, glistening in the moonlight as it danced its way under the nearby bridge that too was lit with a strand of white lights, creating a dimly lit path.
Wine chilled in a nearby metal basin. Dinner was waiting in a picnic basket, set on a small round table, covered by a red and white checkered table cloth, with two lit candles creating the center piece. For each setting there was an empty wine glass, a goblet of water, a white china dinner plate and a smaller white china plate placed on top for a decadent dessert. The silverware was a classy touch with shiny, gold plated ends.
Out of sight was a boom box set up, playing the classic sounds of Frank Sinatra.
A trail of red rose petals led from the bottom of the Gazebo steps to where Rossi would drop Emily off.
Hotch was a nervous wreck waiting for Emily to arrive, pacing back and forth, and rubbing his fingers through his hair. He hated this evening had to be postponed for such a long period of time but he was glad it was finally here.
With the help of Garcia he went to great lengths to get the park all to himself after 8pm. His money also went to the rental of a white Mustang for Emily's transportation and a moonlight horse and buggy ride around the park. He couldn't wait, this would be an evening they would never forget.
Together they have been through so much. Time was slow for Emily, trying to get through the ordeal with Ian Doyle, but Hotch had been there for her, never judging but listening and being someone she could lean on.
It was at JJ's wedding that everything seemed to come to light. Emily had finally got passed Ian Doyle and all that she suffered, realizing that without Hotch it would have never happened. That night she thought about the previous 4 ½ years and the attraction she had for Hotch, but was blinded by her work and pre-occupied with past happenings to see it for herself.
That night on the dance floor, dancing closely is when it all unfolded. Hotch's mind went back, re-living that fond memory.
On the Dance Floor
As awkward as it seemed to even talk about, she couldn't hold in her feelings anymore, "Hotch, I mean Aaron." She let out a breath already embarrassed for calling him Hotch and not Aaron. He had wanted her to call him Aaron since they had become close as he helped her through her bad days, but a four year habit is hard to break. She hesitated to say more and looked down at her feet while they continued to dance.
With one hand Hotch gently placed it under her chin, lifting her head up, forcing her to make eye contact. "Emily, you can tell me."
"Okay, here it is. I like you a whole lot, I just don't think I ever realized it till tonight. Its more than a like even, it's a fondness, no wait that sounds bad it's a…"
Hotch finished for her, "An unspoken love." Emily smiled and nodded her head leaning closer into his chest as they danced. He felt the same way she did. "I love you Emily." He said, only audible to Emily.
"I love you too Aaron." She said.
The closeness of their bodies sent a feeling in them that neither had felt in a very long time. That feeling would last into the night after JJ's wedding. It was a night that Emily and Hotch began a new journey together, embracing each other's passion and love. It was so strong it could only be felt. Since then it hadn't slowed down and their love for each other had grown into an inseparable, unbreakable bond.
Hotch could hear the sound of vehicle rolling up, disrupting his thought of the first night they said "I love you" and made love to one another. He caught a glimpse of the white Mustang moving past the trees. His heart began racing and his palms were sweaty as he waited for her door to open. When the door opened a lovely looking young woman stepped out and he was taken back. It wasn't Emily. He walked off the Gazebo towards her, "Ma'am I'm sorry but this park is closed." He said as kindly as he could.
"Aaron?" Emily said squinting into the dim moonlit night as this man approached her.
"Emily?" He said, knowing good and well it was her by the sound of her voice.
She stood waiting with a smile as he approached. He was abruptly stopped in his tracks when he could fully see her. She did a little spin, letting the flare of the dress swirl out and softly back in. She waited for his response but he didn't say anything. She started to feel embarrassed by what she wore, maybe it was too much and she looked stupid. She lost the brightness in her face, "You think I look stupid." She said disappointed.
"I think you are breathtaking."
And so began their evening as Rossi rolled out of the park.
I hope your excited for the next chapter! I am. It may take a few days for me to get it written, thank you for being patient. I appreciate any comments you have if you would like to post! The suprise is next!