Author's note: I know there's a little back tracking here. When you read, you will understand.
PS: The (TB) means a time break in the story. FF won't pick up what I want to put in. But, like I said at the outset, I'm a newbie. Thanks again for all of the reviews!
Chapter 6 – Getting to Know You
It was the Tuesday night after meeting Aaron for a drink when Cait Barkley was indulging in one of her simple pleasures. A warm glow was coming from the fireplace as she was curled up on the couch with a James Patterson novel. She had finished three different batches of Christmas cookies that day and made chicken tetrazzini for supper for her sons. Her kitchen was her kingdom and she loved it. But relaxing in front of the warm fire, with a blanket curled around her legs was heaven. Her sons were tucked in for the night; yes they were both teenagers but the mother in her still loved that they were warm and sleeping peacefully. She heard her cell ring on the lunch counter in the kitchen area. She got up and saw it was Aaron calling.
"Hi you," she said. "Where are you?"
"Minneapolis," Aaron answered. "How you'd know we're out on a case? More importantly, how's Michael?"
"Michael is much better. Thank you for asking. As for knowing you're out on a case, the boys take of Mudgie when Dave goes out on a case. They bring him here rather than having to run over to Dave's all the time. Father and daughter are reunited."
"Would you care to explain that to me?" Hotch asked.
Cait quietly laughed. "The last litter that Mudgie sired a couple of years ago had a runt. She was a beautiful golden Lab like her mother, but too small to work as a hunting dog. The boys had been hounding me to get a dog and Dave, because he provides the sire, gets the pick of the litter. He asked and I finally gave in. He gave Beans to the boys."
"Beans?" Hotch asked.
"When Dave brought her in the door when she was a puppy, the first words out of Mike's mouth were, 'She looks like a yellow bean.' The name stuck."
"That's a great story. What are you doing?"
"I'm curled up in front of the fireplace with a book."
"How are the Christmas cookies coming?"
"You'll have your box by Monday." Knowing Aaron's nervousness, Cait was pleasantly surprised at the ease of the conversation.
"Thanks for the scarf. It's coming in handy here. It's 20 degree outside. And yes, I'm taking care of my immune system."
"Glad to hear it. You sound tired Aaron. Tough case or long day?"
"Both," Hotch simply answered. "Hey, I know it's late but you said keep in touch. I hope you don't mind."
"Aaron, I meant what I said. I enjoy your company."
"So I didn't make a total fool of myself by admitting to you that I'm not good at the dating game?"
"You're not the Lone Ranger," Cait replied. "In 10 years, I've been out on fewer dates than I have fingers on one hand. And each one was worse than the next. You've passed the acid test. And I really did enjoy last Friday. By the way, how did Christmas shopping go for Jack?"
"I scored big time thanks to your suggestions. I just wish I could wrap them special like he deserves."
"Great!" Cait replied. "I'm glad I was able to help. He sounds like a wonderful boy. I miss that."
"What do you mean?"
"I have teenagers and I obviously understand the growing process. But I miss my little boys."
"Jack is growing up so fast and I'm missing that."
"I know you're a wonderful father Aaron. It has to be tough on you not being around him all the time. I can't imagine it. My sons are my life."
"Cait, you are an absolutely amazing mother. I'm in awe of you."
"This coming weekend you have Jack, right?"
"If we're home," Aaron replied.
"Hey, I'm here. If you need a consult, you just dialed the number. I'm always available."
"We've got a lead that Garcia is closing in on. I think it will help break the case. But I'll keep that in mind, if you don't mind."
"I'm always happy to help Aaron."
There was a pause that began to get too long. Cait grabbed the opportunity. "You said you're not good at wrapping presents. That's my specialty. Want to get together when you get back? I wouldn't mind helping you out."
"Cait, I don't know what to say."
"Am I pushing too hard?"
"Not the least," Aaron jumped in quickly. "I'd appreciate that Cait. I know you understand how much I love Jack. I just don't want you to think I'm taking advantage of you."
"Last thought in my mind Aaron. It's my turn to ask you for a date and it just occurred to me that would solve both our dilemmas."
"That sounds like a great plan. When we get back, I'll give you a call."
"Don't be afraid to call me before then. I'm a consult away and free of charge. Dave keeps telling me about the Bureau budget you're facing. It's a freebie for my friends."
"I appreciate that Cait. It's late; I'll let you go for the evening. Good night Cait. And thank you."
"You're welcome Aaron. Call me anytime. Good night."
(TB)
Two days later, as Cait was making a batch of Matt's favorite Christmas cookies, her cell buzzed on the counter. Cait looked at the caller ID and decided to fore-go the usual greeting.
"Hey you," she said. "Glad to know you're back."
"You have too much inside info on my team," Hotch responded. "I'm still trying to figure out if that's a good thing or a bad thing."
"It's a good thing Aaron. Dave stopped by this morning and picked up Mudgie. Of course, just in time for breakfast. He knows I like to feed my boys when I have the chance. He got a free home cooked meal."
"Sounds like our boy. Cait, I know we touched on it, but you're OK with Dave not knowing about us?"
"Aaron, I really appreciate that we're thinking on the same page. Don't get me wrong. I love Dave to death. But," she paused. "I'm going to be blunt. I think I know you well enough to say, do either of us really want that Italian diva meddling in our lives?"
Hotch laughed, and replied with a simple answer, "No."
"So your team's hunch that Garcia was working on paid off?"
"She's amazing. That's why we're home so soon."
"I know how much she contributes. Dave raves about her. You're very lucky to have her. I'd love to meet her someday. And the rest of the team as well. Dave tells me you have a great group and he's honored to be to working with all of you. That's high praise my friend. So are you calling me to give you options for our date?"
"That's absolutely why I'm calling. I'm all thumbs when it comes to wrapping presents."
"How about after you get home from work today?"
"That sounds great. But that works for you?"
"Aaron, my two sons are able, and old enough, to get their own dinner every once in a while. There's plenty of leftovers in the fridge. I cook that way so they have options if I have to be late. But I have to be honest. I'm going to have to have a long chat with them."
"How so?" Aaron asked.
Cait could hear the anxiety in his voice. "We're both agreed on Dave?"
"Yes."
"They are my sons. I expect them to be honest with me. However, I own them the same. I have to tell them about us. They will have full buy in that mom is finally getting a life. I just have to make sure they understand why Uncle Dave doesn't need to be involved in this."
"Cait, I hope I'm half the parent you are."
"Aaron, Jack is a lucky young man to have a father like you. How does leftover chicken tetrazzini sound?"
"Fantastic." They set a time and Hotch gave Cait directions to his apartment. "I'll pick a bottle of wine on the way home."
"Aaron, do I need to bring anything for the presents? Tape, scissors?"
"Cait, I said I'm all thumbs, not a complete nerd."
"Gotcha," Cait laughed.
"What am I getting into? It's bad enough putting up with Dave," Aaron growled as he laughed.
"See you this evening," Cait said, still giggling a little.
"I'm looking forward to it."
Cait knocked on Aaron's apartment door a little after 6:30. Hotch opened the door wearing a long sleeved tan pullover and jeans. "You own casual clothes?" Cait teased.
"You're not even in the door, and you're already starting?" Aaron laughed and he reached for the shopping bag Cait was carrying and waved her to come in. "What's in here?"
"The tetrazzini and a plate of cookies for you and Jack."
He took the bag to the kitchen while Cait took her jacket off. He took it and hung it up. "How'd it go with the boys?"
"Great. They're juiced that they're in on the BIG secret. Of course, I warned them that Dave would figure out eventually that I'm dating so he'll work them over for information. I don't think he'll put us together though. And, for the record, Matt gave me a big hug and said, 'It's about time mom. When do we get to meet Aaron?'"
"I'll do my part to keep Dave off the trail."
They ate and cleaned up, enjoyed the wine, and talked while Cait wrapped Jack's presents. After she finished, they sat on the couch and talked more. About 8:30, Cait looked at her watch and said, "I should get going. It's a school night and I have a couple of night owls."
Hotch laughed and went into the kitchen to get her casserole dish. He grabbed her jacket and helped her into it. "Thank you for the cookies. My son is a cookie monster. He'll love them." And then he reached for her and pulled her into a hug and kissed her cheek.
"I'm so happy we met," Aaron admitted.
"So am I," Cait said in his ear and Aaron loosened his hug.
"Thank you for everything. The tetrazzini was amazing and the presents look wonderful."
"You're welcome."
Aaron started to reach for the door, stopped, and took Cait's hand as he gave a gentle kiss. "Please drive home safely."
"I already told you. I'm a big girl. But thanks for caring," Cait said as she gently caressed his cheek with her thumb.
"Good night."
"Good night. Talk to you soon."
(TB)
Cait was in her study, finishing up grading final exams and preparing grades when her cell phone buzzed on her desk. "Good morning."
"Good morning. I have about 30 seconds. I just wanted to let you know the cookie man has arrived and his ego is getting stroked to his satisfaction."
Cait roared with laughter. "How was your weekend with Jack?"
"Fantastic. And he loved the cookies. Cait, I've got to go."
"Call me tonight."
"You know I will."
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