Author's Note: Enough of the sad stuff. It's time to climb out of that deep valley. Enjoy!

A reminder of the "T" rating. I'm just playing it safe!

Chapter 16 – We Gather Together

The text messages between most of the team flew like jets the next morning. While they all had met Cait at Haley's wake; Prentiss and Morgan, briefly, that awful evening, it was a handshake and a few words. To finally meet the woman Hotch had in his life had all of them a bit on edge. And with the background she came from, they didn't quite know what to expect at her home. And of course, with Garcia's snooping, they knew every detail.

With all the extra people in the house, plus, what was expected, it was a bit chaotic at the home on Deer Valley Road, but Cait didn't mind. It was a holiday. And holidays were about family. Cait's parent's had arrived on Tuesday for their annual visit east. Jack quickly took to his new grandparents. The feeling was mutual. And Aaron had picked up Shawn from the train station on his way home last night.

Everyone had slept in a bit that morning, until her mother started baking the pan of cinnamon rolls Cait had made the day before. The wonderful smell soon pulled them all out of bed. Being the organized person she was, Cait had a "to-do" list and soon had all the guys busy doing chores around the house to get ready. Her mother assisted her with dinner preparations, having their own "list". Cait didn't blink at fixing a meal for 18; she believed in the motto "the more, the merrier". And she loved the chance to use her dining room. However, she had to admit, it was the first time she had put all the leafs into the table.

As the house began to fill with the smell of the turkey baking in the oven, Dave and Mudgie entered through the door to the garage. He walked into a dispute. "Cait, I cook for living," Shawn was pleading.

"You are on vacation and a guest in this home. And this is my kitchen. Go help Aaron or the boys."

Dave stuck out his hand. "Good to see you again Shawn. And btw, you don't win arguments with her." Shawn shook Dave's hand.

"How does Aaron handle that?" Shawn laughed, knowing his brother. Hotch had just walked into the kitchen.

"I let her win," he said. Dave handed Hotch a bottle of scotch as Cait looked at her mother and rolled her eyes. Dave walked over and gave Maggie a kiss on the cheek and shook Jarrod's hand. The boys came in with Jack going full tilt at Dave. He flew into his arms and gave him a hug.

"Happy Thanksgiving Uncle Dave! We missed you," he enthused.

Dave gave his head a rub and said, "Same to you pal!" Mudgie let out a small bark to let Jack know he wanted some attention. Jack slid out of Dave's arms. The boys hugged Dave as well.

Matt looked at his mom and said, "Everything is done General," as he saluted. They all laughed. "Can we go upstairs and play video games?"

Aaron looked at his three sons and said, "Thanks for all your help boys. You did a great job. Go have some fun."

Dave took his usual spot at the end stool at the lunch counter so he could "supervise" all the proceedings. He looked at his watch.

"So Hotch, when does the bar open?"

"Dave, I knew there was a reason why I liked you so much. Especially when you drink my future son-in-law's booze," Jarrod said as he sat down next to him.

"And it's not a rare happening," Aaron added sarcastically. He went to the cupboard, pulled out two glasses and grabbed the open scotch bottle from the cupboard under the counter, while he put the one in that Dave had brought. He set the glasses and the bottle in front of Dave. "Think you can manage pouring? And don't forget to put the bottle back. The team already thinks you're a lush," he kidded his friend.

"Hey bro; since the bar is open, where does a guy find a beer around here?"

"The beer fridge is out in the garage, Shawn. Grab three please."

"Three?" Shawn asked.

"The cook drinks beer."

"A California girl that has a winery in the family? Bro, you scored big."

"Yes I did," Hotch smiled broadly.

"Hey Shawn, as long as the bar is open, and you're going out there, grab a bottle of Chardonnay so your big brother's mother-in-law can join the crowd."

"Sure thing Maggie."

Shawn came back in and handed a beer to Aaron and took the cap off of Cait's before he handed to her. He handed the bottle of wine to Aaron for him to open. "Know what you're doin' bro?" Hotch just glared at him. "I'm in your kitchen," he teased at Cait.

"Only because you're bringing me a beer," Cait smiled warmly back at him as Shawn kissed her cheek.

"Seriously Cait, can I help with anything?"

"Right now Shawn, I'm in downtime mode. The only thing I have to do is pull the apple pie out when it's done." Shawn marveled at Cait's kitchen. With two ovens, she obviously knew what she was doing.

"We're going to get warm apple pie?" She smiled. "Bro, you scored really big time." He and Aaron clinked bottle necks of their beers. They all chatted happily.

About twenty minutes later, the bell chimed at the front door. Hotch quickly went to the foyer and after looking through the peep hole, opened the door. "Hi Derek," he said as he extended his hand. "Happy Thanksgiving. Please come in."

Morgan introduced his "guest". "Mom, this is Aaron Hotchner. Hotch this is my mom, Fran."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Morgan. Welcome to our home. May I take your coat?"

As she shook Hotch's hand, he helped out of her coat, "It's a pleasure to meet you Agent Hotchner. And it's Fran please. Derek has told me so much about you. Thank you for your invitation." He took her and Morgan's coats and hung them in the closet.

"And I'm Aaron or Hotch if you like. Make yourselves at home." as he waved them in. Morgan noticed that Hotch was in his socks.

"Hotch, shoes on or off?"

"Derek, whatever you want." Aaron led them into the nook and made the introductions.

"Pleasure to meet you Dean Barkley," he said as he shook her hand. "Mr. Chief Justice it's an honor sir," he added as he shook Jarrod's hand. They both looked at Aaron and Cait.

"Garcia," Aaron, Dave and Cait said at the same time. Hotch and Cait had filled Jarrod and Maggie in on their additional guests at breakfast.

"Derek," Jarrod said. "We're both retired. And we're all in Cait and Aaron's home. Do you really want your boss to kick your butt thirty seconds in the door? And notice, I didn't mention our daughter. She's the one you really have to look out for," Jarrod joked as Cait gave Morgan and his mother a warm hug. Derek and Fran laughed.

Shawn grabbed the six pack of Bud that Morgan brought as he shook his hand.

"I'll take care of that Derek. Good to see you again. Pleasure to meet you Fran," he said as he shook her hand. He handed one of the beers to Morgan. "Look around; the bar is already open." Aaron played bartender and got Fran a glass of the Barkley Vineyard Private Reserve White Zin.

Morgan did look around and decided to go on the offensive. He looked at Hotch and said, "What the hell man? It's Thanksgiving and you don't have football on that sweet flat screen?" Laughter erupted and the ice was broken. The rest of team soon made their entrances. The boys came down and Henry immediately was attracted to the two dogs. Jack quickly took over the situation and helped his younger counterpart.

It was Emily that noticed the ring on Cait's finger. "Hotch; is there something you want to tell us?" All of the team looked at him. Dave took a sip of his scotch and smiled.

"What's there to say Emily? I've asked Cait to marry me." The boys beamed as Garcia raced to Cait.

"OMG that is THE most beautiful ring I've seen!"

Derek took a peek and said, "I obviously don't make the same kind of money you do."

Hotch shook his head. "When our mother passed, she left me her engagement and wedding rings. She knew one of my best friends in college had become a jewelry designer. She told me to put them to good use. Jonah did; he made an original, using mom's diamonds."

"I never knew that Aaron," Shawn commented.

"That's because brother, she pretty much gave up on you," Aaron teased.

"Cait, it this home going to be open Christmas?" Shawn asked.

"You know it," she replied.

Shawn stuck a finger in Aaron's chest. "Then my big brother, you and that very special lady you stumbled on, as well as your three sons, will meet Leslie.' Hotch grabbed his brother into a big hug. The rest of the afternoon was filled with everyone mingling. Dave and Jarrod joined the throng to watch some football. As everyone quickly got to know each other, the team of profilers started asking their questions.

"So your youngest son is a junior at USC?" Reid quiered to Jarrod and Maggie. Cait and Hotch sat on the piano bench of the baby grand she had in the great room as she wrapped her arm around his waist.

"Spencer, my folks had two oops. I was the first; Jake was the second. I'm forty –two; Jake is twenty." JJ and Will looked at the distinguished couple before them. Through Garcia's snooping, the team knew that Maggie was the retired Dean of the Stanford Law School, while Jarrod had recently retired as Chief Justice of the California State Supreme Court. Yet to know this pair was once a young couple that became parents before they planned, like them; they just exchanged deep smiles.

Jarrod looked at all of them. "Both times, I was just fooling around. Maggie took things a bit more serious." Everyone laughed.

JJ looked again at Will. "I always thought it was the other way around." The entire group roared.

As 3:30 approached, Cait and Maggie got busy in the kitchen. Aaron entered and put an arm around Cait as she started to make the meal come together. "Can I do anything?" he said as he kissed her cheek.

"I think mom and I are good. But when I whistle, I'll need my crew to help out. You've filled them all in?"

"I've got it covered. And Cait," Hotch said as he gave her another kiss. "Thank you." Maggie smiled broadly. To see her only daughter, after all these years, and what she went through with Mark, so happily contented, made her love her future son-in-law that much more.

Fran Morgan had spent most of the afternoon sharing thoughts and recipes with Cait and Maggie. While their backgrounds differed, they had the most precious thing in common. They were wives and mothers. As everyone was mingling around, Emily and JJ walked into their conversation. Cait winked at her mother, as she said to Fran, "Grandma was right."

"How's that Cait?" she asked.

"It's easier raising boys than girls." JJ's interest peaked.

Fran smiled with a knowing appreciation. JJ said, "OK, you going to let me in on the secret?"

Maggie smiled broadly. "Grandma, my mother-in-law, and still alive at 89, has always said 'With girls you have to worry about all the peters in town. With boys, you only have to worry about one'." Emily laughed heartily as JJ took in the thought and smiled.

"Cait, is there anything we can help you with?" Emily asked.

"Mom and I have everything under control," Cait replied. Looking at Fran, and knowing an experienced cook, she added, "And we have Fran as backup. We're good, but thank you for asking."

"Just let me know what to do," Fran said.

"I appreciate that Fran. When we're ready to put it all on the table, we could use your help," Cait said. Fran knew a wise cook.

Around 4:20, Cait let out a whistle that the only female with four brothers could. Aaron, Jarrod, Dave and Shawn sprang into action. Jarrod did the head count on who wanted water or milk, with his youngest grandson as his back-up. Dave began to carve the turkey. Shawn, knowing his way around a wine cork, was the sommelier. He smiled as he looked at the first bottle that Matt brought from the garage. Cait may be a beer drinker, but she knew wine and her guests. She had selected a Riesling that came from the Barkley vineyard. Hotch opened the French doors to the dining room; both from the kitchen and the foyer. With Matt and Mike's help, Shawn quickly filled the wine glasses. Aaron summoned the rest. "Please, join us," he simply said as he gestured toward the immaculately set table.

Spencer Reid took one step into the dining room and stopped in his tracks. JJ put her hand on the small of his back. "Spence, what's wrong?"

"Jayje, you know my mom. I've never seen a table like this." Cait happened to be walking by with a heaping bowl of mashed potatoes.

"Spencer, I was raised that this was the only way to set a table for company. But you are in Aaron's and my home and I have sons. My only rule is that you keep one foot on the floor while you are grabbing for something," she said as she smiled at him.

Hotch noticed the exchange as he too, was bringing a dish to set on the table. "Reid, Cait has you setting next to Emily. Just follow her lead," he quietly said.

To the rest, Aaron said, "There are name tags for all of you where to sit." The team looked around. Each place had a name tag that was simply two of the store bought cookies with the chocolate lines on top, with the chocolate bottom. They were placed at a 90 degree angle with two red hots on the left and three candy corns on the right. The "turkeys" at the front, bore each of their names, in brilliant calligraphy. As Maggie and Fran brought out the last of the feast, they all found their places and sat down. JJ and Will slid Henry into his chair that hooked to the table.

Aaron took his spot at the head of table that was toward the window, and said, "To all of you; welcome to our home. It is Thanksgiving and we are a family of faith." He looked at his sons. "Whose turn is it?"

"Jack's," Matt and Mike replied in unison.

Aaron looked at his youngest son. "Jack, you're up to bat." Everyone around the table bowed their head as Jack said the prayer.

They looked around at the feast lying before them. Turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy; Cait's special sausage and mushroom dressing; broccoli casserole and buttered corn; a large strawberry Jell-O, along with an orange Jell-O with bananas; the cranberries of course; sweet potatoes and two different kind of rolls.

JJ simply said, "Wow."

"Amen to that honey," Will said. "Please start passin'."

Twenty minutes later, everyone around the table, except for Reid and Kevin, pushed away from the table. The appreciations for Cait's wonderfully prepared home cooked meal rang through the room. JJ and Will looked at the floor underneath Henry's spot, which Cait noticed.

"Relax you two," she said. "That's why the floor is hardwood," she explained. "And if you look closely, the two vacuum cleaners are ready and able," Cait added as she nodded towards the opening of the room to the kitchen. JJ and Will noticed Beans and Mudgie sitting patiently.

Dave rose out of his chair. "Come on boys. We're the cleanup crew." Matt and Mike joined in, as well as Shawn and Jack. Cait started to rise out of her chair.

"Don't you dare Sis," Shawn said. "Your kitchen is mine now. And I have a crew that will back me up." Cait leaned back in her chair and reached for her glass of wine. Looking at Aaron, she said, "I could really get used to this."

"Cait," Aaron said. "This was absolutely phenomenal. I love you."

"I love you too." Shawn re-entered the dining room.

"Should I sleep on the couch upstairs with the boys tonight instead of the couch outside of your bedroom?" he said, a little too loudly.

"That might be good idea, bro," Hotch simply stated with a grin.

"Score one for the cook," Cait smiled as she raised her wine glass. Everyone laughed.

True to his word, Shawn did not let Cait into her kitchen. Along with his three nephews, Dave and Jarrod, in less than twenty minutes, his "crew" had the entire kitchen cleaned up, with Maggie's help. She directed Shawn on how to handle the leftovers as she told her daughter, "Spend some time with your guests." She and Aaron gave the team a tour of their home, with Garcia gushing over Cait's Olympic medals in the study. "Four in the 1984 LA Olympics," Garcia recounted. 'Four more from the Seoul games in '88'."

They all spent the rest of evening talking and laughing as most of them enjoyed a glass of Bailey's and scotch compliments of Emily and Dave. Reid spouted facts and statistics on just about every subject; Shawn and Derek competed over adding logs to the fire, and Dave did his best to provoke Aaron, but to no avail. Hotch was simply too happy to let Rossi get under his skin.

Around seven, Cait and JJ put Jack and Henry into the large spa tub in the master bathroom. With Penelope and Emily looking on, the boys romped in the water. The "girls" laughed as they chatted. As they pulled them out, Cait put Henry on his feet and noted that he was soon to be walking. JJ rolled her eyes. "Oh good," she simply commented as the rest laughed. After the four of them got the boys dried off and dressed in their pajamas, they walked into the kitchen. Maggie and Shawn had already started taking orders for dessert. Their choices were apple or pumpkin pie and a wonderful Cream de Menthe frozen cake. Reid said, "What are my chances of a taste of each?"

Derek quickly jumped in. "You do have your moments, kid. Sign me up as well."

"Derek," his mother scolded.

"Fran, please," Cait said. "They got to it before the vultures did," thumbing to Matt and Mike. Dave gave them both high fives. Aaron and Cait just shook their heads as the home filled with laughter.

"Yuk," Jack said as he reached up to get pulled into Jarrod's lap. "Grandma, grandpa and I are going to share some apple pie," he smiled broadly, remembering the pact they made earlier.

"And don't forget the ice cream grandma," Jarrod said as he winked at Maggie.

As they all sat or stood around the kitchen and nook, Hotch pulled Cait into a long hug and gave her a kiss. "You are simply amazing." The entire team looked at each other and smiled. Dave was right. Aaron and Jack were home.

After dessert, they continued to enjoy each other's company. Henry fell asleep in Penelope's lap and soon after, Jack curled up in Cait's. Hotch looked around and thought to himself, "This is what it is really all about."

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