Here is the conclusion to this story!

Emily tried to calm her fears as she walked up the stairs to Hotch's office. She couldn't keep the thoughts from running through her head: "I'm going to be fired." "Aaron's fired." "We're both fired." "Or worse, one of us is getting transferred." "I'm going to have to rely on my mother to play politics to keep my job." Taking a deep breath she entered the office and closed the door, but not before glancing a nervous look at her teammates in the bullpen.

Turning around she spotted Hotch sitting on the couch and Strauss sitting in a chair in front of him. Emily sat on the couch next to him as Strauss began. "Agent Prentiss I am aware of your relationship with Agent Hotchner." Emily looked into his eyes, trying to see if this was a good thing or not. The look she received was one of comfort, but she couldn't tell if it was could news or not. "I have spoken with Director Wilson in regards to this matter. I had to clear my decision with him."

Hotch took her hand in his and squeezed it while Strauss continued. "After debriefing the Milwaukee case I realized how hard it must be to deal with the images and stress that come from your cases. It is important that you each are successful in having someone in your lives to understand the struggles that you each face. I spent the past two weeks reviewing the team's performance over the last six months. I found that your relationship has not interfered in any way. That being said effective immediately the fraternization rule as it applies to the BAU has been abolished. As long as you can keep your relationship out of the office, then you have the Bureau's blessing in your relationship."

They sat there in silence for a few moments. "Thank you, ma'am," said Hotch, finally breaking that silence.

"I spent a great deal of my career try to prove that a woman can do the same level of job as a man in the Bureau. Aaron, when you were promoted to Unit Chief, I knew that it would only be a matter of time before other promotions would be sent your way. So when Emily's transfer request came across my desk, I saw it as my opportunity to try to ensure that my position was safe. That is why I approved it right away instead of allowing you to choose Agent Greenaway's replacement."

"You thought my political upbringing would aide you. You thought that I would just roll over and due as you asked," stated Emily.

Strauss nodded, "I did."

"I hate politics," stated Emily.

"I gathered that much when you stalled in reporting anything to me and eventually tried to give up the job placement you worked so hard to achieve," added Strauss, seemingly apologetically. "I was sincerely worried about your safety and the safety of JJ and Garcia. I was pleased to hear of your rescue. I hope that your relationship is successful. I would also like you both to know that the promise I made of stopping any further advancement in the FBI is no longer present."

"That is good to know, ma'am, but honestly as I said before. Why would I want to leave the BAU," responded Hotch.

Strauss nodded and then stood up. "Take care of yourself, Agent Prentiss."

"I will ma'am." Emily and Hotch watched her leave as they stood there in the middle of his office. "I don't believe it," said Emily.

"She does have a heart," joked Hotch. Emily turned to him and kissed Hotch on the lips. He responded by pulling her into a tight hug and deeper kiss.

After a few minutes in the embrace, Emily pulled away. Tears of joy filled her eyes as she spoke, "We should go fill everyone in. I can only imagine the thoughts running through their heads."

Once Strauss left the office, the team all made their way to the conference room and sat around the table waiting for Hotch and Emily to enter the room. "It has been five minutes since Strauss left," said Morgan impatiently.

"I'm worried," said JJ. "Strauss had a slight grin on her face as she walked down the hallway.

Everyone's gaze turned towards the door as Hotch and Emily entered the room. They walked into the room hand-in-hand. "You've been crying," said Morgan, with a slight hint of anger in his voice. He was sure that the news they were about to hear was not good.

Emily nodded her head. "Strauss found out about our relationship."

"We'll fight her on this," said Garcia. "We won't let her split this team up."

"There's no need for that, Pen," said Emily interrupting her.

"No one is going anywhere," clarified Hotch. "As long as we do not let our relationship interfere with our cases, we are allowed to see each other." Emily and Hotch than took turns to explain the conversation that happened in Hotch's office.

After hearing the story, Derek spoke up, "Well I think this calls for a celebration."

"Oh, Derek I am not up to going out anywhere and celebrating," said Emily.

"I wasn't talking about our usual night of drinking and dancing," he defended himself. "How about some takeout Chinese, and just hanging out?"

"That sounds good to me," replied Hotch.

"Why don't you all come over to my parent's house," said Emily.

"That sounds like a plan," agreed Garcia. "Plus JJ and I want to hear all about your weekend with Jack."

"Okay, let's all finish up the reports and call it a day," said Hotch.

Later that evening, they all sat around the dinner table finishing the last of their meal when Hotch stood up. "I have something that I would like to say. We have all been through a lot these past few weeks. I know that I am not the only one who feels extremely lucky that we are all together again and that you ladies are all on your way to a full recovery. I for one am very grateful for that." He smiled at Emily who returned his grin. "That being said, I propose a toast to family."

Hotch raised his glass as everyone else lifted their glasses and responded in chorus, "To family."

Hotch took hold of Emily's and pulled her from her seat giving her a deep kiss. When they pulled away, Hotch continued to speak. "I love you, Emily Prentiss and we don't have to hide it anymore. I was so scared that I would never see you again," tears forming in his eyes, "and when we were standing outside that door and I saw the condition you were in, I thought I had lost you." Aaron reached into his pants pocket. Pulling out a velvet box, he knelt down in front of Emily taking one of her hands in his. "You hold the piece of my heart that has been absent for so long. I don't think I could have survived the pain of losing you. Emily Prentiss, will you do me the upmost honor and marry me?"

Tears were freely flowing from Emily's eyes and she fought to gain control of her voice as she softly answered, "Yes." She held out her hand allowing the engagement ring to be slipped on. She cupped Hotch's face in her hand as he stood up and took her into his arms kissing her deeply. Everyone in the room erupted in applause as they stood and made their way over to the newly engaged couple to congratulate them.

Thank you to everyone who read this story. I hope that you enjoyed it!!