Hotch had done the paperwork as fast as he could, he always missed Jack during the travels and just wanted to go home. Still he was the leader of the team and he stayed in the office and completed the report.

As he walked the short distance from his car to his condo he felt lucky that Haley's sister had turned out to be so devoted and capable in the upbringing of Jack. He didn't know what he would do without her. Her unlocked the door to his home and sighed with relief as he entered his little refuge.

"You have to eat your carrots because I told you to!"

"Don't want to!"

"Jack Hotchner, either your eat your carrots or you go straight to bed!"

Hotch entered the small dining room to see his son stick out his tongue at Jessica, the loving devoted aunt.

"... I'm home..."

"Daddy!"

"Aaron!"

Jack ran over to his father and hugged him tightly. Hotch looked at the furious woman at the table.

"Will you please explain to your son, that he has to eat his carrots?" Hotch looked at his son and frowned.

"Jack, you have to eat your carrots."

"Or what?"

"Are you talking back at me?" Jack let go of his father and returned to the table. He sulked but ate the orange roots on his plate. Hotch sighed.

"I'm glad you came home, I have an appointment tonight."

"I'll walk you out." They left Jack with his dinner and and went to the hallway in silence.

"Is he giving you a lot of trouble?"

"Aaron, you know I love the two of you, but lately I just feel like I'm missing out on my own life."

Hotch looked at blond woman.

"I'm sorry. I didn't intend... I don't want you to feel that way. I just.. It's hard!"

"It's just a phase I'm sure."

"But you're right. I should find other babysitters too." He looked at her guiltily. "Not that I see you as a babysitter."

"I don't feel like one. He's my nephew, the only thing left of Haley and I love him. But I need a life of my own."

"I understand that."

"And so do you."

"I do what?"

"Have you been with a woman since Haley died?" Hotch looked at her with big eyes. He was loft for words. "Have you?"

He shook his head.

"Have you been with one since you split up?" He just stared at her. "I thought so. You need a life of your own. All work and no play makes Jack feel like a burden and you a dull boy. And it's not because you're old or unattractive. I think it was yesterday when that new teacher at Jack's kindergarten asked about you. You know who she is – the blond one."

"Annie Adams?"

"Yeah, that's her name." She smiled a disturbingly calculating smile. "She said to call her if any problems came up."

"She helped me once before."

"She mentioned that too."

"Jessica, don't get ahead of yourself. My love life is no concern to you! And don't try to go around fix me up with anybody."

"I don't do that. I'm just saying, that if you need it, I can still stay watch Jack overnight – just not every night."

She gave Hotch a small wave and left.

"Jack, you have to listen to Jessica when I'm not here. She's a grown-up. She knows what's best for you."

"I don't want to." Hotch had returned to the dining room to find an empty plate and no Jack. He was hiding under his blanket.

Hotch sighed and settled on the bed next to Jack.

"I might have to get you another babysitter." Jack pushed away the blanket and stared at Hotch with fear painted in his face.

"Aunt Jessica don't want to watch me anymore?" He had lost the lisp as his new front teeth came out. "She doesn't love me anymore?"

Hotch couldn't bear the hurt in his son's face and pulled him up on his lap.

"Yes she does. But she has other things to do too." Jack snuggled closer to his father and rested his head on the grown man's chest.

"Can Annie look after me?"

"Annie already has a job."

"But she said she had fun last time and she wants to do it again! Ask her Daddy! Please?"

"Only if you promise you'll behave no matter who I get to babysit for you when I'm gone."

"Promise!"