A/N: Don't own Criminal Minds. I would love feedback!

Chapter 16: Ask Away

Ashley and Aaron made it a point to go out whenever Aaron was in town for more than three days and that's what they were doing that evening. They had driven into DC to Fiola; Ashley adored Italian food. Aaron ordered them a bottle of wine and Ashley looked awe-struck and a little horrified at the menu.

"That bottle of wine cost a fortune," Ashley whispered.

"Stop," Aaron ordered amusedly.

"Seriously though."

"Seriously, stop," he said shooting her a half-grin. They sat silently for a moment perusing the menu before Aaron glanced up quizzically at Ashley.

"Seriously, stop worrying about the cost, it's one night," he said touching her arm softly.

"I'm not used to fancy dates; the last time I went to a fancy restaurant I was going with my family, my father was paying, and I was in college."

"We have plenty."

"You have plenty," she scoffed.

"Fine, but it's enough to go on this date and I'm appalled you have not been to a fancy restaurant in almost a decade."

"Well, you met Jerry; he thinks Olive Garden is fancy."

"Get what you want; we'll still be able to make the mortgage payment," he said winking at her. The waiter returned, Aaron ordered the Branzino, and Ashley the Pappardelle with Sausage and Castelmagno.

"So mister, what do we talk about?"

"Let's not talk about the kids."

"Or your work."

"So that leaves?" He asked and she scrunched her face in thought.

"The weather?" She suggested and he laughed.

"It's supposed to snow this week."

"Is it weird that I'm kind of excited? I mean I abhor driving in it, but I kind of like it anyways," she queried as she sipped her wine. That led to a long conversation about their favorite memories of snow from childhood. Aaron's was building a snow fort with Sean and Ashley's was sledding mishaps with friends.

"Jack loves to sled," Aaron replied to her story wistfully.

"We're not supposed to talk about the children," she said her eyes crunching in mock anger.

"It's hard not to."

"Totally understand and we'll have to take them sledding. Make an outing of it."

"They'd love that."

"Most definitely."

Their food arrived with a flourish and Ashley looked at her meal in awe. If Aaron had been a weaker man, he may have chuckled at her obvious admiration. She took a reverent bite, closed her eyes, and sighed quietly but ecstatically.

"If I was a jealous man, I'd be knocking that fork out of your hand," he commented as he glanced up from cutting his fish.

"You should be jealous," she smirked. "This is better than sex."

"Ouch," he laughed and she grinned at him.

They finished in relative silence, if you discounted Ashley's moans of pleasure. The bill came and Aaron swiped it up before Ashley could even peak at it. She glared half-heartedly at him and he returned with his best diplomatic smirk. They walked outside and Aaron started heading to the parking garage, but Ashley looped her arm into his and dragged him west down the block.

"Let's go to the monument."

"That's nearly a mile away."

"And I just ate like a pig, please? It's not even seven and I'm wearing boots." She cajoled as she wiggled her foot at him.

"Alright," he conceded as he buttoned his overcoat.

They talked about the sites and the kids as they meandered down Madison Drive towards the Washington Monument. Her arm was coiled through his and she leaned close to him to siphon his body heat. Halfway to the monument it began to snow and Ashley grinned ridiculously. When they got close, she pulled away and spun in front of Aaron, making his dimples appear in full force, and he wrapped his arms around her from behind. When he had encircled her, he kissed her deftly on her ear then her neck and she looked up at him, caressed his cheek, and kissed him. She turned fully, wrapped her arms around his neck, and met his lips more thoroughly.

"I feel like a teenager; adults do not carry on like this in public," he groused as he pulled away from her.

"It's snowing," she said like it was obvious.

"It's a requirement," she added as she pecked him one more time. She turned in his arms to look up at the monument.

"I want to ask you a question," he whispered.

"Alright, ask away," she said letting her head fall against him to glance up.

He turned her around and held her at arms lengths. She looked uncomfortable and questioningly. He fumbled with something in his pocket and her eyes widened further.

"The kids, they've been nagging, I talked to them, and we decided that I should ask you to marry me, so will you marry me?" He pulled out the ring that was so Aaron, it was funny: a traditional, elegant diamond solitaire with a platinum band.

"Yes," she tried and her voice shook slightly. He pulled off her gloves and deposited the ring on her left hand, "It's beautiful, Aaron."

He was not sure how to proceed, so he just kissed her firmly. The next few days were spent informing friends and family of their engagement. Some took it better than others, but for the most part the reception was positive. Ashley was the most worried about Derek and Jerry, while not the most accepting both men were gracious and she was thankful for their responses.

She had dialed Derek's number with apprehension.

"'Ello, baby doll."

"Hey."

"What's up?" He asked and her insides coiled tightly.

"Aaron proposed and I said yes," she rushed as she heard him draw in a shaky breath.

"I'm happy for you," he responded tightly.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course."

"Thanks, Derek," she said sincerely, wishing he knew how much his statement, even if hesitant, meant to her.

She thought maybe it was going to work out for the best that her life had led her to this path for a reason. Until the phone's shrill ring woke her from a dead sleep while Aaron was on a case.

"Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction." ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery