I would like to apologize for not publishing any new chapters for the past few days. I had a family emergency to deal with and then I had some outpatient surgery. However, everything is now back to normal (or what passes for normal in my world) and I do have a few more chapters for your reading enjoyment.
"It's almost time," Rossi checked his watch yet again. "Let me check on the bride."
"Go ahead, Man," Morgan told him with a grin. "Will Reid and I will keep an eye on our nervous groom."
Both men smiled as they glanced over at a freshly coiffured Spencer who was busily explaining to JJ's husband Will, "Everybody says that she really does a really good job of cutting my hair, it's just that it feels kind of strange going to a brothel to get a haircut."
Rossi quickly strode down the hall to the office where Garcia had Emma confined, helping her to get dressed, fix her hair, and put on her make-up.
"Ladies," he tapped on the door. "Ten minutes."
"No problem," Garcia called out. "We're almost done here."
As Rossi turned to leave, he was nearly bowled over by an out-of-breath, red headed, whirlwind who gasped, "Emma, where is Emma?"
"Debbie?" Rossi recognized Emma's mother. "You made it! She's right in here." He pointed at the door.
"Emma!" Debbie flung the door open and stepped inside. "Emma – Baby?"
"MOM!"
After introductions had been made, Garcia discretely left the temporary dressing room with the warning, "Ten minutes you two – Ten minutes. And, no crying – I just finished with your make-up."
"Mom," Emma repeated once they were alone. "You made it! All the way from Reno – You actually made it!"
"I wouldn't dream of missing my grown-up daughter's second wedding to her first husband," Debbie declared as she smiled at Emma. "You need help with that?" She gestured towards the dress.
"Well, just a little," Emma admitted. "I'm still not sure it is fastened securely."
"I remember getting you ready for your first wedding," Debbie said as she began double-checked the fastenings on the back of the dress. "You were 14 years old and didn't really realize what was going on. I was so scared for you. But, I felt we had to do it to protect you."
"I know that now," Emma turned around and smiled at her mother. "And, actually, I had gone to the library and looked up 'Marriage'. To put it mildly, it was a little unnerving for a naïve 14 year old. All I could think of was that I would have to move away from you. I was really relieved to find out that I was going to be staying in my own room after all."
"Two minutes!" Garcia's voice came through the door.
"Are you ready for this?" Debbie asked, suddenly worried. "I know Spencer is a good man, but – "
"I have never been readier," Emma assured her.
"Well, then, I have something for you – "