A/N: When reality meets with fiction. I have to include the sad news of the untimely death of Miami Marlins star pitcher Jose Fernandez who was killed very early this morning in a boating accident. The Braves were playing the Marlins in Miami and the baseball world is a tightknit family. The game today was cancelled. RIP Jose.

Chapter 6

The last Sunday in September, Caleigh was sitting at their new dining room table, writing out addresses on their wedding invitations. Lexie, with another serious puppy growth spurt, took up more of the dining room floor, snoozing by her chair. She was snoring. Caleigh softly giggled at her and addressed another invitation.

All of a sudden, Lexie sprang to her feet, wagging her tail. Caleigh smiled. "Yup girl, he's coming home. Thanks for the heads up." The Braves had been on the road for a week. But rather than leave early with the game cancelled, the team spent the next three hours in the visitor's clubhouse, quietly reflecting on the young, vibrant life lost.

Lexie raced to the door going into the garage when Zach hit the button to lift the garage door from his truck. Caleigh smiled as she heard him come in the door with his luggage bag and sit down on the bottom step for going upstairs off the garage entry way. "I missed you too girl," Caleigh heard and smiled as Zach gave Lexie her loves of missing her. "Where's mom?" Lexie barked and moved towards the dining room. Zach laughed and followed her to the table.

He pulled Caleigh off her chair and tightly hugged her. "My God Zach, I couldn't believe the news when I woke up this morning." She looked at him. "How are you?"

"I'm still numb," Zach said, holding her. "I talked to Jose last night before our batting practice. What a great guy; and a tough competitor. He was so full of energy and his love for the game." Caleigh pulled back a little and saw tears in Zach's eyes. She pulled him close again to try and comfort him. They spent several minutes like that. Lexie quietly sat next to the two of them.

"Did you hear from your dad?"

"He and Uncle Dave sent a quick text. They're out on a case."

Zach kissed Caleigh and let her go. Lexie nudged his hand. Zach softly smiled and petted her. "Thanks girl." He looked around the table and shook his head. "Ummmmm babe, there's a laptop app called Word. You put addresses into it and it can make labels."

Caleigh looked at him. "Not in my world," she smiled. "Invitations are hand-written." She evilly smiled at Zach. "Guess who gets to help me write the thank you notes."

"Shit," Zach smiled at her, picking up an invitation that was sitting alone on one side of the table. He looked at the address and smiled. "I'm assuming this goes first."

Caleigh kissed him. "Lex and I are going to the post office bright and early tomorrow morning while you sleep in with your day off." Zach looked at her. "Their drive up window is dog friendly. She gets a treat," Caleigh smiled.

Zach rolled his eyes. "The USPS is dog friendly? Sorry babe, that doesn't fit the profile."

Caleigh laughed. "I've got ribs thawing out, potatoes ready to bake and lettuce salads made."

Zach smiled. "A home-cooked meal sounds like heaven. I'll get the grill going."

Caleigh rubbed his arm. "I'll get the potatoes in," she smiled.

Zach kissed her still in his suitcoat and pants and dress shirt. "Give me five minutes to change."

He came back down the steps and whistled for Lexie. "You helping me?" Lexie raced out of the dining room with a large bark as Zach opened the door to the garage.

Caleigh smiled, grabbed her phone and sent a text. He's hurting Aaron; but he's OK.

-00CM00-

Two weeks later, Aaron knocked on Dave's door and stuck his head in. "You ready for the briefing?"

Dave looked at his watch. "It's not ten yet?"

Aaron smiled. "We might want to be early today."

"Aaron?"

"I've heard through the grapevine that our ladies like to have a Skype session with Emily before our Monday briefing," he smiled. "And I think I might know the topic of conversation."

"I got mine Saturday," Dave beamed, getting out of his chair, picking up his files and tablet.

As they neared the door the two of them heard Emily say "I got mine last Thursday. But I didn't want to spoil the surprise for the rest of you," she smiled. Tara, Morgan and Reid, pulling out their chairs, shared greetings with Emily.

"Hold the phone here ladies," Garcia said. JJ and Tara looked at her. Hotch and Rossi stopped before entering the door, smiling at each other as they listened. "By this invitation, I'm getting the vibe that I must dress in the costume of a mere mortal for this conservative wedding in this conservative church."

Aaron winked at Dave and entered. "No Garcia," he said. "That conservative church could handle your greatness. The members of those two church bodies of that conservative church might not do so well." He smiled into the camera. "Hello Emily; please talk her down."

"Hi Hotch; got it," she smiled. "Garcia look around the table at JJ and Tara." They both grinned at her.

Garcia looked, thought for a second and then broadly smiled. "It's a girls night shopping!"

"Boom," Dave smiled with a wave at Emily.

"Hi Rossi," she smiled.

"God help the rest of this team," Aaron muttered under his breath.

Dave laughed at him. "They will be a major pile of uselessness the next day." Reid smiled at him with a nod of his head.

Morgan looked around the table. "You will not invite my wife in on this," he said, waving his finger around the table.

"Guess again Chocolate Thunder," Garcia smiled, rubbing his shoulder. "You're changing diapers."

JJ smiled. "We support our Baby Girl."

Tara looked at Dave. "Do you mind?" Dave smiled with a shake of his head. "Boom!"

Reid looked at all of them. "Thank you Uber. I don't have to be sober cab this time."

They all laughed. Emily looked into her camera. "Hotch, can you do me a favor?"

He looked at her. "Name it."

"Tell the kids I appreciate so much their note on my RSVP," she smiled. "That was a great personal touch by both of them. I don't have to mail it back. Just have Beth and Rachel get me on the responded list. Sign me up for the chicken kiev."

Hotch looked at Garcia. "Already done sir," she smiled, finishing typing. "With Caleigh in on the text as well."

Emily looked into her camera. "I know what's coming next and I've got more work to do myself." She smiled. "Let's get started," she said, imitating Hotch's voice.

Aaron smiled at her. "See you soon Emily."

"I can't wait," Emily smiled and ended the session.

#####

A/N: Thank you all once again for the favorite and following alerts. And the reviews. I deeply appreciate all of your feedback. And all of you that just took the time to read.

This ends my 98th story. I still can't believe it's that's many. But I have to be honest. I've hinted at a milestone coming up. I'll let you all guess what #99 and my "100" are. :D

See y'all in November!

*A deep and humble bow to my Jedi Master* I wouldn't be looking at these upcoming milestones without you by my side. Loves ya babe. :D