Chapter 15

6 months later

"Penn you are so beautiful Morgan is going to drop dead when he sees you in this gown!"

JJ spoke softly as she stood on Garcia left side and Emily stood on her right. they both brought her Queen Anne Laced trimmed veil down over her face.

"I just can't stop crying I know i'm gonna mess up my make up. We should've waited until after we had the baby I look huge."

she pulled another tissue from her bosom as she tried to breath and relax. She spent months in intense therapy with and without Derek and she knew that her self doubt was a form of her OCD that was her new diagnosis from all of the trauma she endured. all of her anxiety and self esteem blows manifested into OCD. Sure she knew about the Disorder but she always thought that it was just the people who had to always wash their hands, alphabetize their can goods, or had to be super clean at all times stuff like that. She had no idea it could be a form of anxiety. at times her self doubt was all consuming. The long sleepless nights and nightmares had finally slowed down. She was learning to enjoy being pregnant and having a baby soon was to be joyus. Everyone in their circle worked hard on making sure she knew she was loved and appreciated.

The past few months was hard on her chocolate thunder as well. It killed him to see her thrashing and screaming out for him at night. They still haven't had sex, he would never push or rush her. His mom was a god send she moved to town not only to help him with Pen but to be with Rossi as well. There secret relationship was a sure surprise but if she was happy so was he. Besides he kind of always saw Rossi as a father figure. When his leave of absence was over, and the team was on the road his mom would come stay with Pen. As a couple they decided that she would not rush to return to work. She already had her health, mental and physical to worry about. The last thing she needed was to stare down into the horrors that they faced daily. The most she would do work related was walk the temp through a hardware question via the phone.

They decided not to have a long engagement with everything that they went through life was too short. Fran spearheaded the wedding plans with the couples approval of course. Sarah, Des, JJ,and Em helped her with dress shopping and that alone lifted her spirits. she fell in love with the A-line cinderella type strapless wedding dress. with a cathedral length veil. She knew she would only do this once in her life so she spared no expense to look perfect for the man who stood by her side. The seamstress took extra care and removed the zipper and replaced it with a satin lace up back that could be adjusted to accommodate her growing tummy.

Rossi stepped in and agreed to host the whole thing at his estate. He made sure that Derek had all the support that he needed as well. He already loved him like a son so doing this for them was like second nature. The whole team agreed that they all need this joyus occasion.

"Is my tie straight?"

Morgan asked Reid for what seemed like the 5th time in 20 minutes.

"Derek you look fine it is surely your nerves you know studies show that 40% of all grooms…."

Derek stopped pacing just long enough to give Reid the if you don't shut up with your statistics look.

"HA HA!"

Spencer yelled

"See I knew I could distract you long enough to take your mind off of being nervous Morgan"

"He's got you there Morgan"

Hotch chuckled as he came out of the bathroom that was connected to the huge bedroom that Fran assigned the men to for dressing.

"I know I am not afraid to marry her and I know I'm not afraid of my life with her so what the hell is wrong with me?"

He walked to the huge bay window that overlooked the South Lawn he smiled when he looked down at the huge crowd of family, friends, and co workers that filed in to witness their special day.

"I'm afraid that you have a good old fashioned case of cold feet."

Fran said as she walked into the room to check on her son.

"You probably feel like your stomach is going to fall through the floor. trust me baby boy your bride-to-be feels the exact same way. It's just one thing missing your father. How I wish he was here to see his son start such a beautiful new chapter in his life."

She reached into the bag she was carrying and gave Morgan a small box.

He felt his eyes swell with tears as He held up the silver locket to look at closely on one side was a picture of his dad holding him as a baby.

"Now all you have to do is wait a few more months and you can put the picture of you holding your baby on the opposite side of the locket."

She dabbed the corner of her eyes as she watched him put the locket on and tuck it inside of his shirt.

"Baby just so you know you have turned into everything that your father thought you would be baby boy and you will make an excellent father and husband. you have already proven that by way you have taken care of Pen."

"You have know idea how much I needed to hear that Mama thank you so much"

He kissed her on her forehead and wiped his own eyes.

"You guys are going to have a wonderful life son."

Hotch spoke up when he noticed the time.

"It's time to head down."

Morgan smiled at his mom as He, Hotch, and Reid headed out the door.