Ambassador Prentiss had always wanted something big for her daughter's wedding. Something she could plan. Flowers everywhere, a large church, a professional photographer...she had played it out in her head more than once.
Emily wasn't even sure she was ever going to get married.
Especially once she started seeing Dave. She loved him, and she knew that he loved her back, but that didn't change the fact that he'd been married three times before. She imagined going through the process again was the last thing he wanted to do. And she accepted that. As long as she got to be with him, a ring on her finger didn't matter. Not a lot, anyway.
Which was why she had been so shocked when he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
On Saturday.
As in, three days later.
But as they stood in Dave's backyard, the priest leading them through the ceremony, Emily realized that it couldn't have been any more perfect. Everyone had been surprised when their Memorial Day picnic had turned into a wedding, but everyone was smiles. Hotch had even given her away, kissing her cheek before moving to stand with JJ and their boys.
"I'm gonna do this right this time," Dave said, holding her hand when it was time for their vows. "Both of us are too damn stubborn to walk away from this. So you're stuck with me, Emily. For better and for worse."
She couldn't help but laugh, tears standing in her eyes. "And there's no one I'd rather be stuck with," she replied, squeezing his hand.
Rings were exchanged, and when it was time to kiss the bride, Dave stepped forward, pressing his forehead to hers. "I love you," he whispered.
She barely had time to say it back before he was kissing her, sealing their lives together in front of everyone they loved. Her arms went around his neck and pulled him closer, feeling so much she thought she could burst.
Perfect.