Sorry for the delay guys, I tried to post this hours ago but the STUPID THING WOULDN'T WORK!
Anyway, I'm back now with a new (long) chapter. I've also noticed we are near the 500 review mark (which I am incredibly happy about. You guys are awesome!) so I've decided that the 500th reviewer will get a one-shot. Keep in mind there are a few pairings I won't write, but there is a lot I will.
And...I think that's it now. Enjoy the chapter:)
Chapter Fifty Seven
The music started playing and the wide doors at the bottom of the aisle opened. James turned around and looked down, desperately trying to see if he could see Emily, his bride. He didn't even take notice of the music, all his attention was on the doors. The first people to come through them were JJ and Garcia, wearing matching dresses of an orange colour. He was a guy, orange was orange.
A few steps behind them were Reid and little Jennifer. Jennifer looked so adorable in her dress, she was matching her two aunts. His heart swelled with pride as he watched his little girl walk up the aisle hand in hand with Reid. She looked around her, and smiled at the crowd gathered in the church. She was behaving so well.
And finally, the one he was waiting for walked through those giant doors. Emily Prentiss, with her father at her side, walking down the aisle. The mere sight of her took his breath away, and he could feel his knees going weak. He had to lean on the pew for support. She was beautiful, just beautiful. Her hair was done in soft curls, and her wedding dress framed her figure perfectly. He knew she would look beautiful, but not this beautiful. This was...indescribable. No words could truly express how he felt right now. He didn't even know what he felt right now. There were so many emotions running through him that were threatening to spill out. The only thing he could do was stare at her, stare at the beautiful woman he was going to marry. He couldn't believe his luck.
She got closer and he could feel his heart rate speed up. Why did the aisle have to be so long? She was looking straight ahead the whole time but for a few seconds she turned her head and caught his eyes. And she smiled at him. She smiled that smile she saved only for him. He felt like a lovesick teenager, he had to take a deep breath so he wouldn't be overwhelmed by her beauty. He could have died right now, and he would have died a happy man.
JJ and Garcia reached the top of the aisle, and stood at the side. Then Jennifer and Reid arrived at the top, and Jennifer smiled when she saw her daddy. And finally, Emily arrived. She exchanged a quick kiss with her father, and a smile with JJ before walking up to James. Morgan gave James a thumbs up and he walked over to her and they stood together in front of the altar.
''You look beautiful,'' he smiled.
''You don't look too bad yourself,'' she teased. She looked straight into his eyes, and he could feel her beautiful brown eyes boring straight into his soul. He took her hand and they turned and faced the priest, together.
She could have cried. In fact, she was crying. A lone tear slipped down her cheek, ending up in her bouquet of flowers. But she couldn't cry anymore, she'd ruin her make-up.
Her eyes were on Emily and James the whole time, they seemed so comfortable with each other, so content. What was going on in front of her eyes was a minor miracle. Here was two people with so much love for each other, so much concern and care, and that didn't happen often. What they had was rare. Sure, JJ loved Will and Will loved her back, but it wasn't the type of love Emily and James had. It wasn't that kind of raw, passionate love where you gave everything you had to the relationship. Their love was pure. Will and JJ's was a more comfortable, easy kind of love. They didn't give as much, their relationship wasn't as open. They cared for each other, but not as much as Emily and James. For the first time in her life, JJ was jealous. She would never have that with Will, sure, she couldn't imagine spending the rest of her life with anyone else, but she wasn't sure if it was because she truly loved him or she had just gotten used to him. They had been together for four years, yet he hadn't proposed. Was she ever going to get her day, like Emily had today? She didn't hate Emily, she just wanted what she had right now. She was so happy for Emily, but she wanted a reason to have that happiness too. She deserved it, didn't she? Why couldn't she have what Emily had? What was stopping Will from marrying her? What could it possibly be?
Another tear rolled down JJ's cheek. Garcia noticed and handed her a handkerchief with a smile. She must have mistaken the tear for happiness. There was a certain degree of happiness there, but most of it was confusion.
She'd have to put these thoughts to the back of her mind for now. It was Emily and James' day, she had no right to ruin it with her issues. She had to get happy JJ back, somehow. Maybe she could take a leaf out of Emily's book and compartmentalize.
Why did the priest have to go on and on? Was any of this stuff really necessary? She almost wished now that she had done it at the registry office, it wouldn't take as long. The priest was now rambling about a stone and a bird or something, she wasn't even really listening. All that mattered was right now was the feel of his hand in hers and the way his thumb gently stroked the back of her hand.
Finally the absolutely fascinating story about the stone ended. It was now time for the vows. The time Emily had been waiting her whole life for.
Her and James stood up and began reciting their vows. They had written them themselves, they wanted the whole wedding to be as honest as possible. There was no better way of doing that than baring their feelings for each other in front of everyone they knew.
James went first. ''Today I, James Jeremy Slade, take you, Emily Elizabeth Prentiss, as my wife for the rest of my life. You are the only person I ever want to be with, and the only person I want to spend my life with. You and our daughter are the most important people in my life, and I'd be nothing without you. I was going to write a long speech, but I think these two words sum up everything I feel perfectly. I do,'' he smiled.
Emily smiled shly and started her own vows. ''I, Emily Elizabeth Prentiss today profess my love to you, James Jeremy Slade. You are my whole world, you and our daughter are the light in my life. I need you to survive because I love you so much. Today I take you as my husband, and if you'll have me, I will be your wife until the day life tears me from your side. I will always stand by you, no matter what. This is my solemn vow.''
Then the ''I do'' part came. James had technically said it, but he had to say it again anyway.
''Do you, James Jeremy Slade, take Emily Elizabeth Prentiss, as your lawful wedded wife?''
''I do.''
''And do you, Emily Elizabeth Prentiss, take James Slade as your lawful wedded husband?''
''I do.''
''Then I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.''
James smiled in relief and brought Emily closer to him before attaching his lips to hers in a sweet, lingering kiss as people started clapping around them. He left his hands on her face while she had a hand on both of his arms. After a few moments they broke apart and smiled at each other. They had done it, they were married. They were now finally ready to spend the rest of their lives together.
''JJ, where in the name of God did you get this guy?'' Emily asked through a smile, talking about the photographer JJ hired for the wedding.
''Craigslist,'' JJ answered happily, as she smiled again for the next photo.
''That makes sense. You couldn't have hired a professional one?''
''He is professional.''
''Really? You can't tell JJ. He's holding the camera upside down!'' Emily hissed, and quickly glared at JJ.
''Maybe he's one of those crazy ones who does abstract photography,'' Garcia suggested. They were currently taking the photo with the bride and her bridesmaids, and Emily and JJ were driving her crazy.
''Did it say that in the ad JJ?'' Emily asked.
''No. It said ''Top Quality Photographer in DC Area''. I looked at some of his work for other weddings and they looked pretty good,'' she answered.
''And they weren't upside down?''
''Nope, right way up.''
''Then how come he's taking these ones upside down?''
''I haven't a clue.''
''And why has he taken thirty photos?''
''Maybe he wants the perfect one.''
''If he wants the perfect one maybe he should hold the camera the right way up!''
''Yeah probably!''
''Ugh, can one of you just...tell him? Tell him that he's holding the camera the wrong way up? Please? It's my wedding day...,'' Emily begged.
''FINE. But just because it's your wedding day,'' JJ grumbled and Emily smirked.
JJ left the side of the other two and walked over to the photographer who looked at her with a confused expression on his face.
''Uh, we're not done yet,'' he told her.
''I know, it's just that...you're holding the camera the wrong way,'' JJ said quietly.
''Uh, no I'm not.''
''Yeah you are! It should be this way, see?'' JJ said as she turned the camera over and placed it back on the stand. However she didn't put it on properly and it fell off the stand and onto the ground, shattering the lens. ''Oh.''
''Oh great you broke my camera!'' the photographer exclaimed and he bent down picking up the pieces of the shattered lens.
JJ looked over at Emily and Garcia apologetically but Emily glared back at her.
James heard a crash and went over to Emily. ''What did Jen do now?'' he asked.
''How did you know it was her?'' Emily enquired.
''I just assumed.''
''Oh well she broke the camera.''
''Seriously? We've only taken like three pictures!''
''Well actually he's taken about thirty pictures of the three of us but they're upside down...''
''What are we going to do? We need pictures!'' James sighed and shook his head.
''I know, and we didn't even get to take one with Jenny yet...,'' Emily said sadly and she looked over at her daughter who was over with Hotch and Morgan making them smile.
''Does the guy have a spare?'' James asked.
''I don't know, hopefully.''
''Look, I'm very sorry about your camera, but you were holding it upside down,'' JJ told the photographer.
''Oh my boss is so going to kill me!'' the photographer sighed.
''Wait, boss?''
''Yeah my boss sent him out here. I'm his apprentice.''
''Your boss sent his apprentice out to cover something as important as a wedding?''
''Yeah, he wasn't feeling well.''
''Oh well that explains everything. Do you have a spare camera?''
''Yeah but it's at the office. And that's an hour away. I can have it for the photos at the lake though. The office is on the way. ''
''Shit...look, take my camera. This is how you hold it,'' JJ said, turning the camera on and demonstrating how to use it. ''And you press this button to take a picture. Is that ok?''
''I know how to take a picture ma'am.''
''Really?'' JJ muttered and walked back over to Emily and Garcia. ''I fixed it!'' JJ exclaimed happily.
''Good job JJ, now we're getting our professional pictures taken with a digital camera,'' Emily said sarcastically.
''It's better than nothing.''
''True, are all the photos going to be like this?''
''No, just these ones.''
''Great.''
''Emily, it's not all bad. Now smile, the guy's holding the camera the right way up and pointing it at us so I assume he's taking a picture.''
After the photos outside the church the wedding party travelled to a beautiful lake outside DC. The photographer had gotten the proper camera, and he was holding it the right way up. He took a few photos of James and Emily first, then the two of them with Jennifer, then one with Emily and her two bridesmaids, then one with the three of them and Reid the honourary bridesmaid, then one with the four of them and Jennifer, then one with James and his groomsmen, then one with James and his groomsmen and Jennifer, then one with everyone all together. All in all there was a lot of photos.
There was a few more wedding party and family photos taken at the hotel where the reception was being held, before James took Emily's hand and led her upstairs to their honeymoon suite.
''James what are you doing?'' she asked, smiling, as he sat down on the bed and gestured for him to join him.
''It's our wedding day, but we won't get a lot of time just to ourselves. I thought we could just have a few moments alone up here and have a glass of champagne,'' he smiled and pointed to the bottle of champagne in an ice bucket next to the bed.
''Oh James, this is so sweet but I can't.''
''Why not? They can wait a few more minutes Em,'' James said with a hint of disappointment in his voice.
''No, I meant that I can't have the champagne,'' she clarified.
''Why not? It won't take long...''
''James I want to, I really want to, you have no idea how much I want to...but I really can't. And not because I want to go downstairs.''
''You're...you're pregnant?'' James asked.
''Yeah,'' Emily answered happily.
''Oh God Em, this is...this...amazing,'' he smiled and he hugged her. ''I thought this wouldn't happen. We weren't conceiving.''
''I know, but we got through it in the end. We're going to have another baby!''
''And to find out on our wedding day...this is the best day of my life. When did you find out?''
''This morning.''
''Only this morning? Did you do a test?''
''Yeah, JJ made me.''
''Wait, she knows?''
''She asked me did my period come, I said no, after a few moments of hard thinking she came to the conclusion that I was pregant and made me do a test she so fortunately happened to have in her possession.''
''She had a pregnancy test on her?''
''Yep, with my name on it.''
''That girl is...weird.''
''And a little slow...look, you have your champagne. I'll be fine.''
''No Em. I know how much you like to drink, and not being able to drink on your wedding day must be torture. I'm not going to let you go through it alone.''
''James no. I can't let you do this.''
''Emily the fact that you became my wife today is the only thing I need to make me happy,'' he smiled and gently caressed her cheek.
She blushed and looked down at her hands. He thought it was adorable that they'd been together this long but she was still kind of embarrassed when he paid her compliments.
''I guess I kinda ruined your plan. Neither of us can have champagne now,'' Emily said after a few moments of comfortable silence.
''Are you kidding me? Emily this news is a thousand times better than a bottle of champagne. I wouldn't trade it for anything.''
''Neither would I. So do you want some more time alone or should we go downstairs?''
James moved closer to her and gently grabbed her hands. He looked her straight in the eye before gently pressing his lips to hers in a sweet, but passionate kiss. ''I'm good now,'' he smiled. He took her hand and they went back downstairs.
After the meal was finished, they started the speeches. Emily's dad went first. He stood up and got everyobdy's attention as he began his speech.
''Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming on this day that is very special to me and my family. I would like to thank everyone involved in the wedding, every contribution, no matter how small, helped and you have my sincerest gratitude. Now I could thank people all night, but I'd like to say a few words about one person. James.''
James sighed and Emily smirked. He had met his father-in-law a few times, he was a comedian. The polar opposite of her mother. He just hoped this would be as painless as possible.
''Now I was always afraid my daughter would marry a blond man. Everyone knows of their reputation, they're not known as intelligient beings. So I was afraid that if myt daughter married a blond man my grandchildren would be a bit well, you know, slow. Thankfully little Jennifer is a very intelligient child. She inherited that much from her mother anyway. Hopefully she won't inherit her mother's love of shopping. Oh James, now might be a good time to remind you that your credit card bills should double starting from next month.''
''Another thing I hope Jennifer doesn't inherit is Emily's stubbornness. James I'm sure you've learned this already but in case you haven't here is a quick tip. Whenever you're wrong, admit it. Whenever you're right, shut up. ''
''Now after all that, I'd like to welcome you into the family James. I hope we haven't scared you away, we have that impression on people sometimes. But really, you've been a part of the family since Jennifer was born. This just makes it official. We now can tease you as much as we want, because you're family. Thanks again for coming everyone, you have no idea how much this day means to us. We are very glad you could share this special day with us.''
Emily's dad sat down and now it was James' turn. ''James, don't tell them about you know...,'' Emily said.
''I won't. Can I ask why?''
''Because I want to keep it between the two of us for a while. Well the three of us,'' Emily said, pointing to JJ who was talking to Garcia.
''Ok, I get it. I'd love to scream it from the rooftops, but I understand,'' he smiled.
''Go on, give your speech. And try not to embarrass me too much ok?''
''Me? Never...,'' he smirked and he stood up and began his speech.
''Hello everyone, I'd like to thank you all for coming. Again. You've heard this before, but this is a very special day to us, and it means a lot that you came.''
''I'd also like to thank my new father-in-law for his wonderful speech. He's been so nice to me...but I'd like to thank him, and his wonderful wife, for welcoming me into the family. You're very nice people, and may I say that you have raised an amazing daughter. She is fantastic, thank you so much for everything you've done for her, which probably isn't a lot, you know how stubborn Emily can be. And every mother generally hopes that her daughter will snag a better husband than she managed to do...but she's certain that her boy will never get as great a wife as his father did. And it's true Mrs Prentiss, you are an amazing woman.''
''I'd like to thank my own parents for bringing me up and just being there for me really. Things haven't always been the easiest in our family, but I hope we can move on. I love both you guys so much and the fact that you're here means so much to me.''
''I'd like to thank everyone else involved in the wedding too, the wedding planner, the priest, the people who made the church look so amazing today, and everyone else who had even a small part in this. Thanks guys.''
''So where do I go next? Ah yes. Emily. Emily my beautiful, stunning, amazing, brilliant wife. You...you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I mean it. I love your smile, your gorgeous eyes, I just love you really. Ages ago, really early in our relationship, I let you know who the boss in this relationship is. I looked you right in the eye and clearly said ''You're the boss''. Em, you mean the world to me. I don't know what I'd so without you. I mean it. Did I ever tell you guys how I proposed? Now she'll probably hate me for this, but it needs to be said. In short, it was a cold, snowy miserable winter's day. Emily was at work, when suddenly she went into labour. The roads were closed and she couldn't get to hospital so she had to give birth at work. I managed to make it there in the end, and right in the middle of all the pushing and screaming, I pulled out a ring and proposed. It was the same ring my sister used to propose to Emily, long story ok, not what you think it is, and luckily Emily said yes. And here we are now, married. I am the luckiest man in the world for meeting you Emily.''
'Next, and I promise there's not much more after this, I'd like to thank the lovely bridesmaids, my sister and VERY close friend of Emily's, Jennifer Jareau, and another one of Emily's close friends and a person who scares the living daylights out of me, Penelope Garcia. Oh and Spencer Reid, the honourary bridesmaid. Again, long story. The bridesmaids look absolutely wonderful today and I'd especially like to thank my sister Jennifer for keeping Emily sane throughout all this, being a very willing babysitter and pretty much organising the whole wedding really. So a toast to the lovely and charming bridesmaids, if you'd please stand and raise your glasses, to the bridesmaids!''
Everyone stood up and raised their glasses, took a sip and sat down. Emily grinned over at JJ who was blushing and at Garcia who was looking very pleased with herself. Every person afraid of her was a victory.
''And lastly, I promise it's last, I'd like to thank my best man Derek Morgan, originally a friend and co-worker of Emily, but a guy I got quiet close to in the last couple of months. He's a great guy, but the only slight drawback is that he does live in a bit of a parallel universe which causes him to invent fanciful stories. He really does believe these stories to be true and I thank you for humouring him during his speech,'' James smirked and sat back down next to Emily.
''You did great,'' she smiled.
''Let's just hope Derek's speech isn't too...humiliating.''
''It's Derek Morgan, of course it's going to be humiliating.''
Morgan stood up with a huge smirk on his face. ''I think James is the one who lives in a parallel universe. Me, fanicful stories? Never. That's just as absurd as the time I got abducted by aliens.''
''I was told a long time ago that a best man's speech should be as long as the groom makes love. Thank you ladies and gentlemen. No seriously, I'd first like to congratulate the bride and groom. I can't imagine a better pair than James and Emily. She is loving, driven, and passionate, and deserves the best man she can get. So why aren't you marrying me Emily?''
''So I haven't known James that long, but I can already tell that he's a great guy. I think it's readily apparent as soon as you meet him that he's one of a kind. I mean, he's sometime a plain looking package but inside there's a heart of gold. He is an amazing father, an amazing friend, and an amazing person really. I've known Emily a lot longer than I've known James, and I'll tell you man, you've hit the jackpot with this one. Sure she has some drawbacks, but she's wonderful really. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.''
''You know, when my friend first heard I'd be a best man they were quite concerned. A, they thought I might not be able to perform under so much pressure as it was my first time, especially with such a large crowd watching, that I might struggle to get things out of my mouth...that's what she said. But, I was worried I wouldn't be good enough. I seem to be doing alright so far. I haven't embarrassed the groom, that much, I haven't set the place on fire, I haven't killed anyone, I think I'm doing a pretty good job.''
''So as I stand here tonight, on Emily and James' wedding day, it's obvious that Emily is complete, and James, well James you're finished. This is a fantastic wedding thanks guys, I plan on making my way through the entire menu of signature drinks but first I'd like it if you could all join me in toasting the happy couple. To Emily and James!''
Once everybody sat back down again, Morgan finished his speech. ''So that's me finished, I'd now like to hand you over to the maid of honour, Jennifer Jareau,'' Morgan smirked as he sat down.
''Oh good speech Derek...wait, WHAT?'' JJ exclaimed.
''You have to give a speech JJ,'' Emily whispered.
''I never knew I had to do that!''
''Look, you're good at improvising. Just stand up and do it. And make me look good.''
''Um, ok...,'' JJ said nervously and she stood up. ''Uh, hi. My name is Jennifer Jareau, but most people call me JJ except James who insists on being awkward and calls me Jen. Uh, I'd like to thank you all for coming, again, and I'd also like to congratulate the happy couple. Again.''
''I, uh, met Emily in 2006 when she first joined the BAU. In the last three years or so we've become extremely close, like joined at the hip close, I'm always around, I'm full sure that Emily is sick of me by now. But I'm never going to go away because I love her too much to leave. I first met James when my mother brought me home from the hospital and he was just there.''
''I...look, I had no idea I was going to be giving a speech today. It was just sprung on me right now, so I have nothing prepared. But I do know what I feel in my heart, and I know that Emily is the most amazing person I have ever met. She is so warm and loving, and can make me smile like nobody else can. She is my best friend in the entire world, and I'm so honoured you picked me to be your maid of honour. I know I probably went overboard with the wedding planning but I just wanted to make sure you had the best day ever because, well you deserve it. I can't think of another person who deserves happiness more than you do. There are so many moments that we've shared together that I'll take to my grave with me, because there's things about you I'll never forget. I always thought of you as a sister, and now you really are my sister. That's...that's amazing. You're the best sister I could have dreamed of.''
''I haven't always been supportive of you and James, you know that better than anyone. It was awkward at first to have my brother and my best friend dating, but...I got over it, I fell in love with the idea. And now I never want the two of you to break up. James brings this smile to your face that only he can do, and I am so happy you get to experience that. Uh...some Greek guy said that love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. Emily and James are the perfect example. I've never seen so people so in love as the two wonderful people to my right. They are the definition of love, and I know I'm one of many people who wish them the best of luck and happiness. Whenever you guys need me, I'm right here for you. I love you, both of you, so much, and I...I...I don't know what else to say. Emily you're the best friend I could have ever wished for and James you're an alright brother. So, if you're not tired of standing up, having a drink and then sitting back down again, I propose a toast to the two most amazing people I've ever met, to Emily and James!''
After the toast JJ sat down and faced Emily who was smiling at her proudly with tears in her eyes. ''That was amazing Jayje, I love you so much,'' she said as she quickly hugged JJ.
''I love you too Em, you're crying by the way,'' JJ smiled.
''It was the speech. It was beautiful, and you didn't even have time to practice it. And you started crying halfway through!''
''That's because I had to give a speech without any notification beforehand!''
''You can't fool me Jayje.''
''I know. You know me too well.''
The next big thing was Emily and James' first dance. The hotel staff had cleared all the tables away and cleared the dancefloor. The band were nearly set up and were just waiting for Emily and James to start.
''What song did you say you were dancing to again?'' Hotch asked Emily.
''That one from that Robin Hood movie, that Bryan Adams song,'' she answered. ''That is the song you told them to play isn't it JJ?''
''Yeah I told them to play the Robin Hood song. They looked at me as if I was mad, don't know why, it's a pretty popular wedding song. Maybe they're sick of playing it,'' JJ shrugged.
''Probably. Come on James, I think they're ready,'' Emily said as she took James' hand and they walked out on to the dancefloor.
They got into position and James nodded to the band to start. Emily bit her lip to contain her excitement. Ever since she was a little girl she had dreamed of dancing to the perfect song with the perfect man. Now she had it, it was going to be absolutely perfect.
''Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen. Robin Hood, Robin Hood, with his band of men,'' blared over the speakers and Emily and James froze. They looked at each other in shock before both turning to look at JJ who was cowering behind Morgan.
Emily was going to kill her. James was going to kill her. Maybe Morgan would save her, not likely, he was laughing his ass off. She peered out from behind Morgan to find Emily and James staring at her. Emily's eyes bore into her and she could feel herself shrink a bit. Suddenly Emily's lips twisted into a sly smile and she started dancing along to the song.
''He called the greatest archers to a tavern on the green. They vowed to help the people of the King. They handled all the trouble on the English country scene. And still found plenty of time to sing.''
Emily and James were laughing and dancing, although it wasn't a first dance type of dance. They were spinning each other around and jumping up and down, having fun. JJ stared at them in shock. They weren't mad. She couldn't believe it. Then she found herself laughing along as well, and she grabbed Morgan's hand and brought him out on to the dancefloor. They started twirling and jumping too, as did Hotch and Garcia, and Reid and Jennifer. Rossi sat down staring at them like they were fools while sipping scotch.
More and more people started joining them, even Emily's mother did. It was certainly an unconvential first dance, but it was certainly one no one would forget in a long time.
Eventually the song ended and people stopped jumping up and down and behaving like children. A slower, more normal song came on, and Emily danced with her father while James danced with his mother.
When that song was over Emily walked off the dancefloor and over to Jennifer who was currently resting on Rossi's knee. ''Hey sweetie,'' she smiled as Jennifer jumped off of Rossi and toddled over to her mother. ''I hope you don't think I've forgotten about you honey. You having fun with your Uncle Rossi?''
Jennifer smiled in response. ''That's good sweetie. Now how would you like to dance with your Mommy and Daddy?''
''Yeah! Me want play,'' Jennifer grinned.
''Ok, we'll play over here. Is that ok Jenny?''
''Ok.''
Emily took Jennifer over to James and she ran over to him once she saw her dad. ''Daddy!'' she squealed and he bent down and picked her up in his arms.
''Hey Sparkles. I've missed you today. Have you been good for your Uncle Reid?'' James asked.
''Jenny good,'' she smiled.
''Aww that's good. You wann dance?''
''With Mommy and Daddy.''
''I think we can do that. Can we Mommy?'' James asked Emily.
''Of course we can. Anything for my little baby girl.''
JJ walked away from the dancefloor and sat down next to Hotch who was sitting down watching the dancers.
''Hey Hotch. Did Penelope finally let you go?'' JJ smirked.
''Yeah finally. Although she's taken Dave now. I have to admit, I don't envy him,'' Hotch replied, smiling one of his rare smiles.
''Just wait until she gets her claws into Morgan.''
''That'll be a sigh for sore eyes. Speaking of which, where did you leave Morgan?''
''He got distracted by the daughter of someone Emily's mom knows. He dropped me in a shot. I think he's hoping to hook up with someone here.''
''Isn't that kind of a dream you women have? To meet your perfect man at a wedding?''
''But Morgan isn't a woman.''
''I know, but isn't it?''
''Well it's romantic alright. Although every girl dreams of being kissed in the rain for some reason.''
''Do you?''
''Yeah. I've watched too many romantic comedies.''
''Wasn't it in The Notebook too?''
''Hotch! I never knew you were a romantic at heart!'' JJ smirked.
''Jack wanted to watch it. He thought it was about a boy who finds a magical notebook and goes on a brilliant adventure.''
''And you went along with it?''
''He seemed so excited about it. He really wanted to se it, I couldn't let him down.''
''You're a really great dad Hotch. You endured The Notebook for your son.''
''Actually Jack fell asleep twenty minutes in. I have to admit, I watched until the end because I was kind of riveted by it.''
''That's too cute. Now that's something every girl wants. A guy who will watch films like The Notebook with her. But they're hard to find.''
''Well sometime you just have to look at the person right in front of you.''
''JJ come dance with me!'' Emily shouted and he ran as fast as she could in heels and a wedding dress over to JJ.
''Emily are you drunk?'' JJ asked. She sure hoped not, because of the baby.
''Drunk? No! I'm pregnant remember?''
''Yeah, I remember...''
''I'm just hyper. I drank A LOT of Sprite and now I'm hyper on sugar. Come dance with me!''
''Alright, just because it's your wedding day,'' JJ smiled. She took Emily's hand and followed her onto the dancefloor. Once they were there JJ took Emily's other hand and they started gently swinging around.
''Where have you been for the last hour? I haven't seen you, I thought you'd be out dancing,'' Emily said loudly, so JJ could hear her over the music.
''I was talking with Hotch. Kinda got distracted. Where's Jennifer?''
''With Garcia. Although she's probably off stalking Morgan so she probably left her with Kevin. Should I trust Kevin Lynch with my child?''
''Probably not.''
''Yeah...I'm going to go find her. I should probably put her to bed anyway. The music being so loud isn't good for her.''
''Ok, I'll help you. I'll look after her for a while if you want.''
''JJ you've been talking to Hotch for the last hour or so. You need to have some fun.''
''I'd be glad to look after JenJen. We could watch some TV or something. She won't want to go to bed.''
''Alright. And are you sure about her staying in your and Will's room? We could always keep her in ours.''
''I'm pefectly happy with it. It's your wedding night, you and James need to be alone if you know what I mean,'' JJ smirked as she winked at Emily.
''Oh be quiet Jareau. Oh look there's Kevin,'' Emily said as she pointed at Kevin who was playing peekaboo with Jennifer.
''Hi Kevin, how's she doing?'' Emily asked as she sat down across from him.
''She is having the best of fun with Kevin aren't you Jennifer?'' Kevin answered. Jennifer smiled at him. ''Oh and congratulations Emily. You look beautiful by the way.''
''Thanks Kevin. Is it ok if I take her upstairs? She really shouldn't be down here too long.''
''Oh of course, she's your kid. Do you need someone to look after her?''
''Oh no, JJ's got it covered. But thanks for looking after her. Now if I was you, I'd go look for Penelope. She's probably off grinding with Morgan.''
''Oh, I better. Glad to help, she's a sweet kid.''
''Ok, thanks again Kevin.''
''He's a nice guy,'' JJ said as Emily scooped Jennifer up in her arms and carried her out of the function room.
''Yeah. A little weird, but nice.''
Emily and JJ took Jennifer upstairs and after a few minutes Emily left Jennifer and JJ alone. If JJ was honest, she was glad to be away from the celebrations for a while. The jealousy was seeping back in as she watched Emily, James and Jennifer being a family out on the dancefloor and she didn't want to ruin their big day. It was their day, not hers. She had absolutely no right to be jealous, but she couldn't help it. She wanted a day like this, she wanted a wedding. But was Will ever going to give it to her?
JJ sighed and turned on the TV. She pulled Jennifer up on to the couch beside her and found some cartoons for them to watch. Jennifer snuggled up close to her favourite aunt, and soon she was asleep. JJ rest Jennifer's head in her lap and gently ran her fingers through Jennifer's dark hair. She just needed some time alone, and she'd be able to face it again.
It was practically morning by the time Emily and James left the function room and went upstairs to their honeymoon suite. They had wanted to be alone for hours, and now they finally had the chance.
''Oh it's so good to have some peace and quiet,'' Emily sighed as she flopped down on the giant heart shaped bed.
''Yeah, it is. That music could really give you a headache,'' James said as he lay down next to her. He moved his arm and Emily rest her head on top of his chest.
''Yeah it would. But we're alone now. No more music, no more dancing, no more wedding dress.''
''Hmm. You know, as much as I love you in that wedding dress, I think I'd love you more out of it,'' James smirked.
''Oh really? I guess you'll just have to take it off me then Mr Slade.''
''My pleasure, Mrs Slade.''
So you might have noticed the mild flirtation between JJ and Hotch in this chapter. I'm not sure if I should expand on it, it might make things messy...I don't know...