A/N: This story is going on longer than even I expected, and we still have a ways to go. This is a fun chapter, I hope you like it.
I don't own Criminal Minds.
Just in the middle of one of the cheesiest love scenes he ever saw Derek felt his phone vibrate with a text message. Do not open next text if anyone else can read.
He looked to see JJ and Garcia fully engrossed in making fun of the film and flinging popcorn towards the screen so he read the next message. Proposing to Pen tonight. Keep her occupied until 5?
A good portion of the giant soda he was drinking ended up forcefully spit out on the seat in front of him. The girls caught that of course.
"Everything alright my chocolate muffin?" Garcia's tone held both concern and amusement.
He wiped his chin. "Ah yeah. Hey sweet thing, would you get me another soda? Some napkins too?"
She furrowed her brow, because he always insisted on doing those things. But maybe he wants to talk to JJ. Thinking that must be it, she grabbed the refillable cup and made her way out of the theater.
As soon as the door closed behind her Derek looked to JJ. "Can you keep a secret?" she nodded and he showed her the text.
"You mean. Wait." She was putting her hands up in front of her trying to distance herself while she wrapped her head around it but her face held nothing but pure hope. "Finally."
Derek laughed at that reaction. It's been such a quick progression to the relationship yet he feels the same way. He always wondered if they were in love with one another. He always thought those smiles that only Penelope could bring out in Hotch meant more but he never wanted to just assume anything. But now that it's open, clear to everyone… "We have to do our part in this. If you are ready for that."
JJ nodded in excitement and took over Derek's phone asking details. She got texts back stating he had the ring, that Rossi and Emily were doing a good amount of the planning with him and that Reid was taking Jack for the night to play with Henry. And both boys knew all about it. She told this all to Derek.
"What can we do to keep her occupied until then? That leaves us three hours after this move ends." He was starting to panic. One of the texts specifically asked to keep her away from both Hotch's apartment and her old apartment. And Reid and JJ's would be obvious, there would be risk at Emily or Rossi's (though he knew Em was spending most of her time with Dave lately) and there were things at his place he just couldn't explain right now.
JJ was deep in thought about this too but hit Derek with her epiphany. "I'm going to tell her I want to pick out wedding dresses for when Reid proposes."
He loved the idea, why not distract her with wedding stuff? She'd need to get a head start. But…"Won't that be a little obvious?"
JJ shook her head side to side with a smirk. "The one plus to my still being so fragile my dear is she will do anything if it's supposed to help me. I'll make the request and you back it up with an explanation about how it's good for my mental health."
He could feel the smile rise on his cheeks as Garcia sat down next to JJ. "What are you two discussing so urgently?" She hadn't heard it, but could tell they were both deeply involved so it wasn't about the movie.
JJ turned to her with a proud shrug. "I convinced Adonis over here to indulge me today. You will do the same right?"
"Anything for you my blonde love." Pen handed over the soda and napkins to Derek, plus a packet of peanut M&M's to JJ which are her favorite. "What would that be?"
JJ leaned in, clenching her fists in excitement. "Wedding dress shopping!" she yelled. And then noticed the surprise and trepidation on Pen's face. Her friend was worrying about her getting carried away on herself. She put a hand on PG's arm to soothe her. "Please? Henry told me Reid plans to ask in a few months and when he does I want things to go in a quick order. I understand why he is waiting but you know, there is just no way to plan a wedding when we both are so busy at work… I want to use what little free time I get." She shot her friend puppy eyes.
Oh great. Puppy eyes. But she was still unsure if this was healthy so she looked to her best friend in the world but he just nodded. "It will be great I think. We can all look forward to the future. Maybe you two can help me pick whatever I will wear when I get married."
Both girls turned their gazes to him. "Is that a possibility?"
He nodded. "Maybe." He closed his lips tightly. "And you too there baby girl. We can make a good long day of it. Reid sent JJ a text that the boys are dying to spend time together so Hotch and Henry won't be missing you if we keep you late." He was proud of himself he thought to cover on that.
Pen's face actually fell a little but then she perked up. "I suppose my little man could fend without me for a few more hours. After all, mommies need time too." She smiled resolutely. "He called me mommy!"
Both Derek and JJ launched into a big group hug with her. She was supposed to be that boy's mother and soon it would all make sense, become official, and become whole. She better say yes.
"So what do you say? Blow this joint and play dress up for a while? I think if we exploited the badge a little we might get a little extra attention at a good bridal shop." JJ's grin was evil. One, she really couldn't wait to see Morgan in one of those stores where the aisles are so small because the dresses poof out. And two, she wanted to see them all moving on with their lives. Pen just didn't know how quickly she would need today.
With one last look to Morgan Pen agreed and led the way out. He smirked when Hotch sent another text for an update and he returned. We are going dress shopping. And JJ knows Reid will propose.
With that, they set off for wedding planning.
-Criminal Minds—
"Are you two sure she will like this?" Hotch was getting very nervous about the plans, even though they were mostly his idea. When he had proposed to Haley it was nothing like this. He didn't have to put so much thought into it and now he was second guessing everything when it came to Pen's proposal. She deserved nothing but the best.
"Yes." Both Emily and Rossi responded in unison before Emily continued on. "Trust me as a woman when I tell you how a girl wants to be proposed to."
They were all sitting in a diner, the two boys coloring and Reid overlooking their work as plans kept building. He heard Emily talk about marriage proposals twice today, using herself in the example personally. It got him curious. "Other than Doyle, have you ever been proposed to?"
Emily sat back in her seat across from him, her arms crossing her chest and her mouth setting firm. All defensive and distancing gestures. "What?" she asked, a little coldly even for Em.
He was confused by her reaction. He just wanted to know. "Well, I mean you aren't married so if someone did propose they obviously didn't do it right, correct?"
Emily heaved out a breath and lowered her stance. Reid wasn't trying to imply anything. "The good news for Hotch is that even if it isn't the 'right' proposal, if a girl wants to marry a man she will. It might take time for her to decide, she might need space or just a chance to get a grip on the situation and might carry that ring around not ready to put it on her finger," she noticed five sets of male eyes looking at her in examination, the two little ones being the most comforting. They weren't trying to profile her right now like the adult males were. She waved her hands in front of her face. "Anyhow. Pen is ready. I'm sure of it and you are the guy Hotch. So, stop worrying so much."
Rossi dropped his gaze with a firm set in his lip, Hotch decided he would ask for more details on that little rant later and Reid shot her a look saying 'if my son weren't here I would be constantly talking your ear off about this.' Thank god for Henry and Jack. She pulled more crayons from her purse and gave them another sheet of paper each. "Draw something pretty for your mommies. No trucks." She instructed before turning back to the conversation.
"Another great plus to this plan in my opinion," Reid interjected into the lulling discussion over which wine to serve with dinner "is that it will show Garcia that we are all behind her, with everyone taking a role. I think because of the speed of the request she might be nervous about perceptions. But with everyone making it clear that we want this for you guys she will relax that and just focus on you two."
Hotch nodded in agreement. He knew that having the support of her family was very important to Penelope. She would be even more touched that he thought to include everyone who had a role in pushing them forward. He looked to Reid and thanked him for keeping Jack tonight and then looked to Rossi and Prentiss. "Are you two sure you can pull this off? I don't want you to have to—"
Rossi cut him off as he scooped up the check to pay before anyone would protest. "We have it all under control. This one has been getting fairly good." He indicated Emily with a jerk of his head.
Of course, Hotch wondered just how they were going to work together tonight when it seemed they were avoiding speaking to one another directly all day. But he had to give them the benefit of the doubt. This mattered to them both so much that whatever their personal problems may be, they would set it aside.
They all piled back into Reid's car and towards their own to set about their tasks for the day. Hotch was nervous and had only an hour to set up everything he needed. Tonight would be perfect, or he would die trying.
-Criminal Minds-
Hotch picked her up from the bridal shop just after five, right in time to see JJ try on her last dress. It was difficult to hide his glee from his friends, especially when Penelope went to change out of her bridesmaid's dress she was trying on for JJ. Morgan informed him that Penelope just can't say no to JJ and ended up trying a few bridal gowns on herself.
He thanked them both and took Penelope for a good long drive, saying he would take her to dinner since Jack was at Reid's. He was glad she was distracted the whole ride until he announced they were there.
"Where are we?" She hadn't been paying attention to where they were driving; she was too busy looking back over the photos that they took from the bridal salon today. JJ was going to make an incredibly beautiful bride. And the few photos she allowed Derek to take with her phone of her in one of the selections JJ made her try on… her heart was certainly going to beat out of her chest. She knew she wanted that, with the man beside her and she knew which dress too… if he would only ask.
He smirked. He saw a few of those photos. How pragmatic of Morgan and JJ, getting her into the wedding mindset for him. Now he was going to have to buy everyone thank you presents. "I had lunch with Rossi today. I told him what you had said, again last night, about us maybe getting a house. He told me about this one. The realtor is letting us check it out off clock."
If she wasn't already plagued with a thudding heart it would have started now. He was serious about them moving even more along the scale of commitment. And from the looks on the outside, this house was spectacular. She jumped across the SUV console and pecked his cheek. "You Aaron Hotchner are an adorable boyfriend."
He blushed, hoping that would be the last time he would carry that title. Fiancee had a much better ring to it, husband even more. "Ready?"
Oh, she was ready. "Where's the realtor?"
He left the car and rounded to her door to let her out. Kissing her when she hesitated. "Rossi knows her; he got his house off her too. We have a key, and the night to decide. Rossi insists you can't make a choice until you've had a meal in the house." He shrugged at her look. "I wasn't going to argue with him making us dinner again. Besides, he did the same thing. Having a badge, it makes people trust you."
"Yet another reason I can be jealous of you guys." She teased as she slid out of the car. "But I guess being with you gets me some of those privileges doesn't it?"
He took her hand to lead her inside. "Yeah." He fumbled with the key in the door. "But I get a whole lot more from the deal. After you." He went to usher her in but stopped her and picked her up bridal style to carry her in. When she looked at him askance he simply said "Just in case it is the house we buy." And carried her into the foyer.
When he placed her on her feet and turned the light on her eyes equally lit up. This house was absolutely adorable, and dressed for show with furnishings present. She took a good look around. It was an updated Victorian Tudor, with modern amenities throughout but with lots of charm. "How many bedrooms is it?" she asked Aaron.
He had already seen the house quickly earlier and explained that Rossi had dragged him in. Of course, in reality it was in preparation for tonight, but to Pen it was so he had familiarity with it and could show her.
"But why didn't you just call me earlier to come?"
He hated lies, but it's worth the surprise. "You were with JJ and she needs you. And the realtor's vacation starts tomorrow for a week and I don't want to miss out on our chance in case another couple puts and offer down once she gets back. So tonight it is."
She nodded. She was so glad he could be so practical about things. "So, bedrooms?"
"Let's start upstairs first." He guided her and was only thankful that was her first question. He had wanted to steer the tour so her surprise would be seen last. "There are three bedrooms up here with two baths. The master has its own and it's a Jack and Jill between the other two."
She peaked into the first room on the right. It was a good size, perfect for Jack with the L shape making space for a sleep area separate from study/play. She said as much to Hotch. His eyes lit at the comment. She was so much a parent; it's as if she lived with Jack all her life. "I think he would love this room. He always tells me that he wants something bigger." He offered.
She nodded and checked out the closet, fairly spacious, enough for a boy. Then she opened the door to the Jack and Jill bath. It was nice and clean and had two separate sink areas which allowed for lots of privacy. Since this would likely be a guest room on the other side that would be handy. She walked to the other room and when she opened the door her breath caught a bit. It was a nursery. A crib, a rocker, dressing table, baby stuff all specially displayed. She didn't know what she could say that wouldn't betray the thoughts running through her at seeing this. She loved Jack but she really did want more kids. She and Aaron would have such good babies, and with brother Jack and it was just so overwhelming. Finally she settled on "This is such a cute room."
He of course picked up on what she must have been thinking and he wanted all that. He wants at least one more, or as many as life could give them. "Well, if we do buy, maybe we'll use it for the same purpose." He causally dropped the comment but one look at her face and he knew she was stunned.
"You really do want more kids?" she almost added 'with me?'
He nodded emphatically. "With you? I'd have a dozen. Though you might object to so many." He caught her jump to him just in time to twirl her in his arms. "So you like what you see so far?"
She nodded, now being put down to the floor again. "This place is so cute. I love the original floors and the little stained glass details on the windows. And it's all pretty modern in the wiring and what not. Can we afford this?"
Hotch nodded. Even if his career in the BAU was shot, he could always go somewhere else, maybe the justice department, without a salary cut. "Between our incomes? Yes, with lots to wiggle around with. I have a large sum for the down payment, and I know we could easily get approved. I did a thing." He looked away, about to laugh his butt off at the reference to when she bought those tablets for everyone saying she 'did a thing' as well.
She smiled, maybe they were more alike that even she thought. "And what was this thing?"
He let her trail him as he moved into the hall and towards the next room. "I ran our credit scores of course, getting your social security number from personnel files. Yours is impressive by the way, I won't ask if that is natural or artificial. I am still a federal agent." He joked and she giggled at his good agent act but he opened the door to the next before she could say anything else.
Her face fell looking into the blank space of a room. It wasn't that large, about the size of the nursery. "This isn't the master is it?" She really hoped it wasn't because the house was perfect until now.
He shook his head no. "Nope. This is the office. I think it would be enough for both of us to put back to back desks. You could have the larger wall, so you could set up all your equipment, maybe even work from home when necessary."
She examined the space herself. It too had a sort of L shape but less obtrusive than in Jack's room. There was no closet or anything and with a little modification could be turned into another bedroom. But a joint office with Aaron sounded like a really great idea to her. She was used to working with him. And she knew she wouldn't get sick of him no matter how much time they spent together. "You thought this all through didn't you?"
He nodded and reached for her hand. "And I think you will like the Master too."
She smiled, he seemed sure. And he put so much effort into this. They could afford it. It was a little further from work than she was used to but a little more of a commute would be worth the effort when it meant she could have a house like this that would otherwise surely be out of their price range. "Oh!" she stopped him as they passed a window in the hall to the back. "The yard is huge!"
His grin increased. "That seemed important to you when you first mentioned buying. The swing set is staying with the house, and so are the appliances. There is a pool back there too that is blocked by the tree line from this window."
She looked at him with shock. "How is this house not picked up already?"
"Rossi has a magic of his own. It only officially goes on market next week when the realtor returns from vacation." He was never going to repay that man enough for pointing this out to him. Together he and Emily and Reid went over about a hundred ideas on tonight. But when Hotch had mentioned during a planning break what Pen had said about a house Rossi shot up with this idea, made the calls, and got everything set on this end. That man wanted a wedding to attend. That was for sure.
"That man. He's getting a big ol' kiss when I get to him."
"So long as I get most of them, it doesn't bother me. Now, I think you'll love the master." He opened the knob all too slowly for Penelope and she skirted in right passed him. It had two separate areas, the first a sitting area with a fireplace and open behind it with a half wall and column supports was the 'boudoir' area as Aaron explained. Of course, being furnished for the showing helped her imagine everything in its place. The bed was a large king and in the sitting area above the fireplace sat a mirrored flat screen TV. It was both comfortable and sophisticated, and the sofa was a brushed silk pink. Her mouth watered, wanting it so badly.
"No chance we can buy the furniture is there?" she joked as she plopped onto the bed. It was like heaven.
"We could, if you want. I gather the owners already moved out of the country, so they aren't taking any of this." He hoped she would like this house as much as she seemed to. He fell in love with it already. "Come here."
She groaned when she had to get up and walked over with him to the walk in closet. It was quite large but lacked organization. She thought she might have to have it professionally done and Hotch agreed. Together they had more clothes than a small store. He had at least fifteen suits. She had more accessories than a jewelry store. And hopefully she would have one more to her everyday attire. "One more thing and I know you will love it." He guided her to the bathroom which had double sinks in their own areas, a two person shower but the showstopper was the claw foot tub dead center.
"Oh. My. God." She climbed into it and lowered herself in, remembering the time she spent relaxing in a tub with him on their steam punk date. She could see them doing that all the time here. After a big case or something messy in life, just coming to their retreat and being them in simple company. "Let's buy this place."
He chuckled. "You haven't even seen down stairs."
She stood, reluctantly but argued. "I don't care. Yard, room for Jack and this tub? I'm sold. But yeah, I suppose I should at least look at it."
He had to hold in his breath, otherwise risk her seeing his relief and simultaneous nervousness as he led her down the back stairs. These led to the mudroom off the garage that housed the organized laundry area and led to the main hall of the first floor. On their left was a large and casual family room. On the right, a guest bed with bath. "Oh, this is a great room. Maybe Sean would visit more often if he had a room like this to come to."
Hotch smiled, glad she wanted to have more time with his family. When they had called him (more like when Pen hacked into his computer, remotely installed Skype and popped open the program with them on camera so they could all talk) they had hit it off right away. She told him all about her work, he told her about his travels and a new gig he got as sous chef at a restaurant in Manhattan. His brother seemed to love her so much he had specifically told him when she went to the bathroom that he hopes they stay together, she was good for him.
Hotch of course agreed. "I hope so. Maybe if you start with your brothers again in the future they could come too. But, that's all up to you of course." There was lots of pain there; he didn't want to open wounds.
She smirked at his thoughtfulness and continued on. Next on the right was a small play room and then the kitchen came into sight. Rossi would approve, though it desperately needed a new stove and refrigerator. And then the dining room came into sight.
Her eyes watered. Set at the table was a long white cloth with a shorter deep red cloth draped over it. The same pink roses and lilies as he had given her after Valentine's Day sat in a short arrangement where they could see over them and candles flanked the two set places on either side. "What's all this?"
He walked her to her seat and held it for her, pushing her chair in as she sat. "It's Rossi and Emily's big surprise for us. Everyone was in on it actually. JJ and Reid taking Jack, of course. Morgan kept you out for me so I could set up and Emily and Rossi cooked dinner."
Her eyes were watering. "But why?"
He shrugged. He couldn't tell her yet. "They love our love I guess."
They both broke into large grins and Hotch poured out the wine while she removed the covers of their plates. "Wow." She sat there, staring at the dinner. "This has to be the prettiest salad ever. Are these flower petals?"
Hotch chuckled. He had asked Rossi if there was any way to romance a salad and when he found out rose petals were edible and taste just like arugula he was sold on putting them into the salad. "Yep. Pretty isn't it?"
She nodded, wondering where Hotch got romance lessons. But, he was always like that wasn't he? Giving small tokens to show he cared, doing things and favors just because. "So, is this part of the getting to love the house thing? Can't know it 'till you have a romantic meal?"
"That's a good part of it. I'm glad you are enjoying yourself. Ready for the main course?"
She nodded so he retreated to the kitchen where Rossi had left the plates in the warming drawer. The poor guy had to cook everything here and scram just a few minutes before Hotch showed up with Pen. How he managed to clean the kitchen up in so little time is a mystery for the masters.
"Oh, I love lamb! Did you pick it out?" She knew he had to. Aaron wasn't the type of man to leave these things up to other people.
Hotch nodded. "Yeah. I told Rossi what I wanted and he added his gourmet flair. I'm glad I got it right." She was so beautiful when she was happy. Here he was sitting across from her watching her savor her food and the surroundings of a potential future home and he had to rub his sweaty hands on his pants. He was a bunch of nerves. She was getting suspicious, he could tell.
He rushed to clear her plate the second she finished her last bite and nearly ran into the kitchen. He was freaking out. What if he doesn't do this right? This is something she was going to remember forever. It had to be perfect.
"Aaron. Is everything alright?" Thankfully she called it from the dining room and didn't come after him.
He calmed his breathing to respond. "Yep. Just looking forward to dessert. You ready?"
At her positive reply he carried the tray containing two plates and two cups of cappuccino to the table with shaky hands. The spoons were knocking against the plates he was so nervous.
She reached up to help him unload their dessert and coffee and watched him carefully. He seemed, odd. That's all she could peg.
"Nothing like Rossi's tiramisu is there?" she asked hesitantly. What was up with her man? Was he nervous about buying a house with her? She hoped that wasn't it. He was the love of her life and she was ready to move on full steam ahead.
He agreed, using the dessert as a lifeline to courage. But it wasn't working so well under her examining gaze. She knew something was up. He got an idea and reached for the remote that Rossi left on the sideboard. Suddenly the room filled with one of Pen's favorite romantic Disney ballads. "Would you like to dance?"
She smirked. She hadn't ever danced with him yet. "Of course."
He took her hand and led her to the small clear area between the dining room and formal living room. He held her close, the two more swaying than dancing but it was enough for her. She sighed into his embrace. She was so in love with this man and a combination of this song, this house, this night, this everything, was the perfect moment to her. She told him as much and was surprised when he pulled away.
With confidence in her happiness at the moment, on one knee Hotch read the shock on her face at him having pulled away. Her mind obviously wasn't catching on yet. He reached out for her hand. "Penelope."
"Yes." She said unsure. Why is he on one knee? Part of her brain knew why, but the rest was entirely still in shock. This couldn't—is he?
"The first time I proposed to you it was as a fictional character. But this time it's for real." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the flowery diamond ring, slipping it onto her finger. He gave a silent thank you to Reid for getting the size right. He steeled himself with a shallow breath and looked back up into her eyes, hers blurring slightly just as his own with a single happy tear. "You are by far the funniest, happiest and most human person I have ever known. You made our team a family, a son of your own in Jack and now I am asking you to make me complete." He paused with goose bumps on both their flesh. "Penelope Garcia, will you marry me?"
"Yes." She rushed it out the exact moment he finished the question and a second later she was in his arms sharing tens of grateful, loving kisses. "Oh, God. I love you Aaron." She managed between kisses as he twirled her around in a bear hug. When he put her down and rested his forehead to hers to catch their breaths she smiled. She knew exactly what to say. "We have to buy this house now."
Hotch broke into the most gleeful laugh he's ever experienced. "For you, anything. It contains a pretty big part of our history, doesn't it?"
She nodded as he took her hand and kissed it as he always does. "You've made me the happiest woman I could ever be." She stated, pulling him into an embrace and then leaving just one arm hooked around his back as she turned side by side with him. With her other arm she pointed to the bay window in the living room. "Here, I think is where we will put the Christmas tree." She pointed to the mantel on the fireplace. "And we will hang our stockings there, and read stories to Jack and any future kids on those chairs right there." She was all teary eyed as she turned back to him. "I can just see a whole life for us, together."
"Me too." He whispered as he recaptured her lips. "Let's call the realtor." He suddenly needed to make this call. It had to be done. She wanted this house and so did he.
It took a couple tries and he got a hold of her, let her know of the offer. They walked around again, looking in finer detail at the little features of the house. She was delighted to see a half bath but it needs massive updating. And he was surprised by the size of the basement. They thought maybe in time they could finish it and add a rec room for Jack. Every room seemed to hold more than just potential, it held promise. So when they walked back to the car and buckled in they were surprised to be hearing back from the realtor.
Hotch was terrified she was calling to say it was off the market, he answered with caution. "Hello?"
At Pen's urging he put it on speaker phone. "Agent Hotchner. Again, congratulations on your engagement." He had pretty much yelled it with glee to her earlier when they made the offer. "The present owners are anxious to get this matter settled. They have a counter offer of two thousand more. If you accept, they will pay for a fast track in escrow. You could be moved in as soon as you are approved."
He looked to Pen and she was speechless, just nodding with such vigor she was probably about to do brain damage. "We accept."
Penelope cried and latched her arms around him while the conversation was still on, almost not hearing the realtor over their kisses. "I will let their realtor know. An excellent decision Agent and future Mrs. Hotchner. It's a real steal."
They thanked her and agreed they would handle the paperwork with her secretary in the morning, they had the time since Aaron was still suspended and everyone was taking the vacation day.
After a fairly long make out session in their future drive way they made their way to Reid's to get Jack. When they got there and he opened the door they saw all of their friends waiting with anxious faces.
"So?" Rossi broke the silence, knowing everyone came specifically to hear if there was news.
Pen simply held out her hand with the ring and everyone jumped up, racing for hugs and congratulations. They all crowded around, letting Jack get his hugs and kisses in too and it was one of the happiest moments of Pen's life. With her family around her and her fiancée's arm at her back she smile in sheer bliss. Her life might be rapidly changing but it was also exactly as it should be.
Now, to plan a wedding.