Epilogue
"So, I don't get it. What's the point of the puppets?" Aaron loved his fiancé, but she had an odd sense of humor when it came to movies. Because of their work schedules lately they haven't been able to go out to the cinema which Penelope claims is just as well, he should get used to making fun of movies at home before he does it in the theater. She had convinced him that he needed to be brought 'to the dark side' slowly and that would be with some help from this TV series long off the market. He was pretty sure she just wanted to enjoy her torture more closely as they snuggled on the pink silk sofa of their master suite. "What is this anyhow?" He reached for the DVD case but she scooped it out of his hands and buried it in the sofa cushions.
"Honey. You really never saw Mystery Science Theater 3000?" She sighed at his frown, of course he hadn't. "They're robots, not puppets. And they are essential for making the films tolerable to watch because otherwise you might go insane. I probably should have started you out with something easier. Manos the Hands of Fate is well known as the worst movie of all time and even with the peanut gallery it's hard to take."
He looked at the screen for another few seconds, trying to figure out what the couple in the convertible had to do with the plot. Was there a plot? "Well, it's not so bad. We've been watching for like what? Half an hour?" It is entirely too early in the morning to be watching this. He's much rather make love to her again.
Penelope's smile turned up on her cheeks. "Actually." She almost burst out laughing, this is exactly the reaction Derek had years ago. "It's been more like a minute." She nearly rolled off the sofa laughing as she watched his face set into horror and mouth 'Oh God.'
He was fairly sure he would never survive today, never mind other bad movie nights and it would probably ruin Jack's birthday plans for later if he died from his eyes exploding. He could see the appeal in the theater, you get to be obnoxious and loud and let loose and no one can really blame you because it's their own fault they wasted their money on that movie ticket. But this? Torture. Like, unsub level torture. "Can't I convince you to let me take you out today or buy you a pony or something?" He crossed his fingers under his 'breakfast popcorn' bowl. Starting their day watching this was not the best idea. He could feel his IQ dropping just in the presence of the 'film'.
She snickered and sighed happily reaching for the remote to turn the movie off. "I always pegged you for a home body." She removed the popcorn bowl from his lap and replaced it with herself. This was the first weekend morning in three weeks they have been able to share together, alone. Case after case meant Aaron flying all over the country with the team and her always on call with the team's schedule. Of course, she got to work from home most nights thanks to the great office set up and a program that Tabby had been working on since well before anyone other than Rossi met her. That allowed for support staff and technical staff to have flexible work hours or split their shifts from home if their job allowed. Hers did, so she got to still pick up Jack from school and make him dinner and do homework and all the normal mom things while still being available to help her fiancée's valiant fight against the dark of the world.
Aaron's hands naturally found their way around her waist and on her thigh as she filled his lap. "I am a home body. But when your home is currently under attack the logical thing to do is leave." He loved that glow about her. Whether from pregnancy or just being happy or being her, she was like a beacon for him. "You know," he removed his hand from her thigh to stroke his chin in thought. "I had been thinking on the plane ride back from San Diego that we should throw Emily and Dave a baby shower here." Now, strategically speaking, getting his wife on a new course of thought for the next few hours is the best bet to getting to avoid that horrible movie. Even if she did start entertaining him in other ways, much more fun and tempting ways, he knew she would be insistent on watching this at some point after and this is not a cuddle option of a movie in his opinion. He would distract her with going hog wild on an overly expensive party which they really should throw for their friends anyhow and the DVD? Well, it will just have to meet target practice.
She knew what he was doing, he was plotting. Since their engagement three months ago he has become fairly notorious for nefarious plots which she is pretty sure he's been taking lessons in from Tabby. But, he did have a point. "We do owe them so much don't we? And Derek and Tabby too." She stood just then, her thinking cap clearly on which from the corner of her eye she could see Aaron get nervous over. "We could do a double shower! Well, it's almost a triple because of the twins."
He smiled, watching her reach for her iPad and start pulling up party supply websites to show him. It was agreed that after he nearly had a heart attack taking down the pastel paradise she had created at Easter that he got to at least see what she was doing ahead of time so he could mentally prepare. It was a concession she made only because he wasn't at all complaining about how much money she spends on these things. They can afford it, of course. But most people would never get quite this into festivities. "Oh!" he pointed out a picture of a gender neutral party suite remembering a detail to help her. "I think you should stick to neutral tones. Dave and Emily decided against learning the baby's gender."
She looked at him in true surprise. "You and Dave talked about it?" She knew that all the guys had been banding together to deal with the three pregnant women in the group but she and Emily hadn't even talked about this yet. It didn't come up in their mom's group which JJ ended up sort of leading them in since she's the only one of them to have actually gone through pregnancy it its entirety.
"Yeah, we were talking about a lot of these things while on the road. You know that last case was hard on everyone, as are all cases with kids." And he was trying to forget about it.
She bit her cheek wishing she could flush the images of the slaughtered toddlers out of her mind. It had been a particularly gruesome case where the unsub's wife had such severe postpartum depression that she had strangled, beaten and hacked up their two year old and he had been so traumatized from the experience he changed his last name and fled from her. Five years later his new wife and toddler were in a car accident and seeing them all bloody triggered a horrible rampage of reliving his first wife's betrayal. What he did to the mothers of those children… you don't even want to know.
She rubbed her belly in consideration. "So, do you want to know the gender? It's still too soon for us but I'm really not sure I do." She was going to love the baby either way and frankly she was looking forward to the natural homebirth plan she had going on. They wouldn't be doing an ultrasound unless they decided they did want to know the gender. There was no need, she was very healthy and low risk and had many concerns about some links between excessive ultrasound use and autism. And as much as she is a tech queen her parents were rather hippies and she had seen how calming and safe home births can be. Now, it's not like she is opposed to medicine or anything it's just that unlike Tabby with her twins or Emily with her age she had no need of those services.
He pat her belly and leaned down to whisper into it. His favorite times of day were their lovemaking and when he got to spend time with their kids. Until Jack returns from his sleepover with Amelia in two hours to get ready for his birthday tonight he would take his bonding time with 'the little one'. "I think mommy and I want to be surprised too. What do you think little one? Are you a girl? Boy? Either way your bedroom is going to be very colorful." She had already picked out a Dr. Seuss theme. Primary colors were neutral and so they could use the nursery for years if they have others close in age.
It was such a strange feeling having someone speak into your belly, and it tickled a lot. "Aaron." She tried to get his attention but he was currently involved in an in depth discussion with their youngest on how much he hope he or she likes their house to listen. "Hubby?" That usually gets him.
"Soon enough." He peaked up at her with a smile, a true smile and sat up some to pull her into his arms. "Soon you will be Penelope Hotchner and I will get to show you off at work for years as my wife."
It was still fairly surreal. She never expected to get any of this and if she did she never thought she would get to keep her job while doing it. But since the inquiry gone Tabby-kick-ass-awesome most of their coworkers have shown absolutely nothing but respect for them, their relationships and their future kids. The only person who seemed to get any flak was Emily but that's mostly from agents who Rossi had slept with in the past… and it only served as an ego boost for her to have captured the sole attention of the workplace Lothario.
Hotch checked his watch and sighed. How did time go by so quickly? Just sitting, kissing and talking to their baby and an hour has passed in mundane bliss. Which beats out watching that movie any day. "Come on." Aaron stood up and held his hand down to her. "Let's take a nice slow walk around. It's beautiful outside." Or so he heard on the news. They hadn't gotten out of their suite other than to make the popcorn. They had better things to do that morning like make out under the covers, make love in the shower, watch the horrible movie… dodged a bullet there. "And I never get a chance to just walk around with you."
She reached her arms around his neck and gave him a sweet eskimo kiss. "You are by far my favorite person. Grab me a water and I'll grab your wallet?"
He pecked her cheek. "Deal." She was always amazing to watch do something so utterly ordinary. She made chores and simple tasks interesting with her flair for life. She just loves living. Even with her proclivity to 'do it up' in massive proportions at the end of the day her zest and zeal comes down to just that and he was thankful he had someone in his life who could always remind him of what he had to be thankful for.
Hand in hand they silently strolled to the end of the block towards Reid and JJ's house noticing Henry out front checking the mail with Reid carefully watching from the doorway and waving at them to come over. "How are you guys?" He was very fond of living so close to them. They exchanged kids here and there and over the two weeks since he and JJ moved in the older couple has come to visit each day they weren't all on a case to make sure everything was going right. They really were the mom and dad of the team.
Penelope gave Spencer a quick kiss on the cheek and followed Henry back into the house. He was excited to show her what he got Jack for his birthday present he would be giving him tonight. "We're good. Just relaxing this morning until we have to get everything for the party going. Again, thanks for all the help last night." JJ had enlisted his help in making the goodie bags for the kids that would be coming to the laser tag/bowling party later in the afternoon.
Admittedly, at first Penelope had been disappointed Jack didn't want something at the house. She had been prepared to rent a whole zoo for him but he said he wanted her to enjoy his party. He didn't want it like last year when she helped his dad do all the cooking and setting up and cleaning and she hardly got to spend any time with his friends. He had a mom, who was having a baby, and he wanted to show her off. And a nice bonus to that was the time she got to spend with Aaron this morning.
"Garcia?" Reid had decided to use that title as much as possible before the wedding as she informed them all she wants that dropped once she's a Hotchner. They were all still working on non-surname nicknames but so far none of the women approved of anything. "Would you like orange juice?"
Aaron grinned a bit at that. "You should be keeping to your eating schedule too." He bopped her nose, in agreement with Reid's silent demand for her to eat something, knowing she finds it adorable when he gets so concerned. Only Emily is hypoglycemic but they all are adhering to it just to be safe. No one wants a repeat coma incident, ever again.
"Oh alright Slugger, I really do need some OJ." Her cravings were off the charts but she was lucky and didn't have any morning sickness. Just an aversion to onions, eggs and anything peanut butter related, and cravings for orange juice, spring rolls and cabbage were plaguing her. Those aversions were unfortunate too, it meant she and Tabby couldn't be around when the other one gave into her craving for those terrible sandwiches. Actually, no one but Derek could stand to be around her then.
Henry came back into the kitchen where the three adults were sitting with ice cold waters and OJ, holding his gift in his hands. "See, it's all wrapped up like daddy explained to me. Did you know that wrapping presents originated in China around 105 a.d. and the process spread to Europe in 1085?"
Hotch had to hold his drink to his mouth to hide his snicker. Henry had become so very much like his father. He was always good at finding things and remembering exactly what he's heard so like his dad he never forgot a fact and he always talks with his hands. "What's inside?" the silvery package was obviously wrapped by JJ. The poor woman was inundated with paperwork at the moment. Between her personal issues with her divorce now final and having to sell her old house with Will, getting everything for her wedding together and all the extra work of the BAU she had to work all through today. Hotch had offered to help her but she said it's the type of work she really needs to do. She can be a bit of a control freak on some issues before they hit his desk. Nothing new.
Henry stood with his chest sticking proud. "Lego walkie talkies! Daddy helped me pick them out and they will work from your house to here!" he did a little happy dance. "Now we can talk like you and daddy do."
Penelope's smile stretched ear to ear. Henry was such an adorable child and as his God mother she was more than pleased to see him becoming as thoughtful as her son, and as excited as he could be. She thought the boys having a set of walkie talkies to share was a great idea and she was surprised Spencer approved of it. When JJ had mentioned it to her and Penelope said she would be fine with it Reid raised concerns over whether it would keep the boys up at night but she supposed he decided to allow it as they just grab the home phones whenever they want to call anyhow.
"Yeah, and tell them the other part of the gift Henry." Spencer loved his son's enthusiasm. He even wanted to use his own allowance money for the presents which were of course much more expensive but they let him think he put a good chunk of the money in. "It's for school next year."
They both perked at that. For the last week anytime someone mentioned Jack and school both would feel a surge of pride for their son. A meeting on Monday that thankfully Hotch was able to make let them know that through the class visits Jack has had over the last two months that he would be jumping the full two grades. He would need to go to a summer preparation course and have a tutor to catch up to what has been covered in the grade he's missed but he will enter next year in Amelia's grade and since the school knows how close the two are and how difficult socialization might be for Jack being so much younger than his peers the two will be in the same class.
They were all proud, and concerned for Jack's happiness at the big change. No one knew what being ahead of your years in intelligence was like more than Reid. "What is it G-man?"
"Daddy got him a gift certificate to the Learning Place so he can get whatever he needs." Henry was pure excitement. He looked up to Jack a lot. He was the smartest and he invited him to come with his close friends to his party and he and Amelia would sit next the birthday boy him on either side. They were best friends even if Henry was a lot younger.
"Oh hey guys." JJ threw down her keys and brief case on the table, exhaustion evident. "Hotch, I left a large stack of files on your desk for Monday. I know you told me to bring them to you but Emily threatened my life if I did. She's getting scary."
They all nodded, even Henry. Emily was making it her personal mission for everyone to get their family time even if that meant she had to threaten then or tell them when to relax and pull a Garcia and give them a special surprise. They all knew it was a nesting behavior and it was actually incredibly endearing, even if she did manage to rope Dave into all but board Aaron and Penelope up in the house so they would relax and spend alone time together. Dave would do anything for that woman, that was for sure.
"You guys need anything else done for tonight?" JJ was glad to see them so at ease. It was kind of rare for either of them to ever be at ease. Hotch was always doing paperwork and taking care of the responsible things for everyone. Penelope was always taking care of everyone's souls with things to make them laugh or shoulders to support their cries. Today, they just seemed to be them at ease.
"No thanks JJ. Actually, other than picking up that certain present we're all set." Hotch took a look at the clock. "We should go so we can buy firewood and bring it to the house before picking up Jack."
Pen smiled at his practicality once again and gave Henry a quick kiss, wishing JJ and Spencer a good day until they saw them later. Once outside she turned to her fiancé. "You know, you've really become a party guy."
He wrapped his arm around her and squeezed as they walked home. "I know, and I have you to thank for it."
-Criminal Minds—
"That was the coolest party ever!" Henry and Jack were in full agreement. Amelia, not so much. She had fun bowling but she couldn't keep up with the other kids in laser tag. And there had been a lot of other kids there, about twenty and she was the only girl her age. The others were babies.
"Amelia, didn't have fun." Jack pouted, the three taking up the bench seat in the back of Hotch's SUV. The other part of Jack's big day was his sleepover with his best friends. Even though he stayed with Amelia last night, tonight was supposed to be extra fun because they would get to stay up late, eat pizza and make-your-own sundaes and Hotch, the former boy scout that he is, will be lighting a fire for everyone to sit by and share ghost stories in the back yard. Uncle Dave had some really good ones and Jack was looking forward to that most of all.
Amelia was in a panic. She didn't want Jack feeling bad on his birthday. And she really didn't want anything to ruin his surprise for later. She was let in on it because she's so responsible. "No, I did! I just like hanging out with you and Henry more than laser tag. It's more of a boy thing."
Jack thought on that. "For your birthday I will do a girl thing with you."
Penelope overheard that and mumbled to Aaron up front. "Definitely his father's son."
He stole a sideways glance. "What do you mean?"
She snickered and linked their hands. "Well, he makes sure everyone else's needs are seen to even when it's his own day to be pampered. You're exactly the same." And she loved him for it. In fact all the men of the BAU were that way in some fashion or another. Whether it be Derek actually trying one of those terrible sandwiches, Reid indulging JJ in her crazy wedding planning or Dave still drinking ginger tea instead of coffee even when on a case just so Emily wasn't alone in missing out… well, they were all great strong, caring and responsible men.
"Speaking of responsibility and what have you, did you look into what car you want yet?" There had been many discussions on the issue of retiring Esther. He knew it was an emotional topic for her but after breaking down two days in a row she finally had to agree that as a mom she needed something safe and reliable.
Penelope sighed. She really didn't want to give up on the old girl yet and Aaron always seemed to link responsibility with boring. She was never going to be boring. "Well, I was thinking a hybrid sedan and when Reid took me to his car dealer we learned I could get a custom paint job." She was crossing her fingers he wouldn't ask lots of questions.
No such luck. "I am going to assume there will be a pattern in there." He knew her, he knew she wouldn't want something plain. "I saw an orange car with zebra stripes on the side panel trim. I bet that would look better in purple." He had spent an hour looking up custom paint jobs so he would have suggestions he could live with seeing every day. This is where compromise comes into play in a marriage.
She lit up. "Really? You aren't concerned at resale value?" She was almost positive that would be his big and admittedly valid argument.
He was concerned about it but shrugged. "You've had Esther forever. I'm betting you're going to run this car into the ground too. You don't exactly do unemotional attachments to inanimate well. Almost home guys!"
A peak in the backseat let both parents know that Henry was covering his eyes in feigned embarrassment as Jack and Amelia held hands and discussed what Jack thought the baby should be names. Suggestions such as 'Wimbledon' and 'Carnegie' were vetoed by Amelia, much to Penelope's pleasure. Jack's latest endeavor was for his brother or sister to be unique but it was an effort that needed a great deal of assistance and if that came in the form of Amelia giving quick pecks to Jack when he came up with a good name as positive reinforcement… well, Tabby had begun to teach the girl well.
"Uncle Aaron?" Henry hedged as he took a peek into the bags of ice cream supplies for tonight. He liked his God Father. He was nice and smart too. And he always let him come over and play with Jack.
"Yes Henry?" Hotch pulled into their drive way with a small smile. Henry had been so excited when they went back to church and added Hotch as the official God father through a small ceremony. It was a great moment for him. He never had anyone entrust their child to him like that. With their welfare? Sure. But not with their soul.
Henry jumped out of the car the second it stopped and ran around to his God father's side, holding his arms up to be hugged. "Thank you for buying me mint ice cream."
Aaron smiled. "Of course Henry. Your daddy told me it's your favorite."
-Criminal Minds—
Rossi stared as Reid inhaled his extra-large custom sundae. "Kid, how can you eat that and still look like you're starving?"
Spencer shrugged. "I can never put on weight no matter what I eat."
Morgan shook his head with a smile. "Oh, leave pretty boy alone. Henry is the same way." He pointed to his friend's son. "He's already had two helpings and we all saw how he ate that pizza up."
The group was sitting out by the fire even though it wasn't quite dark yet. They had about an hour until sunset so they let the kids run around and play between bites of pizza and ice cream. Jack seemed to be having a great time teaching Amelia how to tackle an unsub. He had demanded to be taught self-defense a few weeks ago. He was still adamant that he was going to be like his daddy and catch bad guys. He also wanted to write books like Uncle Rossi, be able to kick a door down like Uncle Derek and know a lot of stuff like Uncle Spencer.
All the women, including Annette who joined the party at the house, exchanged bites of their sundaes. Penelope managed one bite of Tabby's peanut butter heaven before she grimaced and washed the taste away with her strawberry bliss.
"Amelia seems a lot more confident lately." Emily observed. The youngest brunette had been a little less shy, even at the party. She said hello to all of Jack's friends as they held hands to greet everyone and she hadn't complained about a bully in weeks.
Annette sighed happily watching her daughter play. She missed her son, a lot. But she was always a little closer to her girl because she needed so much emotional support. But she was happy to see her growing and changing and starting to become her own person. "She's been doing really great actually. She told off one of her bullies two weeks ago. He said something about her hair being too long and she told him if he pays so much attention to her he obviously likes something he sees." She smirked. "Sean had given her a big high five when he heard that." And then, her face fell.
Penelope's did as well. Sean had taken Annette on more than a few dates since Easter weekend. Two were when he had come down to visit for that week and he came on a few weekends since. Each weekend he spent at least one night taking her out or going as a group of adults and kids to something so he could spend time with his family and nephew as well. And then he took just Annette and Amelia to the Natural History museum and then the faire. She liked Sean a lot and Penelope was sure Sean had a lot to do with the increased confidence of Amelia. Joe is a good father but never one to really understand how to talk to a woman. Sean on the other hand was really good with her and always told her he was happy she was his nephew's girlfriend.
Unfortunately, Sean was also not the type of man who sticks around. He's not a dog or anything but he has other priorities and responsibilities and he's younger, single with no children. He's certainly not ready to be a step parent any time in the foreseeable future or even a boyfriend. "Have you heard from my bro recently?"
Emily and JJ swerved their heads just so to listen more but Tabby stayed looking straight ahead at the fire. She knew something and she wasn't sure how it would go over with Annette who was struggling to respond. "Well, he… he's busy." Her empty sundae dish seemed exceptionally interesting at the moment.
JJ and Emily exchanged a silent conferenced before the blonde but her head in. "Honey, he obviously likes you."
Annette shifted in her seat. Between Pen's natural ability to empathize, Tabby's ability to read motivations and relationships and potentialities between people and the two female profilers she always felt under the microscope. "I know that. He's great. It's not like I expect anything though." She put her glass down and made the effort to look JJ right in the eyes. "I just don't know how much more I can handle of seeing him and then suddenly not. He used to call me every night but I stopped being around for it after a while because a long distance thing is not for me." Also, she wasn't sure if she really wanted anything serious and she knew he hadn't gone into this expecting that either. They had been two people who had needs and were attracted to one another and then suddenly they seemed part of the same family and were being propelled towards more. And he showed interest in taking it to that level though he really didn't know how to.
"Well, I suggest you figure it out." Tabby looked to her watch and decided she needed to say something before it was too late. "He should be here any minute."
All four heads jerked her way, plus Aaron's. "My brother is coming down? Why didn't he tell me and how do you know?" Penelope was excited actually. He never got to spend so much time with him before and Jack wanted everyone there for his birthday.
Derek stood behind Tabby rubbing her shoulders, then took a seat across from her and removed her shoes to rub her feet. "He called me this morning."
When Penelope pinned him with a glare Aaron shrunk. "I wanted to surprise you." And he also knew Annette was likely to not stick around if she knew. She had been avoiding his brother almost like Emily would have run from Dave in the past. Which, that wouldn't work soon. Sean's restaurant was bought last night. He packed right up and packed lightly, moving into the guest room.
Just then the subject of the conversation stepped onto the back deck, Jack's proclamation and run to him interrupting the conversation. "Uncle Sean! I got such cool gifts! You missed pizza but we have ice cream."
Sean crouched to Jack's height and wrapped him in a bear hug almost crushing his nephew's present before handing it to him. "That's to open later ok? When I get back? Daddy and I need to go pick up some stuff so I can make you a special breakfast in the morning. I didn't get to make your birthday breakfast today." He noticed Annette watching him from the corner of his eye but decided he would have to address that later.
Jack nodded with excitement. He loved Uncle Sean's breakfasts. He always thought up something new to try and that made Jack the adventurous eater happy. It will be even better with getting to share it with Amelia and Henry.
Aaron let out a small breath, relieved that Sean had thought up an excuse for him to leave the party. Jack's insistence on having enough of everything to make the party perfect sent the 'we need more ice' excuse right out the window. He needed to go pick up Jack's present and it was right about this time too.
"Well, what are you waiting for daddy? I want to open my gift!" Jack all but pushed them out to the cars much to everyone's amusement.
While the guys were gone and Spencer, Dave and Derek entertained the kids and tended to the fire the women turned back to discussing men, their men. They convinced Annette to go with the flow as much as she can. Tabby let it loose that she and Derek enrolled in joint therapy to deal with their similar issues with having lost their fathers and what the job does to them. It actually was more of prevention but it was paying off. They were beginning to see where they each came from more clearly which is good when having babies together.
Emily told them how she and Dave are both nervous about being older parents to start out with. They are very healthy obviously and they are responsible people but it seemed every little thing came down to it. Luckily, she hadn't been having any more problems with her pregnancy so far but that was likely to change when she gets huge which she will fairly soon. "I'm going to be a balloon at your wedding PG."
"Me too." Tabby added. She was already starting to show because of the twins. "Em, I vote slippers for our footwear."
JJ snickered. "Oh trust me, you will both be fine. But yeah, ballet flats are probably a good idea."
"Hey now!" Garcia (for the two months she can still be called that) protested. "I think I get a say here don't I?"
All four women rolled their eyes. Here comes bridezilla Penelope yet again. Generally, she's fine. But she's quite adamant on certain things. Penelope of course knew they thought that of her and was just teasing. "Actually, I'm doing the same under my dress. No way can I balance all that skirt, and tall shoes on top of keeping from fainting in excitement."
Jack's excitement once again cut through their conversation. "Is that daddy back already? That's quick!" he and Amelia and Henry ran to the back gate eager to see what Uncle Sean plans on for tomorrow. They stopped though when his father's voice told them to go sit down with his mother.
Jack climbed onto Penelope's lap and looked at her for an answer to his unspoken question but she just pointed back at the gate where Hotch's voice was overheard. "You sitting Jack?"
He noticed Uncle Sean put down his bags in the kitchen and join them in the yard again. "Yes daddy, like you told me."
Aaron and Penelope smiled to one another over the top of the gate. "Good boy. Do you want me to bring back your present from mommy and me?"
Jack started bouncing in his seat. He knew that it was probably something big since they were making a deal of it. Maybe a bike or a basketball hoop. "Yes daddy!"
Aaron opened the gate and the sweetest expression of happiness and awe rose on Jack's face, everyone else's too. In Hotch's arms rested the smallest chocolate Labrador retriever puppy they ever saw. He watched Jack's eyes water in excitement as he put the puppy down a few yards away from him. "Call him Jack, pick out a name."
"Bingo." Jack declared effortlessly. "Biiiiingo." He made a patting gesture on his lap and then slid down to the ground holding his hand out to the shy puppy that reminded him a little of Amelia.
Dave looked at his former mentee with approval. "A puppy." He simply observed with a nod. Jack had loved his own dog and Sergio of course but he didn't expect that the Hotchners would be getting anything like that for Jack.
Aaron understood that line of thought and explained. "He's a rescue puppy Jack. Do you know what that means?"
Jack nodded, now fascinated as the puppy, his puppy sniffed his hand and gave a quick lick. "It means he needs us to take good care of him and give lots of love."
Pen smiled down on him. They had made the right choice in giving him this. There was lots of debate, each taking several points of pros and cons and finally they came down on the pros side. Jack was a responsible kid. "You made us so proud about school Jack. You deserve to have a new friend to play with too right?"
He was still in a cuteness induced daze he wasn't jarred from except for a quick and reflexive hug to each of his parents and the puppy responding to his name.
Amelia hadn't stopped smiling. She was anxious to pet the puppy. She always wanted one too and she knew Jack would share some of the fun. "Jack? Can I say hi too?" Henry echoed her excitedly.
Jack almost forgot other people were there as the puppy let him scoop him up in his arms and nuzzle his soft fur. "Here. Want to pet him guys?" He held him to Amelia and Henry and then to all the adults there. He was getting a kick of showing off his puppy that his cool parents got him and had earned for being well behaved and good in school. Dave and Derek both loved dogs so they were naturals at it, JJ was overcome by how tiny this one was. Emily and Tabby were into anything small at this point so both loved getting licked on the nose. Sean was last and he held out his gift to Jack again. "Here buddy. Let me take Bingo while you open that."
Jack reluctantly agreed but he did want to see what Uncle Sean got him. "A leash! And dog toys! Thank you Uncle Sean!" Jack jumped up and gave Sean a hug, taking his puppy back with him. "Daddy, can we take him for a walk?"
Aaron nodded his permission and happily watched as the three giddy kids plus Spencer started down the road. Standing there in his drive way watching their silhouettes get smaller as they played and chased a happy puppy, Aaron felt Dave's wise hand resting on his shoulder.
"You know, you used to doubt your parenting ability." Dave observed between a chuckle at Reid being knocked back by the puppy's jump on his legs. "You don't seem to doubt that, or any of your feelings anymore."
Hotch had to nod, the man had a point. "I feel good at it again, being a father and a husband."
David Rossi, the man who used to be infamous for a lack of a family life let his smile widen. "Good thing too, because while you're training that puppy you're going to have to teach this old dog a lot of new tricks."
Aaron cast his gaze to Dave who was so absorbed in the happiness of the children around him he would have thought that it was obvious. "I don't think you'll need it. I look forward to seeing you as a father."
Dave sighed happily at the compliment. "Me too."
Stay tuned for the sequel "Her Bright Eyes" which will focus on the continuing relationships, how they all deal with work and unsubs and may or may not include a wedding and a birth.