Dave woke Jess with a loving kiss on her nose. "Good morning, Cara Mia and good morning piccolino." Dave´s hand caressed Jess slight curve. Jess smiled, Dave was great and she was overjoyed that she got him. "Buongiorno, Tesoro," she replied and snuggled up to her future husband. "What time is it?"
"Almost 8 a.m., Jess. In about two hours we will have the house full of people. Are you nervous?"

Jess started laughing, "No, certainly not. It is a bit of a shame that your family from Italy cannot come. I would have liked to meet your Mama."

Rossi sighed softly, "I know, Cara, me too. But she is 92 and does not want to fly anymore. However, you will get to get to know them."
Jess sat up, "Do I? Have you therefore been all mysterious, the last few days?"

Dave grinned, "we took care of everything, Cara. Everything, but our honeymoon. Could you make friends with you 3 weeks Italy? Venice, Florence, Rome and of course la famiglia?"
"Three weeks? Dave, that would be just fantastic. Hotch will let you go, that long?" "Everything already clarified, also with Strauss. We can leave on Thursday. What do you say?"
Jess was completely floored, "You ... You mean now, like next week Thursday?"

Dave nodded, "or is you that too early?" Jess hugged Rossi fiercely, "you always talk such nonsense, David Rossi! The sooner, the better!"

oOo

"Derek? Sleepy head?"
"Hm," Derek just growled. Mona giggled and kissed his shaved head. "I'm going for a run and I´m taking Clooney with me, ok? Just in case, you miss us."

Derek grabbed Mona's wrist and pulled her into bed. "I would definitely miss you, my sweet." Derek slipped his hands under her shirt. "When do we have to be at Jess and Dave´s?"
"Me? Around noon. I bring the wedding dress and the rest of the equipment. It doesn´t matter if you come a little later, the wedding ceremony is starting at 3 p.m."
"You want us to show up separate? Even out of the question, Mo." Derek said firmly. Mona stroked his cheek. "Are you sure?"
"Why do you ask? Something wrong?" Derek asked.

Mona became serious. "You tell me, Derek, I'll be honest with you. I'm really seriously falling in love with you and ... and since the party I have a feeling there is something running around in your head. I'm right, am I? "
Derek nodded. "You'd make a good profiler, Mo. When I first saw Kiki, with her dark hair... Shit, Mo. I had to think about my ex, Emily."
"The one, who´s gone to London?" Mona asked.
"Yes. She decided, to leave, Mo. I mean, I understood that, at least I tried. But she would have stayed, if she had loved me. Would you have left, Mona?"

"Leave the man I love? No, Derek. I wouldn´t."

Derek nodded again. "You can trust me, Mo." Derek pulled her very close and looked into her eyes. "I won´t do anything, that´ll hurt you, I promise you, Mona."

Mona smiled, "I will believe you this time, Derek Morgan. And I think I don´t necessarily need a run, other physical activities will do."

Derek laughed, "I can not imagine what you´re talking about."

oOo

Jack was sitting with Hotch on the sofa, waiting. "Um, Daddy?"
"Yes, son?"
"Why Mum and Becca take sooooo long in the bathroom?"
Hotch had to laugh, Jack and he were already finished and ready to leave. "That, my son, we will never understand by men. We just put our clothes on and here we go."

Jack thought. "Maybe Mum knows very well that you want to ask her if she marries us? And she wants to be extra pretty, for that?"
"Come here, Jack." Hotch took his son into his arms. "I'm quite sure she knows. But she doesn´t know when and that´s the surprise. But you're right, women always want to look especially pretty. Maybe we should knock?"

Hotch realized that Renee was right. They had to take care of the conversion quickly, a second bathroom wouldn´t be a luxury and Becca needed her own room. And there was also still the extra nursery, Renee and he had spoken of. Hotch smiled, Callie would be proud of him, for sure. And for the first time, he was thinking of her without feeling this horrible pain. Renee had changed this pain made him grateful. Grateful that he was able to be alive and to love again.

"We´re coming out now!" Becca called out of the bathroom and the door opened. The little girl wore a red dress with stylized flowers on the neckline. Renee had braided her hair and she had allowed her a bit of lip gloss. Becca turned around her own axis, "I wanted red because Mum also is wearing red. Am I pretty?" She looked from one to the other.

"Mum? Hotch Dad and Jack don´t say anything!"

Now Renee came out of the bathroom. "The two are speechless because we are so beautiful, Becca," she laughed.

Hotch really was lost for words. Becca looked like a little angel and Renee wore an embroidered, fluttery something with thin straps in deep red.

"Renee," Hotch whispered tonelessly.

"Not good?" Renee asked, spinning like Becca.
"Well, I think, Mum looks great," Jack looked at Renee in awe.

"But not as great as my men. Don´t you think, Becca?", Renee asked.
Hotch stood up and turned Renee around again. Then he took Becca and hugged her lovingly.

"We have quite a lot of luck, Jack. A mum and a sister."

Jack nodded, "that I've always wanted, Daddy."

oOo

"Wait a minute, sweetheart." Ken was fumbling at Spencer's bow tie and Kiki grinned. "If you didn´t disappeare into the bedroom, every five minutes, the bow tie would be in place already."
"malicious gossip" Spencer laughed.

"You're welcome, dear brother. How about telling me a little about Sean Hotchner?"
"You like him?" Ken asked in the car.

"Oh come on, Kenny. I hardly know him, but it does not hurt to know something about him."
"Where she is right, she's right," Spencer agreed. "Sean is Hotch's younger brother. The two of them have not been very close, previously, Hotch wanted to see him as a lawyer, Sean but has become a chef."
"And now they get along again?" Kiki wanted to know.

"When Callie died, Hotch had barricaded himself in Ike's beach house. We couldn´t get through to him, so Morgan called Sean. And since then, the two really are brothers. I don´t know what Sean has done, but it has probably helped. They are driving motorcycle or Hotch and Jack are over in NY for the weekend...and I do not know if he's single ", Reid said in an innocent tone.
Kiki chuckled, "I didn´t wanna know... Ok, I did."

oOo

The Rossi Mansion was filled with people, now. Jack, Becca and Henry were strolling through the garden, looking in awe at Dave's Gazebo, which was decorated with red roses and silk ribbons. In it, the ceremony would take place afterwards.
"This is so beautiful," Becca stated and Jack nodded.

"Can we go in," Henry asked, beaming at Becca. She shook her head, "that's not for us children, Henry. This is for Uncle Dave and Aunt Jess. But we can sit up front so that we can see everything well. You okay with that, right?" Henry nodded, grabbed Becca´s hand and ran with her towards the dance floor, Jack afterwards.

JJ and Renee grinned, they had listened to the children. "Henry is mad about Becca," JJ said, "he admires her."

Renee laughed, "maybe we will be related someday, JJ."

"Do not tell me you're in search of new victims, little angel." Hotch had snucked up and put his arms around Renee.

JJ grinned, "she´s a serial matchmaker, Hotch. A very dangerous one. Did you see Dave? How is he? Is he nervous?"
"I wouldn´t say he's a nervous wreck, but close." Hotch looked at his watch, quarter to three.

"Who's missing?"

JJ looked around, "actually only Spence, Ken and Kiki. But Spence and Ken always are late. Blake I've seen with Father Alfredo, Penny is talking to Morgan and Mona, Ike and Abby to Jess parents. I´m suprised, they are here, Hotch?"
He shrugged, "frankly, I wonder that too, JJ. But they´re ignoring me, like usual." Hotch sighed softly. The relationship with his former in-laws was not the best, they never said it in a clear way, but it was obvious, they held Hotch responsible for Haley's death. And now Jess was marrying another FBI Agent, Hotch was to blame for that, too. Maybe he even was to blame for global warming, Hotch thought sarcastically. He would have preferred a more relaxed relationship for Jack, but Jack had now Grandpa Ike and Granny Abby. An evidence, it took no biological connection, love was the key to everything.

"Maybe you should have a few words with them, Aaron?" Renee was suggesting. "Weddings and births always put people in a peaceful mood."

Hotch was looking at Renee doubtfully, "you serious?"

Renee nodded and linked her arm with his. "They won´t eat you, Honey."

"Oh, and there she comes, Froglet." Ike said and smiled at Hotch and Renee. "Hello Grandpa." Renee hugged Ike lovingly and smiled at Abby.
"And you are Jess parents? I am glad to meet you, I'm Renee Malone." Renee held out her hand.

"We have already heard, our grandson is calling you Mum", Camille Brooks said icily.

"We shouldn´t discuss this here, Cam. And you must not forget, you´re speaking with my future wife.", Hotch said stiffly and put his arm possessive around Renee.

"Jess had asked me to lead her to the altar,", Hotch said and turned to Edward Brooks," we did not know if you´re coming, after all. I guess, Jess would be happy if you do it in my place. "

Renee overlooked the fact, that Camille did not want to shake hands with her and was smiling at Edward, instead. "Every woman wants her father at her side, in this moment. Jess is fortunate to have one, to lead her." Renee nodded at Edward Brooks encouragingly. Involuntarily Edward smiled back.

"You´re so damn right, Miss Malone. Sorry, I must see my daughter."

Camille was watching her husband leave, then she turned to Renee. "I do hope you are aware of the fact, that Hotchner women do not have very high life expectancy." She etched and turned around towards the bar.

"Don´t Aaron." Renee asked, when Hotch wanted to follow her. "She is a bitter woman who does not know better and she deserves our compassion. We're here to celebrate and we will. No sad thoughts today, you promise?"
Hotch nodded, "I love you, Renee. How can you respond with compassion on such a vulgar remark?"

Renee shrugged, "she has lost her daughter and now her other daughter is marrying a FBI Agent, too. She's afraid Aaron and fear makes people bitter." She kissed Hotch, "let´s take our seats, they´re going to start."

Renee was right, the string quartet was already playing. Apparently the sign for all to take a seat on the white, decorated wooden folding chairs.
Hotch, as Rossi´s best man, stood in the pavilion, as Dave was walking with quick steps across the red carpet.
"Slowly, Dave.", Hotch smiled and patted his friend's shoulder.

"You can talk easily, Aaron. Actually, I should be used to it, after all it is my fourth time around."
"And I'm assuming it's your last," Father Alfredo was joking.

oOo

"Now come on, guys, we're really late!" Kiki exhorted her two companions. They scurried just in time to the places. The string quartet was playing 'Canon in D' by Johann Pachelbel and Jess was walking with her father down the aisle, accompanied by several 'ah's' and 'oh's'.
Jess wore a wreath of flowers in her hair instead of a veil, her bridal bouquet was made of roses. White, pink and red.
"Take good care of her, Rossi," Brook grumbled and handed the bride over.

"You're so beautiful, Jess," Dave whispered. Jess looked different than in his imagination, she simply outshone everything.

"We have come together here today to lead this woman and this man into holy matrimony before God and this congregation. One should not dare to take this step recklessly, but Jessica and David have been tested well. How much, I realized in my conversations with them. Love is not always straight and simple, no. Sometimes it is characterized by pain, loss and abandonment. Nevertheless, love is victorious. "

Renee was sniffing and hugged Jack and Becca comfortingly.
Will and JJ looked at each other lovingly and Ken and Spencer kissed.
Derek grabbed Mona's hand and took it firmly into his.
Ike was distributing handkerchiefs, to the right, for Abby and to the left for Penelope.

"And so I ask you today, Jessica and David. Are you willing to spend your life together? To love and honor each other? In good times and in bad? In poverty and richness? In sickness and in health, until death do you part?

Then reply 'Yes, I will.'

"Yes, I will," Jess and Dave answered in unison. Hotch handed Dave the rings.
"So repeat me, David. With this ring I take you for my wife."
"With this ring, I take you for my wife," Dave repeated and put the simple gold band on her finger.
"And I want you, to repeat too, Jessica. With this ring, I take you for my husband."
After Jess had spoken the formula and she put the ring on Dave´s finger, the priest put her hands together.

"May your love be like these rings, no beginning and no end. What God has joined together, let not man separate. Jessica and David, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

What Dave then did, to great applause.

oOo

Camille Brooks face was like stone, which earned her an angry look from her husband.

"One afternoon, Cam. Can´t you at least pretend as if you were pleased? We have already lost Haley, you want to spoil it completely and lose Jess, too? And what about our second grand child? Jack calls someone else Grandpa and Granny. Maybe you should to think about this. I'm so sorry for everything, Camille. But I am happy for my daughter and you should be, too." Edward stood up to join the well-wishers.

oOo

Sean and Chad, meanwhile, took care about the buffet. The two of them had scooped from the solid and had been inspired by the theme of Italy. Anti pasti, tomatoes with mozzarella, grilled sea bream, shrimp, chicken Marsala, Saltim bocca, risotto ... The selection was huge. The dessert consisted of tiramisu and Mr. Gustavson´s cake that was broached by the happy couple later in the evening together.

When it was time for dancing, Aaron decided to take action. Jack and Becca were already tired, but wanted to stay up to hear their Mum say YES. He exchanged a few words with the DJ and Jess, who then turned to the guests.

"So my dear ones. Sure you have wondered, I didn´t throw my bridal bouquet. And that also had a reason, in fact, it is still needed."
She handed Hotch the bouquet and pushed Renee to him on the dance floor. Renee turned bright red and looked at Hotch with wet eyes.

"I'm not very good at this, Renee. I think that you know."

The DJ quietly was playing 'Marry me' by Bruno Mars.
Hotch took Renee's hand and Becca was crying softly. Ken went to his knees. "No, my sweetie. That is a reason for rejoicing." He kissed the little girl lovingly on her cheek and squeezed her tight. Spencer´s heart made a wild jump, he had to wipe off a few little tears. Kenneth would make a wonderful father.

Hotch continued. "When I first lost Haley and then Callie, I was sure, I would be alone forever. And then you came along, Froglet. Suddenly, my son had a mother and I had a woman again. And someone else is now part of our family, our little Becca." Renee sobbed aloud. "Oh, Aaron."

"I love you, Renee Elizabeth Malone. Because you have so much love for all of us. For Jack and Becca and for me."
Hotch pulled the engagement ring from his pocket.

"Would you do me the great honor and be my wife, Renee?"

Renee sobbed again, "Aaron, this is so beautiful! Course, I want to marry you, more than anything else in the world." The two sank into a passionate kiss. Jack and Becca rushed to her parents on the dance floor and some very serious cuddling was in order. Becca was still crying, like most of the ladies present.

oOo

Sean handed Kiki a handkerchief, "I always seem to be present, if you just need someone, Miss Baker." He grinned cheekily.

Kiki replied Sean a little pat.

"That´s nothing to be poud of. However, I must admit, you are a fantastic cook. I think I've tried a bite of everything."
Sean frowned, "I can not remember, you have tried a bit of me."

Kerensa chuckled, "a case of cannibalism? That would be one thing for your brother." In Kiki the journalist appeared. "Seriously, Sean. Do you think he would agree with a report on the BAU?"

Sean shrugged, "it's probably more a matter of Strauss. But obviously you find my brother more interesting than me, Miss Baker." Sean grumbled, playing offended. Kiki laughed again and put her arms around his neck.

"Then I´m gonna proof you wrong," she said, before kissing Sean.

Will and JJ were closely entwined. "What has this garden already seen," Will whispered. "Our Wedding, Dave and Jess and now Hotch has pronounced here to Renee."

"Rossi's magic garden" JJ smiled and snuggled a little closer to her husband.

Garcia, Strauss and Blake met with their glasses, Pen and Alex with champagne, Strauss with juice.

"To our Boss-Man. May he and Renee be happy until the end of their days. Oh, and many little Hotchner's to take place in this world," Garcia grinned as she said this and raised her glass. "To Aaron and Renee," Strauss and Blake agreed.

"A new job for you, Mo. A dress for Renee." Derek moved to Mona and put his arms around her.

"I love my job, you know? I do equip people in their happiest moments, that's just great." Mona stated. She felt safe and secure in Derek's arms. Maybe, she thought, maybe this day also comes for Derek and me.

Abby and Ike were the first ones to congratulate. "I'm so happy for you," Abby whispered stirred.

Hotch nodded, "we know, Abby. Thank you." Hotch kissed Abby ´s cheek.

"You look so happy, Froglet," Ike said to his granddaughter. "So I've always imagined it. Sadly, Melinda and Jacob are not able to see you that way."
"Oh Grandpa. I'm sure they watch from above. Exactly like Haley and Callie."

Jack grabbed Ike´s hand. "Mum's right. Callie said she and Mommy are always watching us. Mum's Ma and Pa make the same thing, I guess."
"And my Mom and Dad. I think, no one has so much angels watching, like us", stated Becca and pressed herself against Renee.

oOo

"I would like to leave now, Edward," Camille Brooks hissed. This idyll was robbing her last nerve. She was only here because Edward had put a gun to her chest. She had to attend the wedding, or he was about to leave her. At first Haley and now Jess. What was it, that attracted her daughters to these men? She did not want to see Jess go this way.

Edward linked arms with his wife and pulled her in the direction of the newlyweds. "First we will say goodbye and I'm also planning to congratulate Aaron. So for God´s sake, put a friendly face on, Cam."

Rossi tried not to roll his eyes. "Here come your parents, Cara. I think they want to say goodbye." Dave could not help, but he sounded relieved. Jess's parents were a special case. With Edward, he got along quite well, but Camille Brooks was an ice queen.

Jess was smiling. She was so happy today, she was inspired by her wedding and no one was to spoil it, especially not her mother. Jess had finished with her a long time ago. She loved her father more than anything and she did not understand what compelled him to stay with someone like her mother.
"You wanna go already?" She asked her father.

"Yes, unfortunately, my dear. Your mother is suffering from acute ... um ... migraine."

Jess nodded, "of course. Get well soon, mother."

Then she hugged her father. "I was very happy that you came, Dad."

"I was happy to be here, my child." Edward replied. Camille winced and Dave suppressed a grin.
"David." Edward shook hands with Dave.

"I'll take good care of them.", David promised. The men exchanged a glance. "I would also like to say goodbye to Aaron, but I don´t see him anywhere."

"Renee and he are putting the kids to bed. I show you.", Rossi offered and went with Edward into the house.

Jess and her mother faced each other in silence. Ken watched the situation and kissed his husband. "I think there's a lady in distress. I'll be right back, baby."
Ken tapped Jess shoulder, "I have not yet danced with the bride, but you´ll allow, Mrs. Brooks?"

Without waiting for an answer from Camille, Kenneth and Jess went. Jess grinned, "my hero."

Ken squeezed her hand. "If anyone has experience with difficult parents, then me."

Edward Brooks walked up the stairs, take the 2nd left, Rossi had said. The door was ajar, he heard Hotch and Renee laughing softly. "You must now sleep, little mice."
"Yes, but Mum... We are sooo glad you have said YES." Becca said happily.

"So am I," Hotch groaned. "But Mum is right, it is now high time to sleep. We leave the door ajar and the light on in the hallway, right?"

Apparently, the children agreed, Renee and Hotch came into the hallway.

"Edward," Hotch said, surprised.

"I will not keep you long, Aaron. ... I, I wanted to apologize for Cam and I wanted to congratulate you and your lovely bride."
"Thank you. And you don´t have to apologize for Cam, I know her pretty well."
"Yes, unfortunately. Good luck to both of you, Aaron."
"We´ll have it, Mr. Brooks," Renee said, smiling, "our whole life is still ahead of us."

oOoOoOoOoOo

The End ... um...is it? Really? Only if you want it to be. There is, of course, a sequel. It´s called 'Promises kept' and takes place about 6 month´s after the wedding.

And it will give some answers. What secret is Penelope hiding? Will Derek and Mona end up together? Will there be little Hotchner´s? Will Dave and Jess have a baby girl or a baby boy? And what about Ken and Spencer? Will Kiki be their surrogate Mum? If you want all the questions to be answered, you´ll have to read 'Promises kept', lol

For now, I wanna thank everyone, from the bottom of my heart, who was so supportive to me, I wanna say thank you for your feedback and for reading, at all. Thank you for ignoring my horrible grammar, sometimes. I hug you all in my thoughts.

Love, Susen