A/N: Thank you all again for all of the support and reviews. I really appreciate it. Get prepared for another surprise!

Chapter 8

Cait looked at Sean. "This is my favorite time during a dinner. When everyone is quiet because they're eating," she smiled. Sean nodded with a knowing smile. Just then Wyatt let it be known that he didn't have anything on his tray. Cait laughed; "Except for your son of course." They all laughed as Cait made some suggestions to Leslie of a few of the things he could eat of the table food.

"I don't want to spoil his dinner," Leslie said, breaking apart small bites of her dinner roll. Between that and Aaron giving him a few bites of his sweet potatoes, Wyatt seemed happy just watching all the others. Cait took a banana from Jack's orange Jell-O and Aaron gave that to him as well after he had cut it up.

Everyone raved about how everything tasted and Emily just shook her head at Reid as he dove into his second helping of the stuffing. "When's the last time you ate Dr. Reid? Tuesday?" she teased. He just smiled as Alex passed him some more gravy for his stuffing. The older Hotchner boys held their own in the eating department with Jarrod just shaking his head at them.

Maggie looked at her husband. "I think Jack is putting it in his pockets." Jack just shook his head with a smile as put in another bite. Fran eyed her own son, who gave her his megawatt smile, reaching for more of the doughboy salad.

The younger boys finally finished and they were excused to the bathroom to wash their face and hands. They headed upstairs when they were done to finish their puzzle. After everyone finished, Matt and Mike cleared the plates while the adults talked. Matt took Wyatt from Leslie and set him down on the floor between the kitchen and dining room where Beans and Mudg were waiting to do their own clean up. Wyatt climbed all over them, giggling and laughing. Cait could have sworn they rolled their eyes at each other.

Sean finally got up and grabbed the high chair and took it to the nook table. Wyatt would soon be demanding his own dinner. He washed and dried the tray and put it back on the chair. He then went into the kitchen and started on some clean up. Everyone got up from the table and with all hands grabbing a dish, the table was soon cleared.

Cait tried to get into her kitchen to help with the leftovers. "No you don't Cait; we've got this." He looked at Derek. "Agent Morgan, get her out of here."

Derek put his arm around Cait. "Come quietly Mother Goose," he smiled, "and no one will get hurt."

"Namely you," Cait smiled at him, rubbing his back. Wyatt bellowed for his dinner.

"See Mother Goose," Derek smiled, "you've got something to do."

Cait picked him up and took a whiff. "I've got something for you to do," she smiled at Derek. He just shook his head with a smile. "Cream puff; you can take down big bad unsubs but you can't change a dirty diaper."

"That's absolutely right," he smiled. He got the fireplace loaded up again with logs. Cait took Wyatt upstairs, changed him and checked on the boys. They were heads down in finishing the puzzle, hardly talking. When she got back downstairs, Leslie had Wyatt's dinner waiting for him.

Emily sat down next to her and watched her feed him, smiling. "It's like a baby bird; they open their mouth and you put it in."

"Yup it is," Cait said, holding Wyatt's hand away. "Except baby birds don't have hands." Emily laughed. By the time she finished, Maggie, Sandy and Fran had been banished as well.

Fran sat down at the table, as Cait was about to give Wyatt his bottle. "Since I'm not going to get any grandbabies from my kids, can I?" Cait smiled and handed him to her. Wyatt happily went along with the plan.

"Awww mom, give it up," Derek said.

"Yeah, why is that Derek?" Emily asked. "And where's the hot doll today?"

"I'm going to get the fire going again downstairs." He disappeared to catcalls and cries of "Chicken".

Matt came out of the kitchen pushing his phone in his pocket. "Mom, I've got to run out for a bit."

"Matt," Cait asked.

He shook her off. "A friend needs a hand with something. I'll be back in less than an hour." He looked at his dad.

Aaron shook his head with a smile. "Take mine Matt; please be careful."

"I will dad," he smiled. "Thanks." Wyatt loudly burped his acceptance to his cousin and they all laughed.

The dishes done, they milled around the house with the scotch and Bailey's bottle out. Aaron and Dave bartended and Mike delivered them. Alex looked at Cait. "I've seen your study, but I would love to see the rest of your home," she smiled.

Cait smiled at her. "Let me give you the nickel tour," she smiled, taking her scotch and Bailey's and motioning to Alex to follow her to the master bedroom and bath.

Alex looked around the spacious bathroom. "This is one thing I wish James and I had," she smiled. "And oh, a Jacuzzi tub. Now I'm envious."

As they crossed the living room to go upstairs, Alex rubbed James' arm and pointed. "They have my dream bathroom."

"Oh goody," James said. "The redecorating bug is back in season." They all laughed and he went in to take a look.

Alex asked questions about the house as they went up the steps, with Cait explaining she had it built after she got the settlement from her first husband's estate. They went into Jack's room first and Alex noticed the pillow in the window seat. Jack looked at her. "That's where I talk to mommy when I need to," he smiled. He went back to the puzzle.

"Wow, you guys," Alex said. "You've just about got that done."

Henry nodded. "And it's a big one; seven… seven…."

"Seven hundred fifty pieces," Jack added, helping his friend out.

"Yeah, that big," Henry said. They both laughed and left so the boys could finish.

"Do they always play that well," Alex asked.

"From day one," Cait smiled. "They've got their own little brotherhood of parents traveling with the BAU." They chatted some more with Cait showing her the rest of the boys upstairs suite.

"Cait, it's a beautiful house plan you selected and perfect for the boys. And not even knowing about Jack back then. Your site selection is wonderful as well; how did you find the property to build on?"

Cait smiled. "Two words Alex: David Rossi." Alex beamed back.

Alex looked at her. "The girls the other night filled me in on why there won't be any more children. Does that bother you Cait?"

She shook her head. "When Aaron and I were in NYC for Wyatt's baptism, we got to celebrate our anniversary one night. The boys stayed with Sean and Leslie. We talked; a baby really wouldn't fit into our lives at this point." She smiled at Alex. "I've got a nephew to spoil; that's good enough for me." Alex gave her a hug and they headed downstairs.

Downstairs, everyone was relaxing. Derek, Emily, Will and JJ were in the den in the basement, shooting a game of pool, with the rest of the BAU kibitzing. Jarrod and Dave were talking sports, the mothers were doing their thing and James and Aaron were in the Master bedroom talking remodeling. Sean and Leslie enjoyed a relaxing moment together on the couch, enjoying their Bailey's as Wyatt happily played. The dogs, after having their own supper, were conked out by the French doors. Mike had passed his mother and Alex on the steps to catch up with social media.

Aaron and James walked out of the master bedroom as Alex and Cait returned. "Cait built a perfect home for the boys James. It's amazing," she smiled. She had told James all she learned on the girls' night out. "And Jack fits right in."

Aaron nodded his head at James. "We lucked out," he smiled.

"The suite upstairs for the boys is wonderful," Alex smiled. James smiled back. Everyone pretty much had figured out that kids were not in the Blake family future. They respected the decision.

Alex looked at Cait. "Just how long have you and Dave known each other."

Before Dave could answer, Cait said, "Too damn long." The room burst out with laughter. Cait and Aaron heard the garage entry way door open but thought nothing of it.

Less than twenty seconds later, a voice bellowed from the entry way. "There better be leftovers." Maggie and Jarrod's heads popped up and Cait started to move to the entry way. Jake Barkley walked in with Matt. "Happy Thanksgiving everyone," he smiled with a wave. Cait grabbed him in a big hug and Jake lifted her off the floor.

"Put me down you ass," she smiled. Jake kissed her cheek and set Cait on her feet.

"I'm just testing out that new and improved back of yours sis," he smiled. "You pass."

"So do you; great game today." Jake kissed her again.

Maggie was next and Jake pulled her into a warm hug. "Mom, I'm OK; I really am. I may live in Cait and Aaron's Jacuzzi tomorrow though." He pulled his mother tight. The group downstairs heard the commotion upstairs and headed up the steps.

"That ain't happenin' little brother," she smiled. "You know we decorate for Christmas the Friday after turkey day." Jake groaned in Maggie's arms.

Alex, with James standing next to her, looked at Dave. "They're that close with the age difference? Cait had to be in college when he was born."

"She was," he smiled. "But once Cait built the house, Jake as much as he loved the ranch and riding horses would spend his summers here with her to help her take care of the boys. Maggie and Jarrod happily let him come. He was a godsend to her. And that made them extremely close." The Blake's smiled as Jake pulled his dad into a hug followed by Aaron.

"Hey bro," Jake said to Aaron.

"Hi Jake; we love the surprise; we're really glad you could join us. Great game today," he beamed.

Jake looked at him. "I heard through the grapevine that the whole family was going to be here again. I'm off until next Wednesday. I had to be here Aaron." The brothers, forgetting the in-law part, shared another hug. Matt went into the kitchen and started digging out leftovers to make a plate of food for Jake.

Jake noticed Sean and Leslie. "Hey you two," he smiled, hugging them. "Is this the sprout?" Sean had Wyatt in his arms. Wyatt gave Jake the steely eye Hotchner glare. Jake roared and Wyatt laughed along. He held out his arms to Jake. Jake gently pulled him into the crook of his left arm as he greeted the rest, sharing a hug or handshake with everyone.

"Great game big dog," Derek smiled at him, offering a handshake.

"Thanks Derek; took some adjustments over halftime but the coaches got it right and the team responded."

Derek smiled at him. "That's what teams do with the right leadership." The message didn't go unnoticed by the BAU agents. Aaron smiled with pride as Cait rubbed his back.

Jake got to Garcia. "Ms. Penelope," he said with a sing song voice and large smile. "Give me some lovin' girl." Garcia wrapped her arms around his waist as he pulled her tightly to his chest with his right arm, still holding Wyatt. Wyatt, that close to the decked out BAU tech wizard, tried to grab one of her hair bobbles. Jake gently intercepted him. "Wyatt, you be good to our girl." Wyatt smiled at the two of them.

Cait introduced Jake to the Blake's and he warmly greeted them. Then the microwave dinged. Jake handed Wyatt to Cait. "I'm not kidding sis; I'm starving. I know how you and mom cook." Matt put the plate on the lunch counter, took Wyatt from his mom and Aaron went to the garage to get Jake a beer. Jake downed the beer in four gulps and then smiled at Maggie as she set a large glass of milk she poured for him in front of him. "Thanks mom," he smiled as he dove in.

In between bites, Jake looked around. "I'm missing three guys."

Cait smiled. "They're upstairs and engrossed in what they're doing; you eat. When you're finished we'll let them know."

"No arguments on that sis," Jake smiled, putting another mouthful in. Leslie pulled out the leftover doughboy and strawberry salads. Jake looked at Reid and Kevin. "You two couldn't leave me one bite of the orange Jell-O?"

"Nope," they said together, smiling. Jake gave them a one finger salute.

"That's what you get for working on Thanksgiving Jake," Reid said.

Jake smiled at the genius. "I'll give ya that one Doc."

Jack handed the last piece of the puzzle to Henry to put in. Henry smiled and placed it in the spot. They shared a high five as Aaron whistled up the steps. Jack looked at Henry. "Something big is going on." The boys burst out of the room and hammered down the steps. Mike wasn't far behind. Jack sped around the corner of the step bottom and raced into the center of the home. Dave was pouring a glass of scotch on the rocks for Jake with Cait adding some Bailey's when Jack noticed him. "UNCLE JAKE!" He flew to him and Jake lifted him into his arms.

"Hey buddy," Jake said, pulling him tightly into a hug. Jack threw his arms around Jake's neck. As close as Jake was with Matt and Mike, the bond that he now had with Jack was just as deep. They shared a quiet time for a couple of seconds, with Jake kissing him in Jack's hair above his ear. Cait and Aaron, arms around each other, beamed. So did the rest in the room. Mike wasn't far behind and Jake, with Jack still in one arm, pulled his other nephew into a tight hug. "Good god you guys; what are you folks feeding you?" The boys laughed and Jake put Jack on his feet.

"Uncle Jake; do you remember Henry?"

Jake warmly smiled, crouching down. "I sure do Jack." He looked at Henry. "I'm not RGIII, but do I at least get a handshake," he smiled at Henry. The young LaMontagne blew into him for a hug which Jake warmly returned. JJ and Will shared a smile, with Emily rubbing Garcia's back.

Jack looked at Cait, with a smile at Matt. "Do it bro," Matt smiled. Cait rolled her eyes at her husband.

"Jackster, if you don't, I will. That's why I flew here from Detroit. I want dessert."

Henry smiled at him. "You da man Uncle Jake." They shared a high five.

Cait looked at Wyatt in Matt's arms, rubbing his eyes. She smiled and shook her head. Three Hotchner boys and some other big boys looked at her. She pointed at her sister-in-law. Leslie smiled at Wyatt. "You my son have had a big day without your usual nap time. You need the three B's."

Jack looked at her. "Aunt Leslie?"

She smiled. "Bath, bottle and bed."

Cait rubbed Jack's head. "And until Aunt Leslie is back, dessert is on hold." The groans around the room didn't come from just the two little men.

"Aunt Leslie, can Henry and I help?" Leslie smiled and chased the boys up the steps in front of her carrying Wyatt. Maggie got Cait's "at Uncle Dave's cabin" coffee pot chugging.

Emily put her arm around Derek. "I love that sound."

"Me too Princess," he smiled, kissing her forehead. The memories of the team's time there were wonderful, which they shared with the rest that didn't know.

"So Little Creek holds a tradition as well," Alex asked.

Dave smiled. "Not a fun one for some people." Emily gave him the salute. They all roared as Alex looked at Cait.

"Emily tried to keep up with Dave and Derek one night in the scotch department," she smiled. Aaron laughed and Emily groaned. The laughter grew louder and the team regaled Alex about their time at Dave's cabin.

Jake hung an arm around his nephews in the room. "Sounds like good times guys," he smiled.

Mike smiled. "Uncle Jake, that's where mom made Jack and Henry into fish."

Jake beamed. "Been there; done that," he smiled, pointing to pool outside where Cait had taught him how to swim.

"Me too," the young genius said with a smile. JJ filled Alex and James in on that memory of Henry and Spencer learning to swim with Spencer fondly remembering his 30th birthday surprise. Alex rubbed his back.

Kevin recounted the card game they all played and the whole group laughed more. The memories poured out with the good times the team had shared.

Leslie came back down the steps with Wyatt in his pj's and the boys in front of her. They walked into the Great Room to a bunch of smiling faces that were ready for dessert.

Fran and Sandy just shook their heads and headed into the kitchen. The two of them were the dessert queens. Sandy pointed at Cait. "Hit it," she smiled.

Cait gave her whistle that would stop traffic as Leslie covered Wyatt's ears. "Here's the deal," Sandy smiled. "You have your choice of pumpkin pie, compliments of Fran with whipped cream; my blueberry pie with whipped cream or ice cream; and Cait's apple pie with ice cream." The two oldest Hotchner boys eyed her. Sandy and Fran laughed. "Yes, there is also Cait and Maggie's Crème de Menthe dessert." Cait, still in Aaron's arm, smiled at her husband.

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