As they watched the SUV drive off, Rossi turned to Christine. "Well, Kiddo, make any decisions?" he asked.
Christine shook her head. "Dave, I just don't know," she told him sadly, as she slowly sat down on the front steps.
"Well, you have two good men there," Ross opinioned as he sat down next to her and picked up her hand. "Aaron wants to court you and win your heart. He is honest, and caring, and has already been a good father with Jack. As for Reid – Well, I have faith in Reid. He's still trying to figure things out, but I have no doubt he will make the right decision in the end."
"Aaron Hotchner," Christine replied thoughtfully. "When he found out I was pregnant he immediately offered to marry me because he was taught that that is the right thing to do. I have to admire him for that. He is also willing to back off, take things slow, and work to develop a relationship. He is attentive and caring, and is honestly concerned about me and the babies. And, you can't argue with success - Look at Jack. He must be doing something right. However, I realize that Aaron will always be an Alpha male. As much as he tries to modify his behavior, he will still want to dominate in every situation he finds himself in. That is going to lead to some head butting. Plus, I get the feeling that being known as the father of twins will play directly into his male ego. If they are fraternal, which I strongly suspect they are, he can brag about how two of his 'swimmers' made the grade at the same time. On top of that, there is the issue of JJ."
"You noticed," Rossi commented.
"You're not the only observant one," Christine told him. "I know they have feelings for each other and have had for a long timer. The question is, how strong are they?"
"You seem to have thought this through." Rossi smiled at her. "Continue."
"Spencer – Well Spencer is currently busy re-exploring the world with David and Diana," Christine said thoughtfully. "That open, always eager to learn mind of his will serve him and the twins, as well as any future children, well. And, he is honestly trying to please me and take care of me, even if he is a little awkward about it. However, I get the feeling he expects me to be the same person I was 'before'. He just doesn't want to accept the fact that I have changed. I also realize that on occasion he still needs a little 'guidance' when dealing with people. I suspect that up until now Penelope, JJ, Blake, and probably even Morgan have been helping him. In addition, I know that I still need help working through my issues. I sincerely question the wisdom of burdening him with that."
"Two different men – Two different situations," Rossi agreed.
"Then, there is 'What's Behind Door Number Three?'" Christine intoned.
"Door Number Three?" Rossi repeated
"The Dark Horse," Christine explained. "I keep thinking that what I need is someone who knows me as I am now, recognizing my flaws and accepting my failures, and who is willing to help me work to get past them. At the same time, they need to be willing to help me raise two children. That's a big job! In addition, they also need to understand that when I need to write, I need to write! If it is lunch time and I am writing, don't bother me about eating; just set a sandwich on the corner of my desk and I will get to it when I reach a good stopping point. There are times when writing totally consumes me, and they will definitely need to realize that."
"Do you have someone in mind for this position?" Rossi asked, interested.
"Not yet, but that still leaves me open to Option Number Four - Go It Alone," Christine concluded. "That was my original plan, and that is still a distinct possibility."
Rossi smiled thoughtfully at Christine and squeezed her hand. "I just want you to know," he told her. "Whatever you decide, I will support you."
"Thanks! And, there is one other thing," Christine told him. "I realize now that I do need to talk to someone and get help. I assume you have a name and number?"
"Of course, Kiddo. I was just waiting for you to ask," Rossi told her as they stood up and, with arms wrapped around each other's waist, headed back into the house.