Rossi's annual holiday party was right on schedule. As usual, he had arranged for his home to be beautifully decorated for the occasion by his favorite florist as well as providing a multitude of edibles from an exclusive caterer. And, also as in years past, Rossi was stationed in the foyer playing the part of genial host as he greeted his arriving guests. However, this year Christine was standing in the place of honor next to him. She had chosen to wear a loosely draped chiffon confection of light blue trimmed in silver sparkles and had her hair pulled up in a loose knot on top of her head. It was obvious to everyone that on this evening she was indeed the lady of the manor.
One of the first to arrive was Aaron Hotchner with Jack. "Aaron," Christine greeted him with a hug and a kiss. "I am so glad you are here! And, you too, Jack!" She leaned over to give the young man a hug.
Hotch treated her to one of his rare smiles. "We wouldn't miss Dave's annual party for anything in the world," he assured her. "Although, we almost didn't make it."
"What happened?" Christine asked, concerned.
"I couldn't find the ticket to claim my suit at the dry cleaners," he sounded puzzled. "And, they gave me a bit of a problem before they would release it. I am starting to wonder!"
"Aaron, you can always wear another suit," Christine protested. "They all look good on you."
"Thanks!" Hotch almost smiled. "But, I wanted to wear this one."
He took a closer look at Christine. "Those aren't your diamond earrings," he observed.
Christine turned her head so he could get a better view of the platinum, diamond-studded snowflakes. "Aren't they pretty?" she asked. "They are an early Christmas present from Dave!"
"Actually, I decided to celebrate Hanukkah too this year," Rossi smiled fondly at her. "It gives me another excuse to give jewelry to a beautiful woman!"
Jack had been staring at Christine. "You look like the angel off the top of the Christmas tree!" he blurted out.
"Thank You Young Man! You look pretty spiffy yourself," Christine told him. "Now, why don't you walk back to the sunroom with me? We have it all set up for you young people."
"I'm too old for that!" Jack protested.
"I know," Christine commiserated. "You are at that in-between stage – Too old for the little ones and not old enough for the adults. However, we do have some video games set up, and Mrs. DuValle is bringing her twelve-year-old twin grandsons. And, let me tell you a secret – All the best food is back there!"
Jack smiled at her. "Video games?" he asked.
"Yep!" Christine assured him. "Now, let's go back there and make sure they are all properly set up and ready to go!" She led the way down the hall.
As the two men watched them go, Hotch turned to Rossi and commented, "Would I be wrong if I guessed that Garcia was involved in picking out that dress?"
Rossi smiled. "Actually, I think she made it," was the reply. "And, I must admit, even I was surprised at the hair. When Christine told me this morning she was going to the hairdresser, I wondered. Up until now, Sonia has been trimming it for her."
"She went to a hair salon?" Hotch questioned. "She actually went somewhere where there are people?"
"It's the place Sonia's granddaughter works," Rossi explained. "The same young woman who is supervising the 'Kids Room' this evening. She made sure Christine had an appointment early in the day when they aren't too busy. But, she did go – She is making progress!"
"Is it okay if I ask you a question?" Jack's inquiry came unexpectedly as he and Christine walked towards the promised video games.
"Of course!" Christine replied promptly.
"Are you the twins' mother?" Jack asked seriously.
"Why would you ask that?" Christine responded with her own question.
"Well, you do kind of look like them," Jack explained.
Christine smiled at him. "You do know that children don't always look like their parents, don't you, Jack?" she asked. "You're just lucky because you look like your mother."
"That's what my Aunt Jessica says," the boy confided. "Oh Boy – You have the new version of Mega Heroes!"
Christine drew a sigh of relief as his question concerning the twins' mother was quickly forgotten.
As Christine returned to the foyer, she was intercepted by Chief Cruz, who appeared to have been waiting for her.
"Chief Cruz," she greeted him with a delighted smile. "I'm so glad you could make it!"
Matt Cruz smiled. "It's Matt – Remember?" he reminded her.
"Rossi's Holiday parties are legendary," he continued. "I was delighted to finally score an invitation! Do you have a minute? I would like to speak with you."
"Of course," Christine assured him. "But, first, do you need something to drink?" She nodded at his empty hands.
"In a minute," Cruz told her. "Why don't we just step into the hallway here where it is a little quieter?"
After the two had walked several steps down the hallway, Cruz stopped and turned to speak with Christine.
"I must tell you," he began. "When I took my current position, I was a little apprehensive about you and your relationship with this team. However, after observing the team and their interactions with you over the past several months, I have changed my mind. They seem to be functioning as efficiently as ever and their case resolution numbers are as high as they have ever been."
Cruz stopped a moment and smirked. "It appears to me that both Hotchner and Reid are working hard trying to outdo each other," he continued. "And, as long as they aren't doing anything foolish or outright dangerous, I wish them well."
Christine smiled at him. "I try not to interfere with their work," she replied. "And, they are all quite good at keeping their personal lives separate from their professional endeavors."
"I also understand you have given them some extremely valuable insights on several of their cases and consults," Cruz commented.
"Well, I have had some unusual experiences that do give me a different perspective," Christine hedged her answer.
"I can appreciate that," the Chief replied. "And, in the future I want you to start billing us for your consultation time."
"NO!" he held up his hand to stop her protests. "I insist. My assistant already has instructions to send the necessary paperwork over, and if I don't see invoices from you - ," he trailed off.
"Okay?" Christine hesitantly replied.
"I also want you to know that within the next few days I will be telling the team that they are going to be put on 'stand down' approximately two weeks before your due date," The Section Chief concluded.
"You don't have to do that!" Christine protested.
"It's no different than what The Bureau routinely does for expectant parents," he explained. "And, seeing as how there are essentially three expectant fathers on this team, it only makes sense to put the whole team on desk duty."
"All I can say is 'Thank You'," Christine smiled at him. "I know everyone will really appreciate it!"
"Now, I think I am going to go in search of that drink you offered me," Cruz ended the conversation.