A/N: I wanted to split this chapter into two because it is so long. But in the end, I left it as it is because I didn't want to carry the end over another chapter as there are only two or three chapters remaining.

Chapter 43

It was the movement on the mattress which caused Hotch to open his eyes a slit. The room was dark except for the faint artificial light coming through the small window in the door. He raised his head slightly and glanced out the window on the far side of the room. The only light filtering through the venetian blinds came from a street lamp down the street and across from the hospital. But it still bathed the room in a pale glow. Hotch had no idea what time it was, but figured it had to be late. Then he turned his head.

A slight smile appeared as he spotted Haley's head resting on her folded arms. She appeared to be sleeping peacefully. He was careful not to wake her. If anything, he wanted just to watch her sleep. She looked as if she didn't have a care in the world right now; but he knew that wasn't true. He lay his head back down and ran his fingers lovingly through her thick blond hair, pausing only when he heard a murmur. He was surprised to find her eyes open, and a smile on her lips.

"I'm sorry," Hotch apologized. He leaned over and kissed the top of his wife's head. "I hope I didn't wake you," he added

"You didn't," Haley said raising her head. "I wasn't really asleep. Just resting my eyes." She realized by her husband's expression he didn't believe her. "And you shouldn't be awake anyway. You need to rest."

"I'm fine. What time is it anyway? It must be late," Hotch said struggling hard not to yawn and show how tired he truly was. Instead, he cupped one of her cheeks with a hand, and ran a calloused thumb over her soft skin. With a grin, he pressed his lips to her forehead. "When did you get here? You weren't here before I fell asleep."

"I wasn't. I had taken Jack to a movie and dinner to get his mind off things. Jess and Jack both send their love. I was so tired afterward that I decided to take a nap. I wanted to get here before visiting hours ended, but woke up late. By the time I got here, you were already asleep, and visiting hours were over for the day. I pleaded with the nurses to let me stay, and they said as long as I was quiet and didn't disturb the other patients, they'd let me stay. Guess they took pity on me."

Hotch's smile grew wider. "I'm glad because waking up with you is the best gift I can be given while in here." Haley, her eyes becoming moist, smiled. She kissed her husband passionately on his mouth.

"Go back to sleep, honey," she said. "I'll be here when you wake up later."

Hotch smirked. He patted the opposite side of his bed. "C'here," he asked wiggling his eyebrows. Haley got to her feet and walked around the bed to the other side. She stretched out on top of the blanket, and snuggled close to her husband. Her head rested on the front of his shoulder, but away from the cuts on his cheek. She closed her eyes and allowed sleep to take her away. Hotch wrapped an arm around his wife, and held her close to him, her hand resting on his chest. He closed his own eyes and took in her scent.

Hotch felt slight pressure on his shoulder, and jerked away hoping to get rid of the pressure. But it came back, firmer this time. Somebody was shaking his shoulder.

"Go 'way," Hotch mumbled still in the throes of sleep.

"Agent Hotchner." There was the pressure again. Hotch tried to move his right arm, but something caused him not to be able to move it. He fidgeted in his spot and tried to force his eyes open and find out what the problem was.

"Agent Hotchner, I need you to open your eyes for me." The voice sounded familiar and was female. Hotch forced his eyes open slowly. His vision fuzzy, he couldn't make out at first who was standing beside his bed looking down at him. Once his vision cleared, he noticed it was Doctor Markus, and she greeted him with a smile on her face.

"I was told when I arrived this morning by the nurses that you had company overnight," she grinned.

Hotch had no idea what the woman was saying. He then turned his head. A slow smile appeared when he spotted Haley, still asleep, curled up against his side on top of the blanket. Her head still on his shoulder, and his arm around her shoulders. He kissed the top of her head gently then faced Dr. Markus.

"She was so tired after spending the day with our son and came to visit after visiting hours. The nurses let her stay the night. I hope that was all right?"

Markus smiled. "Of course it's all right. You're an extremely lucky man, Agent Hotchner, to have a wife like yours."

"You don't have to tell me how lucky I am." He sighed wearily. "I can only assume you need to examine me." He glanced momentarily at his wife. "Can we do this without waking Haley? She needs sleep and I don't want to wake her."

"I think we can do that," Markus replied as she picked up the bear and moved him to the vacated chair. "At least we can try."

She threw back the blanket and gripped the bottom of his gown. Hotch shut his eyes tightly not wanting to show his embarrassment. Even with Haley being present, although asleep at the moment, Hotch was reluctant having his privates exposed, especially by a strange woman. And if he could get Markus replaced with a male urologist, he would do so. But he also realized if he did that after Haley and Garcia had checked her out thoroughly, they would be angry. And Rossi would torment him forever calling him a prude. Even though Hotch was confident that Markus was an excellent doctor, it didn't ease his discomfort over a woman other than his wife, seeing him like this. He let out a sigh hoping the doctor would soon be finished, when someone grabbed his hand gently and gave it a squeeze.

He opened his eyes, and saw Haley looking at him with a small smile. She had awakened and reaching across his body, grabbed one hand offering her husband comfort.

"I'm here for you, sweetheart," she said softly. "Just keep your eyes on me. Try not to think about the exam. It will soon be finished. I promise." She glanced down at what Markus was doing, then back at her husband. "It's almost over, Aaron. Just a few more minutes. Just keep your eyes on me."

About two minutes later, the blanket had been thrown back over his body. "All done, Agent Hotchner," Markus said. She looked at Haley. "I apologize if I woke you."

Haley smiled. "You didn't. I sensed my husband's nervousness and figured you probably were examining him. He needed me to help get him through the exam."

Markus grinned in such a way to tell Haley that she understood.

Haley straightened up in bed until she now sat upright. "How does it look, Doctor?" she asked with trepidation.

"To be honest, Mrs. Hotchner, Agent Hotchner, I'm extremely pleased with the healing process. Everything looks good."

Hotch sighed. "Does that mean I will soon regain sensation down there?"

"I'm sorry, Agent Hotchner, but it's still too early to tell. But you need to stay positive. You're doing so well there's hope that you will." Markus turned when the door opened and a nurse entered. "Nurse Ramsay is here and will check the catheter and change your urine bag. Before I leave, do you have any questions for me?"

Hotch looked defeated and didn't really care if Haley could see it on his face. He wasn't use to not being in control of things, and this certainly was out of his control, and he didn't like it one bit. "The only question I had you already answered in a way." Even his voice sounded defeated.

"Try and give yourself time," Markus reminded him. "Doctor Maynard will be in a little later and examine you. After Nurse Ramsay changes the urine bag, someone will be in with breakfast in about an hour. I'll be back later today." The doctor turned on her heels and walked out of the room.

Hotch gave the nurse his best 'Hotchner stare' as she reached for the blanket. She was unfazed by his stare. Haley smirked and playfully slapped her husband's chest. "Aaron, stop trying to intimidate that poor woman." Then with a smile, Haley looked at the nurse as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed letting go of Aaron's hand in the process. "Don't let Aaron intimidate you, Nurse Ramsay. He is just being difficult this morning."

Nurse Ramsay smiled as she went about changing the half-full urine bag. "Don't worry about me, Mrs. Hotchner. I've changed urine bags on more difficult patients than your husband. He doesn't even come close. I figured it's a man thing." Haley found herself laughing while Hotch glanced her way and growled.

"There you go, Agent Hotchner," Ramsay replied as she replaced the blanket. "All finished."

"About time," Hotch grumbled. He hated a strange woman changing his urine bag as much as the examination. Rossi will have a field day if he finds out. I'll never hear the end of it.

Nurse Ramsay chuckled as she went into the bathroom and emptied the urine bag before disposing of it. She emerged from the room. "I'll have someone deliver two breakfast trays here within an hour." She was about to leave when her eyes fell on the bear. She chuckled and shook her head. "I didn't know you had a twin, Agent Hotchner," she added. With another chuckle she left the room as Hotch rolled his eyes which she didn't see. As the door closed, Hotch's eyes fell on the bear in the chair beside the bed. Garcia, when I get back to work, you and I need to have a long talk.

It was shortly after lunch before Doctor Maynard had arrived to examine Hotch. For the next hour, Maynard examined every injury and asked questions while Haley sat on her husband's opposite side on the bed holding one hand. Both waited with bated breath for him to finish. Finally, they heard the doctor let out a deep breath as a smile appeared.

"How does everything look, doc?" asked Hotch. "When can I start getting out of this bed?"

"Let's give it another week. At that time we can try to straighten out your leg and replace the splint with a cast. At the same time, we can remove the soft casts, and try and get you on your feet. The injuries to your face, chin, and chest are healing nicely as well." Despite the good news, the agent's lack of enthusiasm was plain. "Agent Hotchner, you have to be patient. I understand how bored you must be unable to get out of bed when you're used to being active. But your injuries will not heal in one day. You need to give them time."

Haley glanced at her husband for a moment then at the doctor. "You need to understand, Doctor Maynard. First, my husband has never been a patient man when it comes to injures he's suffered. Second, he hates hospitals." An amused grin appeared.

"I understand, Mrs. Hotchner. And I imagine in your husband's line of work, he and hospitals must be very good friends." He noticed her shrug. "But as I said, he needs to be patient. He suffered very serious injuries. And the groin injury is going to take time, although how much time no one can say." Hearing his last sentence, Hotch looked up at Maynard. "Has Doctor Markus been in yet?" He directed his question to Haley.

"Yes she has," Haley replied. "She's very pleased with my husband's healing in that area. Doctor Maynard, I do have one question."

"Of course."

"When can he get rid of his catheter?"

Maynard sighed. "It's hard to say. Could be days, weeks, or even months. We have to wait until your husband can urinate on his own." His eyes narrowed. "Agent Hotchner, is the catheter bothering you, or making you uncomfortable?"

"No. its fine," Hotch replied. "I'm just sick of the damned thing."

"Doctor, I know he hates it and considers it embarrassing. To him, it's just a reminder of something else over which he has no control. I'm sure you can understand," said Haley.

Maynard pursed his lips and folded his arms over his chest. "I think I do. But it's important for him to use it as it will help. It might not seem like that now, but eventually he will see it." He glanced at the time. "I do need to leave, however. I have other patients to visit."

Haley smiled and squeezed her husband's hand. "Thank you for your time, doctor."

"Of course. I'll stop later today or tomorrow." He walked out of the room after giving Hotch a glance.

Hailey waited until the door closed before turning toward her husband. "Honey, what's bothering you? You've been quiet throughout Doctor Maynard's examine."

Hotch let out a deep breath. "It wasn't Doctor Maynard solely. It began with Doctor Markus. I guess I was still hoping for a miracle. And Doctor Maynard reminded me that I am perhaps fooling myself believing that I will fully recover. This could be permanent." Hotch looked deep into Haley's brown eyes. "Haley, I want you to promise me something."

"If I can. What is it?"

"If it turns out that I'm not going to get any better, I uh…I want you to get a divorce. Find yourself a man who's complete in every way. You deserve that." It broke Hotch's heart to even say those words. The thought of Haley in another man's arms was torture. But it wouldn't be fair to deny her from having the affection she deserved.

Haley's mouth dropped open as her eyes widened. "Aaron Hotchner, how dare you! How dare you make a decision like that for me! I don't want another man…ever. You are what and all I want. I love you."

"But, Haley…"

"But nothing, Aaron. In case you've forgotten, our vows included the words in sickness and in health, and till death do us part. And you're not dead so that part isn't true. And if it's permanent, it won't be the worst thing that happens. You are not something to be thrown away like a used rag. You are the love of my life. Have been since high school. I told you before and I'll say it again. If necessary, we'll find a new way to love."

A slow smile appeared on Hotch's face and his eyes glistened. "I love you so much. How did I get so lucky?"

"I'm the lucky one," Haley replied with tears falling down her cheeks as her lips crashed against his with all the passion she had.

It was sometime after dinner, and Hotch was alone in his room reading a paperback book. He had sent Haley home to rest after the tiring day she said she had with Jack. But he promised to speak with Jack before he went to sleep. He thought it funny with what he saw daily with his job, he'd be reading a murder mystery. But it was something to help with his boredom. He had to admit the book was pretty good so far. Then he noticed the door open, and put down the book. A smile appeared.

"Unca Awron!" An excited little three-year-old boy shouted racing into the room and toward the bed. Unfortunately he was too small to climb up on the bed by himself. His fingertips reached the top of the mattress and he bounced excitedly on his toes.

"Hey, Henry," Hotch gave the boy a smile he always used for his own son. "I'm so glad you and your daddy came to see me. I missed you guys." Hotch glanced up to see JJ's husband, Will LaMontagne, standing near the foot of the bed laughing while watching his son. "Hey, Will."

"Hey, Hotch. Henry couldn't wait to see you. It's all he talked about on the way here." He glanced at his son. "Henry, 'member what I told you about Uncle Aaron's injuries. Be careful."

Henry looked over at his father. "Can you pick me up, daddy?" he asked, his blue eyes just as bright as his mother's. "I can't reach Unca Awron."

Will chuckled as he stepped forward, picked up his son, and sat him beside Hotch. "Don't touch Uncle Aaron's knee and be careful of his face."

"I will, daddy." Henry said. He wrapped his short arms around Hotch's neck. "Are you gonna be awright, Unca Awron?"

Hotch wrapped his arms around JJ's and Will's son. He pressed his lips to the top of the boy's blond head. "I'm fine, Henry. I just need to get a lot of rest, and let the doctors help me."

Henry pulled away and looked curiously at Hotch's face. "Unca Awron, can I kiss the boo-boos on your face? Mommy says a kiss will make it feel better. When I get a boo-boo, Mommy always kisses it and makes it feel better. So, can I kiss your boo-boos?"

Hotch smirked at the young child. Like his own five-year-old son, Henry was so eager to try and help someone he cared about and loved. He looked up at Will silently begging for help.

"You're on your own, Hotch," Will said with a chuckle enjoying the agent's discomfort. After a few moments, Hotch said the first thing that came to him.

"That's okay, Henry. Jack already took care of that for you." It was a lie, but it was the best he could come up with on such short notice.

Henry tilted his blond head as if mulling over what Hotch had said. "I guess that's okay. Mommy says when you have a boo-boo, you should have it kissed by a fam'ly member. She says it works much better that way."

Hotch smiled at the youngster's innocence. That was one of the things he loved so much about Jack. "Your mommy's a very smart lady," he replied.

"And pwetty, too."

Hotch and Will both chuckled. "And definitely very pretty," Hotch remarked with a laugh.

Will glanced around the room at all the colorful additions. "JJ told me about Garcia brightening your room."

Hotch shook his head. "Don't get me started on that."

"Unca Awron, who's that?" Henry was pointing to the bear. Hotch rolled his eyes. He had been hoping Henry wouldn't notice it.

"That's also a gift from Auntie Garcia."

"What's his name?" asked Henry curiously.

"He doesn't have one," Hotch lied. He discreetly gave Will a warning stare promising bodily injury if he ever told his son. Will smirked. He knew the bear was named 'Hotch the Second.'

Henry continue staring at the bear and didn't see the look his Uncle Aaron was giving his daddy. After a few seconds, Henry looked at Hotch. "He sorta look like you, Unca Awron."

Hotch stared at the bear. "Not to me, he doesn't." He smiled. "I guess I'll have to come up with a name for him. Tell you what. Why don't you come up with a name for him yourself? I bet you'll come up with a good one."

"Weally?" the boy became excited at the idea.

"You bet. And when you come up with one, you can have your mom or dad call me on the phone and you can tell me the name. Would you like that?"

"Yeah!" Henry said.

"Henry, don't you want to give your card to Uncle Aaron?" LaMontagne reminded his son realizing they couldn't stay long and he could see Hotch was already becoming tired.

"I nearly forgots. I made you a card, Unca Awron. Mommy helped me with the spelling."

As Henry talked, Will picked up a plastic bag. He reached inside and removed an envelope on which was printed in a childlike scrawl 'Unca Awron.' He handed it to his son.

"Thank yous, daddy." The boy then turned and handed the card to Hotch who took it out of the envelope. On the cover, in crayon, was a figure wearing a superman outfit with a red cape. The 'S' in the center was in red sparkles. And above the figure were the words also in different colored sparkles, 'Get Well.' Hotch's eyes glistened as it reminded him of how Jack always considered him a superhero. He read the inside message and his eyes moistened.

"It's beautiful, Henry," Hotch said in a husky voice. "But why superman?"

"Mommy's a superhero, and so is Unca Spencer. That means you is a superhero too."

"Thank you, Henry. I'm going to put it on my table right beside Jack's so everybody can see it when they come for a visit." He leaned over and kissed the top of the boy's head. "Listen, Henry, I'd like to talk to your dad for a few minutes, okay?"

"Okay, Unca Awron. Daddy, put me down, pwease."

"Sure thing, buddy," Will said as he picked up his son and stood him on the floor. He then crouched down to eye level. "Hey, Henry. Uncle Aaron and daddy are gonna talk for a few minutes. So why don't you go and sit down on the sofa near the wall, and read the book that you brought? Can you do that for daddy?"

"Okay, daddy." Henry reached for and took the plastic bag from his father. Will waited until Henry climbed up on the sofa against the wall near the television set before he sat down on the bed mindful of Hotch's injured knee.

"So how are you, Hotch? Really."

Hotch exhaled. "It's hard, Will. I don't know if I'll regain full use of my knee. I need plastic surgery to fix my face. And I can't wait to get rid of this damn catheter. Other than that, I'm fine."

"What about the other thing?"

Hotch studied Will with surprise for a moment. "How did you…?" Then it came to him. "Of course…JJ."

"Yeah. I'm sorry, man. Must be rough not knowing what the outcome's gonna be."

Hotch sighed. "I've come back from a lot of injuries, Will. But this is completely different and I'm not afraid to admit it scares the hell out of me. What if I can't come back from this? Haley deserves more than an incomplete man."

"Hotch, I want you to listen to me. You have bounced back from injuries some of which nearly killed you. You will come back from this. And as for you bein' incomplete, I don't believe that for a minute. We've all seen how Haley looks at you. She's crazy 'bout you, man. And I know you love 'er. So don't go closin' yourself off from her." His eyes narrowed. "Just where is this negative attitude comin' from anyways?"

Hotch shrugged his shoulders. "I guess because nobody knows what the final result is going to be, or when, or if at all." He chuckled. "I'm sure Reid could give me all kinds of statistics about my chances of a full recovery. Anyway, I figured it was better to tell Haley ahead of time if what's happening now is permanent, I will set her free."

Will's eyes widened that Hotch would even consider such a drastic move. "Hotch, are you outta your mind? Have you discussed with Haley how you're feelin'?"

Hotch nodded and hung his head. "I offered to let her go earlier. She refused. Said if necessary, we will find another way to love."

Will nodded. "Smart lady. You better hang onto 'er, man. Not many men are lucky to have a woman like Haley and JJ. A woman who will stick by you no matter how bad things become. Tell me somethin', Hotch. Do you love Haley?"

Hotch lifted his head and looked at LaMontagne. "More than anything. What are you getting at?"

"Just this. You say you love Haley more than anything. If that's truly how you feel, then you hang onto that love and don't let it go, not for anything. If you do, I'm tellin' you, Hotch, you're gonna regret it big time. You understandin' me?"

A faint smile appeared on Hotch's face. "I do. Thank you, Will. For everything. I mean it."

Will patted Hotch on the arm. "You're welcome." He noticed Hotch trying hard to hide a yawn and failing. "Henry and I better let you get some rest."

"I am a bit tired," Hotch admitted.

Will got to his feet and put a hand on Hotch's shoulder. "I know I never suffered an injury like you did, Hotch. But you will come back. I know you will."

"Thanks."

LaMontagne turned his head. "Henry, c'mon. We're goin' home now. Come say goodbye to Uncle Aaron so we can go."

"Okay, daddy." Henry put his book in the plastic bag then slid his small body off the sofa. He ran to his father. Will picked up his son again and sat him on the bed beside Hotch.

"Bye, Unca Awron." He wrapped his short arms around Hotch. Hotch held Henry close to him in a hug and kissed his forehead.

"Bye, Henry. And thank you for the card. I love it."

"Yous welcome."

Will picked up his son again and put him of the floor. He took Henry's hand.

"I'll come back again soon, Hotch."

"I'll probably still be here."

Henry turned and waved. "Bye, Unca Awron."

"Bye, Henry. And don't forget to come up with a name for my friend here."

"I won't. Bye."

As the door closed, Hotch let out a deep breath and let his head fall back on the bed. He had a lot of thinking to do and decisions to make.