What Doesn't Kill Us-Ch 35
Epilogue-15 Years Later
Alexis was a nervous wreck as she walked around in the bridal room, Penelope said, "it's alright to be nervous honey", she said, "but why am I so nervous, I love Jack with all my heart". Emily smiled as she put her hand on her future daughter in laws shoulders and said, "Lexis the day I married Hotch I was so nervous that I forgot to wear my shoes up the aisle".
She laughed and said, "you did"?, she nodded her head and said, "I sure did", JJ giggled and said, "and the day I married your uncle Spence I forgot my vows and dropped the ring". Penelope covered her face and said, "it was so funny", JJ said, "thanks Garcie", she said, "well it was sunshine", Emily laughed and said, "it was Jayje" causing everybody to laugh.
Penelope said, "I'm sorry that your mom couldn't be here in person buttttttttt she sent you something", Alexis smiled and said, "sh sh she did"?, Penelope said,
"she wanted to give it to you when you came up to visit her last week but she lost her nerve". Alexis hugged Penelope and said, "thank you so much for everything that you and daddy Derek did for me".
Penelope wiped her eyes and said, "ohhhhhhh don't make me cry, there isn't enough time to redo my makeup", there was a knock at the door and JJ opened it and saw the smiling faces of Penelopes 14 year old twin daughters Amber and Ashley. She said, "come in ladies", Amber said, "momma daddy said that Jonathan is crying for you".
Penelope sighed and said, "I'll be right back", Ashely said, "how are you holding up sissy"?, Alexis said, "I'm a nervous wreck", Amber said, "if it makes you feel any better Jack is just as nervous, he's walking around without his shoes on". Emily laughed and said, "see sweetie I told you that nerves were normal on your wedding day".
Ashley said, "Henry, Thomas and Zachary are trying to keep him calm and all dad and the uncles can do is laugh", Thomas is the 18 year old son of Hotch and Emily and Zachary is the 17 year old son of JJ and Reid. JJ put her hands on Alexis shoulders and said, "honey it's almost time, you better see what your mom sent you".
Emily said, "we'll step out and give you a few minutes", she nodded her head and said, "thank you all for everything", Ashley and Amber giggled and said, "we loveeeeeeee you" as they threw their arms around their sister. Alexis took a deep breath as she slowly opened the letter, she unfolded it and swallowed hard before starting to read it.
Alexis, baby I love you and wish that I could be there with you and Jack on your big day but that isn't possible, I want you to know that you have always been the bright spot of my life". Alexis felt tears welling up in her eyes as she read, "I am so sorry that I wasn't there with you to watch you grow up, you are a beautiful woman and I want you to know that I want nothing but joy, love and happiness for you and your husband".
Alexis took a deep breath as she continued the letter, I will always be grateful that Derek and Penelope were there for you, they gave you a stable and loving home and I don't know what I would have done without them". As the letter ended she said, "in the box is my mommas pearl necklace, it was handed down to her on her wedding day and I want you to have it, just know that even though I am not there physically I am there in your heart, I love you princess and I always will,
just know that I will always be here for you and my son in law, LOVE MOMMA".
As she wiped her eyes there was a knock at the door, Alexis said, "come in", Derek pushed the door open and said, "are you alright baby girl"?, she ran into his arms and said, "ohhhhhh daddy Derek". He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head and said, "I love you and so does your mommy Penelope and your sisters and your little brother".
Alexis said, "I love you all to", Derek smiled and said, "here let me help you put this necklace on so we can get you married", she turned around and sighed as Derek put the necklace around her neck. He then held out his arm and said, "are you ready to get hitched"?, she blew out a deep breath and said, "lead the way daddy, lead the way".
When the door opened there stood Ashley and Amber and they were all smiles as they made their way up the aisle, when the Bridal March started Derek said, "are you sure you're ready"?, she nodded her head and said, "I'm ready daddy". Penelope wiped her eyes as she watched her husband and daughter as they started walking up the aisle.
She watched as Derek put Alexis hand in Jacks before walking over and sitting beisde her, the wedding was beautiful, the vows were from the heart and when they were both through there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Derek wrapped his arm around Penelope and smiled as the minister said, "Jack you may now kiss your beautiful bride".
After Jack raised her veil he wiped away a tear with his thumb and then cupped her face in his hands and when they pulled apart he whispered, "I love you", she smiled and said, "I love you to". The minister smiled and said, "it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you for the first time Mr. and Mrs Jack Hotchner"
and the church filled with the sound of hands clapping as the newlyweds wrapped their arms around each other and stole another kiss.
There we have it everybody I hope you liked the ending and I want to thank all of you amazing readers for all of your reviews, favorites and follows, you are all awesomeeeeeeeeeee and I love you all and thank you for all of your support