"Okay, everyone, I have something I want to say," Hotch announced. It was later that evening and everyone was sitting around the kitchen table eating dinner.

"As you know," he began. "Laurel and I have decided to get married but haven't yet set a date. After what happened today, I think we should get married as soon as possible. I know that there are a lot of things we need to work out, but I want to be able to protect both her and Paige and the best way I can think of doing that is if we are married. That way, if the need arises, both of you will be eligible for federal protection."

"I can't imagine anything like that happening again," Laurel protested. "I assume the Mercers are going to jail for a long time and, when they get out, I can't imagine any judge giving them visitation rights."

"You never know what is going to happen there," Lois pointed out. "Tomorrow they will probably be out on bail and heaven only knows what they will do then. Do you want to take that chance?"

"A restraining order doesn't carry much weight," Joel added. "But, if you have the FBI behind you – "

"The State of Michigan requires a blood test and a three day waiting period for a marriage license," Laurel said thoughtfully. "I don't have that much time left on my vacation, and I don't think you do either." She looked over at Hotch.

"There is always Las Vegas," Lois suggested excitedly. "I've always wanted to see Las Vegas!"

"Penelope would never forgive me," Laurel replied.

"As a resident of the State of Virginia, I can get a waiver," Hotch said, taking out his cell phone. "Let me call Dave and Penelope and see what they can set up. We should be able to get married tomorrow."

"Mommy?" Paige sounded scared.

"What is it Sweetheart?" Laurel put her arm around the girl.

"If you get married, what will I do?" she whimpered, tears forming in her eyes.

"Oh Sweetie!" Laurel crooned. "At first, nothing is going to change. You and I will go back to Chicago and you will go back to skating and school, while I go back to work at the insurance company. Then, after school is over for the summer, you and I will see about moving to Quantico to live with Aaron and Jack."

"You will have a new rink to skate at and a new school in the fall, but that was going to happen eventually anyway. It's just that now we have a definite timetable."

"We will all be living in Quantico?" Paige asked hopefully. "Together?"

"Of course," her mother promised.

"So, Uncle Spencer will be there to help me with my jumps?" Paige was starting to smile.

"Just try to stop him!"

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Two days later, amid much grumbling from Garcia about not having enough time to arrange for a 'real' wedding, Aaron Jamison Hotchner and Laurel Anne Mercer were married in the judge's chambers at the courthouse in Quantico. Garcia and JJ had managed to come up with a vintage wedding gown, while Blake and Reid had assembled bouquets of 'meaningful' flowers for the bride and her bridesmaid (Paige). Rossi, meanwhile, had not only arranged for the judge (an old friend) but also for the wedding luncheon afterwards. Laurel's brother and sister-in-law, Jack, Jessica, and the BAU team were all in attendance as the bride and groom solemnly promised not to let any unsub tear them asunder.