"Two souls but with a single thought two hearts that beat as one." -John Keats

Mother's day was pretty chill. Jennifer and Penelope were supposed to have a visit with their mother, but she never showed.

Emily spent the weekend trying to work up the courage to tell Dave about her pregnancy. She was going to tell him Saturday and then Sunday, but she kept chickening out. She was afraid that he'd be disappointed in her. Or maybe that he wouldn't want her anymore. Even though the adoption date was already set, he could still change his mind. She knew that all too well. In her own experience and in the experience of a close personal friend.

It's now Monday morning. Aaron didn't show up for school, but he told Emily to meet him at the cafe across the street from the school on her lunch break. He was working there. It was a small family owned cafe, but they paid good money. The family was rich and the cafe was more of a hobby for them.

During lunch break, Emily walked over to the cafe where Aaron met her outside.

"You wanted to see me."

Aaron nodded, "Yeah. I spent the whole weekend agonizing over what you said on Friday. I meant what I said before. I'm not going to let you go on this journey alone. I'm going to step up and be a father to the twins."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely." Aaron replied, "We're going to do this together."

Emily bit her lip.

Aaron stared at her puzzled, "What's wrong?"

"I just don't want you to regret this ten years down the road. I don't want my babies to have to go through the same loss that I did."

"What happened to you, Emily?"

"My parents abandoned me when I was twelve."

Aaron sighed, "Oh Emily, I'm so sorry."

Emily shrugged, "It's alright."

"No, it's not. Your parents never should have done that to you." Aaron explained, "And I will never do that to the twins. I will be their father. For now and forever. I will be there for you, for whatever you need."

Emily gave a small nod, "Okay. I believe you."

She heard the school bell ringing from across the street. She looked over at the school nervously.

"Go. I know you don't like to be late for class."

Emily smiled at Aaron, "I'll...uh see you. Bye."

The rest of the school day seemed to drag on and on as Emily remained wrapped up in her thoughts about how she would tell David that she was pregnant. When school finally ended, Emily texted David to let him know that she'd be walking home. She needed the air and space to clear her head and think.

Meanwhile in the car with David, he had just picked up Jennifer, Penelope, Spencer and Derek when he received the text from Emily.

"Are we going to get Emmy now, Papà?" Spencer asked

"No, Em is walking home." David told his youngest children

"Do you have any news about Sandy?" Jennifer asked

David sighed, "No, not yet. Your social worker and CASA are trying to work out a court date with the judge, but as soon as I find out anything I will tell you and Penelope. Okay, girls?"

"Okay." Jennifer agreed. Penelope said nothing.

By the time Emily arrived home, her siblings were all set up doing their homework and David was in his office with the door open. Emily took a breath as she walked straight to David's office, stepping inside, she closed the door.

"Papà, I have some to tell you."

David turned his attention to his oldest child, "Of course, bellissimo. You can tell me anything."

Emily took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach, "I...I'm pregnant. Two months."

The room was quiet. Emily could feel the tension growing. It filled her stomach with knots.

"Please say something, Papà."

David gave a small nod, "Okay. Well do you have a plan?"

"I keeping my babies. It's twins."

"I won't tell you that you're making a mistake, but I will tell you that it's going to be hard. Being a parent at any age is hard." David explained

Emily nodded, "I know, but I won't be alone. The father is going to be in their lives."

"So who's the father?" David questioned

"Aaron Hotchner. He's a senior." Emily replied, "But you'll help me too. Right, Papà?"

"Always, princess, Always." David promised

"If you don't want anyone to find out, don't do it." - Chinese Proverb

Hope you enjoy. Comments are greatly appreciated.

What would you like to see happen next?

CASA = court-appointed special advocate