A/N: Thanks for the reviews, they mean a lot. Here is the next chapter, I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds.All mistakes are my own. I'm not a medical expert, but I tried, but keep in mind it is a story.

Welcome To the World

"Aaron… Aaron, wake up! I think the baby is coming!" Haley panted frantically, shaking him awake.

Aaron's eyes flew open, he immediately sat up, instantly alert.

"Are you ok?" He demanded, reaching for Haley in the dark.

Not able to say anything, Haley gripped his hand tightly as she tried to breathe through the contraction. Her breaths coming out in short sharp gasps.

"Take deep breaths, honey. Just like we practiced in class." Aaron gently coaxed, rubbing her lower back.

Haley gave a small nod that Aaron couldn't see, but her breathing became deeper. Her grip on his hand not loosening.

Aaron continued to mutter soothing words, until she began to relax against him. When the contraction was over, he felt rather than saw her turn towards him.

"How far apart are your contractions?" He asked before she could say anything, briefly pulling away from her to turn on the bedside light. Aaron was desperately trying to stay calm, but his mind was racing. He was mentally trying to go through the checklist of all the things he needed to do, and what he needed to check. He and Haley had been taking prenatal classes, so he had thought he was prepared for when she went into labour, but his mind was drawing a blank. All he could think of was; it was time! The baby was coming! He was going to be a father soon!

Nothing could have prepared him for the reality of the moment. He was terrified.

"I'm not sure. I think they started before I went to bed, but I thought they were just cramps." Haley admitted sheepishly.

"Ok, let's get you to the hospital." Aaron stated firmly, as he glanced at the clock. It was 3:30 in the morning. He had worked a double shift the day before, but his exhaustion was forgotten as adrenaline and nerves coursed through his body. He was apprehensive, but he felt excited too. He was finally going to meet his baby. Overwhelmed with emotion, he placed a protective hand on Haley's belly.

"It's going to be ok. Everything will be fine." Aaron didn't know if he was speaking to himself, Haley, or the baby. Probably all three.

"We can wait, my water hasn't broken yet…" Haley was cut off as another contraction hit.

"Haley, we're not waiting. We are going now!" Aaron's voice brooked no argument, as he got out of bed and started to get dressed. He threw on the first thing he could find, before going to Haley's closet and pulling out things for her to wear.

Satisfied he had everything he handed it to her, "Do you need me to help you get dressed, or can you manage?" His voice was gentle as he placed his hand back on her belly.

"I can manage." She smiled reassuringly.

"Ok," He nodded, returning her smile. "I'm going to go and let your parents know. I'll be right back."

Haley waved him away. Aaron stood up and took a deep breath, he needed to stay calm, but his hands felt shaky. He was a bundle of nerves. It was really happening, and he didn't feel ready. He just wished he could believe his own words that everything would be okay, but he couldn't stop his mind from racing through all the ways labour could go horribly wrong. He couldn't lose Haley, or the baby.

Before he could dwell on things, he hurried down the hall to Haley's parents' room. Knocking loudly, he waited for them to call out that he could come in. He quickly told them Haley was in labour and that he was going to take her to the hospital. He promised that he would call as soon as they knew anything, but her parents insisted on going to the hospital too. Aaron didn't argue.

He rushed back to Haley, afraid to leave her on her own for too long. When he got back to the room he shared with Haley, she was having another contraction. Aaron rushed to her side and helped to ease her back onto the bed in a sitting position. He massaged her back, encouraging her to breathe deeply, until the contraction had passed.

When it was over, he locked eyes with her, "Are you ready?"

"To have a baby? No…" She smirked at him.

Giving and exasperated eye roll, Aaron griped back. "Haley, I meant are you ready to go to the hospital! Your contractions are close together, we need to hurry." He couldn't understand why she was so calm when he was freaking out. The baby was coming, and she was more at ease than when they had picked out a crib.

"Aaron, calm down. I'm ready." She soothed, stroking his face.

Aaron gave her a quick hug before he stood up and grabbed the hospital bag that they had had packed for a couple of weeks now. Bag in hand he helped Haley up, and slowly led her down the stairs and to the car.

"Are my parents coming?" Haley huffed, out of breath from the short walk.

"Yes, they said they would meet us there." Aaron reassured her.

The ride to the hospital was uneventful, Haley only having one more contraction in the car. When they arrived at the hospital it took very little time for them to be admitted because of the early hour. In what felt like no time, Haley was in a bed waiting for the doctor. Luckily, they had a private room. Being at the hospital eased Aaron's anxiety, if anything were to go wrong the doctors and nurses were close by. He knew Haley would be in good hands, all he had to focus on now was supporting her. Excitement was now his dominant emotion; he couldn't wait to hold his baby.

They waited for about half an hour, in which Haley had two more contractions, for the doctor to arrive. It was the same doctor who had done their first ultrasound. She was just as pleasant and reassuring as she was then, putting both Aaron and Haley at ease as she examined Haley.

"Okay, mom and dad. The baby is definitely on its way. But I'm afraid you're only three centimetres dilated. With this being your first baby, I would say you have a long labour ahead of you." She said smiling sympathetically at Haley. "Just try to relax and get as much rest as possible. The nurses will monitor you and will call me when you're fully dilated. Then it will be time for your baby to arrive." Seeing the slight panic on their faces she reassured them, "I will be checking in on you, but the nurses will monitor you more closely."

"What about an epidural?" Aaron asked the doctor before she left.

"Aaron… I thought I told you I don't want to have one." Haley muttered, just as a contraction hit and she gasped in pain. Aaron quickly moved closer to her so that she could grab his hand.

The doctor smiled indulgently, "If you change your mind, let the nurse know and we can administer one. Just don't leave it too late." She warned.

"Thank you." Aaron and Haley said simultaneously. With a nod the doctor left, and they were on their own again.

Looking at Aaron, Haley gasped out, "I think I can take the pain…"

"Ssh honey, it's ok. If you think you can take the pain I'll support you, but if you can't that's okay too. I'll be right here helping you through it either way." Aaron comforted, running his hand through her hair.

"Aaron, we're going to meet our baby!" Haley beamed.

Aaron couldn't help but beam back, "I know, we're going to be parents soon!" He was both excited and terrified.

"I still think it will be a boy." Haley cooed, rubbing her swollen belly, "He's going to be handsome like his father." She finished grinning up at Aaron.

"I hope it's a girl, who will be as strong and as beautiful as her mother." Aaron whispered, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, as he placed a kiss on Haley's forehead.

Aaron knew he had never loved Haley more than in that moment, waiting for her to bring his child into the world. He was going to be a dad thanks to her. They had decided early on that they didn't want to find out the sex. They wanted it to be a surprise. He didn't care if it was a boy or a girl, and he knew Haley felt the same. The only thing that mattered was that it was a healthy baby. Aaron felt his heart swell as he thought about holding his baby for the first time.

Before Haley or Aaron could say anymore, her parents rushed in. They immediately started fussing over her. Aaron stood back, but stayed by Haley's side, never letting go of her hand. While Haley was talking to her parents, Aaron thought of his own mother. He was sure she would want to know that Haley was in labour, and he wanted her to know. He wished she could be here, but he knew that wasn't possible. Aaron checked his watch, it was 5:45. It was still too early to call her, he would wait until his father had gone to work before he called. He also needed to call work to let them know he wouldn't be in for the next few days. He had told them his baby was due soon, and he hoped they would understand his need for time off, but that would also have to wait until a more reasonable time.

Aaron was brought out of his thoughts as the nurse came in, just in time for Haley's next contraction. The nurse pushed her way to Haley's side, the opposite side to the one Aaron was on, and began to check her and the baby's vitals. When she had finished, she turned to everyone in the room and firmly told them only the patient and one other person was allowed in the room. Haley's mother quickly volunteered, but Haley shook her head. Despite the pain, Haley made it clear she wanted Aaron to be the one who stayed. Haley's mother gave a reluctant nod as she gave Haley's leg a comforting rub, while Haley's dad shot Aaron a disgruntled look before they left.

When they were alone, and the contraction had passed, Aaron gave Haley a kiss. "You are being so brave, honey. I'll be right by your side. You can do this." He encouraged softly.

Haley was dozing in between contractions, but Aaron, sitting in the chair next to her, was to nervous and excited to sleep. If you had told him months ago, when Haley had told him she was pregnant, that he would be excited, he wouldn't have believed it. But he was. Over the last few months, despite how difficult things had been, he had grown attached to the baby. Aaron couldn't help but smile as he thought back to the day he had first felt the baby kick.

Flashback

It had been a long day for Aaron with school followed by work. He was slowly getting into a routine, but it didn't make the long hours any easier. He felt constantly exhausted these days, and he knew it would only get worse when the baby arrived. He would get even less sleep. Aaron was relieved when it was time to head home, but that relief was short lived when he remembered the mountain of homework he still had to do for tomorrow.

With a sigh Aaron got changed and grabbed his things before leaving the local cinema where he worked. In his head he called it 'going home' but he didn't really feel like it was his home. Living with Haley and her family had been a big adjustment, and so far, it had been awkward. Haley's mother tried her best to make him feel welcome and at home, but Haley's father, and her sister, treated him with such animosity that he didn't feel comfortable. Aaron could understand their hostility, he was responsible for drastically altering Haley's life, but it didn't make it any easier to live with.

In some ways it was a positive adjustment, he no longer had to live with the underlying fear that he had lived with when he lived with his father. But he still never fully felt at ease. Haley's father had never been violent, but he made his displeasure known in other ways. Aaron could handle, and even understood, the snide remarks and sometimes being ignored, he had dealt with that and much worse for sixteen years with his father. Aaron was even managing to live up to the huge burden of responsibility that Roy Brooks was placing on him, and again Aaron didn't blame Roy, it was his responsibility after all.

What really upset Aaron was when Haley and her father fought. After initially breaking the news, Roy had expressed his disappointment and disapproval, but he hadn't punished Haley. In fact, he had been, and still was as supportive as he could be. The disagreements were always about what Haley and Aaron were going to do with their future, in particular Roy wanted them to get married. Aaron was fully prepared to marry Haley; he loved her and knew without a doubt he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. The baby was just an incentive to do it sooner. But Haley was adamant that she didn't want to get married. At least not yet. She wanted to wait until they had at least finished school, maybe even after college if they went. Aaron felt torn as he watched Haley and her father yell at each other, he understood both perspectives, but there was nothing he could do if Haley had made her mind up.

Overall, it made 'home' a very uncomfortable environment, but Aaron was grateful he had a place to call home at all. He knew things could be so much more difficult than simply dealing with some discomfort. Haley's parents were saving not only his, but his baby's future, by opening their home to him. The only expenses Aaron had was the small amount of rent he paid Haley's father, at Aaron's insistence. The rest of the money he made from work he was able to save for the baby's necessities.

It was after ten o'clock when Aaron got home. The house was quiet, Aaron couldn't hear anyone in the living room, so he assumed everyone had gone to bed already. He quietly made his way to the room he shared with Haley. He was surprised to find that Haley wasn't there. She was normally always waiting to greet him when he got home. Shrugging off her absence, she was probably with her sister or her mother, he dumped his stuff on the desk and headed to the bathroom for a shower. As he reached for the door it swung open, and Haley flung herself onto him.

"Aaron, you're home." She said as she nuzzled into his neck.

"Hi honey," He murmured back, a small smile tugging at his lips at her enthusiastic greeting, as he embraced her.

In the several weeks he had been living with her, her belly had grown and was now noticeable, Haley complained every day that she was getting fat, but Aaron had never found her more beautiful. It was true what they said, pregnant women did glow. At least Haley was glowing to him. There was something deeply primal in his response to her growing belly. She was carrying his child, and not only did that make her incredibly attractive to him, but he also felt a deep surge of pride and protectiveness that he couldn't explain. As outdated as the thought was, he couldn't help but feel she was his.

When Haley pulled back from the embrace, they locked eyes, and Aaron could see that her eyes were brimming with excitement and an emotion he couldn't quite place… was it joy?

Things hadn't been easy since the news of the pregnancy had come to light. Haley, and himself to a lesser degree, had been the object of bullying at school. Nobody really messed with him, at least not to his face, the worst he endured was whispering and pointing when they thought his back was turned. Haley said it was because most people found him quite intimidating. Haley had it much worse, the girls were outright cruel calling her names and ostracising her. Aaron had tried his best to defend and shield her from it, but he couldn't be everywhere. It didn't help matters that the teachers were as judgemental, if not more so. Aaron was used to not being liked, his father had thickened his skin, but it was still unpleasant. Haley however was really struggling with it.

So, seeing the joy and excitement in her eyes that evening made his heart swell with happiness.

"Aaron, the baby is moving!" Haley gushed, not bothering to contain her excitement. Grabbing his hand, she led him to the bed. When they were both sitting down, she moved his hand onto her belly. "Give it a minute, and you can feel it too."

Aaron waiting patiently with his hand on her belly, not quite knowing what to expect or how to feel. After a few minutes he felt a tiny kick, and he stared at Haley's belly in wonderment. He was suddenly awash with an emotion he had never felt before. It was a mixture of pride and excitement and love. A love so powerful that it knocked the breath out of him. That was his baby! The emotion was so intense that it frightened him, if he felt this way without even meeting the baby, he couldn't even imagine how he would feel when the baby was here. It had suddenly become real. That small kick had erased all the dread and regret he had been feeling about becoming a father at such a young age. He was still anxious, and he knew it was not going to be easy, but the protective love and wonder he felt in that moment made him sure it would all be worth it.

"Haley…" Aaron was lost for words, but he kept a protective hand on her belly. On his baby. "Haley, that's just… it's incredible…" he manged to say past a lump in his throat.

"I know! It just started today. I felt it after school." Haley said grinning at him.

Aaron couldn't help but grin back. Before he could respond, he felt another stronger kick.

"That's our baby, Haley." Aaron couldn't keep the awe out of his voice.

Placing her hand next to Aaron's, Haley beamed, "He or she is going to be strong like their daddy!"

"It's amazing, Haley! But you're the strong one." Aaron smiled, pulling her into an awkward hug, not willing to remove his hand from her belly.

"I read in the pregnancy book that we should start talking to the baby. Apparently, they can recognise voices!" Haley babbled excitedly.

"Really?" Aaron asked in surprise, immediately feeling guilty. With school, work, and homework, he hadn't been keeping up with reading pregnancy or baby books. He made up his mind to prioritise reading them, not wanting to miss out on anything else important, and wanting to be prepared for everything.

Aaron leant down and kissed Haley's belly, and whispered, "Hello, little one. Daddy loves you so much!"

From that night onwards, Aaron spent every evening talking to the baby, about anything and everything. He and Haley also took turns reading to the baby from the children's books Aaron had stocked up on. At first Aaron felt silly, but the more he felt the baby move in response to his voice, the greater his love for the baby grew, and the more his embarrassment dissipated.

Aaron was brought out of his reverie and back to the present when Haley had another contraction. She reached for his hand, and squeezed so tightly that he thought his fingers might break.

Haley let out a deep moan, "Oh god, Aaron… it hurts!" She gripped his hand even tighter and gasped, "I don't think I can keep doing this."

"Deep breaths, honey. You are doing so well. I know it's difficult, but you can do it." Aaron encouraged, trying to keep his voice as calm and as soothing as possible. He didn't want to let her see how much her pain distressed him.

"Make it stop!" She groaned, twisting on the bed in an attempt to ease the pain.

Aaron grimaced, he hated seeing Haley in pain, but there was not much he could do to help her. And he hated feeling helpless. Earlier the nurse had brought ice chips and a damp cloth. Picking up the cloth, Aaron began to gently dab Haley's forehead, as he murmured comforting words.

When the contraction had ended Haley was panting. "Aaron, get the nurse. I need to know how much longer!"

Aaron nodded, it had been just over nine hours of labour so far and he knew Haley was exhausted.

"Will you be okay on your own?" He asked, dabbing her forehead again.

"Yes, just go!" She snapped at him, but Aaron didn't take it personally. Haley was in pain and being pushed to her limits.

Aaron hurried to get the nurse and rushed back to Haley's side. When the nurse came in, she gave them both a sympathetic smile.

"How are you doing, mom?" The nurse asked as she put on her gloves.

"Not great…" Haley admitted.

With an understanding nod, the nurse began to examine Haley. When she was done, she told them that Haley was now six centimetres dilated, and asked again if Haley wanted an epidural to help with the pain.

Haley looked at Aaron, "I want the drugs, please…" She begged.

Aaron nodded, "Whatever you need, honey."

The nurse took off her gloves and with a nod she said, "Okay, I'll get the anaesthetist. He'll come up and do the procedure. Hang in there."

Aaron gave Haley's hand a squeeze. When the nurse had left, he leaned over and kissed her forehead, "You're being so brave."

"I'm sorry, Aaron. I thought I could do this without the medication, but I can't!" Haley cried.

"Hey, sshh, it's ok darling. You don't need to apologise. I just want whatever will make things easier for you."

Aaron really didn't care whether Haley had the epidural or not. It was Haley who was insistent on not having a medicated birth. If anything, Aaron felt slightly relieved she had agreed to have the drugs, it meant she wouldn't be in so much pain. He really hated seeing her in pain.

"Can you go and let my parents know, please?" Haley sniffled.

"Yes, of course." Aaron said jumping up. He gave her a brief kiss, "I'll be right back!"

Aaron tried to be as quick as he could be as he updated Haley's parents, but they bombarded him with questions that he did his best to answer. Haley's parents wanted to know when they could see Haley. Aaron promised he would come and get them as soon as the epidural was done. When he tried to leave, Haley's mother began to fuss over him. Aaron had to politely decline her offer of going to get him some coffee before he went back, even though he desperately needed some, but he wanted to get back to Haley.

Aaron got back to Haley at the same time the doctor arrived. The doctor greeted them warmly, before explaining the procedure and what was going to happen. As the doctor began to prepare for the procedure, Aaron took his place at Haley's side and grabbed her hand.

"I'll be right here, honey." He whispered reassuringly. Haley squeezed his hand and gave a nervous smile in response.

The procedure went smoothly, and Aaron and Haley waited patiently for the medicine to kick in. After 20 minutes Haley started to relax, and she could feel the medicine start to work. When Aaron felt sure Haley was alright, he went to get her parents like he promised.

When Aaron got to the waiting room, he halted mid-step. He was stunned to see his mother sitting with Haley's parents. It was the last thing he had expected. He had called his mother earlier to let her know Haley was in labour, but he hadn't allowed himself to even hope she would be there. Giving himself a mental shake, he managed to walk the rest of the way towards them.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" Aaron blurted out as soon as he reached them.

"I couldn't miss the birth of my grandbaby!" She said pulling him into a hug, "I miss you, son" She whispered into his ear.

"I miss you too, mom" He whispered back, returning the hug. Pulling away he asked "What about dad? He won't be happy you're here. And where's Sean?"

Aaron realised he was rambling when his mother cupped his face with her hand. "Sean is with a friend; he won't even miss me. And don't worry about your father, I'll deal with him. I wanted to be here for you, darling. Today is a big day!"

Lost for words, Aaron embraced his mother again. "Thank you, mom." Was all he managed to say, he couldn't express how much it meant to him that she was here. But he couldn't help but worry about what his father would do to her if he found out where she was. "Mom, we have no idea how much longer it will be. And dad… you need to be home before he…" he mumbled for just her to hear.

"Aaron, stop worrying. All you need to be focusing on is Haley and the baby. I'll be fine. I know what I'm doing, trust me." His mother said gently but firmly, leaning back to hold his gaze. She waited for him to nod in agreement before pulling away.

"So, what's the update? How's Haley doing?" His mother asked loudly enough for Haley's parents to hear, bringing his attention back the present and away from herself and his father.

Turning towards Haley's parents, Aaron addressed everyone. He told them all that the epidural had gone well, and Haley seemed more comfortable. Before they could ask, he told them that they were allowed to come in and see Haley for a bit. Anxious with how long he had been away from Haley, Aaron led everyone back to Haley's hospital room.

At 6:45pm after nearly 16 hours of labour, just when Aaron and Haley thought they couldn't take anymore, the doctor announced that it was time. Haley was fully dilated, and they were going to take her to the delivery room. The baby was finally coming.

"Aaron, come with me…" Haley pleaded, as they began to wheel her out of the room, an edge of panic in her voice.

"Haley, I'll be right next to you. Where you go, I go." Aaron promised, holding her hand, keeping pace with her.

On their way to the delivery room, they passed Haley's mother who was walking to the hospital room to check in on her. Aaron barely stopped as he briefly let her know what was happening, asking her to let the others know before he hurried to catch up to Haley.

The doctors and nurses prepared everything in record time. A nurse gave Aaron a gown and a head cap to put on before they let him in, explaining they needed to keep everything sterile. Aaron got dressed as quickly as he could, not wanting to miss anything. Haley was having contractions almost continuously.

Aaron was directed to stand next to Haley. He held her hand as the doctors and nurses finished their preparations. When everything was ready the doctor told Haley to push on her next contraction. Crushing Aaron's hand Haley did as she was told.

On the fifth push Haley cried out, "Ohhh… I can't. I can't do it anymore! It hurts! Aaron, it hurts…"

Aaron felt his heart being crushed along with his hand at Haley's obvious pain.

"Come on, Haley. You need to keep pushing!" The doctor urged, "The baby is crowning."

"Haley, did you hear that? The baby is nearly here. Just a bit more, honey. Keep pushing." Aaron coaxed, running his hands through her damp hair.

"Oh god, Aaron…" Haley said as she bore down to push again.

"Dad, do you want to come and see?" The doctor said motioning for Aaron to come and stand beside her, as she encouraged Haley, "A few more pushes Haley and the baby will be out."

The next few minutes were a blur for Aaron, but minutes that would stay in his mind forever. Whenever Aaron would look back at that moment, he knew it was a defining moment in his life. It was when his whole world changed. As Haley gave one last push he watched as his child entered the world.

The doctor lifted the baby up, announcing, "It's a girl!" just as the baby gave a lusty cry.

Aaron was overwhelmed with emotion. He was amazed, mixed with disbelief, but filled with so much joy. That tiny, tiny, squalling thing was his daughter. He had a daughter!

Before he could fully process how he felt, the doctor was handing him a pair of scissors and asking him if he wanted to cut the umbilical cord. Aaron had to fight to tear his eyes from his daughter who was in the hands of the nurse. The doctor calmly guided him as he cut the cord, his eyes immediately going back to his daughter as soon as he was done. Once the cord was cut the nurse carried the baby to Haley, and gently placed her on Haley's chest.

Aaron moved to stand closer to them, he was overcome with emotion looking at the two of them together. Two of the most important women in his life. "Haley, you did it. You did such a good job! We have a daughter" he said, his voice breaking slightly.

"Oh, Aaron. Look at her..." Haley started crying, "She's perfect!"

"I know. You did so well, honey." Aaron marvelled as he gently stroked the baby's head.

"Okay mom and dad, we need to take the baby to clean her up, then we'll bring her right back to you." The nurse said as she reached for the baby.

"I want to go with her." Haley insisted.

"I'm sorry Haley, but you need to stay here and deliver the afterbirth. We'll get you cleaned up and back to your room and they will bring the baby to you." The doctor apologised, leaving no room for argument.

Haley turned to Aaron, and commanded, "Go with her, and don't let her out of your sight Aaron!"

Aaron didn't need to be told twice, he agreed with Haley, he didn't like the thought of his daughter being taken away. He wanted to be with her, to keep his eyes on her to make sure she was ok.

His daughter! He couldn't believe it. He had a daughter.

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" He asked Haley, briefly hesitating.

"Yes, just go with her!" Haley said waving him away.

Aaron followed the nurse to the next room and watched protectively as she cleaned and weighed his daughter. He didn't take his eyes off his little girl as the nurse put a tiny wristband on her and carried out all the tests. When she was in the bassinet, Aaron gently lifted her tiny hand with his finger. Tears welled in his eyes as he read 'baby Hotchner' on her tiny wrist. She was his baby girl.

The nurse smiled indulgently at Aaron, before saying, "I'm finished, let's take you two back to mommy, and then you can hold her."

Aaron followed the nurse and the bassinet to Haley, who was back in her room. She had been cleaned up as well. Haley looked exhausted but she was eager to hold the baby, opening her arms as the nurse handed her their daughter. The nurse helped latch the baby to Haley's breast for her first feed.

Aaron watched in awe.

"She's so beautiful, Aaron." Haley gushed, not taking her eyes off of the baby as she fed.

"Yes, she is…" Aaron said past the lump in his throat, "You did it, Haley."

Haley briefly glanced up, making eye contact with him. The love and pride in her eyes mirrored his own feelings.

"Do you want to hold her?" Haley asked when the baby had finished feeding.

Aaron nodded and reached out as Haley handed him the baby. He was nervous and unsure how to hold her at first, but once she was in his arms it felt like the most natural thing in the world. Aaron felt tears run down his cheeks as he stared at her perfect little face, her fuzz of blonde hair, her cute little nose, and her heart shaped lips. He was overcome with a love he had never thought he was capable of. She was his little girl. It felt as if his heart existed outside of his chest now that she was in the world. He knew he would do absolutely anything for her. He would protect her from everything he could. His whole world revolved around her now, she was the most important thing in his life. He was utterly and hopelessly in love.

"Haley, she's perfect." He choked out. The weight of responsibility he felt as he looked at his tiny and helpless daughter was enormous. He didn't know anything about raising a daughter, he didn't know anything about being a dad at all. He was sixteen and a father, he had no idea how to make it work but he would find a way. He would learn, he had to for her sake. His little girl was worth it. She was his world.

"I know, Aaron. We made her." Haley smiled; she was moved at how besotted Aaron was with their baby. She knew that their daughter already had him wrapped around her teeny little finger.

Aaron lifted his eyes to return Haley's smile. He looked down just as the baby opened her eyes, and he found himself staring into her bright blue eyes. Overwhelmed with love, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, and whispered softly, "I love you little one. My beautiful little girl."

He moved towards Haley, and positioned himself next to her on the bed so that they both could stare down at the baby.

"I think Jennifer works perfectly." Haley said, brushing her hand lightly on the baby's cheek. Jennifer was the name they had agreed on naming the baby if it was a girl. And Haley was right, it suited her.

"Yes," Aaron agreed, "But I think we should call her Jennifer Joy. She's filled me with so much joy from the minute she arrived in this world." Aaron said softly, his eyes fixed on the baby, not caring how soppy he sounded.

"I like that! She can be JJ for short" Haley said enthusiastically.

Aaron nodded in agreement before leaning down and cooing to the baby, "Welcome to the world, JJ! Mommy and Daddy love you so much."

A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter! I was a bit nervous about this chapter and how it's come out. I'm still unsure. So please let me know what you think.

Now that we have introduced JJ there are many cute moments ahead. Sorry that I didn't include more of the pregnancy but I am eager to get to Hotch and JJ moments. This story is more going to be snapshots into their lives instead of a set storyline, although there will be some, especially as JJ gets older.

Please please leave a review, they encourage and motivate me. I love hearing your feedback.