~~CM~~
Emily couldn't believe she was about to walk the aisle. She stood in their kitchen in a simple white dress with intricate lace covering her back. Leaning forward, Emily looked through the kitchen window into the backyard. She was about to marry Aaron. The man who loved her, her son, and even her dog. The man who fought for her, cared for her, cherished her. Sniffling, she quickly dabbed under her eyes and her nose to make sure her makeup didn't run.
Outside, their family and friends gathered, waiting to see them marry. Aaron and Jack stood at the hexagon altar waiting for Declan to walk her down the aisle.
"Ready, Mom?" Declan, beaming, handed her a bouquet of flowers, evergreens, and pine cones as he offered his little arm.
Smiling down at him, she said, "yes, I'm ready."
As they stepped outside, piano music poured from the outdoor speakers. As the violin swelled, Emily recognized the song. She stopped herself from laughing as Penelope must have asked Aaron about her favorite song and found an instrumental version. Carefully stepping down the deck steps onto the white aisle runner made just for outdoor weddings; Emily walked toward her future.
Declan kept the pace steady; he had practiced with Derek, Spencer, and JJ during the rehearsal dinner.
Their guests were nodding and smiling at them as they passed. As they reached the front, Emily, thrilled she didn't trip, looked up into Aaron's eyes.
Breathless, Emily felt his love as he looked back at her.
"Emily, oh," Aaron's eyes filled with tears, "Emily, you are so beautiful."
He reached for her, stepping forward, his hand about to cup her face so he could lean in for a kiss when Spencer cleared his throat. Aaron remembered their audience and turned to face them. He nodded to Declan and accepted Emily's arm from him. With her hand in Aaron's and Emily didn't know what to do with the large bouquet she was holding in her other hand. Before she could make a decision, Penelope was there, taking the flowers and whispering, "beautiful" to her.
Declan stood beside his mother and Jack tried to stand still next to his father. The younger boy couldn't contain his excitement, bouncing on his feet.
Emily turned toward the front of the altar, Aaron's hands engulfed both of hers.
The music changed, growing quiet, as Spencer stepped directly in front of them.
"Are you ready?" He asked them, when they both nodded. Spencer began, his voice loud and strong.
"Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself. Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; For love is sufficient unto love." Spencer smiled at them, "When Aaron asked me to be the officiant for his wedding to Emily, I was honored. As I thought about their love, the poems of Khalil Gibran seemed fitting. Not just for their love for each other, but also for their children."
Closing her eyes for a moment, Emily replayed the quote in her mind, 'love is sufficient unto love' and bit her lip to stop herself from crying. Spencer truly understood them.
Spencer spoke to the guests, "I would like to welcome all who have gathered here to share in this marriage ceremony of Aaron and Emily. We are not here to witness the beginning of their relationship, but to acknowledge and celebrate a lasting bond that already exists between them."
Nodding to Emily then Aaron, Spencer began their vows, "Aaron and Emily, have you come here today with the intention to be legally joined in marriage? Do you pledge to choose respect, kindness, and compassion toward one another, to listen deeply to one other, and to speak to one another truthfully, today and always?"
Aaron squeezed her hand as they both said, "I do."
"May I please have the rings?" Spencer asked Jack.
Giggling to himself, Jack stepped forward and handed the little black box to Spencer.
"The ring has been a symbol of the unbroken circle of love, with no beginning and no end. Love given freely has no giver and no receiver, for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the power of this commitment you make here today." Spencer handed the rings to each of them.
"Aaron, place the ring on Emily's finger, and repeat after me, "Emily, I give you this ring, as a sign of my vow to love, honor, and cherish you."
Aaron repeated the vow and slid the ring onto Emily's finger.
Emily made her vow to Aaron and before she finished sliding the ring on his finger, Aaron pulled his hand away so he could cup, kissing her deeply. They kissed and kissed until the buzzing in her ears cleared and she realized everyone was hooting and hollering. On the other hand, their attendants, Jack and Declan, were grossed out, muttering, "eww."
Spencer shook his head at them, a fond smile on his face, then addressed the guests, "I suppose it's too late to say 'you may now kiss the bride,' so allow me to introduce you to the bride and groom, Mrs. Emily Prentiss and Mr. Aaron Hotchner."
Emily could only imagine what her mother was thinking as everyone converged on them instead of standing in an orderly and traditional reception line. Emily hugged and kissed everyone, giving Penelope an extra long hug, whispering her thanks, until her mother and Walter were standing before her.
Aaron and Walter shook hands, while Elizabeth Prentiss stood before her daughter. She nodded and placed her hand beneath Emily's chin, tilting her head up, "you look stunning, Emily. Just stunning. I am incomparably happy for you, for Declan."
Elizabeth held Emily's hand and turned to Aaron, "and Aaron, I am happy for you and Jack. You have a beautiful family," she faltered and accepted the handkerchief from Walter, "and I wish you a happy life together."
Having ignored years of etiquette instilled in her for the ceremony and receptions, Emily thought what's one more faux pas and wrapped her arms around her mother, hugging her tightly, "thank you, Mom." Tears threatened to fall as Aaron discreetly supplied her with a handkerchief. As far as her mother had come, Emily knew she wouldn't approve of pulling her own handkerchief from her bra. Wedding dresses should really come with pockets, she thought.
~~CM~~
Beautiful, mesmerizing, enticing, Aaron couldn't stop staring at his wife. His wife, Emily. He smiled as she chatted with his friends, as she hugged Jess and thanked her for welcoming her and Declan into her family. Jess had told him this morning, as they were setting up, that she was grateful she could do this for her family.
"Can we go back to the altar? The photographer is ready," Elizabeth tried to fix Jack's vest while tugging Declan away from Spencer.
"Not to worry Elizabeth, I'm rallying the catering staff and the baker. The tent is ready, tables set and lights are on." Penelope called over her shoulder as she headed towards the house.
Aaron watched as his family gathered in front, ready to pose for photos. Sasha, the photographer, asked for the bride and groom first. He took Emily's hand, and stepped up to the wooden structure. As they began to turn to face the front, he couldn't stop himself from kissing her cheek, "Em, I love you."
"You truly changed my life, Aaron Hotchner," Emily looked at him so lovingly that Aaron felt his breath hitch, "and I couldn't be happier."
Their moment was interrupted as their boys barreled forward as Jess chased them with a comb. They erupted into giggles as they were caught. With the flyaways combed down and lipstick retouched, everyone was ready.
Sasha posed Aaron and Emily, thrilled with the sunset lighting, then posed them with the boys. The photographer spent quite a bit of time taking pictures of the boys in different pose, even getting Nutella into a few photos. Then the larger family stepped closer together, Sasha rearranging them so they would all fit into frame. With Aaron and Emily in the center, surrounded by Elizabeth and Walter, Jess, and the boys in front.
Aaron couldn't wait to see the final photos, knowing he wanted a framed family photograph on his desk.
The sun set and the lights in the garden and under the tent glowed. Dotted throughout the backyard, LED candles shone bright, making it seem enchanted. In the tent, a few tables were decorated for them and their friends.
Throughout the evening, Aaron chatted with his extended family otherwise known as the BAU. JJ, Will, and their son, Penelope and Kevin, Derek was with Spencer, and Dave had come alone. His old roommate and attorney general that had helped Emily and Declan, Pete, was there with his wife, Maggie. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to have them in his life. He made a point to thank Penelope and Spencer for their help with the wedding.
"Aaron, let me know when you and Emily have a minute," Spencer said nervously, "I wanted to give you the book I used for the ceremony."
"Of course," Aaron turned to look for Emily. She was on the other side of the tent with the boys, walking around the cake to see the tiny mountain and pine trees frosted into every tier. She looked up and caught him watching. He tilted his head towards Spencer to convey that he wanted to speak with them.
Emily spoke to the boys then made her way to them, "The boys are picking out which mountain they want on each tier. They haven't made a decision on lemon raspberry or chocolate mousse." She smiled brightly at Spencer, "Thank you for being our officiant, we couldn't have asked for a better person."
Aaron could see Spencer fighting with himself to not duck his head; instead he held out the hardback book he had been talking about.
"There was a different poem, one I didn't recite today, that I found first. When I read it, I thought of you both, it wasn't appropriate for a wedding ceremony. Derek said it was dark but fitting."
Wanting to reach out and throw his arm around Spencer, Aaron chose to nod gently, "Spencer, I'd like to hear it."
Echoing Aaron, Emily added, "You know us better than anyone. If the poem made you think of us, then I would like to hear it."
Spencer eeked out an ok then took a breath before reciting, "Hearts united in pain and sorrow
will not be separated by joy and happiness. Bonds that are woven in sadness are stronger than the ties of joy and pleasure. Love that is washed by tears will remain eternally pure and faithful."
Aaron felt breathless, those words echoed in his ears, perfectly describing how their love was woven in sadness, would remain pure and faithful.
Emily pushed in between them to pull Spencer into a tight embrace. Aaron hugged them both as they all cried, overwhelmed the poem, it's meaning, and Spencer's insight.
They pulled away, their faces wet with tears. Before they could wipe their cheeks, Jess was pressing handkerchiefs into their hands before disappearing. Spencer nodded to them before rushing away to the other end of the tent, leaning into Derek.
"Oh Emily," Aaron reached up and cradled her face in his hands, kissing her deeply.
She wrapped her arms around him as he pulled her even closer. Whispering hushed declarations of love, they stood in their private bubble despite being in the midst of their family and friends.
~~CM~~
It took a little time for Emily and Aaron to recover after Spencer's heartfelt sentiment. As they stepped apart, their private little bubble burst as Penelope was there with a small makeup bag.
"Let's touch up your makeup. Aren't you glad I insisted on waterproof mascara?"
With Emily distracted, Walter approached Aaron. After an awkward silence, the older man nodded at Aaron, "I'm not Emily's father, but I believe he would be happy to know Emily found a person she can trust, she can respect, and she can love. He would be happy in her choosing a person that can be a true partner."
Walter continued, "Aaron, I know your mother and father have passed on. And while I don't know your relationship with them, I know you from our past time together, protecting this family. I know you better now. I am proud of you, your strength, your character." Walter closed his mouth tightly and inhaled slowly, trying to control his emotions.
"Thank you, sir," Aaron's voice sounded wrecked, the tears threatening to escape again, "I appreciate your trust…"
Interrupted by Walter throwing his arm over Aaron's shoulders, the conversation stopped. A quick half hug was exchanged before Walter strode away.
Feeling embarrassed by the amount of joy Walter's words had brought, Aaron felt an instant sense of shame when he realized he was happy his father wasn't here. Both Walter and his father seemed cold and distant, but one had love in his heart and a difficult time sharing his emotions, the other had no love and shared his anger easily. He wished his own father had been like Walter.
Gazing at his boys, giggling as they raced around, his friends, his family, Aaron knew he had changed his legacy.
~~CM~~
After a nod from Penelope, Jess clinked her fork against her wine glass as the music floated through the outdoor space. After a sweet kiss, Aaron led Emily to the dance floor.
"Our first dance," Emily smiled at Aaron as they began to move.
Pulling her in close, they danced cheek to cheek, Aaron whispering, "At last," as Etta James' voice washed over them.
Time moved too fast, the song was over and their guests were clapping. In a blur, they had cut the cake and danced through the night. From dancing with their boys, to dancing with Aaron's friends, Emily finished the evening dancing with Walter. She knew they had his approval but seeing his eyes shine with pride made Emily feel content.
Elizabeth echoed Walter's feelings through a squeeze to Emily's hand as she kissed her daughter's cheek, "Goodnight, Emily. We can have lunch after you return."
Suppressing the urge to roll her eyes at her mother's inability to express her emotions, "I love you, Mother."
Guest began to leave and the catering staff started packing up the wedding cake. Their wedding has come to an end. With Aaron and their boys at her side, Emily, sighed, "It's gone so fast, the whole wedding was over in a blink of an eye."
"I still want to dance," Declan complained.
Jack leaned against father's leg, clearly exhausted but unwilling to give up, he agreed with Declan, "me too."
Aaron ruffled Jack's hair, "one more song then we need to clean up."
The boys rushed back to the dance floor to join Derek and Spencer, Declan trying out some of Derek's dance moves while Jack flopped around, his arms and legs flailing about.
Jess and Penelope surrounded Emily and Aaron, both talking at the same time. With assurances that they would handle everything, including the vendors and the cleanup. Jess reminded them that Spencer and Derek would be staying with them to watch over the boys.
"I think it's time you head out to your honeymoon," Penelope pushed them towards the house.
Emily glanced at Aaron then nodded at them, "fine, fine. We'll get the car ready and come back to say our goodbyes."
"But before we go, we want to thank you both." Aaron said to Jess and Penelope, "You have given us the perfect wedding and we couldn't be happier."
More tears fell, as Jess hugged Aaron then Emily, "I am so happy to have you as my family, and there is nothing I wouldn't do for you."
Penelope dabbed the tears behind her oversized glasses before she pulled Aaron in for bear hug, as she fast talked in her own unique way while her face was squished into Aaron's chest. Emily could make out "fearless leader," love," amazing,"
They made it into the house, Aaron grabbing their luggage and Emily placing the gift certificates for Jess and Penelope. They deserved a holiday after planning and hosting their wedding. After freshening up, it was time to kiss the boys and head to their hotel.
Aaron returned from loading the car, and Emily took his hand, leading him towards the backyard.
Squeezing her hand, Aaron stopped them, "Em, our wedding rings are touching. We are married." He smiled, his dimples on full display.
Feeling giddy, Emily lifted their joined hands, staring at their rings. "We're married," she giggled.
"That we are," Aaron kissed her, his free arm going around her waist as he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss.
The sound of throat clearing surprised them, "I definitely think it's time for your honeymoon,"
Derek said. "We've got the boys, no worries."
Hugging and kissing their tired boys, Emily was a little surprised that Declan wasn't hesitant to be left alone.
"Mom, it's fine. Spencer and Derek and Penelope and Aunt Jess are staying with us," the boy lowered his voice, "and Robert told me a bunch of different things to do if I get worried."
Trying to squat down in her form fitting dress didn't work so Emily leaned over Declan, cupping his face gently, "And you have your new phone. You can call me or Aaron. Anytime, even in the middle of the night."
"Kay, Mom," Declan hugged her, "I'll be fine."
Dropping a kiss on Declan's forehead, Emily turned to say goodbye Jack. The younger boy was being passed from Aaron to Spencer, half asleep. "Goodnight Jack," Emily brushed his sweaty heair away from his face.
He mumbled something incoherent as Spencer carried his up the stairs to bed.
"They'll need baths," Emily commented, but Jess was pushing them towards the door.
"Yeah, first thing in the morning, baths" Jess promised.
Penelope opened the door, and pointed outside, "We've got this. Promise."
As Emily and Aaron drove away from their home toward the bright city lights, music playing quietly. "We did it, Aaron. We are married."
Aaron reached across to take her hand, "I'm ready to start the next chapter of our life."
"Me too," Emily's smile matched Aaron's, "me too."
~~CM~~
A/N: Thank you for your patience with the length of time between chapters.
"Hearts united in pain and sorrow
will not be separated by joy and happiness.
Bonds that are woven in sadness
are stronger than the ties of joy and pleasure.
Love that is washed by tears
will remain eternally pure and faithful."
Khalil Gibran
