"Mommy me wanna pay with Oakwee," Lily said, her body up against Emily's legs as she strained her head back to look at her.
"Oakley doesn't feel well bug," Emily said, seeing the tears forming in Lily's eyes. She was cradling Brynley in her arms and kneeled next to Lily, "It's okay, you're okay." Emily rubbed circles on Lily's back then scooped her up as well, cautious of the baby in her arms.
"Show off," JJ said, watching Emily while feeding Brooks.
Emily turned around and rolled her eyes, "Lily baby, do you want to help grandma and Amelia make dinner? Or should we go draw your brother and sister a picture to make them feel better?"
Lily buried herself into Emily further, "No mommy, wanna pay."
"I know you want to play baby, what if momma and I play with you?" Lily nodded.
"You're an amazing sous chef," Sandy remarked.
"What does soup chef mean grandma?"
Sandy laughed, "Sous chef honey, not soup. It means assistant chef, you're such a good helper."
"Oh! I like to help mommy cook, her food is so yummy. Normally Oliver helps too but Oakley and Lily are too little. They're only allowed to help with cupcakes, cookies or brownies because mommy said it's less dangerous."
Sandy nodded, she loved spending time with her grandchildren but getting one on one time with them was very important to her. Since moving to Fairfax, Sandy and Allen made it a priority to take one of the Prentiss children for a special day. They were allowed to choose any activity they wanted to do—it was a great way to bond with each child.
It became such an exciting outing and way to spend quality time that Elizabeth and Gerald did the same thing as well. There was nothing better than being able to focus all your attention on one of your grandchildren doing something special. That being said, right here and now cooking with Amelia was more special to Sandy than any activity.
"Do you think we should make some cookies to go along with this chicken noodle soup?"
Amelia's eyes lit up, "Really? Can we make them with chocolate chips?"
"No, that's not allowed," Sandy saw Amelia's face fall for a split second. "Grandma only makes cookies with extra chocolate chips!"
Amelia squealed and wrapped her arms around Sandy, "Yay! Grandma?"
"What is it honey?"
"Do you think Oliver and Oakley are gonna be sick tomorrow too?"
"Yes, they will need extra rest but grandpa and I are staying here until they feel better. Why do you ask?"
"If mommy gives you the recipe can we make crepes tomorrow morning?"
Sandy's heart swelled, "I'd like that very much!"
Oliver stirred in Allen's arms, but didn't wake up, just moved a little and stayed asleep—Oakley and Oliver had both slept through most of the movie leaving Allen watching Finding Nemo alone.
Before he knew it, Allen found himself watching Cars alone as well—Hmm, this Netflix thing is cool. I'm going to have to buy it for our tv at home Allen thought to himself. I wonder how they get it on the tv. How do they choose these movies? I bet it's one of those application things the kids help me put on my phone. Technology has really changed.
While Allen was lost in thought about his Netflix purchase and what other applications he could find, Emily and JJ were playing with Lily as the twins slept in their playroom bassinette before Sandy announced dinner was ready.
Everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal and before long the Prentiss family and Jareau grandparents were sound asleep.
Luckily for the Prentiss mothers Oliver and Oakley seemed to be back to their happy healthy selves in a little less than 72 hours without getting anyone else sick. Sandy and Allen were beyond helpful, JJ and Emily weren't sure they would have made it through the last three days without them.
Although she wasn't sick, Emily was exhausted; between being up with the twins and caring for Oakley and Oliver through the night, her body was worn out. The Jareau's had left after breakfast leaving JJ and Emily alone with their six children; normally that would have been fine, easy even but because Emily was so exhausted she was almost relieved when her father called her.
Elizabeth and Gerald returned home from their trip the previous evening and planned on visiting their grandchildren the following. "Emmy, you look pitiful."
"Thank you mother," Emily said sarcastically.
"Why don't you and Jennifer go rest while we take care of the children."
"I don't think—"
"Don't be silly pumpkin, we've got this. Lily, Brynley and Brooks just went down for their naps, we can handle things here."
Emily felt weary about leaving her parents to handle their six children alone, but she was too tired to argue, "Wake me if you need anything."
JJ wasn't as tired, but she was exhausted too, "Thank you so much," she said. "Come on babe, just a little nap."
Reluctantly Emily walked up the stairs to their bedroom. Her head barely hit the pillow and she was sound asleep. JJ curled up next to her and after listening to Emily's breathing, she fell asleep as well.
A week had gone by and the Prentiss household was feeling much better. Well rested, healthy, and smiles all around. JJ called Hotch and added an additional two weeks to her maternity leave—not only because her children were sick, but because she wasn't completely ready to go back yet.
JJ had thought long and hard about her options. She thought it would be easy after seeing her children off to school, her mindset was, the kids leave for school, I leave for work. Seems simple enough right?
Wrong!
Brynley and Brooks would still be at home with Emily, she knew her wife could handle the twins, that wasn't the issue. It was leaving them for the first time. She loved her job, loved being surrounded by her family, but hated the fact she was leaving her family to do so.
If only our job was kid friendly she thought to herself. I can't believe we have six children. I can't believe this is my life—I feel like I'm dreaming. I wonder, are we officially done growing our family? Is six our limit? Woah—the twins just turned three months old, you have four other children and you're thinking about more? Get with it!
JJ was pulled from her thoughts when she heard screaming, "Momma!"
"What babe?"
"I've been trying to get your attention for like…ever!" Oliver exclaimed.
"I'm sorry buddy, what's up?"
"Can Amelia and I have friends over? Mommy said it was okay if you said yes."
"Sure honey, where is your mommy?"
Oliver pointed to the kitchen then ran to find Amelia. JJ walked into the kitchen carrying Brynley to find Emily cradling Brooks in her arms while she was on the phone.
"No, I didn't sign off on that—well I'm not sure who—no that is unacceptable! You need to call Ashley to tell her, I didn't ask you to talk back to me—" she huffed.
JJ could tell Emily was pissed about something by the venom in her voice but you'd never know because her voice was even and crystal clear as she slowly bounced the baby in her arms. She hung up the phone and ran her fingers through her hair. "She's not going to last much longer, this is the fourth report she's screwed up and I had to fix it. Yeah, can you believe that baby boy?"
It was evident Emily wasn't aware JJ was in the room, "Babe?" she questioned softly not to scare her wife.
"Oh hey honey, did Oliver come find you? He and Amelia asked if they could have friends over but I told them to check with you I wasn't sure if you had something planned already. They schedule doesn't show anything but ya never know."
JJ stared in awe, I love how she can shut her anger off so quickly, if I was that upset everyone would know about it. She's such an amazing mother, god I'm lucky.
"Jen?"
"Huh? What?"
"Did Oliver come talk to you?"
"Yes, that's fine I assume they'll end up swimming or playing outside. I don't want them playing video games all day it's so nice out."
"I agree which is why I told him that same thing," Emily laughed, JJ was clearly lost in thought but let it go.
Soon enough Ayla and Parker arrived to play with Amelia while Crew and Trevor played with Oliver. The Prentiss mothers loved Oliver's friends but enjoyed the fact that Crew had two mothers as well. Their children's parents became really great friends of the family often staying over while the kids played to enjoy each other's company. Today was no exception, "Where are you little girls?" Catherine, Crew's mother asked.
"Our parents do something called 'Spectacular Saturday' where they take a child out to spend one on one time with them, Lily is with Jen's parents and Oakley is with my parents."
Carly, Trevor's mom beamed, "Oh how fun for the kids. I'm sure one on one time is few and far between with all these little ones. I can barely get through bedtime without one of my other children needing me and I only have four."
"Bedtime is one of our favorite parts of the day," JJ smiled, hearing everyone laugh. "Not because they go to bed but because we actually get to spend one on one time with them."
"How?" Allison asked, "I can't even do that and I only have two kids."
"We've had the same bedtime routine since Lily was born, even before I met them," JJ said, smiling over at Emily.
All the parents turned to Emily, "Please tell me your secret!"
"It's all about staggering bedtimes," Emily shrugged. It had felt like they'd been doing this forever. "We stick to a schedule and no matter what else we have going on, the schedule is followed."
"I'm impressed. I have one week to implement a staggered system for my four kids before school starts," Carly laughed.
"You can do it, it's a lot easier than it seems," JJ encouraged.
The parents enjoyed a lot of laughs and great company as the children played. There was nothing better than seeing your children smile and giggle all day long. Emily extended the offer for the children to stay over, but only two of them could stay providing both Oliver and Amelia with a sleepover for the night.
"Mommy what's for dinner?" Oliver asked, running into the kitchen with Crew on his heels.
"Make your own pizzas."
The boys jumped up and down as they cheered, "Yay!"
"I need to finish this report then I'll go set everything up, why don't you two go play a little longer."
JJ walked into the office after hearing the boys yelling, "What was that all about?"
"Oliver asked about dinner, I told him we'd make individual pizzas," Emily laughed.
"Ahh, gets them excited every time." She swiveled Emily's chair and sat down in her lap, "Did you fix your report? Or the one that got screwed up?"
Emily threw her head back and groaned, "Uhh, I'm telling you Jen, this is the fourth report she's screwed up."
"Did you fire her?"
"As much as I'd like to, she's a single mom who's, I don't know, I feel torn."
"You're an amazing person, Emily Prentiss," JJ leaned down to capture Emily's lips then stood up.
"I'll be out in a minute to start dinner."
"Sounds good."
Emily allowed Amelia, Parker, Oliver and Crew to make their pizzas before the littles came in to destroy the kitchen. The girls went first though knowing they'd be clean and fast, then the boys came in.
"There are so many girls here," Crew said.
"Well, yeah," Oliver stated simply. "I have four sisters."
"And your moms," Crew laughed, "Emily is really pretty."
"Dude!" Oliver exclaimed.
"What? I have two moms and they say it too," Crew tried to explain.
"Your moms talk about my mom being pretty?" Oliver asked.
"Ya my mommy said, 'Emily is beautiful' to my momma and she agreed."
JJ knew it was wrong, but she was eavesdropping on their conversation and laughing at the innocence of Crew and the protectiveness of Oliver. Emily walked up behind her, "What are you doing?"
"Listening to the boys. Seems as if you've earned yourself three fans."
"Huh?" Emily asked furrowing her brows.
"Crew's telling Oliver about how his mother's think you're so beautiful, in which, Crew agrees."
"Oh please, he's a little boy."
"His mothers aren't," JJ countered.
"I'm not concerned what Catherine or Stephanie think," she shrugged off the harmless compliment and walked into the kitchen.
"Hi boys, how's it going?"
"Good, we just wanna make sure it's perfect mommy. Me and Crew are gonna split them so we can have four different kinds. See, mine is two kinds and his is two kinds," Oliver pointed to the pizzas and the line they drew down the middle with sauce.
"Looks good," she smiled. "Think we can finish up so your little sisters can eat too?"
"Mommy!" Oliver groaned, "We both know you're gonna make their pizzas."
"You're right," Emily said, running her fingers through his shaggy hair, "So let's hurry it up buddy. You too Crew," Emily said, smiling at the boy.
JJ watched the interaction and the way Crew seemed mesmerized by Emily. As they left, she walked over to her wife, "Someone has a crush," she sang and Emily furrowed her brows, "do you see the way he looks at you?"
"Jen, he's a eight year old boy."
"Nine."
"Oh sorry, ten," she mocked. "Wait really?"
JJ nodded, laughing at her wife, "Yeah, I guess they started him late. Stephanie said she hated having to put him in school leaving her at home alone all day."
"That makes sense, I wanted to keep Lily home too. Gosh what I would have given to keep her home with me another year," Emily thought back to before Lily started school.
"Focus!" JJ clapped.
"On what Jen? He's a little boy, Oliver looks at me when I talk too."
"Yeah, Oliver looks at you when you talk, but Crew doesn't just look at you, he worships you."
"Oh my god, drop it. I'm not having this conversation with you."
"What conversation?" Amelia asked.
"Nothing baby," Emily reassured her.
Amelia didn't seem to believe Emily and looked at JJ with a raised eyebrow in true Emily fashion. "I think Crew has a little crush."
The girls giggled, "Oh he so does," Parker exclaimed.
"Yup!" Amelia agreed.
JJ was waiting for either one of them to continue, "On who?"
Amelia and Parker looked over at Emily and giggled again, "And how would you two know this?" Emily asked.
"He told us," Parker replied.
Amelia nodded, "Yeah, more than once too. He says you're so pretty and so beautiful."
"He is a little boy!" Emily was having none of it. "Go set the table please, go on, get out of the kitchen." She handed the girls what they needed and ushered them out as JJ laughed.
"A little boy!" Emily repeated, looking at JJ who was far too amused.
JJ put her hands up in surrender to her wife, "I heard you. I just think it's cute, Crew's first crush." She backed away before Emily could smack her, "I'm going to go get the kids for dinner."
Emily shook her head at her wife and started slicing the pizzas. When they all sat down for dinner Crew took the seat next to Emily, "Do you want some of my pizza?" he asked her.
She pinched the bridge of her nose as JJ, Amelia and Parker all laughed. "No thank you sweetie, you eat it."
"Okay, but if you want some, I'll share with you."
"Thank you," she smiled then looked at JJ and rolled her eyes.
Three months had passed and the twins were six months old, Lily, Oakley, Oliver and Amelia were all back in school and JJ was back at work. Although home with Brooks and Brynley, Emily was able to create a normal schedule to manage her company and two babies. Normal for the Prentiss family at least.
JJ may have been back at work, but she was still working from home meaning, with Garcia during their cases, for now. Next week was her first case back in the field and she was nervous at best. Terrified, scared, devastated, petrified, she could continue the list for days.
It's not that she didn't trust her wife with their six children, that wasn't it at all. In fact, if there was anyone she trusted to be alone with six children, it would be her wife. Not just because they were married, but because Emily Prentiss would do literally anything and everything to protect them.
Luckily, there were no pressing cases and for two weeks, JJ and the team didn't have to travel anywhere. They caught up on consults and nothing was pressing so JJ was able to go home to her family each and every night. She knew it wouldn't last but appreciated the extra time.
"Babe?" JJ questioned one night after all the kids had gone to bed.
Emily looked at her wife and saw an emotion she couldn't quite place, "What's wrong, Jen?"
"I umm, I've been thinking," tears started to streak her cheeks and Emily reached out to wipe them, but JJ stopped her, "I'm not happy."
Emily audibly gasped and her eyes went wide. JJ realized what she said and shook her head while waving her hands back and forth, "No, no, no! Not us, it's not about you and me or the kids." Once Emily released the breath she was holding JJ continued, "I'm so sorry babe, I didn't mean to, gosh my words are all—"
Emily moved even closer to her wife, "Jen, what's going on? You know you can talk to me about anything. Is this about work?" JJ nodded, not able to meet Emily's eyes. "Do you want to cut back your hours?" JJ shrugged. "Do you want to retire?" she shrugged again and Emily wrapped her arms around her wife.
"Jen, you know how I feel about this. Whatever you choose to do, I'll support you. You and the kids are my top priority, no matter what. If you never want to work another day in your life, that's fine. I'll always take care of you," Emily leaned forward and captured JJ's lips tasting the salt from her tears and the wine they'd been drinking.
"I don't deserve you," JJ choked out as she sobbed, crashing into Emily's chest.
Emily's heart ached; she knew firsthand how hard it was to leave a child at home and go to work every day—although JJ hadn't traveled with the team yet, she was really struggling even working from Quantico each day. She'd come home each night and cry in Emily's arms feeling guilty for leaving her every day, she loved her job and hated the fact her teammates were down an agent, but at the end of the day, her kids meant so much more.
"Baby that's not true. You deserve the world and more importantly you deserve to be happy. I know how hard this has been for you. We've talked about a lot of different options right?" she felt JJ nod, "We can talk to Hotch and extend your leave, or extend your time working from Quantico, you can retire and come work for me…pants are optional," JJ laughed lightly then Emily continued, "You can always go back to work and travel again once the twins are a little older, we have a lot of options—but I can't choose for you."
"Yeah, I know, I'm just really overwhelmed. I don't want to let anyone down ya know? But at the end of the day, it's you and the kids that mean the most. The team will always be our family, hell they are over at least two times a week, some of them even more, so it's not like we won't see them; it just, it doesn't give me the answer I'm looking for."
"You're not letting anyone down, babe. You need to do what feels right to you and nobody can fault you for that. I mean, Hotch only has two children and there are days he feels like retiring and going back to practicing law are best."
JJ looked at Emily furrowing her brows, "What, really? How do you know that?"
Emily laughed and nodded, "We were talking about it one day when he and Hayley brought the kids over after Oliver and Jack's soccer game. He missed a lot with Jack as a baby, now he's 9 and Hotch feels like he's missed it all, Harper was his second chance, at least that's what he told me."
"He's an amazing father, Jack adores him—"
"I know he is, Jen. But it doesn't stop the guilt he feels and I know what that feels like. I mean, I missed so many milestones with Lily when I went back to work. I know it isn't the same, but as a parent I get it."
JJ nodded her head, understanding what her wife was saying. "I know, it sounds stupid because I've barely been back to work, but not being with our children all day, especially the twins, I feel the same way. Even though I haven't traveled with the team and have been home every single night, I just—I don't know what to do. What do I do?"
"I can't make that decision for you babe, but I'll be here every step of the way. No matter what happens, or what you decide to do, it will be okay. I promise."
"I love you so much," JJ said, capturing Emily's lips.
"Mmm, I love you too."
Emily and JJ blinked and the kids were on summer vacation again. They had just returned from Hawaii and were getting back to somewhat of a schedule. Oliver turned 9 before they left on vacation and the twins were turning one in a month, life was great in the Prentiss household.
JJ worked out an incredible schedule with Hotch; she worked full-time, traveling with the team on local cases and one away case a month. A schedule the Prentiss family was very appreciative of.
Emily felt very thankful to Hotch for letting JJ create her own schedule for the most part—although he secretly hoped Emily was right when she said JJ wouldn't be able to work from Quantico forever.
"Hotch, I really appreciate all you've done for our family. I know Strauss hasn't made this easy on you."
"Emily, we both know she's terrified of you and would pretty much do anything to accommodate but, you're welcome. I don't want to lose JJ, losing you was hard enough."
"If we're being honest, I don't think Jen will be able to stay out of the field forever. She loves being a profiler. I felt the same way she's feeling when I first left Lily, but I guess you could say it was easier for me than it is for her."
"I hope she comes back, but I will let her create whatever schedule she wants knowing she's still there to help. I personally didn't think we'd make it when you left. But I understood why you did. JJ is doing a wonderful job being away from the kids, at least I thought she was."
"She is, really, she is. But when I joined the team, I was so focused on fitting in with everyone I guess it was almost a distraction from leaving Lily at home. For Jen, everyone there is already our family, so going back to work and leaving the kids, especially the twins…is harder."
"Well, I've never given birth," he said, and they both laughed, "but I can relate with JJ in the sense of coming back to work; after Harper was born, it definitely wasn't as easy as it was with Jack. JJ is an incredible profiler so the selfish part of me hopes you're right; although, no matter what she decides, everyone will support her."
"I can almost guarantee she'll be back full-time; don't you worry. Just give her a little time, Jen will be fine"
And fine she was—JJ planned on returning to field work full-time once summer vacation was over. The twins would be one, the kids would be in school, and Emily had everything handled.
"Lily come back!" Emily hollered as a naked toddler took off down the hall. Emily emerged from the bathroom, covered in most of the bathwater. JJ was trying to get the twins down when the yelling started. She stood holding a crying Brynley, quickly shutting the door to the nursery so Brooks wouldn't wake up.
"Lily Rose Prentiss!" she said with her sternest voice. "You go back to your mommy and get ready for bed and you do it quietly. If you keep acting up, you'll be put in time out and you won't get to come tomorrow."
Tomorrow was the beginning of competition season and Amelia couldn't be more excited. Last year she was undefeated which was almost unheard of, especially when starting the competition team at age 10. She was not only the top soloist of the team but led them to nationals for the win.
"No!" Lily cried, "I'll get ready for bed. I promise momma." She ran back to Emily and apologized immediately. "Sorry mommy, love you."
"I love you too bug, come on, time for bed."
Oakley and Oliver went down for bed easily which was amazing considering Emily was exhausted. She went into Amelia's room and sat down on her bed.
"Are you excited baby?"
"So excited! I can't wait for you to see my solo," Amelia exclaimed as Emily tucked her into bed.
"Do I get any hints?"
Amelia shook her head back and forth, "Nope."
Emily started tickling her, "Oh come on, just a little hint?"
"Mommy! Mommy stop it," she laughed, squirming around as JJ entered the room.
"What's going on in here?" JJ smiled.
"Momma help me!" Amelia pleaded, "Make her stop," she laughed.
"Still not giving up anything on your solo huh?" JJ asked, as she sat down on Amelia's bed.
"Okay—okay fine!" Emily stopped tickling her at that, "I'll tell you…that…you're gonna love it!"
The typical crew arrived to the dance competition the following day; the grandparents, Julian, the team, Hayley, Jack and Harper. It amazed Emily how everyone came to each and every competition, even if the team was away for one of them, Amelia still had a cheering section made up of six adults, her siblings, and two cousins.
"Has she told you anything about her solo?" Garcia questioned.
"Not a word."
"I'm excited it's competition season again, I've missed princess dancing," Morgan chimed in.
Garcia and JJ laughed, "Oh ya buddy? Have you?"
"What? It's called bragging rights!"
"She's not your kid."
"No, she's my niece! Spoil her all I want, hype her up on sugar and give her back."
"Derek, shut up!"
Emily came running into the auditorium and sat next to JJ, "She's on in five. Her costume is beautiful!"
"I'm so excited," Garcia squealed.
'Please welcome from In Motion Dance Company, this is Amelia performing Cry.'
Well I—I guess it's been a while
Since I've seen the sunshine
Since I have smiled
Emily and JJ immediately had tears in their eyes seeing their little girl start the routine. "Oh look at how beautiful our little girl is."
And me, who so well versed
Is at a loss for words
And I-I-
I don't want to do anything but cry
Oh and I-
"Damn look at the air she just got," Morgan exclaimed, watching in awe as Amelia did her side aerial.
Oh I'm so low
I'm almost to the bottom
Oh nowhere to go
Even my soul has left my body
"This song is killing me," Garcia said, wiping the tears away.
And I—I don't want to anything but cry
As Amelia ended her dance everyone was on their feet and cheering, "Woohoo! That's my girl! Woohoo ya baby!" Derek screamed.
"She's not your girl!" Garcia smacked him.
"Ow! Baby girl, she's my niece, that means, she's my girl."
"Oh whatever."
"Don't worry baby girl, nobody can replace you," he winked.
Emily ran backstage to find her daughter after wiping her own tears and when Amelia saw her mother, she ran and leapt into her arms. "You were amazing baby girl!"
"Told you mommy, I knew you and momma would love it."
"I did baby, I really did. You're so beautiful to watch on stage—"
JJ ran up to them, Oakley in tow, "Oh sweetie, you were absolutely stunning! I'm so proud of you!"
"You're so pretty Lia!" Oakley said, reaching over from JJ's arms to hug Amelia who was still in Emily's.
"Thank you," Amelia blushed.
Awards were about to start and Amelia and her team took to the stage waiting to hear how their group dance placed as well as her solo. Derek was standing up and dancing with Lily and Oakley up until the junior solos were announced.
"Third overall… second overall…and first overall in our junior soloist category with a score of 296, the highest score of the day, goes to act number 48 Cry."
Morgan scooped Lily and Oakley into his arms and jumped up and down with them while cheering for Amelia. "Another one bites the dust!"
"And you thought I was rowdy," Julian smirked at JJ while signaling towards Morgan who was still jumping up and down with the girls.
JJ shrugged, "He's always taken these dance competitions too seriously," she joked.
"It ain't too serious when my niece is a freakin' superstar blondie!" Morgan remarked.
"Watch your language," Garcia smacked him again causing everyone to laugh.
JJ and Emily rolled their eyes, "I'm going to go get her packed up."
"Okay babe," JJ said, kissing Emily. "I'll gather the troops."
Emily got Amelia packed up then met everyone in the parking lot, "THERE SHE IS!" Morgan yelled.
"Uncle Derek!" Amelia ran up to him, leaping into his arms and squealing as he spun her around.
"You were awesome princess!"
"Thanks! Are you coming over for pizza?"
"Heck ya baby girl! Wouldn't miss it."
JJ and Emily admired their crazy, dysfunctional, happy family smiling at how loved their children were. "Here's to the start of a winning season!"