Hours Later:
The power had gone out hours ago, and now, all she could do was listen to the rain hammering against the windows and the wind howling outside. The contractions had started hours ago, each one a cruel reminder of the labor she wasn't ready for and wasn't expecting to happen like this. She decided to try and ease it by taking a bath. She needed warmth. She needed to feel some relief from the tension that was building in her body. It was one of the only things she could think of to try and help herself.
But as she slowly climbed into the tub, the warmth of the water took some of the edge off but it didn't last long. The water quickly cooled, and it did little to alleviate the intensity of the contractions that came faster and faster. She shifted in the tub, unable to get comfortable, the water now too cold to offer the comfort she so desperately needed. Each wave of pain came quicker, more intense, and she felt like she was losing control.
She had no sense of time. The pain was a constant, unforgiving presence, and the isolation made everything worse. She couldn't stop thinking about the baby. Was the baby okay?
As the storm finally began to die down, the first faint hints of morning light crept in through the bathroom window. Emily knew that someone would eventually come to check in on her, she just didn't know when. It didn't help that Emily didn't know what time it was but it had to have been early considering the sun was rising.
After her contraction ended, she tried to lift herself out of the tub but she felt weak in the knees and was unable to fully lift herself.
Unbeknownst to Emily, JJ had been trying to get a hold of her friend. Figuring that her phone must have been dead and with the power being out, she tried calling Marissa. After a short conversation, she found out that Marissa was unable to get back to Emily's apartment last night due to the storm. Now JJ is starting to panic, she called Aaron while she's heading out to Emily's apartment.
"Hello?"
"Hotch? It's JJ. Have you spoken to Emily recently?"
"I saw her last night, she had told me that she was waiting for Marissa to come back after dropping Natalia off."
"I just spoke with Marissa, she wasn't able to get down there due to the storm. She still at Emily's Mother's house. I'm on my way there now, I'm starting to worry."
"Me too. I'll meet you there."
"Okay. Bye Hotch."
"Bye." He hung up the phone and jumped out of bed. He was running around the house trying to get ready and leave. Beth heard the commotion and got out of bed and found him in the kitchen.
"Where are you going so early in the morning?"
"I'm sorry to wake up Beth, but it's Emily. She isn't answering any of our calls and I'm worried about her. I'm going to meet JJ at her house."
"Why do you have to go if JJ's going?"
"Beth please don't start. I need to get going."
"You always get up and go whenever she calls."
"She could be in labor. She's having my baby. I made her a promise and I am not going to miss the birth of my child."
"Fine.. go. Be with her..."
"I don't have time for this." he placed on his jacket and walked out the door.
As JJ stepped out of the car, she pulled her jacket tight around her. She glanced up at the building, a sense of worry washing over her as she made her way toward the entrance.
With the power still out, the elevator was useless. JJ had to climb the stairs, her legs aching as she forced herself to go faster. The building was eerily still, and she couldn't shake the sinking feeling in her stomach.
"Emily?" she called out, when she knocked on the door of her friends apartment. With no answer, JJ didn't hesitate. Emily had given her a spare key before, just in case, and now it felt like the most important thing in the world. She fumbled for the key in her bag, her fingers trembling. She inserted the key into the lock, and as the door creaked open, she heard it. A low, painful moan from inside. Without a second thought, she pushed the door open and ran inside, calling Emily's name over and over as she hurried through the apartment.
"Emily?" She called her name panically
"JJ?" JJ heard a faint voice as she was coming up the stairs
"Where are you?"
"Bath." Is all Emily could get out.
"Oh my god. You're in labor."
"Yeah since last night. JJ I am so glad to see you. I was so scared I was going to have this baby alone."
"Don't be scared okay, I'm here now and Aaron will be here shortly. "
Emily leaned back against the tub, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment as she tried to steady her breathing. The contractions kept coming, and the pain still felt like it might tear her apart, but having someone there made the world feel a little less heavy.
"Emily we need to get you out of this tub."
"JJ I tried, I can't lift myself. My contractions are 2 minutes apart. "
"Okay, we still need to get you out of the bath. I need to check how dilated you are."
"Okay hold on, i can feel a contraction coming. " She closed her eyes and breathed through her contractions.
"It's okay Emily breathe. You're doing great." She said as she wiped her hand on Emily's forehead.
"JJ, I'm scared. I should be in the hospital. What if the baby doesn't make it."
"Emily the baby will make it."
"How do you know that? I did everything I was supposed to and yet here I am. Why is this happening to me?" She sobbed
"I'm going to do everything in my power to keep the two of you safe. i promise you."
Emily nodded as another contraction came.
JJ pulled out her phone and dialed 911.
"How the hell can they place someone on hold! It's frickin 911."
"JJ..."
Aaron then came running in.
"I didnt miss it did i?"
"No. Im just waiting for her contraction to end so we can get her out of the bath. I need to check her dilation and 911 put me on FRICKIN HOLD! " With Aaron by her side, JJ left the room.
"Hi Emily. Im so sorry. I knew I shouldn't have left last night. I feel so stupid. " He kneeled down and ran his hand through her hair.
"It's okay. Don't worry, I won't blame you this time." she said with a half smile.
"Oh she's got jokes huh."
JJ came back into the bathroom and looked back at Emily.
"Okay ready. We need to get you out of here and onto the bed before your next contraction. Aaron and I are going to try and lift you and then I'll place a towel over you. Okay?"
Emily nodded.
"Okay.. 1..2...3." JJ said as she and Hotch lifted up Emily. JJ grabbed a towel an wrapped it around Emily. Hotch lifted Emily up and carried her to her bed.
"Okay Emily.. I know that this isnt the way that you wanted to have this baby, but this is the way that this is happening. I need you to spread your legs this way, Hotch if you want, you can sit behind her and let her body rest onto yours. " Aaron nodded and climbed behind her, letting her head rest on his chest.
"JJ hurry. I can feel another contraction... "
"8! Emily you are at an 8. This baby is coming soon. You're doing amazing, Em," JJ reassured her, brushing a few strands of hair from Emily's face. "This is hard, I know. But you're almost there. You've got this."
"Im going to try and call Garcia and see if she can pull any strings, ill be right back okay." JJ said
Emily nodded. Her eyes now closed, sinking into his body. She was exhausted. She wanted this to be over. She wanted to be holding her baby in her hands. Emily's eyes popped open when she felt another contraction come.
"Breathe, Em. Slow and steady. In and out." Aaron said as she held the both of her hands.
"Aaron, I'm scared," she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "I don't know if I can do it."
"You can," Aaron s said, his voice unwavering. "I'm right here, and JJ is here. We're not leaving you."
When JJ came back into the room, Emily was clearly crying. She walked over to the side of her and kneeled down.
"You are almost there Emily. I am so proud of you. You are one of the strongest people I know. I know you are scared right now but we are doing everything we can to deliver this baby safely. I just spoke to Garcia and she tried to get the paramedics down here but the roads are impassable due to fallen trees. They have no immediate way to get through to us at this moment."
"That's just fantastic. What else could go wrong. Everything that could have happened, happened. Im not shocked. These 24 hours have been from hell and i can't... son of a bitch.. holy.. " Emily's words now becoming more breathy.
"Okay that was fast, contractions are now less than a minute apart. Let me check you again." JJ said somewhat panicked. Emily shook her head yes.
"10.. shes at a 10. Okay Emily listen to me. You are 10 centimeters dilated. You have to start pushing soon okay."
"I don't want to do this at home. I don't know if I can.. I want to be at a hospital. " Emily began to panic. "I change my mind. This baby is staying until the paramedics come, Im keeping my legs closed. "
"I know you're scared, but you're strong, Emily. You can do this. This baby is coming whether we're ready or not, and I'm here. We're both here. You've got this."
Emily nodded.
"Alright, Em, we're going to make this as smooth as possible. When the next contraction comes, I want you to push. You're almost there"
"Wait before you start pushing, I want to let you know that You are 're the strongest person I know, Emily. Look at what you're doing. You're bringing our baby into the world. You're such a great mom to now, I'm lucky enough to have you as the mother to my child. You've got this, Em."
Emily felt something within her shift. She could do this. For her baby. For herself. Fear was still there, deep in her chest, but as she met Aaron's gaze, a sense of calm washed over her. He was here. He hadn't left. He hadn't broken the promise.
"JJ... I need to push" Emily said as another contractions rocked through her entire body.
"Push, Emily! Push now!"Emily pushed with everything she had, her body straining with the effort, but as the contraction passed, she collapsed back into Aaron, gasping for air. Her body was trembling with exhaustion, but she was so close. The baby was almost here.
"You got this Emily. I am so proud of you. Come on Em. " Aaron whispered into her ear
"Okay, take a moment, next contraction, I need you to give it everything you have okay? "
Every muscle in her body screamed in protest, but she had no choice. Her body now in control, and the baby was coming. Finally with that contraction ending, she took a sip of water, Aaron wiped the hair out of her face and continued to speak sweet things into her ear.
Emily yelled out when another contraction hit and she felt the pressure in her body shift.
"That's it, Em. Just one more push. You're almost there. I can see your baby's head."
With one final last push, Emily gripped Aaron's hands with all her strength. With her eyes closed and feeling so much pressure, the pain was suddenly gone. The room fell silent. Aaron watching JJ, and still holding Emily, his heart had felt like it had dropped many floors.
Both Emily and Aaron both signed of relief when a small cry disturbed the silence of the room. The sound was music to their ears. It was a sound of life. A life that they created together.
"It's a girl!" JJ said, her voice soft with awe. Placing the baby on Emily's chest, cutting the umbilical cord.
"A girl… We have a daughter, Em." Aaron's voice cracked with emotion
JJ pulled out her phone and smiled when she looked up at the new parents.
"November 5th at 8:30 Am. Baby Girl Hotchner-Prentiss entered the world."
"Thank You JJ. For everything." Emily said smiling.
"You're welcome. You did all the hard work here. I'm very proud of you Em."
"Thank You, I owe you."
"One day.. Hey Im going to call Garcia and see where the paramedics are. I'll let you have a moment to yourselves." JJ said standing up and heading towards the door.
Now, it was just Emily, Aaron, and their daughter. The quiet, tender silence enveloped them. The sunlight filled the room, making the space feel warm and safe. It highlighted the softness in their faces, the quiet joy of their shared understanding.
Aaron pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his hand gently brushing through her hair. "I know that this isn't the way it was supposed to be but honestly this moment, it feels so... perfect"
"I definitely would have changed some parts of her story but this moment right here, I wouldn't change for the world."
Emily's eyes lifted to meet Aaron's, and the world seemed to pause. For a brief moment, it was just the two of them, sharing this new, experience. Then, without a word, Aaron leaned down and kissed her. The kiss was gentle, full of tenderness, as if he were pouring every ounce of love and gratitude he felt for her into that one moment. Emily's eyes fluttered shut for a second, savoring the touch, the closeness. When they finally broke apart, there was a softness in the air, a kind of peace that felt almost sacred. JJ quietly watching, smiled. She came in to tell them that the paramedics would be there soon, but before she could get the words out, she caught the sweet moment. JJ knew what they were avoiding. She could see how much love they had for each other.
"Hey, I just spoke with Garcia, paramedics should be here shortly."
"Okay. Thank you so much JJ. You have no idea how grateful I am for you."
"You're Welcome Em." and with eye contact with Aaron and he thanking her as well.
After a few minutes, there was a knock at the door. JJ got up and headed down the stairs. Aaron knowing it was the paramedics, not wanting to but knowing he had to move from behind her. Shifting his body, he was now standing next to her.
The paramedics arrived, their presence efficient and calm, yet filled with the quiet assurance that they were ready to help.
"We're going to get you and your baby to the hospital, just to make sure everything's okay." Emily nodded. She handed the baby off to Aaron as the paramedics were helping her. After some maneuvering and a flight of stairs, she was in the gurney and her baby back in her arms, although now, in a robe thanks to JJ. When the doors to the elevator finally opened, Marissa was surprised when she saw them coming into the elevator.
"Oh my god. What happened?" Marissa asked as she looked over at JJ and Emily
"Boy do I have a story to tell you." JJ said as she smiled at Marissa
As they made their way to JJ's car, they watched Emily, the baby, and Aaron get loaded into the ambulance. Following the ambulance, JJ told Marissa the events of the night or morning.
"JJ, I just... I can't believe it," Marissa shocked, her voice trembling slightly. "You're telling me Emily was in labor the whole night alone?"
"Yeah, when I arrived in the morning she was sitting in the bathtub. She tried to take the edge off by using warm water but as the contractions got closer together, she was unable to move. "
"And... you were the one who helped her deliver?"
"Yeah, I didn't have another choice. She was in so much pain and the paramedics were unable to get to us in time."
"Wow. I would have thought you were telling me a story if I hadn't known this was true."
"Yeah well, I wouldn't have known if I hadn't taken those classes. I am so glad I did."
By the time JJ arrived at the hospital, Emily, Aaron, and their daughter had already been brought inside. She parked her car quickly and they both rushed inside. Once inside, They both sat down in the uncomfortable plastic chairs, waiting for someone to come and get them. Time passed rather slowly. JJ started tapping her fingers on the chair. Marissa impatiently waiting. No words were spoken but they both had the same thought in mind.
Emily was just cleared with a clean bill of health. Although hearing that she would need to spend a few days in the hospital, Emily was happy. Her baby was finally here and that she was no longer on bedrest.
Emily's heart broke when they came and took the baby for testing. Knowing that this is something that would happen, she didn't want to leave her daughter's side and vice versa. Aaron still with her, she looked over at him and smiled.
"What's going on in that mind of yours Em?"
"I was just thinking about the last couple of hours."
"It was a very eventful couple of hours i'd say."
"Yeah no kidding." Emily said sarcastically. "I'm thinking about Natalia and how excited she would be for a little sister. Jack too. "
"He's gonna love her." Emily smiled at him.
"We need a name for her."
"That we do."
"I wanted to ask something of you."
"Anything Em. "
"I want to name her after JJ. What she did for us, means the world to me."
"I couldn't agree more."
After an hour of waiting, the nurse had brought their little girl back. Emily's heart had nearly skipped a beat when she saw her again, so small, so perfect.
"Would you like to start breastfeeding?" the nurse asked when she placed the baby back into Emily's arms.
"I would love too."
As the nurse helped Emily position the baby, guiding her hand to help her daughter latch, Aaron had stepped out of the room to give Emily some privacy. He walked down the hallway,he couldn't wait to share the good news with their friends. Opening the doors, he made eye contact with Marissa and JJ. They both stood up and headed towards him.
"How is she?" Marissa asked, walking towards him "How's the baby?"
"They are both are doing well, a clean bill of health for both. Emily is feeding the baby at the moment, so I thought I'd come and talk to you both. "
"I'm so relieved. I am so glad that they both are doing great." JJ said
"So am I. We've made it through the storm, literally and figuratively and I'm glad that everything turned out the way it did."
"Me too. "
"We couldn't have done that without you JJ. Thank You so much." Hotch said as he looked at JJ.
"You are so welcome."
Heading back to the hospital room, the last 24 hours running through his mind. He was father again.. A father to a little girl. He never thought he would be a girl dad. He had Jack and he was content with his life with his son but now that he has his daughter, he couldn't wait for life to begin.
When he entered the room again, the sight before him almost made him stop in his tracks. His eyes immediately found Emily, fast asleep, her chest rising and falling gently beneath the blanket. He gently pulled the chair closer to the bed, settling into it. The plastic and metal of the hospital chair was hard, uncomfortable, but at that moment, he didn't mind. His gaze shifted to the bassinet beside her bed, where their daughter was peacefully sleeping. He let out a quiet breath, running a hand over his face as a flood of thoughts rushed through his mind.
They weren't together, not in the way he had hoped for, but seeing her like this, seeing his daughter and the woman he loved, made him wish for something he couldn't have.
But Emily had her own fears, her own uncertainties, some he knew and some he didn't. But In that quiet hospital room, watching them both sleep peacefully, he couldn't help but wish that maybe, one day, they could be more than just parents together.
But then, a sharp pang of guilt twisted in his chest. Beth...He liked her. In many ways, she was everything he thought he needed. She was someone who could offer him normalcy. But as much as he tried, he couldn't ignore the truth. Beth wasn't Emily. She never could be. The truth was, no matter how much he told himself he needed to move on from the past, how much he tried to convince himself that Beth was the better choice, his heart remained with Emily.
Aaron sent a text to the team announcing the birth of his and Emily's baby. With Emily sleeping, he promised the team they could come and visit tomorrow when Emily's somewhat more rested. Marissa and JJ agreed and headed out. For now it was just the three of them.
The rest of the day, Nurses came in and out of the room, checking on Emily and the baby. Even though Emily was completely exhausted when she woke up, she looked at her daughter and it was all worth it.
AN: Baby Girl if finally here! Ahhh i had this idea for the baby to be born during a storm for a while. Please let me know your thoughts and or opinions. I have some baby names in mind, but I don't know what it should be yet. Thanks ! Enjoy:)