Previous part of Raising a Family.

***

Waking up Emily was briefly disoriented. Taking in her surroundings she finally recognized the guestroom at her and Hotch's house. The memories of their fight flooded her mind. She knew they needed to talk and sort it out. She just hoped they could do so this morning and not spend the entire day angry with each other. Getting out of bed she headed to wake Sarah for school. Emily's heart jumped into her throat when she noticed that her daughter's bed was empty. Turning she glanced into the bath room, no Sarah. Running downstairs she looked in the living room and kitchen just in case the little girl had gotten up on her own. Rushing back up the stairs she began calling for Aaron. There fight be damned she couldn't find their daughter.

"Aaron! Aaron!" she nearly shouted.

"Emily, what is it?" Hotch asked walking into the hall having been woken by his wifes panicked voice.

"She's missing, Sarah's missing. I can't find her anywhere."

"What do you mean she's missing?" Hotch stuttered.

"Just what I said. I've looked in her room, the bathroom, downstairs. Everywhere, she's not here," Emily cried nearly in hysterics.

"Take a deep breath, Em. I'm sure she's around here somewhere," he soothed.

"I can't find her!" the mother cried tears filling her eyes. Just then Jack's door opened and he stuck his head out.

"Emily, Dad?"

"Not now, Jack, your sister's missing," Emily answered.

"No she's not," the teen replied.

"What do you mean no she's not?" Hotch prompted. Sighing Jack walked into the hallway closing the door behind him before he spoke. --------------------

"She's sleeping with me."

"Why is she doing that?" Emily questioned.

"She heard the two of you fighting last night and it scared her," Jack reluctantly admitted. The two adults shared a guilty look at Jack's words.

"I didn't realize we were that loud," Emily said softly.

"I didn't hear you, but you know I can sleep like a log and her room is closer to yours," Jack explained.

"I'll wake her for school, then can we talk?" Emily requested addressing her husband.

"Of course, and Em?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you," Aaron said softly kissing her gently before allowing her to walk to their son's bedroom door.

"One more thing," Jack called just as Emily's hand touched the door knob. His parents stared at him expectantly. "She asked me if you two were getting a divorce."

"What would make her think that?" Hotch asked clearly puzzled.

"A friend of hers told her that her parents fight a lot and that they're getting a divorce."

"Let's talk to her together," Hotch said joining his wife at the door.

Turning to his son, he said. "Go eat some breakfast and get ready for school." The teenager nodded and went to do what he was told. --------------------------

"Rise and shine, sweetheart," Emily whispered in the little girls ear. Slowly Sarah turned on to her back and opened her eyes.

"Hi Mommy, daddy."

"Good morning, Sarah. Your mommy and I need to talk to you," Hotch said sitting on the edge of Jack's bed. Nodding Emily joined him. Sitting up with wide eyes Sarah stared at them.

"Jack said you heard us fighting," Emily commented.

"Yes, are you gonna get a divorce like Katie's mommy and Daddy and will Daddy go away?" she asked as tears filled her brown eyes. Each of the adults wrapped an arm around there crying child to reassure her.

"Your father and I aren't getting a divorce. I can promise you that. We just had a fight but we're going to be fine. You and Jack fight sometimes, don't you?" Sarah nodded her head. "Mom's and dad's fight sometimes to," she explained.

"No one is going anywhere," Hotch assured.

"No one?" Sarah confirmed.

"No one." Giving them both a huge smile she hugged them before jumping off the bed. Go put on the clothes we laid out last night then go see if Jack can help you get some breakfast," her mother instructed.

"Okay, Mommy," the little girl responded skipping from the room. ----------------------

"I'm sorry," the two adults said in unison. Smiles crossed their faces as they laughed. Taking a deep breath, Emily spoke.

"I'm sorry I got so mad, you just scared me. Seeing that fire escape give way terrified me. I know we all risk our lives for this job but it doesn't make it any less scary," she declared.

"I know and I understand. Maybe I could have handled it different. Perhaps I could have ran the other way and caught him at the bottom of the escape but I didn't. I'll try and not through caution to the wind quite so much next time. I'm also sorry for bringing up Colorado. It was a low blow."

"Apology accepted," Emily whispered just before claiming a kiss.

***

A/n. Kid's ages in this chapter are as follows.

Savanna Reid-Morgan four-years-old, DJ and Nate Reid-Morgan two-years-old, Jason Reid-Morgan, not born yet.

Henry Jareau, four-years-old, Lisa Jareau two-years-old.

Jack Hotchner, seven-years-old, Sarah Hotchner, three-months-old. Read and review. Also, please read and review my other stories, it would be much appreciated. -----------------------

Groaning Garcia placed a hand against her back as another pain shot through it. She was eight months pregnant with Derek and Spencer's fourth child. Nothing brought her more joy then to see those two with their children. Needless to say they were all a little scared and anxious when they learned that after she and Derek had conceived the boy's first biological child that they had in fact created twins. Thankfully the pregnancy went well. So far this one was going good as well. With the exception of this back pain, Garcia amended silently.

"You okay Pen?" Emily asked as she walked into her office. The new mother herself had been back to work for a month.

"My back is killing me. What can I do for you, Em?"

"I don't need anything. I was just coming to see if you wanted to join JJ and I for lunch. Get out of the office for a bit." Glancing at her clock Garcia was surprised to note that it was already 12:00.

"I'd love to," she said standing and turning to follow Emily. She was stopped by a rather intense pain.

"Ahhhhh!" she cried out. Emily spun quickly to face the computer tech.

"Pen?" Garcia stared white faced down at the ground. "What is it?"

"I think my water just broke," she whispered shakily. Just then another pain hit starting in the expectant mother's back and spreading to her stomach. The pain was so intense she doubled over and nearly fell. Reaching out Emily steadied her and guided her back to her desk chair noticing the puddle on the floor as she did so.

"I'm going to get the guys, I'll be right back," Emily told her.

"No, don't leave me, please. It's too early," Garcia cried almost in tears. Emily was about to respond but was stopped by JJ's voice floating down the hall.

"Em? Did you find Pen?" JJ called as she came around the corner and entered the room. Stopping just inside the door she took in the puddle of liquid on the floor then the fact that Pen was leaning into Emily a pained expression on her face. As she watched Garcia tensed up and clutched her stomach with one hand and gripped Emily's hand with the other.

"Another one?" Emily asked in concern. The computer tech nodded. JJ saw Emily frown.

"How far apart are they?" she asked.

"Two to three minutes apart and her water just broke. We need to get her to the hospital ASAP. Go find the guys, I'll get her to my car," Emily instructed.

"It's too early," Garcia whimpered as the pain eased.

"Shh, everything will be okay," JJ promised turning and heading off to find the guys.

"Let's get you to my car," Emily coaxed as she helped the pregnant woman up and guided her out the door and towards Emily's car. ----------------------------

"Derek! Spence!" JJ shouted running into the bullpen.

"What's up JJ?" Morgan asked.

"It's Pen, she's in labor." Rossi and Hotch who were standing at the railing rushed down the stairs to hear what was going on.

"What do you mean Garcia's in labor?" Morgan asked.

"Just what I said. Her water broke a couple of minutes ago and the contractions are two to three minutes apart. Em's getting her to her car as we speak. She's getting her to Emily's car that is," JJ clarified.

"But it's too early. She's only 32 weeks," Reid protested. He looked like he was about to spout off a bunch of statistics about premature babies so JJ held up a hand.

"Not now, Spence. Pen needs you two, c'mon let's go."

"Morgan, Reid, keep us posted. Emily can stay with them but I need you to stay here for the moment," Hotch said regretfully to the media liaison.

"I understand. Tell Pen I'm thinking of her, please?" the blonde requested. Morgan nodded as he and Reid took off running, eager to get to Penelope's side. ----------------------

Emily drove as quickly as she safely could to the hospital. They made it in 10 minutes. Derek and Spencer who were sitting in the backseat with Penelope in-between them each took an arm and helped her climb from the SUV and walked into the hospital. Five minutes later, Garcia was settled in a room and her doctor had been paged. Noticing her face contort into pain the two guys reached out a hand for her to squeeze.

"I'll see if I can get some ice chips from the nurse," Emily said backing out of the room.

"This hurts," Garcia ground out through her teeth.

"We know, baby girl, and if there was anyway we could do this for you, we would," Morgan soothed.

"Have we told you thank you lately?" Reid questioned. A soft smile crossed the blonde's face at his question.

"Yes, but it's always nice to hear it again," she answered softly. The three of them settled into a comfortable silence, with the guys providing their hands for Penelope to squeeze during the contractions. They couldn't help but think it was too early for the baby to be born and they just hoped he or she would be okay. -----------------------

"Let's see how far along you are," Dr. McCallister, Garcia's OBGYN said as she entered the room.

"Hi, Doc," Garcia greeted panting as she tried to breathe through the next contraction. The doctor nodded at her patient as she took her place at the foot of the bed.

"You're about six CM dilated."

"How's the baby isn't he preemie?" Garcia wondered anxiously.

"Yes it is, but I think it will be fine. It's 32 weeks which is far enough along that with a few days in the NICU he or she should be fine," the doctor assured the three of them. All of them breathed a sigh of relief. "I'll be back in an hour or so to check on you. If you need anything, press the call button."

"We will, thank you, Doc," Morgan replied. The others nodded their thanks.

"Do you want something for the pain, Penelope?" the doctor asked. Pen shook her head but Spencer stopped her.

"Garcia, its okay if you want something for the pain."

"I don't want to hurt the baby."

"You had an epidural with the twins remember?" he reminded her.

"Yes, but they weren't born a month early," she protested.

"Will the epidural harm the baby?" Morgan asked.

"No, it's perfectly fine for both mom and baby if she chooses to get the epidural," Doctor McCallister answered.

"Then, yes, give me the drugs," Garcia begged.

"I'll send a nurse in with a consent form," the doctor responded heading out the door closing it behind her. The nurse and the anesthesiologist arrived within minutes and a half an hour later the epidural had been placed and Garcia was now resting comfortably. ----------------------------------

A few hours later a tired Morgan walked into the waiting room to give a progress report. Taking in the room he smiled when he saw his team as well as Gideon sitting in chairs against the wall. Emily nudged Hotch who looked up attracting the attention of the others.

"How is she?" JJ demanded.

"She's doing better, the epidural helped. Doc thinks it won't be long now."

"How's Spencer?" Gideon asked.

"Scared, excited, nervous, wanting to rattle off statistics but somehow holding his tongue," Morgan answered.

"Sounds like Spencer," Gideon chuckled.

"I know Spence will be glad to see you," Morgan said addressing the older man.

"Hotch called me and I knew I had to be here. I was here when the twins were born, I wouldn't miss this for the world." Morgan gave him a soft smile.

"I should get back. Hopefully the next time I'll have baby news." The others watched him go smiling at the fact that there family would soon be one person larger. -------------------------

"Okay, Penelope, it's time to push," he doctor ordered. Nodding she started to push at the start of the next contraction. Ten minutes later, the doctor called out. "I can see the head! Give me one hard push."

"Okay," Garcia answered through clenched teeth as she bore down.

"That's it, keep it up," Reid encouraged.

"The heads out, give me aother push and we'll have the shoulders." Nodding Garcia pushed once more. "The shoulders are out, just breath for a moment, I want to suction the babies mouth," the doctor instructed.

"I need to push, please," Garcia begged.

"Okay, go ahead." With one last push the baby slid from her body and into the doctor's awaiting hands.

"Is everything okay, how's the baby? Derek Spencer?" Garcia questioned.

"The babie's just fine," Derek said through a choked voice as the tiny infant let out a lusty cry.

"Congratulations, it's a boy," the doctor said placing the baby on Penelope's chest.

"Do you want to cut the chord, Dad?" she asked addressing Spencer. Mutely he nodded as he stared transfixed at his son. Derek was wearing a similar look.

"He's beautiful, thank you, baby girl," he whispered. "You did an awesome job," he said as he placed a kiss on her forehead.

"It was my pleasure," she whispered staring at Spencer and the tiny baby.

"He's 3.75 Lbs, 16.69 inches long and was born at 6:34 P.M. April 29, 2010," announced the nurse as she filled out the birth certificate.

"Do we have a name for this little guy?" asked the doctor.

"Jason Matthew Reid-Morgan," the three of them answered together. Writing the name on the birth certificate the nurse brought it over to the parents and had them sign the document.

"Can I hold him?" Derek asked softly. Nodding Spencer placed their newborn son in his husband's arms.

"Can we get a picture of the four of us?" Garcia requested.

"Sure, you two get over next to Penelope and I'll take the picture," the doctor offered taking the camera Morgan held out to her. The picture was a perfect one capturing the love the three adults had for the infant boy. -------------------------------

"Knock, knock, you guys up for some visitors?" Emily called softly as she stuck her head around the door.

"Sure, come on in." Garcia called. The team plus Gideon filed into the room.

"Oh, Pen, he's beautiful. Congrats you three," JJ said as she caught sight of the baby.

"Where are Savanna and the twins?" Morgan asked just now realizing he had no idea where there other children were. Reid gasped apparently he hadn't realized it either.

"Don't worry, Will's keeping them," the media liaison assured them.

"Hey Gideon, it's good to see you," Reid greeted as he made his way to the other man the baby snuggled securely in his arms.

"Hey Spencer, I'm glad to see you to."

"Would you like to hold your godson?" Spencer asked shyly. Morgan and he had discussed it and decided they wanted Gideon for the godfather and JJ for the godmother to this little one.

"I'd love to," Gideon responds taking the baby.

"Does this little guy have a name?" Hotch prompted. Derek and Spencer shared a look.

"Yes he does. Everyone, I'd like you to meet Jason Matthew Reid-Morgan," Spencer said softly. Tears filled Gideon's eyes and he blinked rapidly smiling at the two men.

"You named him Jason?"

"Yes, Jason after you and Matthew after a good friend of mine," Derek replied.

"I'm honnored, thank you," Gideon said softly.

"It was our pleasure," Spencer said as he yawned.

"Why don't we let you guys rest?" Emily suggested as she placed the baby into Garcia's awaiting arms.

"What about the kids?"

"Do you want Will and I to bring them down tonight or wait until tomorrow?" JJ wondered.

"How about tomorrow so that Pen and Jason can get some rest before meeting the rest of the family?" Derek suggested.

"Will do, see you guys tomorrow," JJ said waving as she backed out the world, Jason Matthew Reid-Morgan, hold on tight it's gonna be one heck of a ride," Garcia whispered in her newborn son's ear.

***

A/n. Ages for this chapter are as follows. Savanna, four, Nate, two, DJ, two, Jason, eight months old. Jack 7, Sarah, 11 months old. Henry 4, Lisa two. Baby Jason's experience is based off my eight month old nieces own experience a month or so ago. I felt so bad for her. -------------------------

Spencer sighed in relief when he looked down at the infant and found him fast asleep. "Finally," Reid mumbled standing from the rocking chair and walking to the crib. Jason had a nasty respiratory infection and an ear infection on top of it. The baby had fought going to sleep. Spencer knew it was because he couldn't breathe, but he and Derek were exhausted. The twins were clinging to the terrible twos as hard as they could despite the fact that they would turn three in a month and Savanna was always a bundle of energy. Neither of them could hardly believe that she would turn five the month before Jason would turn one. Gently Spencer moved his arms from underneath the baby and let his back touch the sheets in the crib. He was about to start for the door when Jason started crying as soon as he felt the matris underneath him. Sighing but understanding that his baby son couldn't breathe unless he was sitting up and leaning against either his or Morgan's chest he picked up the sick infant and headed back to the rocking chair. Jason's cries turned to coughs then back to cries as he tried to suck in air. He could feel his heart breaking. He hated to see any of his children sick or in pain. A soft knock on the nursery door grabbed his attention. Looking up he caught sight of an exhausted Morgan standing in the doorway. -------------

"Here, let me take him for a bit. You can try and get some sleep."

"Okay, thanks, did you sleep?" Spencer wondered as he stood up and placed the fitfully dozing baby in his other father's arms. The transfer caused him to wake and a painful cough to come deep from his lungs. Frowning Derek patted the babie's back.

"Shh, it's okay, kiddo. I know you can't breathe."

"I got a little sleep, but not much. It's hard to sleep when they're sick, you know?" Morgan whispered. He was trying to quiet the crying baby and having little success. Settling himself in the rocking chair he began to rock guiding Jason's head to his shoulder. Thankfully the baby started falling back to sleep.

"Yeah, I know, but I think I'll try. Come get me if you need me," Spencer reminded.

"I will, night, pretty boy."

"Night, Derek." -----------------------

The rest of the night was more of the same. One of them would stay up with Jason while the other one would try and catch some sleep. Morning arrived and the two parents struggled to get moving.

"C'mon, Savvy you gotta get up," Morgan coaxed as he shook the little girls shoulder.

"Nuh uh Jay keeped me up wif his cryin'."

"I know, but it's time to get ready for daycare. He couldn't help crying, he's sick, remember?"

"Yeah, I know." Yawning widely the four-year-old reluctantly climbed from bed and headed to the bathroom to go potty. The twins were much more eager to be up than their older sister, and tore down the hall the moment Spencer had woken them.

"Full of energy as always," Spencer commented wryly.

"Mmm hmm, I can see that. It's gonna be a long day," Morgan responded. Just then Savanna came scampering out of the bathroom just as a crash and a small voice saying "uh oh" came from the living room.

"Rock paper scissors?" Reid asked. His husband nodded.

"One... two... Three!" Both of them held out their hands. "Paper covers rock," Derek declared.

"I'll deal with the 'distructive duo'," Spencer said resignedly as he made his way to the stairs. He briefly wondered how they had gotten the baby gate at the top open but decided that would be a question for another time.

"C'mon, sweet girl, let's get you dressed," Derek said swinging his daughter into his arms causing her to giggle. ---------------------

A broken candle holder greeted Spencer as he entered the living room. The twins were standing next to the broken object wide-eyed and trying to figure out how to run. They had only taken a couple of steps when he stopped them.

"Freeze!" Instantly both children froze their hands at their sides. That was one command all the children knew by heart. They also knew ignoring it would land them in even more trouble then they were already in. "What happened?" Reid prompted.

"We was' pwayin tag and I hitted the table and it feld off," DJ explained.

"What have Papa and I told you about running in the house?"

"Not do it," the toddlers answered together. It was then that he noticed Derek's cell phone on the floor between them.

"Is that Papa's cell phone?"

"We wanna talk to Nana," Nate protested.

"That may be, but we don't take other's things without asking and mine and Papa's cell phones aren't toys, are they?" The two shook their heads. "Well, here's your punishment. I want you both in your time out chairs until I come back down stairs, and no dessert tonight for playing with something that's not a toy. Now, go to time out."

"But Daddy," DJ whined.

"No whining, go," Spencer said sternely pointing a finger at the purple and blue chairs situated in opposite corners of the living room. Savanna's pink chair was on the other wall but thankfully they hadn't had to use it in a while. Pouting both kids shuffled over to their chairs and sat. "Face the wall," Spencer instructed. Nate looked like he wanted to argue but a glare from his father silenced him. Turning they faced the wall. "Don't get up until I say so."

"Yes, Daddy." Getting a broom he cleaned up and threw away the broken candle holder before heading back upstairs to check on the rest of the house. He groaned when he realized that they weren't done with the terrible twos yet. Even once the twins grew out of them they still had Jason. Give me strength, Spencer thought silently as he reached the top step and latched the baby gate before going in search of the rest of his family.

***

A/n. Kids ages. Savanna Reid-Morgan 10, DJ and Nate Reid-Morgan 8, Jason Reid-Morgan 6.

Jack Hotchner 13, Sarah Hotchner 6.

Henry Jareau, 10, Lisa Jareau 8. For those of you who asked for the chapter where Savanna's kidnapping is discussed, here it is. Please R/R! -

"Have you seen Vanna Bug?" Derek asked his youngest child.

"No, I don't know where she is," Jason answered.

"Neither do your brother and sister.

"Ask Daddy," Jason suggested.

"Thanks, I will."

"Hey, Spence, have you seen Vanna?"

"Not for awhile, Henry came over and asked if they could ride bikes. That was over an hour ago, now. She should have been home by now," the genius answered starting to panic.

"Hey, relax, babe. I'm sure she's fine. Lets give her a bit more time before we start looking for them. Maybe they went to the park at the end of the block?" Derek suggested.

"I'll call and see if they biked back to Will and JJ's," Spencer answered. Derek nodded as he glanced out the front window. -

"Hey, Jayje have you seen Savanna and Henry?"

"No, Henry asked if he could go ride bikes with Savanna quite awhile ago. They haven't come back yet?" she wondered.

"No, not yet."

"I'll keep an eye out for them. Let me know if they show up there, will you?" the mother requested.

"Will do, bye, JJ."

"Bye, Reid," she said hanging up and heading to look out her front window for the kids. -

Ten minutes later the two kids came walking up the driveway pulling their bikes behind them.

"Hey," they greeted the two guys as they walked into the house.

"Put your bike in the garage then come into the living room, please, Vanna," Derek instructed.

"You better head on home, Henry. Your mom's pretty worried. I'll call her and tell her you're on your way," Spencer said.

"Okay, bye Savvy," Henry called as he turned and headed back the way he came.

"What do you want, Papa?" Savanna asked as she walked into the living room. "Am I in trouble?"

"No, you're not in trouble, but when you or any of the kids go outside you need to check back in with us regularly," Derek answered.

"You scared us, something could have happened to you," Spencer explained. A shadow crossed his face and his hands began to shake. Reaching out Derek took his husband's hand into his and squeezed.

"Daddy, Papa?" Savanna asked in confusion. Looking at each other the two adults made a decision it was time to tell Savanna about her kidnapping.

"When you were a little baby two men took you," Derek began.

"Took me where?"

"They took you to an abandoned house," Spencer told her.

"Is that where you found me?"

"No, we found you at a pizza place," Derek said.

"Why did they take me?" The two parents minds flashed back to the interrogation that Rossi and Hotch had done. -

"Why did you take her? Why an innocent little baby?" Rossi demanded.

"Just because," one of the men answered carelessly.

"Not a good enough answer," Hotch argued.

"We were paid by a guy to take the baby of two FBI agents," Jared admitted reluctantly.

"And his name would be?" Hotch prompted. Deciding he had nothing to lose Jared answered.

"Nelson Baker."

"Why did he want you to take Savanna?" Rossi asked.

"He said that Agent Morgan made his life a living hell in Chicago. He put him away for raping a girl the year before he transfered to the FBI," the kidnapper explained. Both agents just stared at him in anger before ordering the officers to take him to his cell. -

"So that guy wanted to hurt me because you put him in jail because he was a bad guy, Papa?" Savanna responded.

"Yes, kiddo."

"Then he got what he deserved. He was a bad guy," she stated matter-of-factly. Both men smiled and hugged their daughter.

"You're pretty smart, you know that?" Derek told her.

"Yes I do, thank you, Papa. Can I go play Barbies now?" The two adults nodded and smiled fondly as the young girl ran off up the stairs glad she hadn't been taken once again.

***

"DJ, come take your medicine," Spencer called to his daughter from the kitchen. It was almost time for the kids to go to bed and she needed to take the medicine the doctor had prescribed for the nasty cold she'd gotten.

"But Daddy, it's yucky," the young girl whined.

"I know it doesn't taste good, but it will make you feel better. Grumbling in protest DJ walked into the kitchen and took the medicine her father was holding out for her.

"Can I have a drink of water?" she requested. Nodding, Spencer filled a glass and handed it to her.

"Go brush your teeth and get into your pj's. Papa and I will be there in a minute to tuck you and your sister in."

"Yes, Daddy," DJ responded sitting the glass on the counter and running off down the hall. Ten minutes later all the kids were in bed and Derek and Spencer were lying in their bed watching some TV before going to sleep. Spencer was on Derek's chest and Derek had an arm wrapped around him.

"I love you, goodnight, Spence," Derek said through a yawn.

"I love you to, night, Derek," Spencer murmured through his own yawn. Placing a kiss on the top of Spencer's head Derek reached for the remote and turned off the TV before snuggling in closer to Spencer and getting comfortable for the night. -

The sound of coughing and wheezing woke Savanna a couple of hours later. Sitting up she looked over at her little sister only to find her struggling to breathe.

"DJ?"

"C-can't. Breathe." DJ was gasping for breath which scared Savanna. She could tell DJ was scared and she knew she had to get there dads immediately.

"Papa! Daddy!" she shouted at the top of her lungs. At their daughter's shout both men woke instantly and jumped from bed.

"Where are you Vanna?" Derek called.

"My room, its DJ, hurry! She can't breathe." Rushing into their daughter's bedroom they took in the situation in a glance. DJ was sitting up in her bed and her face was very pale and her lips were beginning to turn slightly blue. Savanna had moved from her bed to her sister's and was sitting next to her.

"Derek, call 911," Spencer instructed as he settled next to his daughters. One of his friends in college had asthma so he recognized the problems DJ was having. Nodding Derek ran from the room only to run into the boys as they came rushing in because of the noise. The two boys stood frozen in the doorway terrified at what they were seeing.

"Deej, I need you to take short shallow breaths for me," Spencer instructed.

"I c-can't," she gasped.

"I know it's hard, but try for me," he told her. Nodding the little girl tried to take short shallow breaths but couldn't. Nate couldn't watch his twin struggle any more so he walked over and settled behind her hugging her gently. Left all alone at the door Jason burst into tears. He was scared and didn't understand what was going on. Quickly Savanna jumped off the bed and hurried to him. Reaching out she pulled him into her arms and hugged him tightly trying to comfort him. -

Meanwhile in the other room.

"911, what's your emergency?"

"It's my daughter, she can't breathe. You have to help me, please. She can't breathe," Derek cried anxiously.

"I need you to calm down, sir. What's your name?"

"Derek Morgan, Supervisory Special Agent Derek Morgan, I work with the BAU."

"How old is your daughter and has she been sick?" asked the operator.

"She's eight-years-old and she's had a cold, but she hasn't had trouble breathing until tonight. She's very pale and her lips are slightly blue. Please hurry."

"What's your address?"

"It's 1199 Parker Street."

"Okay, medics are on the way. Do you want me to stay on the line?"

"No, I have to get back to my husband and daughter."

"Okay, the medics will be there soon." Hanging up Derek ran back to the girl's room and stood next to Spencer.

"The paramedics are on the way." Spencer nodded silently. He didn't have the strength to speak. He was having to watch his little girl struggle to breathe and he couldn't do anything. There wasn't a worse feeling in the world than that. -

Meanwhile JJ and Will were driving home from a rare night out. They had hired a babysitter and gone to dinner and a movie. They were just turning into their neighborhood when an ambulance and a fire truck came screaming around the corner, lights and sirens going full force. Reflexively Will moved over to let them pass.

"They're sure in a hurry," he commented.

"Mmm hmm," JJ mumbled. She was following the progress of the emergency vehicles with her eyes and she didn't like where they were going. "They're turning on to Morgan and Reid's street," she said absently. Will nodded. She gasped when she saw the emergency vehicles turn into her friend's driveway. "Will!"

"I'm on it," her husband answered as he turned on to Parker and pulled to a stop on the street in front of Reid and Morgan's house. Both of them jumped out and rushed for the front door. The medics were about to knock when JJ ran up.

"I have a key," she said breathlessly. Turning to her the medic took it from her and unlocked the door. The small group rushed inside.

"EMTS!" the head paramedic called out.

"Up here, last door on the left," came Morgan's panicked voice. -

The scene that met the medics and the FBI agents was one of fear and confusion.

"I need everyone to move back so we can work," one of the medics instructed. Nodding both parents reluctantly moved from their daughter. Nate refused to let go of his sister, though.

"We need to help make your sister better, kiddo. Can you move back for us?" one of the medics asked.

"No, she's my twin sister; I have to take care of her." The medic looked up for help. His eyes landed on JJ and she nodded. Moving forward, she spoke.

"Nate, c'mon, you've got to let them take care of her. They can make her feel better."

"But she's my baby sister, Aunt JJ," he protested weakly.

"I know she is, baby," JJ soothed. Reluctantly the young boy climbed off the bed and walked into her arms for a hug. The medics began working on the little girl. One of them put together a nebulizer while the other checked the amount of oxygen in her blood. He frowned at what he read and motioned his partner to hurry with the nebulizer.

"I can't breathe," she whimpered.

"I know, what's your name, kiddo?" asked the shorter medic.

"DJ," she answered.

"Hi, DJ, my names Dan. I need you to put this in your mouth, it will help you feel better, I promise," he said holding out the mouth piece for the nebulizer. Nodding the little girl took it and did what she was told. They had lifted her on to a stretcher while they were talking to her.

"You're doing so well, kiddo," his partner told her softly. The young girl gave him a small smile around the mouth piece in her mouth.

"We're going to GW Memorial, are you two riding with us?" Dan questioned, pointing to Reid and Morgan. Both men nodded mutely. They were frozen in place.

"You guys go to the hospital. Will and I will take care of these guys," JJ said pointing to the three frightened kids.

"Thanks a lot, JJ. Where'd you come from anyway?" Derek wondered.

"Well, Will and I were on a date. We were turning into the neighborhood and saw the EMS vehicles. Once we noticed they were coming to your house we pulled up and rushed in here to see if we could help. Now go be with your daughter," she said pushing them forward as the medics carried the stretcher with DJ on it out of the room.

"Garcia," Reid murmured thoughtfully.

"I'll call her," JJ said.

"Everything will be fine here," Will told them. Turning to his wife, he said.

"I'm gonna go get Henry and Lisa from our house and bring them over here. We can all stay in the guestroom. I think it'll be easier to have everyone over here."

"That's a good idea," she agreed as she watched the medics and Derek and Spencer walk down the stairs.

"Okay, see you in a few minutes," Will said, leaving as well.

"Let's get you three back to bed," JJ told the kids.

"But I wanna stay up until they get home," Nate protested.

"No, I'm sorry kiddo; you need to get some sleep. It'll be really late when they get home. I promise I'll have them wake you when they get home to let you know things are okay," she told the eight-year-old.

"Okay, fine, I'll go to bed," he finally agreed.

"Is Vanna gonna be okay?" Jason asked sleepily as JJ tucked him back into bed.

"Yes, the doctors will make her feel better."

"That's good," he mumbled turning on his side and drifting to sleep. Once she was sure he was asleep she walked over to Nate's bed.

"Night, Aunt JJ," Nate said.

"Night, Nate, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite." Nate giggled at his aunt. Smiling at him she kissed his cheek just like she'd done his brothers and walked from the room. Once she was sure that Savanna was settled in bed she made her way downstairs and settled herself on the couch preparing to call Garcia.

She'd dialed all but the last two numbers when the front door opened and Will walked in carrying a duffle bag and the kid's sleeping bags. Henry and Lisa trailed sleepily behind their father.

"They go down okay?"

"Yeah, I was just about to call Garcia."

"Okay, I'm gonna get these two settled on the guestroom floor," Will told her.

"Okay, I'll be up in a bit once I fill Garcia in. I love you," she said as her husband ascended the stairs their children right behind him.

"I love you to." Taking a deep breath she dialed the two remaining numbers then hit send. -

"Hello?" came a sleepy voice.

"Garcia?" JJ asked even though she was sure it was.

"Yes, what's going on JJ? It's 12:00 in the morning."

"I'm sorry to wake you, but it's important. DJ's at the hospital. They had to call an ambulance for her. She was having trouble breathing."

"Oh my gosh, what happened? Where are you?"

"I'm not sure exactly what happened. I know she's been fighting that cold the last few days. Will and I were on our way home from dinner and a movie a little while ago. We saw the EMS vehicles when we were turning into the neighborhood. When we realized they stopped at Derek and Spencer's we made our way to the house and rushed in to see what we could do to help. They started giving her a breathing treatment here at the house. Morgan and Spence went with her to the hospital. We told them we'd stay with the rest of the kids. Will went and got Henry and Lisa from our house. It'll be easier if we stay in the guestroom instead of making the three of them move," she concluded.

"Are they at GW Memorial?" Garcia asked.

"Yeah, I promised Spence I'd call you."

"I'm on my way. I'll call you with an update as soon as we have one," the tech vowed.

"Thank you, call my cell. Tell the guys I'm thinking of all of you, will you?" JJ requested.

"Will do, Jayje. Talk to you later."

"Bye, Pen," JJ said hanging up the phone. As she climbed the stairs to the guestroom after locking up she said a quick prayer that DJ would be okay and that she would get better soon. -

The two dads were pacing around the ER waiting room. Derek had taken the left side and Spencer the right. They had been pushed into the hall and handed a stack of forms the instant the ambulance had pulled into the ER bay. Both of them wanted to be with DJ, but they knew they would only be in the way right now. A familiar voice stopped them in their tracks.

"How is she? What's going on? Do you know anything yet?" Garcia panted as she ran up to them. Spencer was about to tell her they didn't know anything yet when the doctor walked into the room, reading his clipboard.

"Donna Joanne Reid-Morgan?"

"We're her parents," Morgan spoke up.

"How is she, Doctor?" Garcia asked.

"She's doing much better than she was when she came in. She has asthma."

"Why is it only showing up now?" Reid wondered.

"Asthma can show up at anytime. The cold could have aggravated her lungs and caused it to crop up."

"What can we do for it?" Morgan asked.

"I've prescribed two inhalers for her. One is to be taken on a daily basis two puffs twice a day. The other one, Albuterol can be taken up to four times a day as needed. It is used for when she is having trouble breathing. I will also be sending you home with a nebulizer in case she has a severe attack," the doctor explained.

"Can we see her? When can she go home?" Morgan questioned.

"You can see her in just a minute. As for when she can go home I'd like to keep her for another hour or so then you can take her home. She's in the third room on the right. I'll warn you, she may be rather hyper. At the end of the breathing treatment we gave her a shot of epinephrine. It can make people jittery and hyper. The hyperactivity happens most in children." Just then his pager sounded. "If you'll excuse me, I'm needed by a patient. If you have any questions, my names Dr. Miller."

"Thank you, Doctor," Spencer said for the group. Smiling at each other the three agents headed down the hall needing to see DJ and find out that she was fine for themselves. -

"Hi, Mommy, Daddy, Papa. I'm so glad to see you. The nurse and the doctor were so nice." DJ was rambling and appeared to be unable to sit still. The nurse standing next to her bed smiled at the shellshocked expressions on the adults faces.

"It's the epi, it tends to make people act like chipmunks on speed," she said with a smile. A laugh escaped Garcia at the mental image the nurse gave her.

"How long until it wears off?" Spencer wanted to know.

"Usually in an hour or two," she assured. All three breathed a sigh of relief. While they were glad to see DJ feeling better a hyper DJ could be a lot to handle especially this late at night.

"When can I go home?" the young girl asked.

"In an hour or so," Derek answered.

"Is Nate okay?"

"He's fine, just a bit scared. He's very worried about and loves you very much," Spencer told her.

"I'm gonna give JJ a call and tell her what's going on," Garcia informed the group.

"Thanks, baby girl," Morgan told her.

"Don't worry about it," Garcia said exiting the room glad to be able to pass on some good news. An hour and forty-five minutes later DJ and the guys were back at the house and Garcia had returned home. After waking Nate as per JJ's request so he could see that DJ was fine everyone went to bed. It was decided that JJ and her family would stay the night because it was so late and everyone would go out for breakfast the next day. The two fathers lingered in the doorway of the girls room watching their youngest daughter sleep thankful that she was doing much better than she was earlier that evening.

***

A/n, a reviewer requested a chapter with Pam, the girl who spotted Savanna when she was taken in Rules of Attachment, so here's a chapter with her. Kids ages: Savanna five, Nate and DJ, three, Jason one. Jack: eight, and Sarah one. Henry five, and Lisa three.

"Everyone ready to go?" Derek called through the house. The team as well as the Concannon family who had been the ones to find Savanna were going to the park for a picnic. The rest of his family appeared in the foyer carrying the cooler of drinks and the bags of the toys they chose to bring along. Twenty minutes later they were pulling up at the park and the four children were scrambling out of the car.

"Wait for Papa and I," Spencer called as they started to runn to the picnic shelter. Reluctantly they waited for their parents. Once they were next to them they took off running.

"Pam!" Savanna cried when saw the 16 year old.

"Hey there, Vanna, how are you?" Pam asked as she hugged her.

"Good, will you and Ashley play with us?"

"Of course we will," Ashley answered as she came up to the group. The concannon's had kept in touch and the girls came over to play with the kids on a regular basis.

"It's a beautiful day," Garcia commented as the adults prepared lunch while keeping an eye on the kids on the playground.

"Yeah it is. I'm so glad it's not raining today. The kids have been driving us crazy," Emily said.

"Tell me about it, they don't understand why we won't let them outside in the rain," Reid added. The rest of the day was spent with both the kids and the adults playing and enjoying themselves.

***

A/n, A Jack and Sarah focused chapter but everyone else is in this one as well. Children's ages. Savanna nine, DJ and Nate seven, and Jason five. Jack, twelve, Sarah, five. Henry nine, Lisa seven. -

"Mommy, I'm bored. Can we go to the park?" Sarah begged her mother as she stood in her parent's home office.

"I'm sorry, kiddo. I can't right now. I have to finish this work."

"What about Daddy?" the little girl wondered.

"He's out with Uncle Dave," Emily answered. Aaron and Dave had decided to go to the shooting range for the day. Sarah pouted at the news. She really wanted to go to the park and play on the playground. What was the use of having a park in their neighborhood if they couldn't go play at it?

"I can take you if it's okay?" Jack spoke up as he walked into the room.

"Can he Mommy, please can Jack take me to the park?" Emily smiled at her step-son. He was such a good big brother. Aaron and she did there best not to always ask him to do stuff for or with Sarah but whenever they did he usually did it without complaining.

"If Jack doesn't mind, its fine with me," she answered.

"I don't mind, Em," Jack replied.

"Then, go have fun, make sure you listen to your brother, Sarah," Emily reminded as the little girl ran from the room to get her sandals.

"Are you sure you really don't mind?" Emily checked.

"Yeah, I'm going a bit stir crazy, and I know she is to."

"Thanks a lot Jack. Don't stay gone too long. Your dad should be home in an hour and a half or so then I think we're going to barbeque for dinner."

"Okay, see you later, Emily," he called as he headed for the door and his extremely excited sister. -

"What do you wanna do first?" the pre-teen asked as they reached the playground.

"Swing!"

"Do you want me to push you?"

"Yeah, push me, Jack, please."

"Okay, hold on tight to the chains," Jack reminded. Nodding Sarah held on tightly as Jack swung the swing back then forward and continued to do so. The happy giggles and squeals made Jack smile. He loved seeing his sister so happy. After awhile Sarah got bored with swinging and ran to the slide. Catching her as she reached the bottom Jack reached out and tickled her.

"I'm gonna climb on the fort, okay, Jack?"

"Sure, I'm gonna sit on that bench over there. Come get me if you need me. Be careful," he cautioned.

"I will be," Sarah promised as she ran for the fort and began climbing with the other kids that were on it laughing and playing a game that they made up on the spot. -

Settling on one of the benches at the edge of the playground Jack took a long drink from his water bottle. It was a rather warm day and he could feel the sweat collecting on his forehead.

"Hey, Jack, whatcha doing here, man?" asked Brian Scott his best friend.

"Not much brought my little sister to the playground. Thought I'd give Emily a break."

"Ah, I see, wanna play ball?" Brian questioned bouncing the basketball he held in his hands. Glancing between the court that was a few feet away and the fort Jack decided he could still see Sarah from the court so it would be okay.

"Sure, but only for a little while. Dad's gonna be home and I think we're barbequing," Jack said getting to his feet and heading for the court ready to play a little one-on-one. -

"Nice shot, Jack," Brian teased as Jack's shot bounced off the backboard and hit the ground.

"Yeah, yeah," Jack grumbled in mock annoyance. Glancing around he saw Sarah sitting in the sandbox building a sand castle.

"Up for more or do you give?"

"Never," Jack declared tossing the ball back to his friend and resuming their game.

A few minutes later the two boys called time to catch their breath and take a drink. Looking around the playground Jack frowned when he didn't see his little sister.

"Sarah? Where are you?" he called out. His frown deepened when she didn't answer.

"Crap, I don't see her," he said.

"Don't panic, man. We'll spread out across the playground and look for her. You look by the swings and slide, I'll look by the climbing equipment and the sandbox and such," Brian instructed. Nodding Jack took off to search his part of the playground. They met back at the basketball court five minutes later neither of them had Sarah with them.

"I have to call my dad and Emily. They're going to kill me," Jack groaned as he pulled out his cell phone. His parents had given it to him for emergencies only. This was definitely an emergency, he thought as he pressed the button to call his dad's phone. -

Hotch and Dave were walking to their cars at the shooting range when Hotch's cell phone rang.

"Hotchner," he answered.

"Dad, it's me, I took Sarah to the playground and now I can't find her. I was only at the basketball court and the last time I saw her she was playing in the sandbox. Now I can't find her. I'm so sorry, Dad," Jack apologized shakily. He tried as hard as he could to not allow the tears that were pricking the back of his eyes to fall.

"Jack, slow down and start from the beginning. What do you mean Sarah's missing?" Dave stopped in his tracks and turned to his old friend a look of fear covering his face.

"She wanted to go to the park and Em said she was busy so I volunteered to take her. We were playing on the slide then she said she wanted to go play on the fort so I told her to be careful and have fun. Then Brian showed up and we started playing basketball. I could see her from the court. The last time I saw her she was playing in the sandbox. I don't know where she went. I only took my eye off of her for a minute. Now she's gone. Now you and Emily are going to hate me." The tears had started to fall during his speech and Brian patted his best friend's shoulder unable to think of anything else to do.

"Jack, Emily and I don't hate you. We love you and your sister. Keep looking around for her I'll call Emily and the rest of the team and we'll be there as soon as we can. Hang in there and stay calm," Hotch instructed through a rapidly closing throat.

"I will Dad, get here fast, please."

"I will, son. I love you."

"I love you to, bye," Jack said hanging up the phone and beginning to call Sarah's name as he continued the search for the little girl. He knew he'd never forgive himself if something happened to her. He was her big brother it was his job to protect her and look out for her and he'd failed. -

Twenty minutes later the entire team with their kids in tow showed up at the playground and surrounded Jack and Brian.

"Where's Sarah! Where's my baby girl," Emily demanded as she reached the two boys.

"I don't know, we've looked everywhere," Jack told her.

"When's the last time you saw her?" Morgan asked. He knew they were all frantic with worry, especially Emily and Hotch.

"About five minutes before I called Dad. Brian and I had taken a break from playing and I saw her in the sandbox. Then we decided to play one more quick game of Horse and when I looked up after that I couldn't find her. We've looked everywhere and we can't find her."

"Have you asked the other kids if they've seen her?" JJ wondered.

"Yeah, and they said they were playing hide-and-go-seek but that none of them could find her either," Jack informed the group.

"Why did you take your eyes off of her in the first place? She's only five-years-old for goodness sake! You should know better than to do that! You're her big brother and it's your job to watch her. Why didn't you? Why!" Emily shouted getting in Jack's personal space.

"I'm so sorry, Emily," Jack choked out clearly in pain because of what he did.

"Sorry isn't good enough. My babies missing and it's all your fault!" Before anyone could stop her she reached out and slapped Jack hard across the face. Knowing she'd regret what she'd just done later Everyone scrambled to move her away from a frozen and shellshocked Jack.

"Emily, stop it. It's not Jack's fault. Kids wander off even when they have people watching them, you know that, " Hotch argued as he tried to pull his screaming and sobbing wife away from their son. Emily was having none of it and refused to move. Morgan knew what he was about to do might get his ass kicked but he knew he didn't have a choice. Walking up behind Emily he picked her up and carried her a few feet away.

"Damn it Morgan, put me down!" she yelled.

"No, not until you calm down and see reason. It's not Jack's fault and fighting won't help us find Sarah any faster," Morgan argued. Emily who was still kicking and flailing her arms drew her fist back and hit Morgan squarely on the side of the head. Jerking back from the blow he loosened his grip on the brunette and she pulled free and stalked off towards the playground leaving a stunned group in her wake.

***

Hotch knew this wasn't the time for him to be a hysterical parent; Emily was doing enough of that for both of them. He had to be in his unit chief frame of mind if they were going to find Sarah.

"Okay, I need to ask all of you kids a very important question and I need you to tell the truth, do you understand?" All of the kids nodded at their surrogate uncle. "Do any of you know where Sarah might hide?"

"I might," Jason answered softly.

"Me, to, Lisa and DJ chorused.

"Okay, so I want each adult to make sure they have a kid with them, how do you guys want to split up?" Hotch questioned.

"I'll take Jason," Dave offered.

"I'll take Lisa and DJ," JJ said.

"I'm going with Jack," Savanna said stepping forward and grabbing the still frozen young man's hand.

"That's good and I'm going with you to," Hotch told them.

"That leaves me with Nate and Henry," Garcia said.

"Morgan, go with Dave and Jason." Hotch instructed.

"I'm on it," Morgan said walking to Dave and his youngest child.

"Where do you want me Hotch?" Reid asked.

"Go with Garcia and the boys."

"You got it, Hotch," Reid replied.

"What about Emily?" Morgan wondered. Jack flinched at his step-mother's name. Everyone saw it, but chose not to comment.

"I think she's better off searching on her own at least for now," Hotch answered.

"I called Will and he's at your house in case she goes home," JJ said flipping her phone closed.

"Thanks, JJ, okay, let's go, we have a little girl to find," Hotch said taking off across the court everyone else following his lead. -

"Uncle Ron-Ron?" Savanna called about ten minutes into the search. Hotch smiled at the nickname that she'd given him as a toddler. She didn't usually use it anymore unless she was scared.

"Yes Vanna?"

"Is Sarah gonna be okay? Will we find her?" It wasn't Hotch who answered her but Jack.

"Yes! We'll find her, how could you think differently?" He didn't realize how sharp his voice had been until he saw the tears in the young girl's eyes. Stopping in his tracks he reached out and pulled her against him. "Oh Vanna, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you. I'm just scared and mad at myself."

"It's okay, I forgive you," she said as they pulled apart and continued searching.

"Sarah, where are you? Sarah, it's Daddy, can you hear me?"

"Sarah, its Savanna, the games over, you can stop hiding now."

"Sarah, its Jack, come out please? Sarah can you hear me?" -

Emily continued her purposeful stride as she searched for her daughter. The more she walked the more worried she got. However, the more she walked the guiltier she got as well. Logically she knew it wasn't Jack's fault but she couldn't help her reaction. She was scared and angry. That didn't give you the right to slap him, though, nagged that little voice in her head. I know it didn't, Emily thought.

"Sarah, its Mommy come out, kiddo. Sarah Elizabeth Hotchner, come out now. Sarah, can you hear me, baby?" She could hear everyone else calling out as well. She just prayed they'd find her soon and that she'd be unharmed. -

They'd been searching for about an hour when Jason spotted something.

"Look, that's Sarah's purple sandal," he cried excitedly. Dave and Morgan sped up to see what the young boy was pointing at. Sure enough it was a little girl's sandal. They were next to a bush. Kneeling down Morgan moved some of the shrubbery and smiled when he saw the little girl they'd all been searching for curled up fast asleep.

"I've got her," he called back to the other two as he gently lifted her into his arms.

"I'll call Hotch," Dave said pulling out his cell. Moments later everyone was notified and they were all heading back to the playground so Sarah could be reunited with her parents and big brother. They were about halfway there when she woke up from her place in Morgan's arms.

"Uncle Derek?" she questioned sleepily.

"Yeah, it's me, kiddo. You had everyone really scared."

"Why?"

"Because you went off to play hide-and-go-seek with your friends and Jack couldn't find you so he called Uncle Dave and your daddy and we all came as fast as we could to find you," Morgan explained.

"Oh, sorry, Jack okay?" she asked.

"He will be as soon as he sees you," Dave told her as they climbed the last hill and reached the basketball court.

"Sarah!" Emily cried as she rushed forward.

"Mommy," the young girl replied as she allowed her mother to pull her into her arms and hug her tightly.

"You had me so scared. Don't ever do that again, you hear me?"

"Yes, Mommy." Hotch then took his turn hugging his little girl.

"I love you Sarah," he whispered against her hair.

"I love you to, Daddy. Where's Jack?" the little girl questioned. Hotch frowned when he didn't see him at first. Scanning the area he noticed him standing on the edge of the group.

"He's over there, and I think he could use one of your special super Sarah hugs," her father answered. Nodding she wiggled from her father's arms and ran over to her brother and threw her arms around him as tightly as she could. Responding to the hug Jack picked her up and hugged her even tighter.

"Jack, your squishing me," she giggled.

"Oh, sorry, I'm just so glad to see you. Next time you want to play hide-and-go-seek, tell me first, please."

"Okay, I will." Pulling back she saw the bruise on his cheek. "What happened to your face?" she asked as she gently touched the spot with her tiny hand. Hotch saw Emily's shoulders slump at Sarah's innocent question. He knew she regretted hitting Jack, but unfortunately it was going to take some work for them to be okay with each other again.

"Someone accidentally hit me. I'm fine," he assured her.

"You should have Mommy kiss it and make it better," Sarah suggested. At that Emily started to silently cry. Even though he wasn't happy with how she handled herself, Hotch couldn't bare to see her cry so he put his arm around her.

"It's all gonna be okay, just give it time, okay?"

"I know, and I feel so bad. I shouldn't have ever done that."

"No, you shouldn't, but you did and you both have to deal with the consequences," Hotch reminded her. Emily nodded as she saw Jack give his sister a small smile.

"I might do that, thanks for the idea, Sar. What do you say we go home? I'm getting hungry, how about you?"

"Yeah, my tummy's talking to me," she said with a giggle.

"Mine is to," Jack said placing her on the ground and taking her hand.

"Daddy, we're hungry," Sarah called out as the two kids reached there parents.

"Well then, let's go get something to eat," Hotch suggested lifting her into his arms and tickling her before heading off towards the house Jack and Emily following behind.

"I know you want to talk, butI really don't want to do it tonight," Jack told his step-mother honestly.

"I understand, but I do want you to know how sorry I am," she said sadly as she looked down at the ground unable to look her oldest child in the eye.

"I know you are, but I'm not quite ready to forgive you yet or talk about it for that matter. I will be in a day or so maybe, but not tonight," Jack answered softly. Emily nodded she knew she deserved that, but it didn't mean it didn't still hurt. She just wished she could change what she did, but she knew she couldn't. Aaron was right, they'd both just have to deal with what happened and the consequences that followed.

***

It was now the next day and Jack was ready to talk to Emily. He knew she didn't mean to do what she did but it still hurt and shocked him.

"Hey, Emily, can we talk?" he asked as he walked into the kitchen where she was making dinner.

"Sure, wanna help me fix dinner?"

"I'd love to what do you need me to do?"

"Chop the onions for the spaghetti sauce, please." Nodding the young man got out a cutting board and a knife. He knew it would be easier for both of them to talk if they were working.

"It shocked me when you hit me and it really hurt when you said it was my fault. I know it was, but hearing you say that really hurt," Jack began. He figured it would be good for him to get everything out in the open from the start.

Emily stopped filling the pot with water to look directly at Jack.

"Jack, look at me," she requested.

"It's not your fault she wandered off. Kids wander off even if they're being watched. I didn't mean it when I said it was your fault I was just angry. My hitting you was inexcusable and I'm so sorry for doing it," Emily finished tears beginning to fall.

Walking over to the woman who'd for all intents and purposes had been his mother since he was four Jack hugged her tightly and brushed her tears away like he'd seen his dad do countless times.

"It's okay, Em. I know you were scared and angry and you didn't mean what you said or did. Just know that I'd do anything in my power to protect Sarah. I'd rather be in pain or hurt or scared than ever see her that way."

"That's what makes you such a fantastic big brother," she said softly.

"Thanks," Jack replied blushing slightly.

"Finish up those onions and add them to the sauce then go wash up for dinner," Emily instructed.

"Okay, I love you, Emily," Jack told her hugging her one more time before going back to his previous task.

"I love you to, Jack."

***

Next part of Raising a Family.