Previous part of Raising a Family.
***
It was now Tuesday and they'd all made it to Chicago safely. The visitation would be that night and the funeral would be Wednesday. Reid and the kids were able to stay until Friday evening, but the rest of the team would have to leave early Thursday morning. Derek was going to stay to help his sisters go through his mom's belongings. Spencer felt guilty leaving Derek in Chicago alone, but Derek understood he didn't have any other choice. Everyone had stayed at a hotel near Fran's house. None of them could handle staying at her house. All the women and the two younger kids were helping Sarah and Des with the last minute arrangements. The guys were at the funeral home making sure things were fine for the visitation. Jack and Savanna were watching a movie in her and DJ's room. The door to the adjoining room was open so they could look in on the two boys playing videogames. Lisa and DJ had asked to go to the pool, and Spencer and Derek didn't have the heart to tell them no. They knew how hard this was on all the kids. Jack looked up at someone clearing their throat from the doorway. He and Savanna had been locked in a rather intense kiss.
"I brought Jason back. He's getting bored and wants to play with the other boys.
"Sure go on over," Savanna said smiling at her little brother. Happily he ran off to play with his big brother and Henry.
"Maybe you should join them?" Emily subtly suggested. Taking the hint, the two teens climbed off the bed and walked into the adjoining room and settled in to watch the videogame playing. Satisfied she'd stopped them from going to far to fast for the moment Emily headed back to the house to help out more. XXXX
"Hey, it's my turn now," Jason called grabbing for Nate's controller. "You said I could play Henry this time."
"No, I didn't say that, now, let go. It's my turn," Nate argued.
"It's not, give me it!" Jason yelled. Diving at his brother the two of them began fighting for the controller.
"It's my game and you can't have it. Just because we're all sad because Nana's gone, doesn't mean I have to be nice to you," Nate taunted. Tears filled Jason's eyes. "Now you're a cry baby," he taunted as he held the controller above his head. Jason tried to reach for it, but Nate swung it out of his reach, elbowing him in the face in the process. It was at that point when Jack intervened. Reaching the two boys he pulled them apart. He frowned when he saw that Jason had a bloody nose.
"Savanna," he called.
"Yeah?" she called back.
"Jason's got a bloody nose. Can you help take care of that?"
"Yeah, come on, Jason. Let's go back to mine and DJ's room and we'll take care of that," she invited. Nodding the stunned nine-year-old followed his oldest sister out of the room. XXXX
Once Nate stopped struggling Jack pointed to one of the beds. Reluctantly the eleven-year-old sat down. Jack gave Henry a meaningful look.
"I'd better go check on the girls at the pool. I'll be back later," he said leaving.
"Now, what was all that about?" Jack prompted.
"It's not fair. Nothing's fair right now," Nate grumbled.
"What do you mean?" Jack asked.
"Everything," Nate explained his voice shaking slightly. It was then that Jack realized that the fight over the videogame was only part of the problem, and in fact not the real problem at all.
"Explain what you mean by everything," he encouraged.
"Jason was trying to horn in on the time Henry and I were hanging out. He's so annoying sometimes. He's just a little kid," Nate complained.
"You were one once to, and he's only two years younger than you, that's not a big gap."
"Yeah, I guess," Nate agreed.
"The fight with your brother is only a small piece of what's bothering you, isn't it?" Jack prodded. Looking down at his hands, Nate nodded.
"It's not fair, why did Nana have to die? I miss her, Jack." Tears were shining in Nate's eyes and he was fighting to keep them back, but losing.
"I know it's not fair," Jack comforted placing an arm around the younger boys shoulders. The two of them sat in silence Jack giving silent comfort as Nate allowed himself to grieve for the loss of his grandmother. After a few minutes he calmed down and Jack handed him some tissues. Nate wiped his face in embarrassment and gave Jack an embarrassed smile.
"Thanks," he said softly.
"No problem, I tell you what, why don't you go apologize to Jason then we'll go down to the pool and join the girls and Henry?" Jack suggested. Nodding Nate ran off to apologize to his brother before they both ran back to change into their swim trunks. XXXX
"She looks so peaceful," Derek commented as he, Spencer and the kids stood next to the casket.
"Yeah, she does," Spencer agreed.
"I forgot that Nana's first name was actually Donna," DJ said reading the obituary Derek and his sisters had written.
"Yes it was, Donna Francine Morgan," Sarah answered.
"That's where you got your first name and your middle name Joanne was from your grandma Dianna Joanne Reid," Spencer explained.
"I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday," Derek said, remembering the event. XXXX
"You're doing fantastic, Penelope. Just a few more pushes and you'll get to see your babies," her doctor coached.
"Oh my god, this hurts so much," the expectant mother panted.
"I know, and I'm sorry, if there was a way we could do this for you we would," Derek soothed.
"Der's right, we would in a heart beat," Spencer said.
"Thank you both, oh here comes another one," Pen groaned as another contraction hit. The expectant fathers watched as the line on the fetal monitor jumped as the contraction intensified.
"Just keep breathing, you're almost through it," the doctor said.
"You try breathing through it. The pain of child birth is akin to doing the splits on a crait of Dynamite," Pen growled. The three guys smiled at the analogy but made sure she didn't see them do it.
"I feel a lot of pressure. I can feel a head. Can I push now, please?" Penelope begged.
"Go ahead and push if you feel you need to," her OBGYN instructed.
"Why don't you two get behind her and support her. Penelope, tuck your chin to your chest and push as hard as you can. We'll count to 10," the nurse explained. The two guys settled behind their best friend and the mother of their children and helped support her as she began to push.
"Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh! Oh my god this hurts!"
"I can see the head. Give me another good push," the doctor called. Groaning in pain, Penelope did what she was told and screamed as she felt her child's head leaving her body.
"The heads out, don't push , just breathe for a moment," the doctor told her.
"But I need to push," she whimpered beginning to do so.
"No, not yet, listen to the doctor, baby girl," Morgan coaxed. Turning her head she glared at him and he closed his mouth. Spencer bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing out loud at the interaction.
"Okay, you can push now," the doctor called. Putting her chin to her chest she pushed as hard as she could. She could feel the baby slipping from her body and she smiled as she heard her baby cry.
"It's a boy, 6 lbs 4 oz, 20 inches long born at 7:22 PM. He's absolutely perfect," the nurse said placing him on Pen's chest. All three parents stared in awe at their little bundle of joy. The nurse took him to clean up and wrap him in a blanket.
"I have to push again," Penelope told the group.
"That's good, it won't be long now and you'll have both your babies in your arms," the doctor said taking his place at the foot of the bed once again. Three minutes later a healthy baby girl weighing 6 lbs 8 oz and 19 inches long was born at 7:25 PM.
"Do these two cuties have names?" the nurse asked.
"Yes, but we'd like to wait until our family and friends are here to announce them," Spencer answered.
"Okay, we'll fill in that part on the birth certificates in a little bit. I just need the three of you to sign them right now," she said handing the two pieces of paper to the the three of them and smiling while they signed.
"Can the rest of the team come back now?" Garcia asked in awe as she stared down at the two babies snuggled in her arms.
"Yes, whenever you're ready for them," the nurse said.
"I'll go get them," Spencer offered.
"Thanks, baby cakes," Garcia called as she placed the baby girl in Derek's arms and smiled down at her twin brother that she was holding.
Five minutes later everyone was in the room. Hotch was carrying Savanna and an excited looking Jack was walking next to him.
"Let me see my grandbabies," Fran demanded moving over to the bed.
"Here, Mama, why don't you hold your granddaughter," Derek offered standing up and placing the newborn infant in his mother's arms.
"Hotch, would you like to hold your godson?" Garcia asked. The three of them had decided to make Hotch and Emily the twins godparents.
"I'd love to," he said walking over and taking the tiny boy into his arms.
"Baby," Jack exclaimed in a loud whisper.
"That's exactly right, buddy. It's a baby," Hotch told his son.
"He's so little, Daddy. Was I ever that little?"
"Yes you were," his father answered.
"Wow," Jack exclaimed amazed that he'd ever been that small.
"Now you're a big boy who helps take care of Savanna and Henry, aren't you, Jack?" Emily asked ruffling the little boys hair. Jack nodded excitedly.
"So what are their names?" JJ asked as she held a dozing Henry.
"Well, Hotch is holding Nathaniel Aaron Reid-Morgan 6 LBS 4 OZ 20 inches long born at 7:22 PM," Reid informed the group.
"Nathaniel after Dad, and Aaron, after well, Hotch," Derek explained smiling at the unit chief and his mother.
"We'll call him Nate for short.
"I'm sure your dad would have been honored," Fran said blinking back happy tears.
"Thank you both so much. This means a lot to me," Hotch said also getting choked up.
"Well we figured we needed to give him a strong name and you two were and are two of the strongest men we know," Derek said.
"So what is this little angel's name?" Fran asked smiling down at her newborn granddaughter. Getting up from where he was sitting on the edge of Penelopes bed Derek walked over to his mom and stood next to her.
"Mama, I'd like you and everyone else to meet Donna Joanne Reid-Morgan, DJ for short. Weighing in at 6 LBS 8 OZ, 19 inches long born at 7:25 PM."
"Oh, Derek, I love you so much, son," she cried hugging him tightly mindful of the baby in her arms.
"come over here Spencer," she demanded. Making his way to his mother-in-law he allowed her to hug him as well.
"But I thought your first name was Fran?" Rossi questioned.
"Nope, my actual given name is Donna Francine Morgan," Fran explained.
"And my mom's middle name was Joanne," Reid put in.
"Well they're both beautiful babies," Emily complimented.
"Thank you," Pen said as she yawned. Simultaneously Nate and DJ began crying.
"Well, we'd bettter let you get some rest and take care of these little ones," Emily said from where she stood holding Savanna who Hotch had handed to her when he took Nate.
"Bye bye, Nate, DJ, wuv you," Savanna whispered as the rest of the team left the room. All the adults smiled at the little girl then back at the little family as the three parents tried to pacify their crying infants. XXXX
"It's hard to believe that was 11 years ago now," Garcia said in amazement.
"I know exactly what you mean," Spencer agreed. The rest of the night was spent talking about some of their favorite memories with Fran and meeting others who loved her dearly. The funeral the next day was beautiful and before they all knew it, it was time for everyone but Reid and the kids to go back home.
"Bye, I'll see you when you get back home," Jack said tenderly as he kissed Savanna.
"Ewww, gross," Jason cried.
"Yeah, double gross," Sarah declared. Everyone laughed at the pair.
"Trust me, you won't feel that way forever," Emily assured her daughter.
"She better," Hotch argued causing all the girls to laugh.
"Oh hush, you," emily whispered kissing him quickly before grabbing his hand and heading for the departure gate at the airport. The rest of Spencer and the kids stay in Chicago went off without any problems and before they knew it they were back in Chicago. Three weeks later Derek was finally home having dealt with all of his mothers things and was currently helping to put her house up for sale. They were alljust glad that they'd made it through this difficult time thanks to the love of their friends and family.
***
A/n. Childrens ages: Savanna 13, DJ and Nate, 11, Jason 9. Henry 13, Lisa, 11. Jack, 16, Sarah, 9. Please read and review. XXXX
The team was sitting in the conference room waiting on JJ to brief them on their current case. The media liaison cane walking through the door looking a little worse for wear.
"You feeling okay, JJ?" Morgan wondered.
"Yeah, just a little tired," she replied.
"You sure, you look really pale," Emily added.
"Yeah, my stomach just hurts some, I'm sure it's nothing," she told them.
"What do we have?" Hotch asked. JJ began giving the specifics on the case. She had just reached for the remote and pressed the button to put the pictures up on the screen when a sharp pain shot through her stomach. Crying out she grabbed for her stomach. Unable to stand the pain her knees buckled underneath her and she collapsed to the floor. The team surrounded her in an instant.
"Jayje?" Garcia called softly.
"It hurts, oh god, it hurts so bad. Please make it stop," she whimpered.
"Where does it hurt, JJ?" Reid questioned gently.
"Right here," she answered pointing to the lower part of her stomach. Reid frowned, he thought he knew what was wrong, but he prayed he wasn't correct. Emily gasped apparently the same thought was going through head that was going through Reid's. Dropping to her knees beside her best friend, Emily moved her eyes down JJ's body and stopped when she saw the blood coming through the other woman's pants.
"Someone call 911. Hotch, call Will and tell him to meet us at the hospital," Emily instructed.
"What's going on, Em?" Derek demanded. Ignoring her male colleague, the brunette turned to the media liaison.
"JJ, did you know you were pregnant?" she asked gently. JJ shook her head as she started to cry.
"No, I didn't," the other woman sobbed.
"Shh, it's okay, it will all be okay," Emily soothed as she took the blonde's hand into hers and squeezed. Ten minutes later she was being loaded into an ambulance and she begged Emily to ride with her. The rest of the team floowed behind in one of the SUV's. None of them could believe that one of their own was experiencing such a tragedy. They all just prayed she'd have the strength to get through it.
***
A/n, okay, here are some happy times. I'm tired of all the angst, and think this little family needs a break. Kids ages: Savanna seven, DJ and Nate five, Jason three. Jack, nine, Sarah, three. Henry, seven, Lisa five.
"I can't believe you never told us you own a giant beach house, Rossi," Emily said as the adults sat on the beach watching the children play.
"Well, it never came up. When the higher-ups gave us a mandatory weeks vacation I figured this would be a good time to tell all of you.
"A week of sun sand, and fun, sounds like the best vacation I've ever had," Derek said lifting his beer to his lips and drinking some.
"Give it back! That's mine!" Savanna yelled.
"What's going on?" Reid asked.
"DJ took my shovel, Daddy," the older girl whined.
"DJ, we don't take things without asking," her father gently reminded her. "Apologize to your sister and give it back."
"I'm sorry, Vanna," DJ said handing it back to her.
"It's okay, would you like to play with it? I wanna go find some shells," Savanna offered.
"Okay, thank you," she said taking it and running off to build a sand castle. The guys had started a game of beach volleyball and the women were sipping lemonade while relaxing in lounge chairs. Nate Henry and Jack were playing a game of Marko Polo and splashing one another. Jason and Sarah were playing in the shallow water wearing their water wings and picking up shells. Just then Sarah walked over to Emily and pulled on her hand.
"Mama, up, pease." Nodding Emily lifted her daughter in her arms. Once she was in her mother's arms she laid her head on her chest and rubbed her eyes.
"Are you getting tired, baby?" The toddler just nodded as she yawned.
"Jace looks just as tired," Garcia commented as the little boy trudged towards her holding up his arms.
"What do you say we put these two down for a nap?" Emily suggested.
"Sounds good to me," Garcia agreed picking up her son and carrying him into the house Emily following behind. They all needed this vacation and they knew it would be a week that none of them would soon forget.
***
Duated from the FBI academy and she was going to be joining the BAU. Jack had planned on joining the BAU but then he decided to be a psychologist. He was in his third year of medical school. Deciding it was now or never he rang the door bell.
XXXX
"Hey Jack, come on in," Spencer greeted as he smiled at his oldest daughter's boyfriend.
"Hi, Uncle Spencer, is Uncle Derek home? I was hoping to talk to both of you."
"He's in the kitchen follow me."
"Hey Der, look who's here," Spencer said entering the kitchen Jack behind him.
"Hey Jack, want a glass of tea?" Derek offered.
"Thanks, I'd love one. It's really hot out today," he younger man declared.
"Yes it is," Spencer agreed ass he got the requested beverage. He and his husband shared a look. They were both pretty sure what this conversation was all about.
"So what did you want to talk to us about, Jack?" Derek rompted.
"I want to marry Vanah. I love her more than anyone else in the world, but I need your blessing before I can ask her. I've already asked Aunt Pen and she said yes," the young man explained. The two father's sat in silence letting Jack wonder. Finally after a moment, Spencer spoke.
"Of course we give you our blessing. You love her and it's clear to everyone. Congratulations, kiddo."
"hanks Uncle Spencer. This means a lot to me."
"Just make sure you don't hurt her," Derek warned.
"I promise I'll do my best not to hurt her," Jack swore.
"So howare you going to ask her?" Spencer asked.
"We're going out to dinner tomorrow night. I was thinking of asking her then."
"That sounds like a good idea. Well we should let you get going," Spencer replied.
"Yeah, and Jack?" Derek called as the younger man stood up and headed for the door. Turning back, he stared at Derek expectantly.
"Spence and I couldn't have chosen a better man for our little girl. I know you'll do right by her," Derek said. Jack smiled at those words and let himself out. I'll do right by her, I just hope she says yes, he thought as he climbed back into his car and headed for the apartment.
XXXX
"You look beautiful, sweetheart. I'm the luckiest guy in the world," Jack stated as he stared at his girlfriend the next evening. She was in a pretty purple dress that hugged her curves perfectly.
"Thank you, Jack. You're so sweet," she said kissing him softly.
"Are you ready to go?" Jack checked.
"Yeah, let me get my purse and I will be," she said grabbing the previously mentioned item and heading out to the car ready for a night out.
XXXX
"I can't believe I start at the BAU on Monday. I'm nervous," Savannah admitted.
"You'll do just fine. Besides, most of the family still works at the bureau in some way or another. Everyone will make sure you settle in," Jack assured her.
"That's true, what a crazy wonderful family we have, huh?"
"Crazy indeed," Jak said with a laugh.
"I wonder if everyone thought all us kids would pair off when we were all born? I mean, I'm with you, DJ and Henry are dating. Nate and Lisa are a couple, and of course Jason and Sarah."
"Yeah, it's truly amazing, isn't it?" Jack added.
"Yes it is." They continued their dinner enjoying each other's company. Having finished dessert Jack suggested that we take a walk. Savannah agreed happily.
XXX
They had been working for about 10 minutes when Jack stopped and turned towards the woman standing next to him.
"These last several years have been amazing. I can't believe we've managed to survive all the obstacles that life's thrown at us. I know now that we can handle anything. I'm hoping we will continue to handle everything that's thrown at us together. What I'm saying is, Savanna Grace Reid-Morgan, will you marry me?"
***
"Savannah Grace Reid-Morgan, will you marry me?" Savannah's mouth dropped open and she stared wide-eyed at her boyfriend. Somewhere during his speech he'd dropped to one knee and was now holding out the most beautiful ring she'd ever seen.
"Yes! Oh, Jack, yes I will marry you," she cried tears of joy running down her face. Jack let out the breath he'd been holding. Reaching out he slipped the ring on her finger before pulling his new fiancé in for a kiss. Everyone in the restaurant clapped.
XXXX
"The owner would like to offer you some complimentary champagne along with the restaurant's congratulations," their waiter said.
"Thank you," Jack said kindly. Smiling the waiter filled their glasses before leaving them to their celebration.
"A toast," Jack said.
"To us," Savannah said with a smile.
"To us," he echoed gently tapping their glasses together.
XXXX
"This ring is so pretty, it looks kind of familiar," Savannah said as she twisted her new engagement ring around on her finger.
"That's because it's my mom's. I'm sure you've seen it in pictures," Jack explained.
"You gave me your Mom's ring?" she gasped.
"Yeah, I asked Dad about how to pick out the perfect ring, and he gave it to me," Jack said, remembering the conversation.
XXXX
"Hi son, what brings you by? If you're looking for your mom or Sarah they're out for a girls only dinner," Hotch explained.
"No, actually, I came to talk to you, Dad."
"This sounds serious, have a seat. You want anything to drink?" his father questioned. Jack shook his head and dropped into a chair twisting his fingers in his lap. It was a nervous habit he'd had since childhood.
"I want to ask Vannah Bug to marry me and I was wondering if you had any advice on how to pick out the right ring?" the young man asked. A smile crossed the FBI agent's face at his oldest child's words.
"Stay here, I'll be right back," he said getting up and heading for the stairs. He reappeared five minutes later carrying a box in his hands.
"This was your mother's engagement ring. I want you to have it," the father of two said his voice cracking.
"Are you sure, Dad? I know this ring means a lot to you. I can't just take it," Jack argued.
"Yes you can, son. The last promise your mom made me make is that I'd show you how to love again and I know giving you the ring that made her so happy and expressed my love her would be the best way to do so. Give it to Savannah, I know Haley would want her to have it." Nodding, Jack took the ring and put it safely in his pocket for safe keeping until the time was right.
XXXX
"Hey Jack, earth to Jack," Vannah called.
"Oh, sorry, I was remembering the conversation I had with Dad the day I got your ring," he explained.
"I have to cal Dad and Papa and the rest of the family," she said grabbing the phone and beginning to dial. This was definitely news she was excited to share with the ones she loved most.
***
A/n, kids ages Savannah 23, Nate and DJ 21, Jason 19. Henry 23, Lisa 21. Jack 26, and Sarah 21. I've been looking forward to writing this chapter for a very long time. I hope you enjoy it.
XXXX
"You look gorgeous, sweetheart," Garcia commented as she finished helping Savannah into her wedding dress.
"Thanks, Mom, you really think so?" the anxious bride wondered.
"Yes I do," the tech replied.
"She's right, the dress is perfect for you, Sis," DJ said with a smile.
"Are you nervous?" Emily asked.
"A little bit. What if he decides he doesn't want to marry me?" she questioned.
"Nonsense, Jack's been in love with you since the day Reid and Morgan brought you home," JJ argued.
"She's right, kiddo. Other than the guys and Garcia, no one has loved you more than Jack," Emily responded. Finally feeling reassured, Savannah allowed herself to relax for the first time all day.
XXXX
DJ noticed that her sister was looking around the room.
"Whatcha looking for, Savvy?" her younger sister questioned.
"My something borrow and my something blue. My something old is my ring. My something new is my dress. I don't have the other two, though," she explained.
"Here's a garter DJ and I bought for you," Lisa said as she handed the blue garment to the bride. Savannah nodded her thanks.
"I'd like you to wear these earrings," Garcia said handing her a pair of earrings.
"Oh, they're beautiful, Mom. I love them, I'll take care of them," her daughter promised.
"My mother gave them to me a few weeks before she and my dad died. I've always treasured them and I know they will go wonderfully with the other things you're wearing."
"Thank you," Savannah responded. Just then a knock on the door and Sarah walked over to see who it was.
XXXX
When she opened the door she saw her boyfriend standing in front of her.
"Hey, Jason, what's up?" she asked.
"Nothing really, Jack just asked me to check on avannah," the 19-year-old informed the group of women as he entered the room. Catching sight of his sister, the young man stopped in his tracks.
"Wow, you look beautiful, Anna," he said using his childhood nickname for her. Hearing the nickname nearly did her in and she had to blink hard to push back the tears.
"Hey, now, no crying," her mother instructed.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry. I just wanted to stop in and tell you I love you and so I can let Jack know you're doing fine," Jason said as he kissed his eldest sister's cheek then headed out of the room and back to the room where the guys were getting ready. This was definitely going to be a day none of them would ever forget.
XXXX
An hour later found Jack and Savannah entering the reception ready to celebrate the beginning of their married life.
TBC?
***
The reception was in full swing and everyone was having a great time. The first dance as well as the father(s)/daughter and mother/son dances had been done and now everyone was dancing together and laughing. Hearing people pounding on the tables, Jack made his way over to his bride. Reaching her he pulled her into a kiss that had everyone cat-calling.
"I love you, Savannah Grace Hotchner," he breathed against her lips.
"I love you to, Jack Hotchner," she replied kissing him once again.
"Are you ready to get out of here yet?" Jack wondered.
"As soon as we do the tosses we can," she replied. "I can't believe we're going to Napa Valley California for a week. I've always wanted to go there.
"Well now, you get to. I'll go tell the DJ that we're ready for the tosses," Jack said as he squeezed her hand before heading for the DJ's table.
XXXX
"How are you doing, Vannah Bug?" Reid asked as he and Morgan walked up.
"I'm so happy Daddy, Papa. I've waited for this day for a long time and it's finally here. I just wish…" the young woman broke off not wanting to put a damper on the day. Her dad's understood what she wasn't saying.
"I'm sure she was looking down on you today. I know she's as proud of you as we and Garcia are," Morgan assured his daughter.
"Thanks, Papa, I love you," Savannah said as she hugged him tightly then she moved to hug Spencer.
"Is there room for one more?" Garcia asked as she walked up.
"Of course there is, Mom. Thank you for everything," Savannah whispered as she hugged her mother tightly. No she wasn't her biological mom, but she was there for everything that counted and that was all that mattered. Just then the DJ called for Savannah to come to the center of the dance floor and for all the single ladies to come up. Grabbing her toss bouquet from the head table she walked to the center of the floor smiling at all her friends and family along the way.
XXXX
"Are you ladies ready?" she called out.
"Yeah!" they all called back.
"Okay… One, two, three!" she said tossing the bouquet over her shoulder. The guest's began cheering as Lisa caught the bouquet and started to smile.
"Looks like it's gonna be your turn next, Nate," Henry said slapping his best friend on the shoulder. "The fact that you'll be marrying my baby sister doesn't bother as much as it should since I know you'd hurt yourself before ever hurting her," the blonde commented.
"Yeah, that is definitely true," Nate answered. While this conversation was taking place all the single guys were called out on to the dance floor. Jack made a ceremony of removing the garter from his wife's leg then standing up and turning away from the crowd, preparing to throw.
XXXX
"So do you think you and Nate will get married anytime soon?" Sarah asked as she, DJ, and Lisa sat together.
"I don't know. We're only 21 and we both have school to finish. I do hope he'll ask me soon," Lisa said thoughtfully.
"I think Sar will get married next," DJ put in. The 19-year-old turned wide eyes on her friends.
"W-W-What? I mean why do you say that?" she asked nervously.
"It's just a hunch. There's just something about you and Jason that makes me think you'll be next. You Hotchner's love totally and completely and I don't see that stopping anytime soon," DJ explained. Lisa nodded in agreement. Just then Jack threw the garter and the entire room burst into laughter when a dumbfounded Nate caught. Turning to Lisa he gave her a smile which she returned.
XXXX
"Fifteen minutes later found everyone bidding farewell to the happy couple as they headed for the hotel they were staying at for the night compliments of the team. They would be leaving for a fun-filled week in California the next day.
"There she goes," Derek said choking up.
"Our little girl's all grown up and ready to fly," Spencer commented.
"That she is, that she is, pretty boy. All we can do is hope and pray we've given her the skills and ability to deal with anything that comes her way and that she knows we're always here."
"She does, Derek, we've definitely made sure of that. What do you say we head home and do a little celebrating of our own?" Spencer whispered in his husband's ear. Nodding eagerly Morgan grabbed Reid's hand and began dragging him towards their car ready to do what his husband had just suggested.
Finished!
A/n, after two and a half years this is finally finished! Sorry for the age issues, Jack is supposed to be seven years older than Sarah but Jason and Sarah are the same age, so just go with it. Thanks to all of you who reviewed, favorite and followed this story. It truly has been a labor of love.
***
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