Spencer's First New Year's Celebration

Thanks to Diane for the excellent idea to write this story. Oh-and to the guest who asserted that Catholic Rossi could not go to a Methodist church for Christmas eve…Methodists open their arms to all! And God loves all his children, whatever denomination they choose to worship with.

Chapter 1

The day after Christmas, Spencer forced open his sleepy eyes, and put on his round wire rimmed glasses. He looked over to the pile of toys and books he had received over the prior two days and considered his good fortune. Never in his short life had he received such an outpouring of love and acceptance. And from so many people! Despite a lingering feeling of guilt for not having reciprocated, Spencer remembered Daddy promising that her could at least buy Jack a present today.

Crawling out of bed, he chose a warm looking sweater and pair of corduroy pants to don, with his signature mismatched socks, and padded down to the kitchen in search of breakfast. He found Hotch sipping coffee as he stirred a pot of maple and brown sugar oatmeal on the stove. "Good Morning Spencer!" greeted Hotch, "You're up early! Breakfast will be ready in a minute. Would you like to wake up Jack for me?" "Sure!" responded the boy, as he ran back up the stairs to find his brother. Finding Jack tangled in his sheets and blankets, snoring away, he stopped to plan wake-up strategy. Gently shaking Jack's shoulder, he quietly called "Jack! Breakfast time!" Then, louder, "Jack! Breakfast is ready!" Then, finally, he jerked off Jack's blankets and yelled "Jack! Breakfast! Wake up!" Jack finally began blinking his eyes sleepily. "Whah..." Jack mumbled. "Daddy says come eat breakfast!" announced Spencer, then he scampered back downstairs to the kitchen.

"He's coming!" stated Spencer as he re-entered the warm kitchen, appreciatively sniffing the sweet maple aroma. Aaron pulled out a chair for him, then dished him out a big bowl of the warm oatmeal, repeating the process as Jack stumbled into the kitchen, still in his Captain America pajamas. Placing a piece of buttered toast and a glass of milk before each child, the father served himself and sat with his family around the table. "OK Boys, I am off today, so what would you like to do?"

"Ummm," ventured Spencer, "Do you remember what you said I could do today? With the Christmas card money?" "Oh yes, now I remember. Are you sure that is what you want to do buddy?" responded Aaron, touched anew at his new son's giving nature. Spencer nodded. "We can go as soon as we finish breakfast and Jack gets dressed. Then we need to go by the cemetery and say Merry Christmas to Haley. That was Jack's Mommy, and we include her in holidays." "Can we bring Mommy some flowers Daddy?" queried Jack. "Of course, buddy" responded Aaron, heart catching in his chest. "Now, if you are done eating, why don't you go get dressed. Do you need help?" "No, I can do it!" exclaimed the five-year-old as he dashed up the stairs to his room.

Soon, a warmly dressed Jack returned to the living room, carrying the new shoes his Aunt Jessica had given him. "Can I wear these Daddy? I want to show them to Mommy." "Yes, you can" responded the touched Father, struggling to keep his voice clear for his son's sake. "Now Spencer, go get some shoes, then we'll put on our coats and head out to the car." Soon the boys were safely strapped into their car seats, and the group were headed to the nearest mall.

After shopping in the large chain toy store, as well as a few smaller local shops, Spencer found just what he thought Jack would like, and Aaron distracted Jack while Spencer completed the sale. The Hotchner men then trooped to the florist and picked out a bouquet to bring to Haley. Soon they were at Haley's grave, and Aaron carefully removed priorly placed flowers now wilted, and picked up a few stray dead leaves. "Hi Mommy!" exclaimed Jack, grabbing hold of Spencer's arm and pulling him forward. "This is my new brother Spencer. His Mommy can't take care of him, and his daddy is dead, so Daddy adopted him. You woulda really likeded him Mommy. He is really nice, and fun to play with. I really miss you Mommy. Say Hi Spencer!"

"Uh, hello Mrs. Hotchner. I wish I had been afforded the opportunity to meet you. I am really happy to be with your son and husband. They are good people. Of course, you know that. Thanks for having Jack-he is the best brother I could ever have had. I hope you are enjoying Heaven." Spencer tapered off, unsure what else to say, but a quick glance at Aaron and Jack reassured him that what he had said was ok.

Placing the new bouquet on the neatened grave, Aaron could not prevent a lone tear from running down his cheek. "I miss you Haley! And I wish things had not ended the way that they did. Jack is a wonderful boy, and he has inherited your big heart. It was big enough to bring in a new brother, and to share my love with him. You did such a good job with Jack! I can only do my best to follow your footsteps. Know that I still love you, and always will."

Stepping back, the three blew kisses at the grave, then trekked back to the car, and journeyed home.

Upon reaching their destination, the boys were tired and more than willing to lay down for a nap. Upon awaking, they were treated to an early supper of delivered pepperoni pizza and then gathered into the living room to watch a movie together. Then another. Looking around his snug living room, Aaron was charmed to see his boys cuddled together under a blanket, snoring away. After taking each to their bed and tucking them in, Aaron cleaned up the pizza and tidied the living room. Slowly heading up the stairs, Aaron smiled in contentment and headed to his own bed.