Here we go folks! The last installment to this story!

Epilogue

They stayed at the lake house for another day and night. During that time Emily took the opportunity to visit her neighbors again. They were as welcoming as ever, but Emily could tell that something had changed since she had told them the truth. Hugh especially appeared more distant. She couldn't blame him, but still, it deeply saddened her. So it was with a heavy heart that she said her goodbyes, glanced at her house and the lake one last time, and got into the car, with a promise to herself that she would return often, if only for a quick vacation weekends.

They made good time on the drive - despite some bad winter conditions – so that three days later they were back in DC.

Emily went back to stay with Garcia, but since her building had a no-pet policy, Hotch had suggested he take Ambassador with him for the time being. Emily had been a little reluctant, for various reasons, the most important of which being that the dog shouldn't be his responsibility. But in the end he had convinced her, winning her over when he said it would be a surprise for Jack.

Emily enjoyed spending those few days with Garcia, but on the other hand not having many opportunities to spend some intimate time with Hotch made her quite eager to move into her own place. So she quickly organized a 'moving' day with the team; painting, moving around and/or building the furniture she had ordered was on the menu. Despite the work involved, they all agreed readily, so Emily was excited to have all of them reunited again. It would be kind of her own welcome home party.

She and Hotch had thought to make that day the day their secret would get out to the rest of the team. They had agreed that Morgan needed to be told separately, though, so Hotch had a discussion with him the day after their return. Emily was not present for the conversation, but later Hotch related how Morgan had been angry at first, wondering what else they were keeping from the rest of the team. But then as Hotch had laid out his proposition for him to keep the unit chief position, Morgan had gotten over his surprise and started to look at the situation with his usual maturity and candidness. In the end he had told him he would think about it. So when moving day finally came a few days later, they both expected Morgan to give them an answer before the day ended.

Emily and Hotch had already started painting the living room – with her landlord's permission, of course - when Morgan arrived early that morning, hands full with take-out coffee and breakfast. He showed little surprise at finding them already at work together, nor at watching Jack run around the house with an unfamiliar dog on his heels. Emily guessed he had thought about it long enough to get accustomed to the idea of his teammates in a romantic relationship.

"I've been thinking about your proposition, Hotch," Morgan started as they gathered around and he distributed the food and coffee he'd brought.

Emily exchanged a look with Hotch before he returned his attention to Morgan and nodded. "What have you decided?"

Morgan looked between the two of them for a moment, his fingers tapping the lid of his coffee cup as he considered his words. "Forgive me for asking, but you guys are really serious about this? It's not just… like some kind of fling?"

"Not a fling. We're serious," Emily stated firmly. She didn't even have to look at Hotch to know that he was in agreement.

Morgan studied them seriously for a moment longer. "Then I'm happy for you guys, really. But how do you suggest we make this work? I'll be in charge of the team, and then what?"

Hotch told him what he had in mind – basically that Morgan would be the one to set the rules so that everything went smoothly while they were on a case. Whether that involved not having them partner up together, or whatever else, Emily and Hotch would respect it. They were both eager to make this work, so they were prepared to act professional, just like they always had in the past.

"I don't doubt your professionalism, but what about the others?"

"We were hoping to discuss it with them today," Hotch replied. "Depending on your answer to my offer. But we wanted to make sure that you're on board with this first, otherwise we'll need to figure out something else. But ultimately this will be a team decision, and it has to be unanimous."

Morgan nodded. "I appreciate that."

Hotch gave a curt nod.

"So, what do you say?" Emily asked, unable to resist.

He gave them a pensive look, then nodded. "Okay. But only if the others also agree."

"It goes without saying," Hotch agreed as he extended his hand, and Morgan shook it.

At last the younger agent let out a slow smile. "You guys… Garcia's gonna have a fit when she hears about this."

He was right.

There had been no easy way to make the announcement, but when they were done for the day, Emily ordered some pizza for everyone, and taking advantage of the overall good humor, Emily had told them first that she was officially returning to the team. She had officially made the request through the appropriate channels, and because they had told her that she could get any assignment she wanted, she was certain that her request would be granted.

There was some good cheer as everyone clanked their drinks together.

"But there are going to be some changes when I return next week," Hotch had announced from his seat next to hers, a bit more gravely. "For one I will be permanently stepping down from my position as unit chief. Morgan will take the role, just as he's done in the past. I have every confidence in his abilities to lead this team where it needs to go."

There were some surprised looks and exchanged glances. "What, why?" Reid asked with a little confusion. "I mean, no offense to Morgan, but why?"

Emily exchanged a long look with Hotch at this, and before any of them could open their mouths, Garcia jumped to her feet.

"Oh my God!" she exclaimed quickly, he hands covering her mouth in shock. "Oh my God!"

Reid looked up confused. "What?"

"There's no way! You two…!" Garcia added with a squeal.

At this point Seaver had caught up and was looking at them with wide eyes.

"What? What?" Reid kept asking. "I don't get it!"

"They're… They're… They're a couple!" Garcia exclaimed, her finger accusingly pointing in their direction.

"Yes, Garcia is correct," Hotch intervened with the hint of a smile. "And we hope you all think that this is a good thing," he gave Emily a brief look before he returned his attention to the rest of the crew. "But we're telling you all now because we need to make sure. This will obviously affect all of you, and how we work as a team. So your input is essential if we want to make this work."

"Are you kidding? This is great!" Reid said with a smile, as he glanced around at the others to see their reactions.

"Seaver?" Emily asked.

She still looked a little stunned. "Well I... I certainly don't have a problem with it!"

"Dave?" Hotch asked.

"I think it'll take some time to adjust, but I'm willing to give it a try."

"Penelope?"

Garcia dropped herself back onto her seat. "I'm still too stunned to think straight. But of course I think it's wonderful! Emily Prentiss I'm going to have to smack you over the head for keeping this to yourself all this time while you were living under my roof! Capital offense!" she threatened with good humor.

Emily and Hotch both turned to look at Morgan. He smiled and raised his drink again. "To those changes that are for the best, and to the return of our good friend!"

Later that night, Emily and Hotch sat quietly together in her living room, with Jack fast asleep on the empty space next to them. The day playing with the dog and just running around apparently got the best of him.

"You know, I'm glad you decided to keep this couch, it's amazingly comfortable," Hotch said as he looked around her new home and his hand stroked the cushion.

Emily grinned against his shoulder. "Yeah?"

"For some reason it's really close to my heart now. I would have hated to see it stay behind."

She chuckled a little. "Yeah, me too."

They fell silent, just enjoying the moment.

"I think it went pretty well, don't you think?" Emily asked eventually, in a low voice.

"It did," Hotch agreed, his hand drawing lazy circles on her arm. "Are you surprised?"

"Not entirely. I think Dave's right, though. It will take some getting used to."

"Maybe. But at least we won't have to hide. That's good, isn't it?"

"Are you kidding? It's pretty incredible. I feel like I've had secrets to hide for so long, it's almost strange not to have any." She smiled. "Aaron Hotchner, I think you'll make an honest woman out of me yet," she teased.

"That'll be the day."

"Tease."

THE END

Well there you go! I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it! Although I must admit that it was much harder than I'D thought to come up with a way for them to actually find Doyle and Declan, and be able to track them down! It was definitely a challenge, but I hope I was able to make it believable at least! Now I'll be anxiously waiting for season 7 to see how the pros will make it happen :-) But anyways, thanks for reading, and comments and reviews are welcome :-)