Thank you all so very much for your reviews for the previous chapter. Here we are, at the end of this story! And it is an epic-length chapter.

Please note that there is SERIOUSLY bad language in this chapter. You've been warned! My apologies for this but you'll see the reason why they're in there.

I hope you enjoy the final chapter.

Emily put the last diaper on the stack next to the change table then straightened up and looked with satisfaction at the nursery that she, Hotch and Jack had set up. The walls were painted a soft lemon yellow and the wall next to the cot was decorated with removable stickers that she had bought online – there was a brightly coloured rainbow, a sun with a smiley face, green rolling fields and small cartoons of children playing with the various equipment in the playground. She had another set of stickers hidden away in one of the drawers, but she couldn't put them up yet unless she wanted to reveal the sex of the baby. Just a few more days.

She sighed, smoothing the soft fluffy pale green blanket in the cot. She was already three days past her due date. One more day and then she would be induced. It had been hard work just persuading Susan to let her go this long due to her age and the possible complications. Emily had to admit that there was a slight sense of relief at the thought that D-day could possibly be tomorrow. She was just so tired. Her back ached constantly and she was barely sleeping at night. And if she was barely sleeping at night, she might as well have a baby to care for.

Hotch was tying off his loose ends at work today in preparation for taking the next three weeks off. She was looking forward to being home with him. She was glad he was going to be home with her, because if she were honest with herself, she was just a little anxious about the days ahead with a new baby. JJ told her that it was a completely 'on the job' learning but that she would fall into the rhythm of motherhood. Emily had raised her eyebrows at the latter comment. JJ had flushed, then laughingly admitted that it was something that Will had said to her. But seriously, she had then said to Emily, it was true. And she also assured Emily that she would be there for her if she ever needed help.

Walking into the kitchen, she switched on the kettle before putting a teabag into a mug. Rubbing her back, she winced as a particularly strong twinge of pain shot through her lower back. Maybe she should lie down for a bit after this. Even if it went against her grain to be taking a nap at eleven in the morning. It was probably something she was going to need to get over quickly, especially if she had just had a sleepless night. It was the one good thing about being in the BAU, she was used to functioning with little sleep. Although she could get a little snappy after a number of days. And she had a feeling Hotch was going to be bearing the brunt of it. Good thing she had been giving him a lot of 'attention' lately. Okay, technically, he did most of the work, but still. She was pretty sure he was getting a hell of a lot of sex more than 99.5 percent of men with partners who were nine months pregnant.

She took a sip of her jasmine tea, closing her eyes as the heat of the drink warmed her up from the inside. It was freezing outside, the dropping temperatures overnight having turned the rain slicked roads into ice-covered vehicular death-traps. So much so that Hotch had forbade her from driving Jack to school. Normally she would have put her beloved other half in his place, but she didn't want to stress herself out either fighting with traffic and dangerous road conditions.

Oops, it was bathroom break time.

Again.

It was seriously ridiculous how little space she now had in her bladder. She sat down on the toilet, mind busy going over the ingredients of the beef casserole she was planning to cook today. Her mother had told her that she would be more than happy to have a gourmet food service deliver them meals for as long as they needed, but Emily had declined. Her relationship with her mother had warmed up slightly since she told her about the baby, and by that she meant from frozen to slightly thawed. She was still not comfortable being beholden to her parent. In any case, she didn't actually mind, finding the act of cooking soothing. It also took her mind of her anxiety of how she was going to cope with being a parent to a newborn.

She suddenly realised that she had been sitting there for a few minutes now. What was going on? Surely she couldn't still be peeing. Liquid was definitely being released, but there was no way she would have had that much wee in her. Her entire body tensed as realisation struck.

Oh God.

It wasn't wee. It was amniotic fluid. Her waters had broken. Her pulse rate had doubled and she could feel that sweat had broken out on her palms. Okay, okay. Calm down, Emily. Not only is panicking not going to help, it isn't good on the baby. She took a deep breath, then sprang into action, but in a calm manner. First she took a stack of toilet paper and pressed it to herself before pulling up her undies and hobbling over to the bathroom to get a pad. She washed her hands and took a moment to check herself quickly in the mirror. She looked reasonably presentable for someone who hadn't had a decent night's sleep in over a month. Fortunately she had taken the time this morning to put on her make-up, thinking she was going to drive Jack to school. She knew she was being a little ridiculous, but there was no need to go without make-up at this stage of the proceedings.

Right, next thing was to call Hotch. While she waited for him to answer his cell, she walked from room to room, checking that all the windows were locked, before checking the stove and switches in the kitchen were off. Her hospital bag was by the door, ready to go, so that was fine. She was actually rather proud of the calmness which she was exhibiting, at least, she was.

Three minutes later, she glared down at her cell with frustration. Where the hell was Hotch? She had called him three times now and each time, it had rung out and gone to his voice mail. She needed him. Surely he was constantly checking his cell just in case this happened. A sudden jab of pain shot through her back, strong enough to make her gasp aloud. She knew that once her waters broke the contractions would strengthen, but she didn't think it would be so intense so soon.

JJ. She should call JJ. No answer.

Pen then. No answer either. Same with Dave and Morgan.

Who else. Reid. Emily tapped her fingers impatiently on the kitchen counter as she waited for Reid to reply. If he didn't reply, she might very well have to call for an ambulance. The absolute last thing she wanted.

"Hey, Emily."

Thank God for small miracles. "Reid? Where are you?" She walked restlessly back and forth between the stove and the kitchen counter while she spoke.

"I've just finished a lecture at the academy and I'm about to get into the car to drive back to Quantico. What's up?"

"I can't get in touch with Hotch. Or anyone else. Do you know where they are?" Even she could hear the faint note of panic in her voice.

"I think there was some sort of meeting that everyone had to attend this morning. Director's orders. What's the matter, is something wrong?" There was concern in his voice.

"My waters just broke. And I need to get to the hospital. And I'm freaking out just a little," she couldn't help admitting.

"Okay, okay, don't worry. Everything's going to be fine. I'm only twenty minutes away, so I'll be there soon. Just hang on and keep trying Hotch. How are you contractions?" There was the sound of hurried footsteps so she knew he was rushing to his car. He was sweet.

"They're fine, still manageable." Just as she spoke, another contraction hit and she had to drop the phone to grab the edge of the counter, panting hard.

"Emily? Emily, you there?"

It was another half a minute before she got back on the phone. "I'm here, sorry. Just had to deal with a contraction."

"I'm getting into my car now. Just breathe when the contraction hits and try to distract your body by doing things like stomping your feet, or squeezing a ball or chanting." Trust Reid. Emily heard the car start. "Hang in there. I'll see you soon."

"Okay, thanks Reid. Bye."

Just as she hung up, her cell phone started to ring. It was Hotch. Finally.

"Emily?" Hotch's voice sounded harried. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. But the baby's on the way." She heard him swear. Three times.

"I'm leaving right now. I'll be there in half an hour. Just don't panic." She heard the sound of fumbling, then something crashing to the floor. More swearing. Very loud swearing.

Emily winced, holding her cell away from her ear. "Honey, I'm not the one who's just said the F word multiple times. There's no need to pick me up. Reid's on the way. You should just meet me at the hospital. Just don't worry, and drive carefully. I really don't want you to have an accident on the way there."

"I will. Are you sure you don't want me to pick you up? I don't know about Reid driving you." Typical control freak that he was, she wasn't surprised at his question.

"Yes, it makes no sense for you to come now. He's only twelve minutes away. Go tell...ah!" She clutched her back, biting back a moan as a contraction emanated from her back and coiled around her lower belly. What the hell, another contraction already?

"Emily! Are you all right?" Even with the phone on the counter she could hear the fear in his voice. Breathing slowly, she tried to picture her breath slowly filling a red balloon, slowly, slowly...until the contraction faded away. "Emily, are you there? Answer me!"

"I..I'm here, Aaron, I'm fine. Just a contraction. Get to the hospital, I'll be fine. I promise."

"All right. Emily..." His worried voice trailed off.

"I know darling. I love you too."

"I'll see you in 45 minutes. Tell Reid not to rush. Please."

"I will, I'm going to hang up now. I just remembered that I need to shave my legs."

"What?" Her fiancee's reply was explosive. "Are you joking?"

"No, I'm not, and it'll take me like two minutes. I'm hanging up now," she warned. "Love you." He was still talking when she cut him off. Really, did he think she was going to be exposing her normally pant-covered, winter-hairy legs to all and sundry? No way in hell.

By the time Emily reached the hospital forty minutes later, her contractions had gone from more than ten minutes apart to five minutes apart. And they were not mild contractions. No, in fact the last two had made her actually call out in pain. She had also grabbed Reid's arm involuntarily, making him hit the brakes. Fortunately they were about ten feet from the hospital's emergency entrance at the time. A speaking look from Emily was all it took for Reid to quickly shut his mouth after emitting a surprised shriek and drive the last few feet to the double glass doors.

"Hi there, my, uh, my friend Emily...she's, she's in labour," said Reid, talking quickly to the nurse that came up them.

The nurse waved at an orderly who brought over a wheelchair. Emily got into it and looked around. "Where's Aaron, Reid? Do you see him?"

"Uh...no." Reid's brow was furrowed as he too, ran his glance over the room. "Don't worry, he's probably on the way. Or he could be in the maternity ward waiting for you there."

Five minutes later, they were next to the nurses station in the maternity ward and Hotch was still nowhere to be seen. Emily moaned as she felt another contraction start in her lower back. She quickly reached out and grabbed her companion's hand. "Ohhhhhhh...fuuuuuuck. REID!"

She thought she heard Reid whimper like a puppy as her grip on his hand tightened to crushing point. She'd have to apologise later. Right now, though … fucking hell, it hurt! Breathe out... quick inhale. Breathe out again...

When the contraction finally faded about a millennia later, she focused to find a dark-haired, round-faced nurse standing in front of her. "That was an intense one, huh?" She smiled kindly down at Emily. "Hi Emily, I'm Betty and I'll be your midwife today. How bout we get you to your room now and I'll check to see how far along you are." She turned her gaze to Reid. "I presume you're the the father?"

Reid's eyes almost bugged out of his face while Emily choked on a breath. "Me?" His voice was a squeak. "Fathering Emily's...NO! God, no! I couldn't...I mean...she's my boss' fiancee, and I work with her...I m..mean it wasn't me, it's...our Unit Chief. He's the sperm donor."

Emily and Nurse Betty eyed Reid as if he had just morphed into an alien being. "Reid! For God's sake, instead of talking about Hotch's sperm will you just try and find out where the hell he is? Because I swear this baby is not coming without him here."

Betty started to push Emily down the corridor towards the suite of private rooms. "I've been doing this a long time, hon, and I'm pretty sure you can't stop nature."

"Betty, no offence to you, and I totally respect your work, but you've never met me before. I'm a federal agent and this baby is NOT coming without me saying so," Emily said adamantly. And it was sure as hell not coming without its father being present. Even if she had to glue her own damn legs closed.

Reid trailed behind, holding his cell to his ear. "Yeah, that's true, Betty. If Emily says that baby isn't coming, she means it."

Betty just looked amused, no doubt laughing inwardly at Emily's naivety. Emily didn't care, though, Hotch better be there or there will be no baby. The nurse was helping her off the wheelchair when the next contraction struck.

"Mother. FU...CKER! A...a...rgh! Asshole. Arsewipe. Cocksucker," hissed Emily, grabbing the side of the bed, panting hard.

"All right, slow down your breathing. Breathe out, slower, slower...that's right." Betty's voice was soothing as she rubbed Emily's back.

"Oh Go...d," moaned Emily, feeling a drop of sweat drip into her eye. "Fuck me in both ears. That was ten times more painful than being stabbed in the stomach." She looked at the nurse. "Betty, I need an epidural. Like STAT." She gave the furiously blushing Reid a cross look. "Reid, are you seriously blushing? Really?"

"I..um..I've just never heard the expression fuck me in both ears, I mean that's not physically possible. I wonder why..." his voice trailed off at Emily's incredulous stare.

Betty pulled back the covers on the bed. "Okay, let's get you on the bed and check you first." Emily kicked off her ballet flats and slipped out of her maternity pants. "Reid," she spoke, without looking at her colleague, "Unless you want to get a eyeful of my lady parts, I'd suggest you wait outside. I'm not particularly concerned as I'm more than certain at least five or six people will be seeing my bits. I'm more concerned about you having to explain to my other half when he arrives. Which reminds me. Where is he?"

"I couldn't reach him, but I spoke to Morgan and he says that Hotch took off like a house on fire right after your call. Morgan, JJ, Rossi and Garcia are in another car and they're stuck in traffic on M Street. I'd deduce that Hotch was stuck on it too."

Emily swore her mouth dropped open. "On M Street?" she screeched, uncaring of the Reid's wince. "Are you fucking kidding me? I'm in fucking labour and the father of my child took the one street he fucking should have known to have fucking avoid?"

"Emily, maybe you should watch your language just a little," suggested Reid, a tentative look on his face.

Betty laughed at the promise of death glare that Emily shot at Reid, who actually paled at the look. "Don't hold back on my behalf, I'm highly entertained at the moment. Okay, Mr Reid, I'm about to examine Emily's cervix now, so how about you try to locate the baby's daddy outside of the room, hmm?"

Reid swallowed convulsively. "Emily's cer..cervix? Uh, yeah, I'll just be...outside," he mumbled, another blush washing over his face until even the tips of his ears were red. "Th..that's just way too much information," he muttered to himself as he left the room.

Emily waited with bated breath as she watched Betty examine her. "Right," said Betty, straightening up and removing her exam glove. "You're speeding along for someone who's having a first child. You're almost eight centimetres dilated."

"WHAT? But Aaron isn't here! Oh my God. Oh my God." She felt her heart rate double. This couldn't be happening. Not only was the pain bloody fucking through the roof but the father of her child wasn't even present!

"All right now, you can't let yourself get stressed. You need to remain as calm as possible for the baby, you hear?"

Emily nodded vaguely, even though she was starting to feel panic fill her. Where was Hotch?

Forty-five minutes later

"Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck! Here's another o...ne!" Emily wailed loudly, banging the wall of the shower with the balls she was holding in both fists. The hot water rained down her back as she tried to breath through the pain. Because she was so close to being fully dilated, it was too late for an epidural, so Betty had suggested she try the shower instead. "Shitcock. Motherfuck. Mother-shit-fuck. Cocksucking piece of shit...ass...pissant...fuck!"

"Emily? Emily, sweetheart, I'm here." Her eyelids fluttered open and she moaned in relief at the sight of Hotch getting into the shower with her. "I'm so sorry, so sorry, sweetheart." She almost wept at the feel of his strong arms closing around her. "I was a fucking idiot taking M Street." His rubbed her lower back soothingly as she clung to his neck, pressed as closely to him as possible. "I'm so sorry," he repeated, pressing his lips to the top of her head.

The contraction finally subsided completely and she stared up at her fiancee and Unit Chief. While she had been waiting for him, something had suddenly become clear to her. Something she needed to do. Something she couldn't wait any longer for. "Aaron, I want to get married."

He smiled gently down at her. "I know, sweetheart. We'll have the wedding as soon as we're ready."

"No, you don't understand." She looked over that wall and reached out, shutting off the flow of water. "I want to get married now."

His eyebrows shot up. "What? Right now?" His eyes were filled with disbelief.

"Yes, right now. Get me out of the shower. We need to get a priest."

"Emily, the baby's about to arrive, I don't think we have time..."

She shot him a glare as he helped her get into a bathrobe. "You better not be telling me you've changed your mind about marrying me, Aaron. I'm already pissed off beyond words about you not being here."

Hotch quickly towelled himself off and slipped on a t-shirt and sweatpants over his trunks. "Emily, I love you. Of course I want to marry you. It's just that I don't think we have time – "

"REID!" bellowed Emily. "REID, come in here!"

Reid appeared at the doorway as Hotch helped her onto the bed. He approached the bed warily, eyes filled with more than a touch of fear. "You called?" he asked tentatively.

"Hotch and I need a priest, ASAP. We need you to get us a priest, Reid."

"What?" Reid looked at Hotch, eyes wild with panic. "A priest? W..why?"

"Relax, I'm not looking for someone to give me last rites," retorted Emily irritably. "We want to get married before the baby arrives. So you need to find us a priest."

"I..I don't know where..." stuttered Reid.

Oh no, not now. "FUCKING CON...TRAC...AARRGH!" Emily grabbed Reid's neck tie, pulling his face close to hers as his hand fought with hers at the tightening noose around his neck. "Get us a motherfucking priest right now, Reid, before I cut your balls O...FFFF!" She felt Hotch pry her hand off Reid's tie. She thought she heard Hotch tell Reid to go but she couldn't say for sure, the pain so intense that it literally took her breath away at the peak of the contraction. She couldn't even do the breathing exercise that she and Hotch had been practising for the last eight weeks. She muttered a few more choice swear words at their class instructor. The one who had lied to her and said she was going to be able to handle it.

Ninety seconds later she opened her eyes to see Hotch staring down at her with concerned eyes. "Hey," he said softly.

Emily frowned. Memory returned. In part. "Was I dreaming or did I just strangle Reid with his tie?"

His mouth twitched. "You did attempt bodily harm, but we managed to stop you."

"Oh no. We're going to need to buy him like...I don't know, a library of books after this."

"Or maybe we could find him a girlfriend."

Emily arched an eyebrow at the man she loved. "Wow. Aaron Hotchner, matchmaker? This I gotta see."

Hotch shrugged. "Well, it's just that I'm so happy, so I want the rest of the team to be too, and that includes Reid."

She felt warmth fill her. "You're happy?" Logically, she knew that he was, but hearing him actually utter the words filled her with joy.

"You're the happiness in my life. You and Jack and the baby." His eyes, so full of love, gazed tenderly down at her.

"Oh Aaron, I love you so much." Their lips met in a soft kiss. When they broke apart, Hotch gave her a wry smile. "Did you actually say fuck balls and assmuncher?"

Her eyes widened. "I did?"

His eyebrows rose. "You don't remember?"

"No, really, I don't. But," her mouth opened and she drew in a breath. "There's going to be more where that came from, I'm afraid, because I can feel another one coming."

At the end of that contraction, she opened her eyes to see Dr Chang sitting calmly between her raised, spread legs. "Hi Emily." Her eyes crinkled over her mask.

"Susan! Thank God!" Emily fell back against her pillow, trying to catch her breath.

"Sorry I'm late, there was a hell of a traffic jam on M Street. You'd think I would have known better than take that route." She looked into the space, concentration as she examined Emily. "Good news, Emily. You're ten centimetres. Are you ready to push?" She turned to look at Betty whom Emily just noticed was standing next to her doctor. "Betty, can you page Dr Smith. Tell him we should be ready for him within the hour." She looked back the couple. "Dr Smith will be your paediatrician today."

"No, wait, I'm not ready yet," interjected Emily. "We're waiting for a priest."

"I beg your pardon?" Dr Chang's eyebrows were high on her forehead.

"Emily wants to be married before the baby arrives," said Hotch.

Her doctor's brow furrowed. "Um...well, you don't have much time, Emily."

"I found a priest! I found a priest!" Everyone looked up to see Reid burst into the delivery room and skid to a halt. "Father Reilly. He was here giving last rites and I found him. He's even Catholic!" Next to Reid stood a bemused bearded man in his sixties with short grey hair and a kindly smile.

"Hello, I'm Father Reilly. You wanted a priest I understand?" His eyebrows rose at the tableau before him.

"Father, I'm Emily Prentiss and this is my fiancee, Aaron Hotchner. We want to be married. Now. Can you please perform the ceremony?" She felt a contraction start. No, no, no! "A really quick one. Aaron!"

"Okay, breathe with me. Picture the balloon expanding. Blow...blow...blow..." The calmness in his deep, strong voice was the lifeline which she clung on to as she rode the tide of contraction. Don't swear, don't swear, don't swear, she chanted, instead projecting her pain into a low wail. "Aaa...ah."

This time when she came to, she opened her eyes to see a shocked look on Father Reilly's face. "Oh no," she moaned, "did I swear again?"

Hotch chuckled. "No sweetheart, I just don't think Father Reilly's ever been in this type of situation before. Am I right, Father?"

"That you are, son. I think we should skip the dearly beloved, shouldn't we?" He laughed at Emily and Hotch's vigorous nods. "Now, do you have the marriage licence?"

"Yes, but not with us. Can I get that to you tomorrow?" answered Hotch.

"Sure. And you're both Catholics?"

"I am. Aaron isn't, we can get a special dispensation can't we?" asked Emily anxiously.

"Don't worry, we can sort something out later. Now join your hands and let's start. Emily and Aaron, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?"

"We have," they replied.

"Will you love and honour each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?"

Emily looked up at Hotch. His hand tightened around hers. "We will."

"Will you accept children lovingly from God and bring them up according to the law of Christ and and his Church?" There was twinkle in Father Reilly's eyes. "I think we can take it to be a yes to the first part of the question."

Everyone in the room laughed.

"We will." Emily grinned at Hotch.

"Father, you'll need to hurry up, there'll be another contraction in thirty seconds," warned Dr Chang.

"Oh right. Aaron, you first. Repeat after me."

And so, Hotch did so, eyes staring unblinkingly into Emily's. "I, Aaron, take you, Emily, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life."

"Your turn, Emily," said Father Reilly.

"I, Emily, take you, Aaron, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life." Her eyes filled with tears at the love that shone in his eyes for all to see."

"I presume you don't have rings so I declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." As their lips met, Emily heard the priest comment in a wry voice, eliciting another wave of laughter, "Although you've obviously done that already."

Emily's eyes widened. "Oh fu...dge, I need to push. Right now!"

"All right, everyone out. The baby's not waiting any longer."

Dr Chang was right. Forty minutes later, the loud cry of a newborn pierced that air. Emily looked up at Hotch to see tears well in his eyes at the sound. Her mouth fell open when a tiny, squirming body was placed on her bared chest, the little cries from the baby's open mouth shooting straight through her heart and lodging in her very soul.

"Congratulations, mum and dad, you have a beautiful baby boy," said Dr Chang.

"Oh," breathed out Emily, wonder in her eyes as she placed her left hand on the baby's back. With her other hand, she traced a finger down on downy cheek. The baby suddenly stopped crying and looked up at her with dark, curious eyes. "Hello darling," she whispered. "Welcome to the world. Your daddy and I are so happy to see you."

Hotch rested a shaky hand on his newborn son's damp black hair. "Hey buddy, it's dad." The love and awe on her husband's expression made her heart clench. "Mommy and I love you, son. And we always will. You have a big brother who's going to love you so much, too."

The baby started to nuzzle against Emily, looking for her breast. "Just let him find you, Emily," advised Betty while Dr Chang dealt with the afterbirth. Emily was so entranced with their son that she barely even noticed the contractions that accompanied the process.

Emily inhaled sharply when the newborn latched onto her nipple and immediately started to suck voraciously.

"Whoa," murmured Hotch. "He's a hungry little fellow."

"Mm..." smiled Emily, stroking the drying hair on the infant's head. Now that it was almost dry, it was lighter, more so than hers. "Just like his daddy." She winked up at Hotch who chuckled.

"Are you saying I have a huge appetite?"

"Yes. And I don't mean just for food," she teased, flashing him a somewhat suggestive look.

Hotch shook his head laughingly. "I cannot believe you just gave me that look when you gave birth two minutes ago. You're just intent on torturing me, aren't you?"

"Oh honey, if I'm torturing you, I'm torturing myself too." She lifted her face up for a kiss, and he gladly obliged her, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.

"Emily." They looked up to see Betty standing at the other side of Emily's bed. "Once the baby's finished feeding, we'll just get him checked out by Dr Smith and then we'll get you cleaned up. Okay?"

"That's fine." Even though she was loathed to let go of her son, Emily had to admit she would be glad to have a shower. She could feel her damp hair sticking to her neck and wanted to wash away the sweat that she had worked up during the pushing phase.

"All right, I'm done," announced Dr Chang, pushing back her stool and standing up. "You had a very small tear which only needed a stitch, which I've taken care of. Betty will tell you how to take care of the wound. Congratulations both of you. On the birth of the baby and getting married." She shook her head as she stripped off her gloves and mask, revealing a smiling face. "This has got to be the most interesting delivery I've ever attended. You, Betty?"

Betty laughed as she waited for Hotch to have a quick cuddle and kiss with his son before taking over the baby from him. "Oh, hands down. Between Dr Reid, Emily swearing worse than a crusty old sailor and the wedding, you guys have made my year." She handed him over to another nurse who then brought the infant to the examination table. "All right, dad, if you want to, you can go make some calls while I help Emily into the shower and the baby gets weighed and so forth. Then mom and baby will be taken to her room. So you can meet us back there."

"Do you want me to wait for you here?" asked Hotch as he helped her get off the bed. She winced at the stiffness of her muscles and the soreness in her nether regions. He slipped an arm around her waist, steadying her while she became accustomed to standing again.

"No, go call the team and tell Reid. I'll be fine. We'll see you back in the room."

"You sure?" She smiled, cupping his cheek at the furrowed brown and concern in his eyes.

"I'm sure. Go."

He gave her a soft kiss. "I love you, Mrs Hotchner. Thank you for our son." He smiled, joy lightening his eyes, making them resemble the finest quality single malt whisky. He was so incredibly gorgeous. And he was all hers.

"I love you, Mr Hotchner. And I didn't do this alone you know. But you're welcome."

He drew away reluctantly. "I'll see you in a little while."

"See you then."

"Emily! Ooooh, he is so completely precious!" whispered Pen in awe as she stared down at the sleeping baby in the cot next to Emily's bed. "I just want to pick him up and never give him back."

"I don't know if you should be saying that in front of its parents and a group of federal agents, baby girl," said Morgan. Hotch stifled a smile at the wonderment on Morgan's face that even he couldn't hide while staring at the infant. "Damn, Hotch, you got strong genes, man. This little guy's a carbon copy of you. Down to his ears. What about his equipment, though, carbon copy, princess?" He winked at Emily who rolled her eyes.

"We are so not discussing anything even remotely related to my husband's equipment, Derek, so quit it." Hotch blinked at the way Emily had decided to break the second bit of news to the team.

"What?"

"Husband?"

"What the fuck?"

"Oh boy," muttered Reid. "Here we go."

Emily grinned at the team, at their family as she reached out for Hotch's hand. "We kind of got married while I was in my final stages of labour."

"What? How did you do that?" JJ looked confused.

"Reid found us a priest and he performed an abbreviated wedding ceremony."

"It's legal? You're married?" Morgan looked gobsmacked at the news.

"We're married. At least I hope so, or our little friend over there is illegitimate," deadpanned Hotch.

Emily poked him in the side. "Very funny."

"Please tell me someone took a photo of this momentous event," interjected Pen. "Or I will have to force the two of you to get married again. Or at least enact the scene."

"Err...trust me, Garcia, you do not want to enact the scene. There was a lot of...swearing." Reid gave Emily an apologetic smile.

"I beg your pardon. There was no such swearing during the wedding ceremony. And Reid, there better not be any photos of me flat on my back with my legs spread out while I said my vows. Or I will hunt you down and shoot you." Hotch watched his bloodthirsty wife narrow her eyes threateningly. "Slowly, and with great pleasure."

"Emily," he gently chided the mother of his child. "I believe you had something to say to Reid?"

She paused, frowning. "What?" He lifted his eyebrow, watching with amusement when she smiled rather sheepishly. "Oh, yeah. Sorry Reid. Hotch and I wanted to thank you for all your help today. And in appreciation, we've bought you a gift voucher from Amazon." They watched as Garcia pulled out her cell phone and brought up the voucher.

"Hotch had me email it to myself since you don't have email. You are a serious stone-aged genius, Dr Reid," said the tech analyst.

"Oh wow!" Reid's eyes widened. "You gave me a voucher for $500? Thanks guys! Really, you shouldn't have. I was happy to help."

"We know, but it's also an apology for me almost breaking your hand three times, and then listening to me curse. Sorry about that." Hotch didn't think Emily looked, or sounded, particularly apologetic.

"Well, it was actually like seven times, but don't worry, I've forgotten about it," replied Reid, to the sound of much laughter.

"So, what have you decided to name the baby?" Dave asked, looking on with interest. Hotch met Emily's gaze before she turned and smiled at the team.

"We've named him Lucas Gabriel Hotchner. Lucas for no reason except we both liked the name, and Gabriel for the archangel Gabriel, who appeared to Mary to tell her she had conceived. It seemed rather appropriate. And," Emily turned to look lovingly at their baby son, "it doesn't hurt to have his namesake look after him."

"Oh, Em! That is just gorgeous! Oh darn it, I'm crying." Garcia dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. "We are all so, so, happy for both of you. Really."

"Thank you. Thank you all, so much. Hotch and I are really sorry for putting you all through the last few months. Your support and love really mean a lot to us."

"I second that. Thanks everyone. We really appreciate everything you've done for us. For our family." He shared a smile with Emily.

"Daddy! Emily!" Hotch smiled at the sight of his son bursting into the room. Jack came to an abrupt stop when he caught sight of the capsule shaped cot. Hotch came round the cot and gently picked the tiny infant up, trying not to wake it. He got down on his haunches. "Meet your little brother, Jack. This is Lucas."

Jack's eyes were wide as an owl's as he stared down at the baby. "Daddy, he's so small!" he whispered.

"He is at the moment, but he'll grow, and I promise that before you know it, he'll be able to play with you. What do you think about that?" Hotch's voice was hushed. Lucas slept on, blissfully unaware that his arrival had already changed the lives of the people around him.

"I'd like that, Dad." Jack tentatively reached a hand and touched his brother's head. "He's got really soft hair."

Hotch smiled, feeling such love for his children that he almost couldn't fathom how it was possible that his heart was able to contain it.

"How come his face is all squished and red?" Jack's next question made everyone laugh. The baby stirred and open his eyes, frowning as he tried to focus on the face closest to him. "Daddy! Lucas is looking at me!" Jack whispered in awe. "Hi Luc, I'm Jack, you big brother." In apparent understanding, Lucas reached out his little arms and waved it at Jack.

"Ohmigosh, I think I'm about to expire from over-cuteness." Hotch smiled at Garcia's comment. Jack took one of the waving fists and held it gently.

"I like him, Dad. We should definitely keep him," said Jack with finality, as if he had just come to a conclusion about this new little person. There was muffled laughter in the room.

"Great idea, Jack, exactly what Emily and I thought," replied Hotch, just managing to keep his voice solemn. "Glad you concur."

The baby screwed up his face and emitted a mewl. "Okay, buddy, I think Lucas is hungry. Let's get him some milk and then you can have a cuddle. All right?"

Jack nodded, watching with interest as Emily took over the baby from Hotch.

"Calm down, sweetie, just a moment," crooned Emily as she pulled at the ties of her nightie.

"And that's our cue to go," said Morgan in a loud voice. Hotch gave his subordinate a grateful smile for his tact.

There was a rush of kisses and hugs and then it was only the four of them in the room. As the baby nursed at her breast and Jack looked on at his new sibling from his father's lap, Hotch met Emily's eyes.

"Did you know," he murmured, "that your solution to my problem has now gone on to solve an even deeper problem? One that I never even realised I had?"

Her midnight dark eyes widened. "It did? What problem was that?" Her voice was hushed.

"Well," he reached and took her free hand that was not supporting the baby, folding his around it tightly. "It's probably not so much of a problem so much as a state of being." He smiled at the question in her eyes. "There was something that I felt was missing in me, and no matter what I did, I couldn't seem to find what that something was. And then you came along and I was suddenly whole. Complete. And now, with Lucas and Jack," he pressed a kiss on the top of Jack's head, "I'm full to overflowing." He heard the thickness of his voice as emotion swept over him. After the last two months with Emily, happiness was no longer an alien emotion. Even so, the intensity of his joy was startling. "I really don't know what I did to deserve you. To be this happy," he whispered.

"Oh, Aaron. My love." She drew his hand towards her and held it to her mouth, closing her eyes for a long moment. "You deserve to be happy. I deserve to be happy." She smiled faintly. "It's taken me a long time to accept this, but Aaron, we both deserve to be happy. I look back and I can't believe that only nine months ago, I was going home to an empty apartment and now, I have the three of you. Let's not think about why or how or what led to all this happening. Let's just be happy."

Hotch nodded, knowing that she was right. "I am. As long as I have you all in my life, I always will be."

He didn't know how, but something inside him instinctively knew that despite the unorthodox start to their definitely-not-a-fairytale romance, the four to them would indeed, live happily ever after.

Or maybe if they were really lucky, there would be five of them. He could always hope.

Thank you all so very much for following this fic. It has been SO much fun for me. I hope you've all enjoyed it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. And if you haven't left a review for me before, I would love to hear from you!

I have a sequel in mind, but it will be in a totally different style. So keep your eyes peeled for that!

P/s. If you've read my oneshot "Emily's Bad Boy" but haven't left a review, I would be most grateful if you could spare a moment to do so as FF was down for a while just after I posted. I'd really like to hear what you thought.