Caution to the Wind

Chapter 33

Chapter Summary: A month after defeating Everett Lynch, the team is going through some big changes: Penelope's leaving; Rossi's considering retirement; Spencer's focusing on his teaching. But before they split up, they gather for one more celebration in Rossi's backyard. Follows S15E10, "And in the End."

In the month that had passed since they finally defeated Everett Lynch, the BAU had gotten a brand-new jet, but that wasn't the only new development. Now that he'd finally closed the case that haunted him for so long, David Rossi was actually considering retirement—a thought that never would have crossed his mind a year ago. Of course, it wouldn't be the first time he'd retired, but it would be permanent this time. There would be no coming back, no unfinished business—just enjoying his life with Krystall, watching his grandson grow up, and maybe writing a few more books. He wasn't going to leave just yet, though; he didn't want the team to go through too much transition all at once, and, as it turned out, he wasn't the only member of the team ready to move on to a new adventure.

After more than fifteen years of bringing light to the darkness of the BAU, Penelope had decided it was time for a change, and she was leaving the FBI. She'd received dozens of job offers from all over the country, and she finally settled on one at a D.C. area nonprofit. It would allow her to do some real good in the world, while still staying close to her BAU family. She would be missed, of course—other technical analysts could do her job, but nobody could ever truly replace Penelope Garcia. But nobody could deny that it was a great opportunity for her, and nobody could blame her for taking it. Her team was proud of her; they supported her decision, and they knew that they'd always be a family, even if they didn't work in the same office anymore.

Spencer had spent the past month recovering from his injuries in the blast, and he was feeling a lot better. He'd been cleared for active duty, but he wasn't coming back to the team full-time. He'd found a real passion for his teaching, and he was good at it, too. It may have started as a temporary safety valve, a condition of his reinstatement, an involuntary reassignment, a thing he did because he had to, but now it was one of his favorite things, and he wanted to do even more of it. He wasn't leaving the team—he'd still be an SSA, and he'd still consult with the BAU. But they'd be seeing a little less of him around the office as he dedicated more of his time and energy to academia. At least in a classroom, he couldn't get kidnapped, held hostage, blown up, shot in the leg, or framed for murder.

Tara and Emily weren't leaving, but they were still about to embark on a new adventure—a very big, very wonderful new adventure. It was their last night as an engaged couple. The wedding preparations were all done, and they'd spent the day setting things up in Rossi's backyard for a small, private ceremony for their closest friends and family. Now they just had to wait in excited anticipation for the big day to arrive. Tara thought she'd be a ball of nerves—she certainly was before her last wedding—but tonight, she was surprisingly calm. She was curled up on the couch with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, watching a documentary about brown bears. Emily, on the other hand, couldn't seem to sit still. She flitted from room to room, scurrying around in search of anything that still needed to be done before tomorrow.

"Emily, relax," Tara said, "I'm exhausted just watching you."

"How can I relax? I'm getting married tomorrow!" Emily laughed.

"So am I, but I'm relaxed," Tara pointed out. She patted the couch beside her. "Come sit, sweetheart. Come watch these bear cubs with me; they're very cute."

Emily sighed and went over to join her fiancée on the couch and watch some bears. She snuggled up against Tara's side with her legs tucked up under her body, resting her head on Tara's shoulder and her hand on Tara's thigh. Tara wrapped an arm around Emily and kissed her temple, and grazed her fingers idly over Emily's arm as she watched the documentary. Slowly, her eyes began to travel away from the screen and over to her fiancée—who, in less than 24 hours, would be her wife. Tara still couldn't believe her luck. She was actually about to marry this woman. This kind, strong, intelligent, thoughtful, drop-dead gorgeous, fiercely loyal woman. Tomorrow, she would stand in front of her family and friends and promise to love and cherish this woman forever—although, really, she couldn't even imagine herself ever doing anything else. A smile crept across her face just from thinking about seeing Emily tomorrow dressed in white, carrying a bouquet, her smile bright enough to light up the whole backyard. Tara knew it would be the most beautiful sight she'd ever seen. Even now, Emily was breathtakingly beautiful—with no makeup and her hair still wet from the shower, wearing one of Tara's old Dartmouth t-shirts, a pair of plaid pajama shorts, and bright green fuzzy socks.