STRAWBERRY BUBBLEGUM [18+]

Chapter Thirty

July 4th, 2020
Washington, D.C.

We are finally meeting up with the team after 3 months away from them. We are heading to Rossi's house for a little family get together, we were nervous to see everyone, especially Jennifer. Ever since she started gaining her memory back, she's felt embarrassed and out of place about seeing everyone again.

"Baby, everything is going to be okay. If at any point you want to leave, you let me know." I said standing behind her as she brushed her hair into a ponytail. She sighs and looks at me in the mirror.

"Nobody is going to bring it up baby. It's been 3 long, beautiful, relaxing months. You know they would never do anything to make you feel uncomfortable and you know that."

"I know.. Do you think they're going to react weird to our news? I mean us getting married and you being pregnant?"

"I bet they have a bet going on, there's NO doubt that they have a bet. They're going to be excited for us. It's the first BAU baby minus Hotch of course."

"Yeah, you're right. I'm just.. It's weird being back around everyone and not just having you. I gotta learn how to be social again" I laugh and back away to finish getting ready as we talk about everything.

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We were pulling up to Rossi's house and I could tell that Jennifer wasn't on her A game but why should she be? The last few months have been trying on us and I know she's scared that the team is going to look at her differently because she's the 2nd baby of the group and she got me pregnant but after everything we've been through, I doubt they'll even care about that.

Jennifer parked in the last available spot and turned the car off, staring at the house. I grabbed her hand and brought it to my lap, "If you want I leave at any point, you let me know, yes?"

"Yes, let's get this over with" she got out of the car and came around to my side opening the door for me. I got out and grabbed her hand as we made our way up the driveway to the front door. We stopped outside the door for a moment. I grabbed her face and analyzed her features.

"I love you Jennifer and so does everyone else behind this door. Nobody is going to judge you or look at different in any way."

"I love you too baby" she took a deep breath before raising her hand and knocking on the door. We waited only a few seconds before Dave opened the door.

"Salve signore!" Dave greeted us smiling as the team talked and laughed loudly in the background. I felt a smile appear on my face as I saw him.

"Hi Dave!" He pulled us each into a hug as we made our way into the house. It always felt like home being here. The jazz music playing in the background, the smell of Italian food cooking in the kitchen and the laughter that always filled the air.

"Em!" Garcia said as she made her way over to me, she pulled me into a hug, "I've missed you so much my angel face! We have a lot of catching up to do!" She turned to Jennifer and I see her pause for a moment before pulling her into a hug, "Oh, my sweet pumpkin! It's so good to see you, those beautiful blue eyes!" I see JJ blush as Garcia holds her face.

"Hi Pen, it's good to see you too" Jennifer said. We made our rounds greeting everyone before we found a place on the couch, I was snuggled closely to Jennifer as we caught up with everyone and everything that's been going on.

"So, how was your stay in Aspen? Is it as beautiful as they say?" Garcia asked.

"It was amazing. Just getting to sit outside and look at the snow everyday, it was a dream come true. We didn't have to worry about waking up on time, flying around or doing paperwork. I would do it all over again."

"Same here. It was the perfect place to relax and get away from everything. It made me clear my head a lot" Jennifer said.

"I would like to make a toast" Tara said standing up. We all grabbed our glasses, "I know it's a little early on in the evening but I just wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you for inviting me into the family. For trusting me with not only JJ's health but Emily's as well. The two of you are made for each other. I don't know what couple would be able to recover from what happened. You guys are the true meaning of love. With that being said, Penelope can you join me."

We all watched as Pen got up joining Tara by the fireplace.

"I know things may seem like they're moving fast and like sometimes we don't know which way to go, like we are stuck and the world is just passing us by but at the same time we are moving at cyber speed. Joining you on this journey has been the highlight of my life. Getting work with this amazing couple has opened by eyes and made me realize that life is actually too short and that we may never know what each day can bring us." We all gasped when she got down on one knee, "I'm going to ask you right here and now. Penelope Grace Garcia, will you marry me and make me the happiest person ever?"

"Of course I'll marry you!" She said through the tears that were already flowing the moment Tara started her toast to us. We all watched as Tara slide the ring on her finger and they embraced in a kiss. It warmed my heart to see everyone around us finding love and enjoying it. Once everything calmed down, I guess it was our turn to announce our marriage and pregnancy.

"I would like to say something" Jennifer said. She got up and took the same spot that Tara just occupied.

"I first want to start off by saying congratulations to the newly engaged couple. It's an honor to have you in this family Tara. Secondly, I want to thank each and every one of you for staying by my side the last few months. It has meant the world to me. Family isn't always about blood but it's also about love. Having you guys there through some of my darkest days has been.. There's honestly no words to describe how much gratitude and love I have for you guys." She took a pause before catching my eye.

"Over the last few months, I've had the pleasure of spending time with someone that I love deeply, someone that makes the dark days so much brighter and easier. Someone who knows exactly what to say and how to say it." I smiled as tears built up in my eyes.

"I'm not always good at sharing my personal life and what goes on behind closed doors but I thought I would share two things with you. The first, Emily and I have tied the knot. We are officially married and secondly... She's having my baby"

"I KNEW IT! Pay up pretty boy!" Garcia said to Reid

"Well, I be damned! Baby girl does have it in her!" Derek said proudly.

Another round of congratulations started flowing as questions started flying. "Are we having an actual wedding?" "Who's the godparents?" "How far along?" "Why didn't you tell us?"

It felt good to be around family again, to share life changing experiences and laughter and happiness for miles.

We ended the night outside by the fire pit. Roasting marshmallows and telling old stories and new stories about ourselves. We told them about our "wedding day" and about the day we found out I was pregnant.

I snuggled into Jennifer's arms as she talked or at least tried to keep up with all the changes happening. Hearing her laughter warmed my heart so much. It feels good to have our little family back together again.

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A quick little chapter I finished up after 3 months it feels like! Jennifer is back to almost new, we got an engagement and more!

This book won't be too long! Almost finished with it!

Let me know how you're liking book!

I love you guys for sticking around! ♥️