Six years after epilogue

Dedicated to BeachyCreek, I hope it brightens your day.

Aaron and Victoria were snuggled up in bed one early summer evening. It was getting close to bed time and the children were playing around as usual. They were watching a movie when their three kids walked into the room.

"Mom, dad, we have something we want to say," Jack said in his lawyer voice.

Aaron raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Well you know the rules of this house hold. State your case and the family will put a vote."

The Hotchner family was a democracy. It was the only way they could stay sane with three intelligent children. The main rule was, don't speak languages that aren't common tongue. For example, Italian is only allowed if mom or grandpa Rossi were in the room. If it was just then with dad then English was the only language allowed. It was their way of trying to keep the children from plotting world domination or mischievous misadventures.

Jack cleared his throat as he prepared to read the statement they had drafted. "We, the Hotchner children, have unanimously decided to request the following."

James took the paper from Jack and continued, "Our request: we would like a younger sibling."

Victoria nudged Aaron. "What do you have to say to our children?"

Aaron gave her a look. "Do you really want me to respond right now because there are two things I'd like to say in response." She hit him on the shoulder as she knew what he was referencing.

Adeline cleared her throat, "Shall we vote?"

Victoria replied, "I think you've made it quite clear what the response is. Three against two wins majority vote."

Aaron smirked, "Four against one."

Victoria rolled her eyes. "Of course you'd vote in favor. I have no objections if everyone else is in favor."

James grinned, "Uncle Spence and Uncle Takuma are taking us to the museum tomorrow."

Aaron furrowed his eyebrows. "Don't we have a case tomorrow?"

"It's Saturday tomorrow," James replied. "No work on weekends."

"Well then off to bed," Victoria stated. "Dad will be in shortly to read you a bedtime story."

The twins left to their room while Jack climbed into bed with them. He nestled up against his mom. Victoria couldn't help but remember how little he used to be.

"What's the matter?" She stroked his chestnut hair. "Are you having nightmares again?"

"I just want you to hold me," he replied.

Victoria smiled, "Of course my little bambino. Anything you want."

Aaron went to tuck in the twins. Bed time stories were always more advanced than he remembered when Jack was their age. He was surprised that the twins loved classical literature rather than children's novels. Of course they read all sorts of books but they loved the classics.

After tucking all three children into bed the couple had their own conversation. Only one bedside lamp was on as they lay in bed.

"I can't believe our children want a little brother or sister," Aaron said.

"It's been six years since we've had to deal with diapers and potty training was three or so years ago. Are we really going to dive back in to that?"

"Our little bosses have spoken." Aaron gave her a devilish grin.

Victoria shook her head. "Now look who's the cheeky one. Aren't you worried about the age gap?"

"A bit," Aaron admitted. "But JJ and Will are thinking of having another child."

"You thought what the hell and that they could keep each other company." She sighed. "Are we seriously considering this?"

"Four is a nice number."

"Unbelievable. You're actually considering this. Aren't we getting a bit old for raising a baby?"

Aaron replied, "I feel like a teenager."

Victoria rolled her eyes. "You and Morgan go on way too many runs."

"What? I feel physically fit. What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing, I'm just saying you've always had a high libido. You're like a college frat boy."

"So is Rossi."

"Don't bring my father into this."

"Yes ma'am."

~~~~~~~~~

Father's Day was always an interesting event considering the children had four grandfathers and Victoria had three dads. It was always celebrated at Rossi's mansion seeing as it was one of the few places that could house so many people.

Aaron walked up to the grill. "Matthew it's so nice to see you," he greeted.

Matthew smiled, "Likewise Aaron. How's the wife?"

"Doing alright. How's Prentiss?"

"Still as sharp as ever," Claremont chuckled. "She's doing fine considering I proposed the other day."

"Family ring?"

"Wouldn't have it any other way. Your children look more excited than usual. Spill."

"Nothing ever escapes you Matthew. The three of them want a sibling."

Matthew raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Will walked over. "Couldn't help but overhear. I think I may know why."

"Oh do shed some light," Matthew replied. "I would very much love to know why."

"Henry told them that JJ and I were thinking of having another child. Then JJ and Victoria were having lunch and discussing the topic," Will explained.

"Can't you just get them a puppy," Matthew asked.

"I think it's too late for that. James is stubborn."

"James is a true Rossi," Matthew stated.

"He's a Gibbs," Gibbs says. "Once we set our mind to something there is little that can stop us. What are the munchkins planning now?"

Aaron greeted his father in law. Will replied, "They want another sibling."

Gibbs laughed, "Good luck. Matt, why don't you get me a beer and I'll take over on the grill."

"Yes sir," Matthew replied. "Would anyone like a drink?" Matthew looked at everyone with empty hands. "On second thought, I'll grab everyone drinks."

"I'll help," Takuma said as he and Reid approached them.

Reid joined the group that now consisted of Aaron, Gibbs, and Will. "How's the married life Spencer," Will asked.

"It's going alright. We're thinking of going to Japan this summer," Reid replied. "Takuma got me a kimono for my birthday."

Aaron said, "I take it Victoria, Takuma, and James have taught you the language."

"Very much so."

Reid proceeded to go on one of his rants while the guys just went along with it. Aaron's eyes wandered over to his wife who was laughing with the other women. It made him happy knowing that she was having fun. Their children had been a handful since school ended and he had been hoping about taking a family vacation soon.

Victoria discreetly called him inside of the house. Everyone else was distracted by Prentiss and Matthew who were singing Elton John off key.

"What's with all the secrecy," he chuckled as he kissed his wife.

"I wanted to give you your father's day gift," she told him as she handed him a small box.

"You shouldn't have. You've already given me more than I could ever wish for."

"Just open the box."

Aaron obeyed her orders and opened the box. He was surprised as he pulled out a small pair pf shoes. "A-are you? I mean, is this what I think it is?"

"Yes," she smiled.

Aaron kissed her in his excitement. "We're going to have another child."

"Our little bosses got just what they wanted. I can't believe we're being bossed around by an 11 year old and a pair of 6 year olds."

"We knew this was going to happen since the day we let Jack decide if he wanted a sibling," Aaron stated.

"Time to take the crib out of the storage and let the family know."

"Oh I'm sure we could keep this our little secret. Just for a bit. I don't want the kids to think they got their way so easily."

"You really love to torture them huh?"

"It's what parents are supposed to do. We're supposed to embarrass them in front of their friends and torture their uneventful lives."

"This is why I'm the fun parent."

"Honey, you drive a Harley you work, of course you're the fun parent."

"And Sean is the cool uncle. So unfair."

"Sean lets them get away with everything," Aaron pointed out. "There is no way we can be that cool."

"Of course not. We will be cool once they turn 21 and then they can see how cool we are," Victoria laughed.

"Back to the coffee limit, cravings, late night food runs, and nesting," Aaron grinned.

"You love food runs way too much. Have I told you that?"

"Six years ago. But in my defense I love making you happy."

"I just hope this one isn't as hyper as the other three."

"Baby number 4."

"Surprise?"

"Yeah I think we should keep the gender a surprise. That way we can fight over baby names."

"And I'm going to win."

"Ah ah ah, we made a deal last time. I name the baby if it's a girl and if it's a boy you name it."

"Fine, but only because Adeline was a pretty name. Hmm, I'm thinking Damon or Charles or Matthew."

"We are not naming our child Matthew," Aaron declared.

"Matthew is still better than Sergio."

"Sergio is a perfectly respectable name."

"It sounds like the name of some random guy you meet at a taqueria and still reminds me of Prentiss's cat."

"Well then Sebastian."

Victoria shook her head. "We have eight months for debating. I don't know about you but I want to spend today over eating and having fun."

"Agreed."

"When should we tell the kids?"

"Gibbs and Rossi first, then kids. I don't want to get yelled at again. Not after the incident on Thanksgiving."

"That was entirely your fault."

"I was drunk," he argued.

"IT WAS THREE SHOTS OF TEQUILA," Victoria protested.

"You know tequilla and I have a mixed relationship."

"Oh don't I know it. Tequila and you are like frenemies."

"Well at least it was thanks to tequila that I drunkenly proposed to you. I don't see anything wrong with that."

"You're right, but you did have a wicked hangover."

Aaron groaned, "Don't remind me."

The rest of the day was spent with family and there was nothing more they could ever wish for. They had three beautiful children and one on the way. Aaron was finally able to look back at the legacy he had created for himself. A legacy that overshadowed what his father had done. He had created something to be proud of.