Safe Haven ~ ✨Aaron Hotchner✨

Chapter 36

Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the kitchen. After a few weeks, Aaron was cleared to return to work. Y/N stood at the stove, flipping pancakes while humming softly to herself. The scent of fresh coffee and maple syrup filled the air, creating a cozy start to the day. Jack sat at the table, swinging his legs as he meticulously colored a picture of a fire truck.

Aaron walked into the kitchen, his tie slightly askew and his jacket slung over his shoulder. He paused for a moment, taking in the scene. A small smile played on his lips as he leaned down to kiss Y/N on the cheek.

"Good morning," he murmured.

She turned her head slightly, smiling up at him. "Morning. Coffee's ready."

Aaron moved to the counter, pouring himself a mug. He glanced over at Jack, who was focused intently on staying inside the lines. "What are you working on, buddy?"

Jack looked up, his face lighting up at the sound of his dad's voice. "It's for the baby! I'm making her a picture for her room."

Aaron walked over, setting his coffee down and crouching beside Jack. "That's a great idea. She's going to love it. You're quite the artist, you know."

Jack beamed, his pride evident. "Can we hang it up when it's done?"

"Absolutely," Aaron replied. "We'll find the perfect spot in her nursery."

Y/N brought a plate of pancakes to the table, setting it down in front of Jack before turning to Aaron. "Breakfast is ready if you have time. I made extra just in case."

Aaron checked his watch, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face. "I've got a few minutes. I'll sit with you."

The three of them settled at the table, the morning routine flowing with an ease that came from years of shared moments like this. Jack chatted animatedly between bites, sharing his plans for the day. He was determined to help Y/N sort baby clothes and wanted to practice reading one of the books they'd picked out for the baby.

Aaron listened attentively, nodding and asking questions that made Jack's enthusiasm grow. Y/N watched them with a soft smile, her heart full as she took in the bond between father and son. Moments like these were what she cherished most—simple, unhurried mornings where everything felt right.

As the meal came to an end, Aaron stood and grabbed his plate, placing it in the sink before turning back to Y/N. "I'll be home by dinner. Let me know if you need anything while I'm out."

Y/N nodded, standing to walk him to the door. "Drive safe, and don't forget your lunch." She handed him a neatly packed container, earning a grateful smile.

Aaron leaned down, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead. "Thank you. I'll call if I'm running late."

Jack ran to the door, wrapping his arms around Aaron's leg. "Bye, Dad! Have a good day at work."

Aaron ruffled Jack's hair, his expression soft. "Thanks, buddy. Be good for mom, okay?"

"I will," Jack promised earnestly.

With one last smile, Aaron stepped out the door and headed to his car. Y/N and Jack watched him leave, the sound of the engine fading as he drove down the street. Jack turned to Y/N, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Can we start with the baby clothes now?" he asked, bouncing on his toes.

Y/N laughed, reaching out to tousle his hair. "Sure thing. Let's clean up here first, and then we'll get to work."

Jack eagerly helped clear the table, his small hands carefully carrying dishes to the sink. Once the kitchen was tidy, they made their way to the nursery. The room was bright and inviting, with soft green walls and a crib already adorned with a cozy quilt. Boxes of baby clothes and supplies were stacked neatly in one corner, waiting to be organized.

Jack dove into the first box, pulling out a tiny onesie with an elephant print. "Look how small it is!" he exclaimed, holding it up for Y/N to see.

She smiled, taking the onesie from him. "It's adorable. She's going to look so cute in this."

They worked together, sorting the clothes by size and folding them into drawers. Jack took his job seriously, carefully smoothing out each piece before placing it in its designated spot. As they worked, they talked about what it would be like when the baby arrived.

"Do you think she'll like me?" Jack asked suddenly, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Y/N paused, turning to him with a gentle smile. She crouched down so they were at eye level. "Jack, she's going to adore you. You're going to be the best big brother. She's lucky to have you."

Jack's face lit up at her words, and he nodded confidently. "I'll teach her all the cool stuff I know. Like how to build Legos and color in the lines."

"She's going to learn so much from you," Y/N said, giving him a quick hug. "You're going to be her hero."

They spent the rest of the morning organizing and decorating, adding little touches that made the nursery feel complete. Jack's picture found a place of honor on the wall, and he beamed with pride when Y/N helped him hang it.

By the time lunch rolled around, they were both ready for a break. Y/N made sandwiches, and they sat together at the kitchen table, talking and laughing as they ate. Jack's excitement about the baby was infectious, and Y/N couldn't help but feel a growing sense of anticipation for the new chapter ahead.

After lunch, Jack insisted on practicing reading the baby book. He curled up on the couch with Y/N, carefully sounding out each word as she listened with encouragement. His determination was endearing, and she couldn't wait to see him read to his sister once she arrived.

The afternoon passed in a blur of shared activities, and by the time Aaron returned home, the house was filled with the warm, contented energy of a day well spent. As he stepped through the door, he was greeted by the sight of Jack and Y/N sitting on the floor, surrounded by baby toys and laughter.

Aaron set his bag down, his heart swelling at the sight of his family. "Looks like you two had a busy day," he said, his voice full of warmth.

Jack jumped up, running to greet him. "Dad! We did so much today. The nursery is all set, and I practiced reading to the baby."

Aaron crouched down, wrapping Jack in a hug. "That's amazing, buddy. I'm so proud of you."

Y/N smiled as she stood, walking over to join them. "We've had a good day. How was work?"

Aaron straightened, pulling her into a quick embrace. "Busy, but it's always good to come home to this."

As the evening unfolded, the three of them settled into their usual rhythm. Dinner was filled with stories and laughter, and Jack's energy seemed boundless as he recounted every detail of his day. By the time bedtime rolled around, the house was quiet and peaceful, the promise of another day together lingering in the air.

As Y/N and Aaron tucked Jack into bed, he looked up at them with a sleepy smile. "I can't wait for the baby to come," he murmured, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

Y/N leaned down, brushing a kiss to his forehead. "Neither can we, Jack. She's going to love having you as her big brother."

Aaron smoothed the blanket over Jack, his expression soft. "Goodnight, buddy. Sweet dreams."

With Jack's room quiet, Y/N and Aaron retreated to the living room, settling onto the couch together. The day had been long but fulfilling, and as they sat in comfortable silence, Y/N rested her head on Aaron's shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of his breathing.

"Today was perfect," she said softly.

Aaron nodded, his arm wrapping around her. "It was. And soon, every day will be like this, with one more little person to share it with."

They stayed like that for a while, basking in the quiet joy of their life together, knowing that the best was yet to come.