Safe Haven ~ ✨Aaron Hotchner✨

Chapter 42

The hospital room had quieted, the once-tense air now softened by the warmth of new life. Y/N lay propped up against pillows, exhaustion still evident in the slump of her shoulders, but her expression was nothing short of radiant. Their daughter, Sophia Grace Hotchner, now wrapped snugly in a soft pink hospital blanket, lay peacefully against her chest, her tiny hands curled into fists.

Aaron hadn't moved far from them since the moment she was born. He sat on the edge of the bed, one hand resting protectively over Sophia's back while the other gently brushed stray hairs from Y/N's damp forehead. He had witnessed many miracles in his lifetime, but none had come close to this moment.

"She's so tiny," Y/N murmured, her voice thick with wonder as she gazed down at Sophia.

Aaron smiled, his thumb stroking their daughter's delicate cheek. "She's perfect."

A small knock on the door interrupted the peaceful silence. The door creaked open slightly, revealing Jessica standing there with Jack at her side. His little hands were clenched together nervously, his eyes wide with anticipation.

"Someone's been waiting very patiently to meet his baby sister," Jessica said softly, nudging Jack forward.

Aaron stood and walked over, crouching down to Jack's level. "You ready, buddy?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Jack nodded eagerly, but there was hesitation in his eyes—uncertainty mixed with excitement. "Is Mommy okay?"

Aaron glanced back at Y/N, who smiled reassuringly. "She's tired, but she's okay. She's been waiting for you."

That was all the encouragement Jack needed. He walked cautiously toward the bed, his small frame stiff with anticipation. When he reached Y/N's side, his gaze immediately dropped to the tiny bundle in her arms.

"Jack," Y/N whispered, "meet your baby sister, Sophia Grace."

Jack's eyes went wide as he stared at her. "She's so little..." he breathed in awe.

Aaron chuckled. "Yeah, she is."

Jack hesitated for a second before looking up at Y/N. "Can I touch her?"

Y/N nodded, adjusting slightly so Jack could get closer. "Be very gentle, okay?"

Jack slowly reached out, his fingers barely brushing over Sophia's tiny hand. The baby stirred slightly, her tiny mouth parting in a soft sigh before she curled her fingers around one of Jack's.

Jack gasped. "She's holding my hand!" He looked up at Aaron with pure, unfiltered joy in his expression. "She likes me!"

Aaron ruffled Jack's hair. "Of course she does. You're her big brother."

Jack's grin was so wide it nearly split his face. "That means I have to protect her, right?"

Y/N felt tears prick her eyes as she glanced at Aaron. "That's right," she murmured. She's always going to have you looking out for her."

Jack nodded solemnly as if making a silent promise. He carefully climbed onto the bed beside Y/N, staying close but still mindful of her and the baby. "Sophia Grace Hotchner," he repeated softly as if testing how it sounded.

Jessica, who had been quietly watching, wiped at her eyes. "You have a beautiful family," she murmured.

Aaron exhaled, his heart feeling impossibly full. "Yeah," he said, wrapping an arm around Y/N's shoulders. "We do."

A Few Hours Later

The hospital room was now bathed in the golden glow of the afternoon sun when a familiar voice interrupted the quiet from the hallway.

"Tell me again why we had to wait?"

"Because protocol exists for a reason, Morgan."

The door creaked open, and one by one, the BAU team stepped inside, their faces filled with excitement.

JJ was the first to reach Y/N's bedside, her eyes already glistening. "Oh my God, she's beautiful."

Emily let out a soft gasp. "She looks like you, Y/N."

Y/N smiled, exhaustion still lingering in her features but softened by happiness. "She's got Aaron's nose, though."

Garcia practically vibrated with excitement, her hands clasped together. "I can't believe there's a new little Hotchner in the world. Oh, I have so many cute outfits for her already!"

Reid, standing just behind them, peered curiously at the newborn. "Did you know that newborns recognize their mother's voice almost immediately? It's a biological response because—"

Morgan elbowed him lightly. "Reel it in, kid. The baby's not taking a pop quiz."

Reid huffed, but he still smiled as he studied the tiny bundle. "She's perfect," he admitted.

Aaron watched the scene unfold, his heart swelling as his team—his family—welcomed Sophia into their world. He felt a hand clap his shoulder, and he turned to see Rossi standing beside him, his expression softer than usual.

"Congratulations, Hotch," Rossi said sincerely. "You've built something beautiful here."

Aaron exhaled slowly, his eyes drifting to Y/N, to Jack, to the baby in her arms. "Yeah," he murmured. "I have."

Derek leaned over, watching the baby with a teasing smirk. "So, boss man, has she shown any signs of taking after you yet?"

Aaron chuckled. "She's barely been in the world for a few hours."

"Still," Morgan shrugged. "Something tells me she's already got your 'intimidation stare' perfected."

The room filled with laughter, and even Y/N chuckled tiredly. Garcia finally couldn't contain herself any longer and carefully reached out. "Can I hold her?"

Y/N glanced at Aaron, who nodded, then gently passed Sophia over to Garcia. The tech analyst cradled the baby as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

"Oh my God," she whispered. She's so tiny and so warm, and—" Her voice broke slightly, and tears formed in her eyes. I love her already."

Aaron's chest tightened at the emotion in her voice. These people—they weren't just colleagues. They were family.

Jack, sitting beside Y/N, looked around at the team and grinned. "She has so many people who love her already."

Y/N smiled softly. "She does."

The moment stretched, filled with love, laughter, and quiet admiration for the little girl who had already changed their world.

As Aaron looked around the room—at his family, his newborn daughter, Y/N beside him—he knew one thing for certain.

This was the happiest moment of his life.