Safe Haven ~ ✨Aaron Hotchner✨

Chapter 48

The evening air carried a sense of calm in the Hotchner household, a rare yet cherished feeling amidst the usual chaos of raising a newborn and balancing life. Sophia had reached the stage where she was more alert, recognizing familiar faces and reacting to her surroundings with tiny smiles and coos. And Jack? He had fully embraced his role as the best big brother, always eager to help and be near his sister.

Tonight was no different. Jack was kneeling beside Sophia's baby playpen, surrounded by colorful toys, gently shaking a rattle in front of her. The baby girl, now dressed in a soft pink onesie with tiny clouds on it, kicked her legs and let out a delighted squeal as she watched her brother.

Y/N stood by the doorway, smiling as she leaned against the frame. "She's really into that rattle, huh?"

Jack beamed, shaking it again. "Yeah! She likes the sound."

Aaron, who had just walked into the room, folded his arms and watched his two children interact. "You're good with her, buddy."

Jack looked up at him, grinning. "I think she likes me."

"She loves you," Y/N corrected, stepping further into the room and sitting beside the playpen. "You're her favorite person after me and Daddy."

Jack's eyes lit up with pride. "Really?"

Aaron chuckled as he crouched down beside them. "Absolutely. You're her big brother—she's going to look up to you."

Jack turned his attention back to Sophia, reaching out to gently touch her tiny fingers. "I'm gonna teach her everything. Like how to play soccer and build Lego sets and..." He paused in thought. "Oh! And how to prank Uncle Dave."

Y/N let out a laugh. "I think she's got a few years before she's ready for that."

Aaron smirked. "Rossi will never see it coming."

Sophia let out a happy gurgle, her little hands reaching for Jack's face. He giggled, leaning in so she could pat his cheek with her tiny fingers.

"She's getting strong," Jack said excitedly. "She grabs onto stuff all the time now."

Aaron reached down and gently tickled Sophia's belly, making her kick her legs again. "That's because she's growing. Before you know it, she'll be crawling everywhere."

Jack's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yep," Y/N said, rubbing Sophia's back. "And once she's crawling, she's gonna want to follow you everywhere."

Jack grinned at the idea. "That's awesome."

Sophia let out a small yawn, blinking sleepily as her little body began to relax.

Aaron noticed immediately. "Looks like someone's getting tired."

Y/N nodded, reaching in to pick her up. "It's bedtime for this little one."

Jack pouted. "Aww, but she just started playing."

"She'll have plenty of time to play tomorrow," Aaron reassured him.

Jack watched as Y/N cradled Sophia against her chest, gently rocking her. "Can I help put her to bed?"

Y/N smiled. "Of course. You can help tuck her in."

Jack scrambled to his feet, following them toward Sophia's nursery while Aaron trailed behind, watching his family with a content expression.

Bedtime Routine

In the nursery, soft white noise played from a sound machine, and a warm nightlight cast a soothing glow around the room. Y/N gently swayed Sophia in her arms, rubbing small circles on her back while humming a lullaby.