A/N: This is the last chapter of this story. I hope everyone liked this story. I had a hard time writing it but I am quite happy with the way it turned out. I didn't like that I killed Hotch but it felt like the right thing.

Special thanks to Westie80 and jenny crum!

I don't own criminal minds!

Epilogue

JJ stared through the kitchen window. She had been standing in the same spot for minutes. It had been two days and she never closed her eyes. She couldn't. The regret was eating away at her but it wasn't just that. The thought of never being with him was devastating. Knowing she would never be in his arms again or that he could never be a father to Jack again. It was destroying her.

The team hadn't left her alone in the past two days. They sent Henry to stay with Will while JJ started the grieving process. It mostly consisted out of denial and crying. Her first breakdown was when she needed to leave his body behind in the hospital. Morgan had to pull her out of the bed so the nurses could take him away. She had been fighting reality with every chance she got. It was her way of coping.

''He wouldn't want to see you like this.'' Rossi stated as he moved into the kitchen. He noticed that JJ was wearing a beautiful black dress. Her hair was in a fancy ponytail and she had some make-up on her face.

JJ turned around to face her new boss and friend. It had already become clear that he was taking over after Hotch's death. It didn't sit right with Morgan to take over Hotch's post. He couldn't do it so Rossi decided to step into Hotch's shoes. ''He's no longer here, Dave.''

''Aaron wanted me to give this to you.'' he said, handing JJ a folded piece of paper. ''And this.'' he added as he put a beautiful diamond ring in JJ's hand. ''Just read it.'' Rossi suggested when she was about to say something.

JJ started to unfold the letter while Rossi left the room in a hurry. At the end of it, she noticed the words ''Yours forever, Aaron''. She knew immediately what it was. She made her way to the couch and sat down before she started reading.

My Dearest JJ,

I've just received the terrifying news from the doctor. I am dying within hours and right now I am barely registering what's happening. It feels like my body is about to explode and every part of me hurts. But before I go, there are some things you need to know. Things you deserve to know even if I won't be the person to say them out loud.

You have been a true blessing in my life. When you came into my life eight years ago I would've never expected that our friendship would turn into such a complicated relationship. But that doesn't mean I regret a moment of it. Because I don't! I really don't, JJ. Sure, we had our ups and downs and we were never in a real relationship but that doesn't take away what I feel for you or how much I've always loved you. That first night we spent together changed my life. I realized what I had been missing out on for so long. That night wasn't just about comfort because when I was with you I felt loved. In those moments I already loved you, JJ. I think I have ever since I met you at the academy.

My entire life I always wondered what true love really meant and I think I found it in you. It means that ,yes, your life can be complicated but in the end it doesn't change how you truly feel about that one person. It means that you care more deeply for them than you do yourself. It's about overcoming the struggles that life throws at you and if you do, you will find that one true love. Without you, I would've never learned about true love but I did meet you and I fell in love with you. Our time together is something I would never change. The small amount of time we spent together was the best time of my life.

I know I am not supposed to ask you any favors. Especially after everything I did to you, but there's one thing I need from you. It will probably be biggest thing I have ever asked anyone to do for me. But I trust you more than anyone. So here's what I am asking you do to. Take care of Jack for me. Please!

When Haley died I promised her that I would show him love and you are it. You're the closest thing to love I have experienced in the last years of my life and I know you can take care of him. When I see you with Henry I know you would do anything to protect him and I want that for Jack. I know you love him like your own son and that's why I choose you to raise him. You'll probably wonder why I don't want Jessica to raise him. It's because I believe that Jack will be happier with you.

If you don't want to do this for any reason I will understand. I will never blame you, JJ. You have your own life and if you want to move on from the past I can understand that. So the choice is yours.

There's so much I want to say in this short amount of time but there will never be enough time for me to explain how much I love you. I still have to say goodbye to Jack, Jessica, the team and hopefully I'll get to say goodbye to you. Right now Dave is writing this down for me because I don't have the energy within me.

You're my one and only, JJ. No matter where I go, I will never leave your side. I know I'll always live in your memories and in your heart. So with every breath you take I want you to remember how lucky you are to be alive and I need you to enjoy your life for us. Make the best out of it. Meet someone new who will drive you crazy because I want you to have the life you always wanted.

My heart has been yours since the day I told you I loved you. I am sorry for not showing that every single day. I failed you, JJ. I would move around the world to take away the pain you're feeling. Just know that I never meant to hurt you. It was never my intention. I always dreamed about spending the rest of my life with you. The ring Dave will give you is the symbol of my eternal love for you. I was supposed to put it on your finger after I asked you if you wanted to be my wife. I know I'll never get that chance but I still want you to keep it as a reminder of how much I loved you and always will.

It's time for me to say goodbye. I can finally understand the sentence ''It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.''

May your life be filled with love and laughter…

I love you!

Yours forever,

Aaron

Tears were cascading down JJ's face as she read the letter. Every single word was like a knife cutting through her heart. She was angry and happy at the same time. She was angry that he asked her to take care of Jack but she knew she would do it. She would always honor Hotch's requests. She was just afraid she would never be enough for the little boy. But she had to try. He deserved that much from her.

On the other hand JJ's mind was put at ease, knowing he how much he loved her and that he planned a future with her. She felt the same way. And as she held the ring in her hand she realized how lucky she was to have him in her life.

''JJ!'' a voice called out. ''We have to go!''

JJ turned around to see Will standing behind her. He was the last person she expected to see. She didn't think he would even consider to go to Hotch's funeral.

JJ rose from the couch and walked towards him. ''Thank you for coming.'' she cried out as she flew into his arms.

''Always.'' Will whispered. ''I will always be here for you, JJ. I am so sorry for your loss.''

''Thanks, Will.'' JJ said as she still had the letter and ring in her hand. She walked to the desk and put the letter in a drawer.

''What's that?'' Will asked noticing the ring in JJ's hand. ''Was Hotch going to propose to you?''

''Yes,'' she answered as she took off her necklace. She slipped the ring on the necklace and put it back on.

Will was at a loss for words. He always knew JJ was in love Hotch. He was never enough for JJ and that still hurt him but he was happy that JJ found that one person that meant the world to her. ''It's time to go, JJ. You have to say goodbye.''

''I know.'' she whispered as she followed Will out the door. She didn't want to say goodbye and every part of her was fighting but she had to go. It was what Hotch would've wanted. So she had to say goodbye.

''Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.''

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