Well my friends the time has come to finish up this little story in my series. I had this idea for this chapter and I honestly went back and forth about doing it, but ultimately I decided to include it as my ending (because I couldn't resist a cheesy, happy ending). I really hope you guys enjoy it!

I already know what I'm doing with my next story and basically have all the big details worked out, so now I just have to get started! Hopefully the beginning won't take too long!

As always thank you so much for sticking with me! -J

Chapter 9 – A Dance with a Father

"Thanks for doing this," Alex said as she bent her head over the Hastings' bathtub so Spencer could shampoo her hair. "It's really hard to do this with one hand," she said raising her left arm, which was still incased in a cast.

"It's no problem," Spencer laughed. "I mean we can't have you going to school looking like you don't wash your hair," she said, using a cup to pour water over Alex's head to rinse out the shampoo. "I bet you can't wait to get that thing off."

"If all goes well it'll be off on Monday and I'll probably cry if it doesn't," Alex replied as Spencer began running conditioner through her long locks. "I'm sick of trying to keep this thing dry, and the itchiness is unbearable."

"Well I'm sure it'll be fine and you can be rid of it," Spencer replied, her smile evident in her voice as she began rinsing the conditioner from Alex's hair. "Alright all done," she eventually said, helping Alex stand before handing her a towel for her hair.

"Thanks," Alex smiled. "That feels much better," she said as she made her way towards Spencer's room, her friend not far behind.

"So my dad wanted me to tell you that you're welcome to come with us Friday night," Spencer said, taking a seat on her bed as Alex sat in front of the mirror so she could brush her hair. "I mean he's already taking me and Melissa."

"That's really sweet, but I told you I really don't want to go," Alex replied, having had this conversation more than once in the last week. "Plus it's a father daughter dance. He should spend it with you and Melissa."

"Yeah but you're here all the time anyways Lex," Spencer argued. "You're basically an adopted daughter. Plus we're all going. I mean even Olivia is putting her anger at her dad aside and letting her dad take her. It's a tradition."

"It seems kind of old fashion to me," Alex said, putting her brush down and sitting on the chair in the corner of the room, lifting her knees up to her chest.

"Well what did your mom say?" Spencer then asked. "Because you know lots of girls bring their moms."

"I didn't tell her," Alex shrugged. "There's never any guarantee that she'll be in town and I didn't want her to feel bad if she couldn't make it," she explained. "Look it's fine okay. You guys go and have fun and I'll either stay home with my mom and JJ or hang out here with your mom if they're not back yet. You don't have to worry about me Spence."

"I know, I just really want you to come," Spencer replied, a slight whine in her voice. "It's going to be a lot of fun and it just sucks because we're going to miss our sleepover."

"Well then we can have a sleepover Saturday night," Alex replied with a grin, shaking her head. "Now can you please just let this go?"

"Fine, alright," Spencer sighed. "Come on let's go downstairs. I want ice cream," she said, dropping the subject and heading for the door.

CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM

"So what were you and Logan talking about at lunch today?" Zoey asked the next day after school as she, Spencer and Alex walked toward the Hastings' house from the bus-stop; Zoey coming over to work on a project with Spencer. "I mean you two looked awfully love-dovey," she teased.

"We were just talking," Alex shrugged, tucking her face into her jacket in order to hide the blush that she knew was creeping up her face. "I had dinner at his house last week and he was just telling me how much his mom likes me."

"You guys are so cute together," Zoey sighed. "It's sickening really," she joked.

"I agree," Spencer laughed.

"Gee thanks guys," Alex replied, giving Zoey a light shove as they reached Spencer's house, turning onto the front walkway. "I'm just gonna run in and grab my house key so I can go feed Serg…" she began saying, just as a snowball hit her in the back. "What the…" she exclaimed, turning around to find Emily standing on the sidewalk in front of the house, a big grin on her face. "Mom!" The teen called, running back and allowing the older brunette to pull her into a hug. "I didn't think you'd be back today."

"We got a pretty big break and caught the guy, and I thought we'd surprise you," Emily explained, kissing the teen's head as Zoey and Spencer came over.

"Surprise me by pelting me with a snowball?" Alex asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well it was just too tempting to resist," Emily smiled. "How are you girls doing?" She then asked, turning her attention to her daughter's friends.

"We're good," Spencer smiled as Zoey nodded her agreement.

"Hey I'm just going to run inside and get my stuff," Alex said, already running back towards the house, leaving Emily to talk with the other two teens.

"Where's JJ?" Zoey asked, rubbing her hands together to keep them warm.

"Inside," Emily replied. "We just got back and I noticed you guys coming down the road," she explained. "Jen was starving though. Said she couldn't wait."

"Alex said she's been all about the sweets lately," Spencer said with a laugh.

"Oh yeah," Emily nodded. "She can't get enough. The other night I woke up in the middle of the night and she was sitting in bed eating Skittles," she told them. "It was like 3am. She claimed the baby just had to have them."

"Oh wow," Zoey said, both teens laughing as they pictured it. "That's actually way too funny."

"It could definitely be worse," Emily replied as she noticed Alex returning from the house. "I mean at least her cravings haven't been too gross," she said just as Alex reached them. "You ready kid?"

"Definitely," Alex smiled. "You guys have fun with your project."

"Yeah thanks," Spencer replied. "And you know if you change your mind about tomorrow night, the offer still stands," she reminded Alex unnecessarily for the third time today.

"I know," Alex said. "I'll see you at school tomorrow," she said, putting an arm around her mother and heading home.

CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM

An hour later Emily walked into the family room after throwing in a load of laundry, to find Alex and JJ curled up on the couch; a bag of gummy worms sitting between them.

"Jen you do know that candy isn't a suitable dinner for children right?" Emily said, flopping down beside the teen.

"I don't mind," Alex replied, biting a worm in half with a grin.

"I'm sure you don't," Emily laughed, snatching the other half of the worm from Alex's hand and popping it in her mouth; the teen opening her mouth in surprise. "I thought we could probably use a proper meal though. I called for takeout since I really don't feel like cooking tonight."

"Chinese?" JJ asked hopefully.

"Yes Chinese," Emily replied, shaking her head in amusement at the blonde's happiness. "So how about we put the candy away for now?" She suggested.

"Yes mom," JJ relented, moving the bag from the couch onto the side table as Alex giggled beside her.

"You are a terrible influence Jennifer," Emily said, poking Alex in the side as she continued to laugh.

"I know," JJ smiled, putting an arm around Alex and running her fingers through her long locks. "But you love me."

"Hmm, yeah," Emily agreed, the three falling into silence as they enjoyed the moment together, none of them moving until their food was delivered some twenty minutes later.

Not in the mood for a formal dinner, and not wanting to dirty dishes the three ate in the living room, each starting with their favourites and then exchanging cartons as they watched TV, Sergio slinking around at their feet.

"Hey Lex, what was Spencer talking about earlier?" Emily asked as she took a bite out of a chicken ball. "What's tomorrow night? Aren't the girls coming over?"

"No they've got plans so they'll stay here next weekend," Alex explained, continuing to eat, knowing that this conversation was going to result in a big talk from both females.

"You guys never miss a Friday night," JJ said in surprise. "Where are they all going?"

"They're going to this charity dinner thing at the school," Alex replied sounding nonchalant.

"And you don't like charity?" Emily asked sounding confused. "Why aren't you going?"

"It's a dinner, dance thing and I'm just really not into it," Alex replied. "I bought a ticket though so technically I contributed."

"Yeah but why don't you just go?" JJ asked. "I mean won't Logan be there?"

"No," Alex sighed. "It's a father daughter dance," she explained, not missing the sad looks both women were now giving her. "And before either of you say anything I'm fine okay. I just really don't want to go."

"You know one of us cold take you Lex," Emily said, assuming Alex didn't want to go because she didn't have a dad to take her. "I'm sure there are other girls who will be bringing their mothers."

"I know there will be," Alex agreed. "And I'd be fine taking either one of you with me, but like I said I don't want to go," she said. "I mean I'd much rather just stay home with both of you and hang out."

"Well we can definitely do that," JJ smiled. "We can have that Disney marathon you've been trying to talk us into for the last few months," she suggested knowing Alex enjoyed watching kids movies when she was feeling down.

"Yeah that sounds like a good plan," Emily quickly agreed, her stomach sinking in disappointment for her daughter. "That work for you?"

"Yeah definitely," Alex agreed with a smile, not missing the look on Emily's face. "That'll be a lot of fun," she said, sounding overly cheery in hopes of quelling her mother's worry. "I can't wait!"

CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM

"Em she said she was fine," JJ said the next morning as she and Emily stepped off the elevator at work. "And I genuinely think she meant it. She doesn't want to go to the dance," she said. "I think you need to let this go."

"I just don't understand why she wouldn't want to go," Emily argued. "I mean her friends are going. I offered to take her; Peter Hastings offered to take her and yet she still doesn't want to," she said. "I mean do you think maybe she really is embarrassed to go with one of us?"

"Em she slapped the last girl who made a comment about us," JJ reminded the brunette. "She's not ashamed. She said herself that she would gladly take one of us but she doesn't want to go, and you can't force her," she said. "You're worrying about this too much."

"I know," Emily sighed in frustration. "It's just so hard because she keeps so much to herself. I don't want her to miss out of things because she's afraid to really tell us how she feels," she continued. "I'm just worried that maybe this whole thing is harder for her than she's willing to admit."

"I'm sure it is hard for her," JJ agreed. "I mean this is one of those things that is obviously going to make her miss her dad, and at some point she may be willing to talk about that," she said, taking Emily's hand in hers. "For now though I think you just need to try not to worry, and do what Alex asked. She wants to spend the night with us, so let's just do that okay?"

"Okay," Emily agreed reluctantly. "I don't know what kind of school throws a dance like this anyways," she grumbled.

"I'm sure they had good intentions," JJ smiled, giving the brunette's hand a loving squeeze. "Now how about you get to work Agent Prentiss, I do believe you owe me some reports."

"Yes ma'am," Emily said, giving the blonde a mock salute, earning her a slap before JJ headed in the direction of her office, her laughter heard the whole way there.

Still worrying, but knowing she had work to do Emily headed for her desk, willing herself to focus on her case files and not Alex for the rest of the day. The Profiler immediately set to work, picking up a pen and opening up her top file, only stopping as each of her teammates made their way in, greeting them and asking about their nights before getting back to work. The brunette had fallen into a rhythm and thought she was doing well until she read through a file about a man who had been killed, leaving behind 2 young daughters. Emily's heart broke for the two little girls who would have to grow up without a father, her thoughts of course then falling to Alex, who had also lost her life with her father, something, which Emily couldn't get back for her.

"Penny for your thoughts there Princess?" Morgan called, having noticed that Emily seemed to be staring off into space. "Prentiss," he called again, successfully pulling the brunette out of her daze. "You okay?"

"Hmm? Oh yeah," she said, shaking her head as if to get her thoughts back in order. "Just thinking about Alex."

"Everything okay?" Morgan asked in concern.

"Yeah it's just…" Emily began, biting her lip. "When you were a teen did you ever feel like you were missing out on things after your dad passed? I mean it must have been hard going all those years without your dad."

"Well yeah," Morgan replied. "But my mom was there. She always did her best to be both parents for us when she could," he explained. "Did something happen with Lex?"

"Not really," Emily shook her head. "But there's this father-daughter dance at school tonight. She insists she's fine and she doesn't want to go, but I don't know…I guess I'm kind of feeling guilty about it."

"Guilty?" Morgan asked, looking confused. "Why guilty?"

"Because I can't give her a father," Emily said quietly. "I mean I know that she's happy with me and Jen, but a part of me can't help wondering if she feels like she's missing out not having a dad," she explained. "I basically grew up without a father around and I know how hard that can be. I just want to make sure that she's happy."

"Em," Morgan said sympathetically. "I think you're being way too hard on yourself. Alex loves you so much, and considering everything she's been through she's a really well adjusted, happy kid," he assured her. "Do I think she misses her father? Probably. But Em you're doing everything you can for that kid, and you love her so much. That's all that matters."

At these words Emily blinked away tears, emotional by the incredible support from her friend. "Thanks Derek," she practically whispered, the emotion evident in her voice.

"Always," Morgan smiled, giving the brunette a wink, an idea coming to him that he decided to keep to himself for the time being. "Now we better get back to work before that woman of yours catches us slacking off," he said pointing up towards JJ's office. "I still owe her some files."

"Me too," Emily grinned. "We better get to work."

CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM

"So you're really not going?" Logan asked Alex that day at lunch, the pair sitting off on their own, while Alex's friends constantly glanced their way.

"Oh God not you too," Alex groaned. "No I am not going. But it's really not a big deal, so can we please stop making it one?"

"Alright, alright," Logan laughed. "I'm sorry. We won't talk about it, but you know if you're not going we could hang out tonight," he suggested.

"No can do," Alex replied. "I'm hanging out at home. My parents are hardly ever home and I'm taking advantage of it. We made plans. Sorry."

"Don't be," Logan said. "I completely understand," he smiled. "I'm surprised that Emily isn't insisting on taking you to the dance though."

"She did offer," Alex explained. "But she would never force me to go if I said I didn't want to."

"Which you don't,"

"Right," Alex smiled.

"Can I ask you something though?" Logan asked, receiving a nod in reply. "If your dad was still here is this something you would have gone to?"

"He would have made me," Alex smiled wistfully. "My dad lived for these kind of things. He loved anything that meant it was just the two of us hanging out. He would have loved it," she said, a small, sad smile on her face.

"I'm sorry," Logan said, reaching out and taking the brunette's hand. "I wish he could be here," he said, squeezing her hand.

"Thanks," Alex replied quietly. "Me too."

CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM

"Lex are you coming downstairs soon?" Emily called upstairs about half an hour after she and JJ returned from work. "I thought you wanted to make dinner together."

"I'm just talking to Rachel," Alex called down the stairs. "Ten more minutes."

"Alright," Emily replied loudly, listening as the teen returned to her room, laughing at something her friend had obviously said.

Knowing Alex was likely to take longer than ten minutes Emily made her way into the living room where she knew JJ was currently lounging, having been complaining that her ankles were getting sore.

"Hey Pretty Girl, how you doing?" Emily asked as she found the blonde lying across the couch.

"Ugh," JJ groaned in reply, her arm over her face.

"That good huh," Emily laughed, lifting JJ's feet so she could take a seat, immediately beginning to massage them, earning an appreciative moan in reply.

"God I love you," JJ sighed a few minutes later as Emily continued her massage.

"I love you too," Emily smiled lovingly.

The pair sat in comfortable silence a while longer, the muffled sounds of Alex's laughter coming through the house. JJ's eyes just began to drift shut when the sound of the doorbell filled the house, causing blue eyes to pop open in confusion.

"You expecting anyone?" JJ asked sounding tired.

"Nope," Emily shrugged getting up from her place. "Maybe it's one of the girls," she said as she headed for the door surprised when she opened it to find Derek Morgan standing on the other side looking rather dressed up.

"Hey Derek," Emily greeted. "Were we expecting you?"

"Uh no, not exactly," Morgan replied as he stepped into the house. "But I…I thought I'd come see if Alex would let me take her to the dance," he explained.

"Em who's at the…oh hey Derek," JJ said as she came up beside her girlfriend. "You look nice."

"Derek you don't have to do that," Emily said, unsure if Alex would even agree to going to the dance with the profiler.

"I know that Em," Morgan replied. "But I want you to know that I'm always here for you guys. Plus I want to do this."

"You're a good guy you know that," Emily smiled. "I don't know if she'll go, but you can definitely ask her," she said, moving to the stand at the bottom of the stairs. "Lex can you come down here please," she called. "There's someone here to see you."

"One minute," Alex yelled back, the sounds of her footsteps coming down the stairs not too long after. "Hey Derek," the teen smiled, greeting her mother's friend. "What's up?"

"Well your mom told me about the dance," Morgan explained, seeing the teen throwing her mother a disbelieving look. "And before you say anything, I understand you said you're fine and you don't want to go, but before you refuse hear me out okay?" He said, as the teen reluctantly nodded. "I know I'm not your father and I have no intention of trying to be that, but I care about you Alex, and I'm always willing to fill in. And you can say no if you really want to, but if you'd let me I'd really like to take you to the dance tonight," he said, both Alex and JJ's eyes shining with tears. "Because I would be incredibly honoured if you'd be my daughter for the night."

At a slight loss for words as she blinked back tears, Alex opened and closed her mouth several times before finally running a hand through her hair with a sigh. "I'd like that very much," she finally replied.

"Great," Morgan replied, a big smile on his face.

"I can help you get ready," JJ said excitedly, taking Alex's hand in hers.

"Okay," Alex smiled. "I'll be fast," she said, making it to the stairs before dropping JJ's hand and quickly turning around, making her way back to Morgan and throwing her arms around him. "Thanks Derek."

"Anytime Princess," Morgan replied, returning the hug before watching the teen head back towards the stairs where JJ was waiting.

"You know you're a great friend Derek Morgan," Emily said, taking her friend's hand in hers. "Thank you for this. It means more than you know."

"Anytime Em," Morgan smiled. "Anytime."

CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM

Spencer, Olivia and Zoey had been surprised when Alex showed up at their table with Morgan, all three quickly getting up to give their friend a hug. Morgan had immediately begun chatting with the other dads, fitting right in as they all began discussing football and their jobs. Since they were late, dinner was served not long after Morgan and Alex arrived, everyone enjoying their meal while they asked the girls about school and their various extra-curriculars.

Dinner went by rather quickly, prompting the beginning of the dancing, the girls immediately making their way out onto the dance floor as one of their favourite songs came on. After quite a few fast songs Alex and Olivia left the floor to take a break, Derek offering to get them some drinks.

"So how's everything going with your dad?" Alex asked as she and Olivia took a seat at their empty table.

"Not bad actually," Olivia replied. "I mean it's a little weird, but I'm doing my best to forgive him. I hate what he did but he's my dad," she shrugged.

"That's great," Alex smiled.

"It's nice that Derek brought you here," Olivia then said nodding towards the beverage table where Morgan was currently filling glasses for them.

"Yeah, it was pretty cool of him to offer," Alex agreed.

"Definitely," Olivia nodded. "And you totally have the hottest dad here," the blonde pointed out.

"Oh God," Alex laughed. "If you say so."

"Oh I do," Olivia said. "The man is a God," she said making Alex burst into laughter.

"Here you go pretty ladies," Morgan interrupted, handing both girls a glass of punch. "What's so funny?"

"Oh nothing," Olivia smirked, taking a big sip of her drink to hide her laughter, her face slightly red.

"Okay then," Morgan replied, taking a seat in the chair next to Alex. "You having fun Princess?"

"Yeah definitely," Alex nodded. "Thanks for doing this. I'm really glad I came."

"It's my pleasure," Morgan replied just as the music changed to a slow song. "Now do you think I can get a dance with my girl now?" He asked, offering his hand to the teen.

"Sure," Alex smiled, taking Morgan hand as Olivia's dad came over to get her to dance as well. "You know it was really nice of you to do this," she said as the pair met in the middle of the dance floor. "I mean I know I didn't want to come at first, but I was really missing my dad," she admitted. "I feel a lot better now."

"I'm glad," Morgan smiled. "And you know kid, I'm here for you whenever you need me. For anything," he said. "You're Emily's kid and that means you're family."

"Thanks Derek," Alex replied emotionally. "I…I love you."

"I love you too Princess," Morgan replied with a big smiled. "So much."

CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM

It was after 10pm by the time Morgan dropped Alex off at home, the teen running to the front door, waving the profiler off before making her way inside where she could hear the television on in the family room.

"Hey," Alex called as she made her way into the room where Emily and JJ were curled up together on the couch.

"Hey," Emily smiled. "How was it?"

"It was actually a lot of fun," Alex replied taking a seat on Emily's other side, folding her legs beneath her as she leaned into the older brunette. "Morgan's a pretty good dancer, and according to Olivia I had the hottest dad there."

"Oh God that girl," JJ laughed. "I hope you didn't tell Morgan that one. It'll go straight to his head."

"Nah I kept that one to myself," Alex giggled. "Sorry I skipped out on our movie night. What have you guys been doing?"

"Don't worry about it," Emily brushed off. "We're glad you had a good time."

"Exactly," JJ agreed. "We've just been relaxing and watching whatever this is," she said pointing to the TV screen.

"And Jen's been sleeping," Emily laughed.

"I have not," JJ argued.

"Babe you were out for like an hour."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," JJ replied, trying to hold back a smile.

"Well do you think you guys could stay up a little longer?" Alex asked. "We could at least watch one movie together," she suggested.

"I think that sounds wonderful," Emily replied putting an arm around the teen, kissing her cheek.

"Great," Alex smiled, getting up to put in a movie before returning to the couch and cozying up to Emily.

As she got comfy, looking over to the two older women, seeing that JJ already looked half asleep while Emily couldn't look happier, Alex took a moment to appreciate how truly amazing her family was. Between Emily and JJ, the BAU team and her friends, Alex couldn't help thinking that she had the best family there was and she felt incredibly grateful for that.

"I love you guys," the teen smiled, happy to end a wonderful night with two wonderful mothers.

THE END!

Stay tuned for the next story, which I will get to you as soon as I can!