Rossi and Taylor ended up talking on the phone for most of the night. That was until she fell asleep on the line around three. He wasn't even sure how she had gotten to use the phone that long.

Once she fell asleep, he stayed on for another hour, wanting to make sure she didn't have a nightmare. He waited patiently, leaning his head back. He closed his eyes and just thought. What if...

He awoke the next morning to his alarm. He sighed and threw his legs over the side of the bed. Today was the day they headed home.

He quickly packed all his things, changed, and headed downstairs to meet the rest of the team.

Hotch was the only one down in the lobby. He was writing a few notes, his bag sat at his feet. He looked up as Rossi approached and acknowledged his friend with a nod.

Within five minutes, the rest of the team had come down from their rooms.

They made it onto the jet without a hitch and pretty soon they were up in the air and headed home.

About thirty minutes into the flight, Hotch looked up from his usual paperwork after a case to find Rossi deep in thought. "Dave?" He tried quietly. When his friend didn't respond, he tried again. "Dave?"

"Hm?" Rossi blinked and looked up. "Sorry, what's up?"

"What's on your mind?" He asked, setting down his pen.

Rossi shook his head. "Nothing, really."

Hotch rolled his eyes. It was almost as if he weren't a profiler for a living. "Seriously Dave, what are you thinking about?"

Rossi shook his head. His fingers tapped against the table. "When you and Haley were expecting...did you ever doubt yourself? About how you'd be able to take care of the kid?"

Hotch raised an eyebrow, confused for a split second as to where the question could come from. Before this trip, Rossi never really talked about kids, especially since he didn't plan on marrying again. It dawned on him why his friend would be asking. The corner of his lips turned into a small smile as he nodded. "All the time."

Rossi nodded, looking back down at his hands.

"But it's nothing to be scared of Dave. Everybody's unsure how good they're going to be for their child."

He didn't look convinced.

"This is about Taylor right?" Hotch asked quietly, watching as Rossi nodded. "You two are perfect for each other."

He shrugged, again, he still was nowhere near convinced.

"Dave, the way you took care of her, and the way she was comforted by you. It means something." Hotch continued. "You're going to adopt her, right?"

Rossi shook his head. "I've thought about it, a lot actually. But this job Hotch, it doesn't really allow us much time at home. You know that. You and JJ especially. After everything she's been through, she deserves someone who can be there whenever she needs them."

"You're always just a phone call away, which by the looks of it is how the two of you spent your night."

Dave smiled sheepishly. "I just...I want her to be happy. After everything-"

Hotch cut him off. "Dave, trust me. Go for it."

The plane landed and since they had decided to stay the night in Springfield, they headed right back to the office. Hotch promised that it would only be for a couple hours, but everybody needed to wrap up a bit of paperwork.

Rossi went up to his office. He set his go bag by the door and headed straight for his desk. He pulled his phone from his pocket, as well as a business card from his wallet. He punched in the number.

"Springfield police, how may we assist you?"

"Hi, I'm David Rossi with the FBI, is it possible I can talk to Officer Kohl?"

Kohl was on the phone in no time. "Agent Rossi? Did you guys forget anything?"

"Kohl! No, actually. I was wondering if you could email me Taylor's records." He ran a hand through his hair and leaned forward in his seat. He was nervous about the whole idea. Was he even ready to take in a kid? Sure his mansion got lonely every so often, but with this job...wouldn't she have a better life with an actual family? Somewhere there was a mom, a proper dad who had a regular schedule and made it home by dinner time every night.

"Well...sure. May I ask what you need it for?" He asked. The clicking of keys could be heard in the background.

Rossi tapped his fingers against his desk. "I just want to check in with her."

"Oh, right. Well I just sent it your way, sir. Call me if there's anything else you need."

"Great, thanks so much." He hung up and pulled up the records on his computer. He looked over the file and found the phone number. He typed in every number, but hesitated to actually call. He debated just locking his phone and finishing up what he needed to do. He shook his head and pressed the call button. He brought the phone to his ear.

Stovall answered on the other end. "Shannon Stovall."

"Hey, Shannon, it's David Rossi, I work with Aaron Hotchner for the FBI."

"Oh, right! You're that guy who cared for Taylor. Listen, I really have to thank you for that. Kids don't always get treated the best."

"It wasn't a problem, but listen, that's actually why I'm calling."

"Hm?"

"I was hoping I could actually adopt Taylor."

It seemed that as soon as those words left his mouth, his computer filled with more emails.

"Fill out the forms and send them back ASAP! When can you pick her up?"

Rossi checked his watch. "Around five tonight, I'll have to catch a plane back."

"Sounds perfect! She's going to be so excited. See you then David!" Stovall's voice had gotten higher the more excited she became.

Dave easily filled out the forms and sent them on their way. Honestly nothing even seemed real. He would have a daughter. A smile began to play on his lips. He shook his head and pushed himself up. He left his office and knocked on Hotch's door before stepping in.

Hotch looked up as his friend stepped in. The smile on his face was contagious. "Did you do it?"

"I'm picking her up tonight."

Hotch grinned and pushed himself up. "Congratulations, Dave! That's awesome!" He wrapped his arms around the man in a quick hug.

"Thanks." Rossi returned the hug. He pulled away and shook his head. He glanced at his watch again. "You don't think I'm moving too quick with all of this?"

Hotch shook his head.

He nodded, fiddling with his hands. He took a deep breath and nodded. As soon as he had first called Kohl he was rushed with emotions. He was mostly nervous at the idea, but now he was not only nervous, but excited and happy. "Right. I'm taking an early lunch."

Hotch smiled and nodded. "I'll make sure to let Strauss know. Congratulations Dave."

He slipped past his colleagues without any question. Everybody was invested in finishing up so they could head home.

Dave was back in Springfield by four in the afternoon. An hour earlier than he had expected, but he still had to find the place. He hailed a taxi and gave him the address before he sat in the back. He looked down at his hands. His fingers shook slightly. Would Taylor be happy? He figured she would, but all of the 'what if' questions always ran through his head.

Around five like he promised he walked into the building.

Shannon stood by the front desk. She looked over her shoulder and smiled at the familiar face. She held up a piece of paper and handed it to him once he walked over. "I'm going to need you to sign here and here." She said as she pointed at the lines. "We'll email you the bill and everything."

There wasn't much of a need for a background check on an FBI agent. He had explained over the phone about his crazy schedule, but promised he would figure something out. Nobody doubted it.

"She's waiting for you." Shannon smiled at him and pointed towards a couch in the corner where Taylor has been sitting. She was waiting patiently with her backpack between her legs.

Dave smiled and handed her back the paper. Now, legally, that was his daughter. He took a deep breath, his nerves getting the best of him for a second.

He headed in her direction. As soon as she saw him, her eyes lit up. She jumped off the couch and ran over to him, wrapping her arms around him as best as she could. He crouched down and pulled her in for a hug. They were both silent as they held each other. Father and daughter.

Slowly they broke apart. He eyes had begun to water as soon as she wrapped her arms around him. He wiped his eyes and grabbed her backpack. He slipped his hand into hers and started for the door.

"C'mon kiddo, let's go home."

(This marks the end of yet another Criminal Minds fic. I hope y'all enjoyed! There is a good chance of one-shots in the future, especially with how close Christmas is lol.

I have had a few ideas for a possible sequel that follows Rossi and Taylor's life as a family, let me know if you'd be interested!

Thanks y'all! As always, I love y'all, and have a happy holiday!)