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The birthday party had been a secret, one that Garcia had managed to keep under wraps until they brought her home. Alex knew nothing of the surprise still to come, Alex hidden away until JJ was sure they were ready for the cake. A ring cake, chocolate with the Smarties that Emily had sent over from England.
JJ brings the lighter back to Sarah, then moves away to turn out the lights, smiling when Alex sighs and settles back in her seat, signalling for Sarah and Abi to sneak into the room, Abi slips an arm safely around JJ, settles into her side then laughs when Alex’s eyes widen just slightly.
“Happy Birthday Darling…”
Sarah’s voice is soft, copper curls shining in the candlelight even as Alex soaks up the familiar sea-green eyes and pale skin, a hopeful smile coming to her lips as she blows out the candles, making her wish.
The lights come on, Alex cuts the cake and settles with Sarah by her side, smiling softly at the sight of Sarah, her Sarah she had longed to see again, the woman’s shy smile reward enough that she relaxes, they talk, Sarah laughing softly when Alex falls silent.
“I’m proud of you, Alex… you made it back to the BAU.”
“I’m proud of you too Sarah, even if I’m not sure how someone who’s not a Navy girl managed to pull off becoming SecNav…”
Sarah blushes a little, then laughs slightly.
“They needed someone to steady the ship…”
“Well, you always were steady…”
Alex murmurs, then risks her chance, leaning to tuck hair behind Sarah’s ear, the two falling silent before Sarah murmurs a soft ‘Oh, for heaven’s sake’ then leans to kiss her.
“Happy Birthday Alex.”
Later they will have to make sense of how to make everything else work, but for now Alex is happy to enjoy Sarah’s company and re-found love.