A/n this used to be Rocky Road to Romance, but I didn't like that story at all so I deleted it and am redoing it. There are several things that are the same, but the one thing that is different is that Kenny and Bridget don't exist. Hotch doesn't have a secret child and he and Haley have a stronger bond then they originally did in the first story. Please R/R!

Reid sighed as he entered his apartment. It had been a long day. The team had just gotten back from a case. Ready for some dinner and a relaxing shower he walked into the kitchen and picked up the closest takeout menu. He could cook, but rarely did so. He had just picked up the phone to call in his order when someone knocked on his door. Frowning he walked over and opened it. Who he saw on the other side took him by surprise. XXXX

"What are you doing here?" the genius asked in bewilderment staring at the woman standing at his door. Meredith Wallace stared at her ex-boyfriend preparing to speak. Taking her in from head-to-toe, Reid saw a bundle in her arms. Just then the bundle started to cry. Reid's eyes widened when he realized she was holding a baby.

"Who is that?" he asked clearly startled.

"Meet Christina Elizabeth Reid, your daughter. She's two weeks old."

"My w-w-what?" the genius stuttered.

"She. Is. Your. daughter." She spoke each word deliberately.

"But how…? When…? I mean I know how, but when, and why didn't you tell me about her until now? For that matter why are you telling me now?" the shell-shocked man wanted to know.

"I didn't tell you before because we broke up shortly after I got pregnant. I found out the week after we broke up that she was on the way. I didn't tell you because I figured you didn't want to be involved. However, I've quit going to the NA meetings. I can't stay clean, Spencer. It's too hard. So I've signed away all my parental rights. As of now you have full custody of Christi." As she was speaking she placed the baby in his arms and started dropping bags at his feet. There was a diaper bag and two bags of clothes.

"But you can't just leave her here with me. I don't know anything about kids, they don't like me," he protested.

"Well if you don't want her, then I'll just drop her off somewhere. I don't really care. The little brat's getting in the way of my habit," Meredith scoffed. Reid felt his heart clench. What in the world had he ever seen in this woman. They'd met at a NA meeting and had started dating. They had a common bond because they both struggled with addiction. Apparently she wasn't strong enough to fight it anymore.

"No, I'll take her. She's my daughter and I won't let you just give her to some random stranger just so you can feed your drug habit," Reid replied. The baby who had been crying calmed down once she was in her father's arms. Being around Henry had helped Reid know a little bit about what to do for a baby.

"Fine then, it's all settled. Here are the papers that indicate I've signed away all my rights. Her birth certificate is also in the envelope. Bye, I'm glad you took the brat off my hands," Meredith said turning and walking out the door without once glancing at her newborn daughter.

"Well kiddo, I guess it's just you and me now," Reid said softly to his baby daughter. "I think it's time to call Garcia. She can help me go shopping for you. No one can do a shopping trip like your Auntie Pen." Realizing he'd have to tell the team about her and need some time off he walked over to the couch and settled the baby in his arms before picking up the discarded phone and making the call to Garcia. The other calls would happen once he'd adjusted to everything a bit more. I'll call them all tonight and see if we can get together tomorrow, he thought as the phone quit ringing in his ear and Garcia picked up. XXXX

"Hello?" came Garcia's cheerful voice.

"Hi, Garcia, it's Reid. I need a huge favor."

"Hi, what's up, my junior G-man? What kind of favor can the goddess of all things help you with this evening? Oh, I know, you have a date on this lovely Friday night and you need my help to pick out an outfit. Say no more, I'll be right over."

"Well, it's a woman, but not a date," the young man hedged.

"So what's going on?"

"You remember that girl I told the team I was dating?"

"Meredith, the one who you ended it with several months ago?" Garcia checked.

"That's the one. Well, she showed up at my door tonight carrying a baby. She's my daughter, Garcia. Meredith signed over all her rights. She said Christi's getting in the way of her habit. How can she say that about such a beautiful and innocent baby?" Reid demanded. He cradled his daughter tighter aware that he already loved her more than anyone else in the world and he'd only known her for a little over five minutes. "She called her a brat and said she was getting in the way of her habit. What kind of mother says such horrible things about their child?" Reid wondered clearly confused.

"A bad one," Garcia commented.

"That's definitely true," Reid agreed smiling at his daughter who was opening and closing her hands while snuggling contentedly in her daddy's arms.

"Take it easy, Papa Bear," the computer tech teased. Seeing Reid be so protective brought a smile to her face. He was protective of both Jack and Henry, of course. They all were, but she was sure he'd be even more protective of his own little girl.

"Sorry," Reid apologized, clearly embarrassed.

"No need to apologize, Reid. It's cute to see you being so protective. You're going to ake an excellent father."

"Are you sure?" the genius questioned nervously.

"Yes, I'm sure. So I'm guessing you called me because you need help shopping for baby things is that correct?"

"Yeah, that's exactly why I called you. Will you help me, please Garcia?" the genius fairly begged.

"I'd be happy to sweetie. I'll be over at your place as soon as I can. I have the car seat that JJ gave me for when I watch Henry while you guys are gone. Henry's only six months old. O all I'll have to do is adjust the straps so they're smaller. It's already a rear-facing car seat. We'll take my car because it's bigger. Oh, can I call Derek? It would be easier to lift some of the heavy stuff if we had my chocolate god of thunder to help," she added.

"Sure, I was planning on calling the team and asking them if we could get together tomorrow. I guess telling him now would mean one less person to tell then," he agreed.

"Leave it to me. I'll get everyone to my house tomorrow for dinner. You come over early and get settled. Then you can tell them about your daughter when they get here," Garcia explained.

"That sounds good. I'll let you go. See you and Derek soon," Reid replied.

"See you soon," Garcia said hanging up and heading for her car calling Morgan on her cell as she did. A bright smile crossed her face. The computer tech loved kids and was glad to be able to spoil another little angel rotten.

TBC?

A/n, read and review, please.