It was one of those rare days that Spencer had free from the BAU. A day he had to spend time and relax, without a care in the world. How he spent these days had changed dramatically over the past few years, previously he would have just spent the day at home sorting things out, reading or visiting his mother in Las Vegas; now, however, Spencer spent his free days with Carrie. Carrie, the professor of History at the University of Virginia, had met Spencer when he'd done a presentation on becoming an agent to her class. They had made plans to grab a coffee the next day and before they realised it, they were spending every free waking minute together, Carrie understood that there would be times when Spencer had to cancel because of his job, just as he understood that she had to mark and grade papers.
Anyway the pair were walking hand in hand around the Brandon Plantation and Gardens, which was a place they frequently visited as Carrie was fascinated with her history and the gardens were beautiful. They were taking their time not in any rush to get anywhere or see anything, merely enjoying each other's company. They were nearly at their favourite spot near the water fountain when Reid's phone went off.
"I'm so sorry," He apologized, his voice shaking slightly, Carrie shook her head smiling. Spencer ducked his head as he answered the phone, making her laugh, "Hey Hotch," He greeted, "Where? I'm already there; Carrie and I were just walking around the grounds. When did it happen? Right. Jack? Uh…"
"I'll take care of Jack," Carrie volunteered, "I mean we've already paid entrance, might as well make the most of it. Plus it's been a while since Jack and I spent time together,"
"Carrie says she'll take him Hotch. Yeah, we'll meet you there. Ok, see you in a few," Spencer looked at Carrie and sighed, "Let's go meet the gang then,"
"Cheer up Spence, at least we spent yesterday together and the sooner you solve this case the sooner we can do something else together," She encouraged trying to cheer him up because of what she assumed to be a case. They walked towards the entrance where there were already police cars, an ambulance and a black SUV parked.
"Spencer! Carrie!" Jack yelled, running away from his father and Morgan. He barrelled into Spencer's legs, he picked the boy up and gave him a quick hug, while Carrie lent over and kissed his cheek. Jack hugged the pair of them before struggling to get down again.
"Jack, what have I told you about running off?" Hotch asked as he approached the trio, "Hey Spencer, Carrie,"
"Not to, but Daddy we could see them and they could see me," Jack protested, taking Carrie's free hand in his.
"Yeah, Dad, he could see us," Spencer joked, making Morgan and Carrie laugh while Jack exclaimed, "See!"
"Reid stay out of this and I do believe I told you not to call me Dad when we're on a case," Hotch's attention had switched to Spencer now so Jack took this opportunity to pull on Carrie's hand, dragging her off in the direction she had just come from.
"Hold up there Kiddo. I do believe your Dad and Reid may just have a heart attack if the pair of you disappeared on them," Rossi chuckled as he joined the group. JJ, Emily and Garcia trailing behind him, making Spencer appear to grow even more nervous. Hotch clasped his shoulder in an attempt to calm him while Carrie stared in confusion, crouching down to Jack's level, she looked at him.
"Do you know what this is about?" She asked the five year old, warily eyeing the group of profilers surrounding the pair. He shook his head after glancing up at his dad.
"Carrie, I'd like to talk to everyone before we begin looking at the case. Can you lead us to the fountain you and Spencer are always talking about please?" Hotch asked Carrie as she stood to her full height again, she nodded in response looking at them curiously before showing them the route which she and Spencer had just come down.
It was only when she stopped in front of the fountain and turned around that she noticed the others had stopped a small distance away and it was only Spencer who was within reaching distance.
"Spence, what's?" She began to ask before abruptly cutting of when he knelt down on one knee and produced a velvet box.
"I love you Carrie and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, if you'll let me. You're practically living with me anyway so we might as well make it official which is good because statistically we have a better chance if we haven't been living together but willyoumarryme?" Spencer rushed.
"What?" She laughed.
"Will you marry me?" He tried again, blushing and ducking his head. She stared at him for a millisecond before grabbing his hand, pulling him up and kissing him passionately. Suddenly they were swamped by the group of profilers that Spencer considered him family. Jack was bouncing around happily while everyone else was offering congratulations and wishing them well. It ended too soon for the happy pair as they had to return to their work leaving Jack and Carrie to enjoy the remainder of the day together in the gardens.
It was decided that the BAU team, their families, Diana Reid and Carrie's adopted parents would be the only ones in attendance at the wedding of Carol Kleen and Dr Spencer Reid. The pair had a wedding on the beach, Carrie wearing a pure white dress with intricate golden patterns made of floating fabrics. Hotch was Reid's best man, Jack was the ring bearer, Henry was the page boy, Carrie's little half-sisters were the bridesmaids and JJ was Carrie's maid of honour. It was a beautiful day that Carrie walked down the aisle to a non-traditional song, A Thousand Years, a day which neither of them will ever forget.