Author's Note:

See end note. Enjoy.

Chapter 7:

Three Months Later:

Dulles International Airport Departure Area

It was seven o'clock when the team was assembled at the airport on a Friday to go to Seattle for a case involving strangled tech entrepreneurs. Hotch was missing a night with his son. J.J. was annoyed because she had been pulled out of her date night with Will. Morgan was mad because he had just lost twenty bucks during a poker night with his friends. Rossi tried to act calm but his agent was furious he had to leave a special book signing. But most of all Reid was positively shaking with anger and frustration but didn't say anything.

The flight was due to leave in twenty minutes and they had completed their basic case summary with questions to ask when they arrived. Reid kept reading through the file and coming up with new questions. Morgan took a seat next to him.

"You missing out on a date night too pretty boy?" he said brushing a piece of lint off his black dinner jacket.

He didn't take his eyes off his notes. "It was a celebratory dinner. Linda has be promoted to senior editor of her magazine."

"That is great news."

"It means less travel and she had mixed feelings about it."

"I still hate this coach thing but I guess you get used to it."

"I guess."

"So is she back on a train to New York?"

"I gave her a copy of my keys to her months ago so she can stay over and not worry about catching a train."

"That is something. Sharing keys. What next?"

Before Reid could say anything else J.J. plopped on the other seat next to him. She was smiling for the first time.

"Let's see it," she said.

Reid jumped and nearly dropped his papers. "See what?"

"The ring," she said coyly.

He turned a deep shade of red and Morgan slapped him hard on the back.

"You sly dog!" he practically shouted. "You were going to propose!"

This caught the attention of Rossi and Hotch.

Reid turned his attention to J.J.

"How did you know?"

"Informed guess," she said lightly. "You're wearing the cologne. She asked me once if you ever wore cologne before one of your birthdays. When I was searching for one of Henry's toys at your place I stumbled into your room and saw it had been gathering dust. And now you're wearing it so this must be one special date night."

"I don't mind the scent," he said. "It just feels weird on me."

Morgan offered him a hand. "Congratulations Reid."

"I haven't asked her yet."

Three days later:

Dulles International Arrival Area:

Linda was waiting in a simple blue dress. It reminded Reid of Linda's favorite skating outfit. The early morning sun showed up the golden brown highlights in her hair. She was also wearing a broad smile.

"I believe you have a question to ask me."

Author's Note:

I'll finish this story in another chapter.