The Doctor and the Redhead, part 8-White Wedding
Spencer sits up in his bed, desperately wishing for Fiona's good-morning kiss. But she was at her father's home, had been there since last evening, as they were traditional, and he refused to see her before the wedding. He had spoken to her the night before, and she'd done her best to calm him from afar, but now, their new little house seemed vastly empty without her zaniness to perk the place up.
He didn't have much time to dwell, though, because the doorbell rang. He quickly pulls on some sweats and dashes downstairs. He opens the door to find Will on his front step, Morgan behind him, and Liam pulling up in his new car. He smiles at his friends and motions them in, for the men in the grooms' party, with the exception of Hotch, were all changing at his house. Fee and the girls were changing at JJ's, and her father's house had become the gathering point for all the out-of-town guests.
"Hey, man. How are you holding up?" It was Morgan, who was smiling.
"I think I might be sick."
"I don't think so, Smarty Pants. Get a shower, and let's do this." Spencer nodded, and excused himself.
"The coffee pot is starting, and Fee left pastries on the counter. Help yourselves." They nod, and shoo him off to the bathroom, where he closes himself in, and tries to remain calm. He couldn't believe that in three short hours, Fiona was going to be truly his.
Not far away, Fiona was eating some breakfast as JJ and Syd fussed over her. Her girlfriend Melanie was dancing around the room with Penelope and Henry, driving everyone crazy.
"Fee, hurry up and eat. We've got to get you dressed, us dressed, and someone needs to check on the boys." She makes a face, and replies.
"JJ, I am almost finished. Besides, the snap, crackle and pop is almost gone." JJ had fed her some of Henry's cereal, because Fiona insisted that if she did this on an empty stomach, she would most certainly faint. The others had told her she was crazy, but JJ had reluctantly handed her a bowl of cereal. Finally, Fiona finished, and stood to put the bowl in the sink. JJ snatched it away, and shooed her upstairs.
"Change in the guest room, OK? Syd brought your dress already." Fee nods, but hurries up the stairs and into the guest room, which was a mess of tulle and ribbons. Melanie followed close behind her, and Syd was behind Melanie. She reached for the bag that contained her dress, and sighed in happiness. She couldn't believe that in just a few short hours, she would be officially Mrs. Spencer Reid.
An hour later, Fiona sat rigidly in a chair that JJ had hauled up from the kitchen, letting JJ and Melanie work their magic on her unruly hair. Finally, JJ and Melanie had straightened the mess, and pulled up the top half into a simple bun and let the rest fall into cascades of rust-colored curls. They helped her attached the veiled headband, and stood back to admire their friend. Fee looked in the mirror behind the door, and felt herself tearing up.
"Thanks, girls. I love it. Mel, I love the makeup." Melanie had fixed her makeup, opting to play up Fiona's blue eyes, and keeping the rest simple.
"You're welcome. I'm glad you like it. We'll do lipstick last, so it won't fade. You want to be fresh when he kisses you." Fee rolled her eyes at her friend, but nods.
"Yes." She had put in her contact lenses, and smiled at her appearance. She stood then, and turned to her friends and step-mother. Her college friend, Jo, had joined the group, and she smiled at the sea of colors in front of her. Fiona hadn't wanted to stick to a color theme, but Spencer had insisted, to keep things streamlined, and so her friends were clad in various shades of blue.
"You ladies look lovely. Spencer and I have gifts, downstairs." Just then, Fiona's cell phone rang, and Mel picked it up.
"It's a 6-3-3 number."
"Oh, that's Nicole. I wonder if she was able to make it." Fee answers the phone, and the girl on the other end tells her that their mother allowed her to come, and she needed someone to pick her up at the train station. Fiona nods, and tells her she'd take care of it, and turns to JJ.
"Ok, I need someone to go get my sister." Syd smiles lightly; when her and Spencer had arrived home from their day trip to Philly, she'd gone straight to her dad's and told him about her discovery. He hadn't been too surprised, which Fiona had found odd until he'd confessed that Maureen had told him about her new life and family when he'd married Syd. It had annoyed her, but she had to admit that she was happier not knowing. JJ hung up with Morgan, who volunteered to pick up the girl and drop her at JJ's, before heading to the church to meet the others.
Back at home, Spencer was dressed in his finest, pacing the house. He was driving the others crazy, until Liam suggested that he call Fee, and see if she could calm him. He did, and as they spoke, the others could see him visably relax.
"Ok, sweetie. We do this in an hour, I think. I can't wait to see you."
"I know, love. I will see you in an hour. I'll be the girl in white." He grins.
"Ok. Morgan just left to get your sister. Is that OK?"
"Yes. I'm glad she came." He sighs.
"Good. I will miss you. Love you."
"Love you, too. Bye." He hung up, and turned to Liam.
"You were right, Liam. That helped a lot." Liam nods, as Fiona's dad enters the room.
"We need to get this holy show on the road, blokes. Who's riding with whom?" They separate into vehicles, and begin the trek to the church. Spencer is riding with Dec and Liam, and lets the boy drive.
Soon, they are all at the church, and Spence is immediately ensconced in an empty room with the wedding party, kept away from Fiona. He rolled his eyes, but greeted the men warmly before settling in to wait. It was only 45 minutes now, and he was super-nervous. He said this much to Morgan, who told him to breathe deeply. A knock at the door made him jump, but he opened it and came face-to-face with his father.
"Dad."
"Hello, Spencer. I know our last meeting didn't go well, but I wanted to make sure you had someone from your family here. I promise to sit in the back, and not say a word, but I wanted to wish you well first, and give you something." Spencer stepped back, and motioned him inside, seeing the surprised faces of his co-workers. He introduced his father to Fiona's dad.
"Dad, this is Declan Murphy, Fiona's father. Dec, this is my father, William Reid." They shook hands, and regarded each other before Dec spoke.
"Bloody savage to meet you finally. My Colleen told me wonderful things about ya when they got back from their trip." William raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sorry, who's Colleen?" Spencer chuckled, and replied.
"Colleen is an endearment, it's like "lass" or something."
"Oh. I'm sorry; I studied in London for a bit in college before I met Spencer's mother, but I don't remember any of it." Dec shrugged and turned away, filing out of the room, saying he needed to see his daughter, and his co-workers excused themselves, leaving Spencer alone with his father.
"What are you doing here, Dad?" His father reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small, poorly wrapped box.
"I want you to have this. My father gave it to me when I married your mother, and well-since your Uncle David didn't have any children, I think it's best if you have it. You can open it whenever, but I hope you choose to pass it on as I have." Spencer nods and opens the package.
"You wrapped it yourself." William chuckled.
"The one thing your mother didn't teach me before she got sick." Spencer nods, and pulls out a pair of pearl cufflinks, and holds them in his hands.
"These are great. Thanks, Dad." The man nods, and Spencer replaces them in the box, and slides the box into his pocket. His father sighs, and turns to leave. Spencer's voice causes him to turn around.
"You don't have to sit in the back. Just tell Agent Hotchner that you will be seated with the wedding party, and he'll take care of it." William smiles, and nods.
"Thanks. But that's not necessary."
"I insist."
"Well, then, I'd be delighted. Please, Spencer. Don't ever let your family end up like mine. This Fiona seems like a great girl, and she deserves better than a repeat of me." Spencer nods, and William leaves the room. Spencer stands in bewildered silence for a moment before Declan interrupts.
"Spencer? It's almost time to line up. I have something, though, for you. For the man who will marry my daughter. It's tradition in Ireland when a couple marries to have a bell ring during the vows, so that every time they hear a chime, they will remember their promises. So, I have one for you. It is the same one my parents used at their wedding, and Fiona and her mother used it at ours." Spencer smiles as the man extends to him a small silver bell, and takes it in his hand.
"Thank you. I will treasure this always, until I can pass it on." Declan smiles, and pats his back.
"Good. Hurry up, son, you can't keep your filly a-waitin"
"No, I can't." He follows Fiona's father to some doors, and as Declan opens them, Spencer smiles. The church is well-decorated; Fee's stepmother did well. He takes his place near the stairs at the altar next to Derek and Liam, and sighs deeply. Morgan smiles, and leans in to talk to him.
"You OK?"
"Yeah. You look good."
"Not as good as you. I saw Fiona, man, put a pretty redhead in a wedding dress, and every man here wants to be you right now." Spencer grins.
"Really? I can't wait to see her."
"We'll be starting in a minute. How's your stomach?"
"A little jumpy, but I think I'll be Ok. JJ made sure I had some antacids."
"Thank God for JJ."
"Yeah." Just then, the music changes, and Spencer inhales sharply, and Morgan chuckles.
"Keep your calm. Just like a case. Keep cool, wait for the proof, then deliver the profile. Except in this case, the profile is the vows part."
"That's a very scientific plan there."
"Thanks. Look alive, it's show time." Spencer swallows, and breathes again. The wedding march begins, and he smiles as Henry toddles up the walk with the rings, and the daughter of one of Fee's coworkers follows behind, sprinkling flowers. The bridesmaids, led by JJ, make their procession, and they all smile at him, trying to calm him. Just then, the bridal march starts, and he closes his eyes for a moment, opening to see a vision in ivory taking a tentative step towards him. He smiles big, and looks her in the eye. She smiles back, and nods almost imperceptibly. He can tell that she is just as nervous as he is, and as her father walks with her slowly, he mouths to her.
"It's OK, sweetheart."
She smiles again as father and daughter approach the altar, and her father lifts her veil and kisses her, before stepping back as Spencer steps forward, taking Fiona's hands in his. Finally, she smiles at him again, and they turn together to the priest. He lets his mind wander, taking in her dress. She wore an ivory colored ball gown, satin top and tulle bottom, with laces up the back. It was sleeveless, and the color made her skin look pinker. His eyes traveled to her face; she wore just a little more makeup than usual, and a pretty pink lip gloss he was dying to kiss. Her hair was simple; half of it was up, and the half that was down was left to fall in pretty ringlets. Her jeweled headband held the veil, and the overall look made him smile again. Just then, he tuned back in to hear the preacher tell him to repeat the vows they'd written.
"I, Spencer Allen Reid, take you to be my wife, my constant friend, my partner and my love from this day forward. Before our families and our friends, I vow to love you and care for you for everyday of my life. I take you with all of your faults, and your strengths, as I offer you myself with all of my weaknesses and strengths. I will help you when you need help, and I will turn to you when I need help. And I choose you as the person with whom I will share my life."
Fee smiled big, and he saw her eyes mist over as she spoke. He realized that the girls he worked with were all crying, as were a lot of the females in the audience.
"I, Fiona Jane Murphy, take you to be my husband, my partner in life, and my true love. I promise to cherish our union, and love you more each day than I did the day before. I eagerly await the chance to grow with you, getting to know the man you will become, and growing together. I promise to trust you, and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, love you faithfully through the good times, and the bad, regardless of the obstacles we face together. So I give you my hand, my heart, and all of my love on this day and everyday for the rest of my life."
She exhaled sharply, and he smiled and touched her face. He took a breath, and retrieved her ring from Derek, who smiled at him, and turned back to her.
"I give this ring as my gift to you. Wear it and think of me, and know that I love you."
"I will wear it gladly. Whenever I look at it, I will remember this joyous day and the vows we have made."
He smiles back at her, praying that it is almost over so he could kiss her already. He stood quietly as she gave him his ring with the statement she wanted to say.
"This ring I give to you as a token of my love and devotion. I pledge to you all that I am, and all that I will be as your wife. With this ring, I gladly marry you, and join my life with yours."
He repeats the same response she'd given, and they turn together to face the preacher. He says his final prayer for the couple, and then makes the proclamation.
"It is my pleasure to announce you as husband and wife. You can kiss your bride." He grins, and pulls her close to him, and kisses her for a moment longer than usual before gathering her in a big hug. They remain in their embrace for a moment, and then turn to face their family and friends. They smile and the crowd claps wildly, and he pulls her down the hallway and to an empty corner of the chapel to talk to her for a moment.
"We need to give the procession a moment to line up, but I wanted to tell you that you look so beautiful."
"You're gorgeous, too. We did it, Spence. We got married." He grins, and nods, and leads her to the door where the procession will begin to the cars to head to the reception. As he walks with Fee down some stairs and through the people gathered on both sides, he greets people he recognizes with a big smile. A familiar face causes him to gasp, and Fiona to squeeze his hand. A moment later, they are being pelted with sunflower seeds, Fee's idea for the birds, and then he is enclosed with her in a white limousine. He turns to her, grinning, and speaks.
"When I gasped, it was Gideon."
"Your old boss?"
"Yes. I wonder who invited him."
"My money is on JJ." He nods.
"You're probably right. God, I can't believe we just got married."
"I know." He kisses her again, and she places a firm hand on his knee. "Calm down, sweetie. How's your tummy?"
"I'm OK. Did you see my dad?"
"Yeah, he actually came by to wish me well before he saw you." Spencer nods.
"That's nice." Just then, they pull away from the chapel to begin the trek to the reception hall, which is actually a cute little bistro that they'd rented for the evening. She turns to him.
"Help me take this veil off. I told Syd I didn't want one, but Daddy insisted, and since he doesn't insist on much, I agreed. But now it's in the way."
"What do you want me to do?"
"Hold these," she hands him her bouquet, which he hadn't noticed were the same flowers he'd given her on their third date-calla lilies-and he smiled as she continued, "and then we can fold it when I figure this out."
She works the pins securing the headband to her hair, and suddenly, it comes loose in her hands, and she pulls off the veil, tucking it into a bag near her feet, and then letting her hair down. He grins, and runs a hand through it, and takes her hands into his.
"You were so gorgeous today. I can't wait to walk in there and hear them announce you as my wife." Fee smiles at him.
"I loved the vows you wrote. They were so special."
"I'm glad you liked them, my love. Here, you have something on your face." He leaned over and kissed her cheek, causing her to giggle.
"Did you get it?"
"I think so." She giggles again, and they stop in front of the restaurant. He turns to her and makes a face.
"Do we have to go in?"
"It's too late to elope. It'll be fine. Besides, it's smooth sailing tonight. We already did the hard part. This is the party part." He grins at her, and smoothes her hair again, and she straightens his collar before refreshing her lip gloss. She turns to him.
"Are you ready?" He nods, and they climb out of the car, hand in hand, heading for the building. He sees JJ look out the window and spot them, and she runs outside.
"I just told Hotch to get ready for the announcement. Can you guys give us another minute? I'll text you, Spence."
"Of course."
"The ceremony was beautiful, by the way." They grin as their friend runs back into the restaurant. A few moment later, Spencer's cell phone buzzes in his pocket, and he grins.
"Our first introduction as husband and wife. Let's go." She nods, and they both run lightly to the door, and fling it open. Fiona smiles as the Hotch speaks.
"And it's my pleasure to introduce, for the very first time, Dr. and Mrs. Spencer Reid."
Fiona laughs as Spencer kisses her again, and they take their place at their table to sit through toasts before the dinner begins.
The toasts are given by both of their supervisors, JJ, Derek, Liam, and Fiona's father. Then dinner is served, and they eat and chat with their family and close friends at the table with them. Finally, someone starts the music, and Fiona and her father dance the first dance, and as they finish, he presents her to Spencer.
He spins her to the song they'd chosen, a sweet little Nat King Cole song, which Fiona had heard once called "When I Fall in Love," which Spencer had chuckled at when she first suggested. Now, he was too happy to care, and as they finish their dance and he embraces her, the others join them on the dance floor.
The party continues as Fiona and Spencer take a break from dancing to greet their guests and get ready to cut the cake. They are greeted by smiles and well-wishes and hugs from most everyone, and make a sweep of the room, hand in hand, smiling and being happy newlyweds. When they stop in front of Hotch, who is cuddling a now-sleeping Jack in his arms, Fiona touches the boy's face.
"He's so adorable. I am glad you brought him along; I hope someday we can have one as well behaved as he is." Spencer nods.
"Thank you. But he's putting on a show; in reality, he's a stinker. But he had a great time. Thanks for inviting us."
"Thank you for coming." Hotch noticed that Spencer was glancing across the room, following Gideon's movements with his eyes, and smiled.
"I hope you don't mind, Spencer, but I called him. I thought you might like to have him here." Spencer smiles and nods.
"Thank you. It was a nice surprise. Your speech earlier was fantastic; thanks for agreeing to it."
"It's my pleasure. I was surprised to see your father here."
"Me, too. But he seems to be behaving himself, so maybe it won't be too bad."
"I almost had to tell Morgan to stand down. It's a good thing you had him speak to me." Spencer laughs.
"Thank you for taking care of it. Would you please excuse us?" He nods, and Spencer pulls her towards Gideon, who smiles when he sees his former protégée heading towards him, his new wife in tow.
"Hello, Spencer." Spencer embraces his former mentor, and steps back, pulling Fiona forward.
"Gideon. It's so nice to see you. Thank you for coming today. Hotch told me he called you. Oh, this is Fee."
"Hello, dear. It's nice to meet you." Fiona smiles and shakes his hand.
"It's nice to meet you, too. Spence has told me so much about you. I am glad you could make it." He nods and replies.
"It's my pleasure." She nods, and eyes her husband, who is looking oddly at the man.
"Would you both excuse me, please? I need to locate the wash room." They nod, and Fiona leaves them to chat, Spencer telling the man all about his wife, and their relationship. Fiona pulls her old friend Jo to a corner to chat.
"You look good, Fee."
"Thanks. I feel good. Jo, I love him so much."
"I can tell. Thanks for inviting me. But I can't stand that woman you sat me next to."
"Which one?"
"Ashley Seaver or something. She's boring." Fiona laughs.
"Yeah, she works with Spencer. That girl I introduced you to this morning, Penelope, she says that Seaver had been after Spencer. But he didn't care much for her, not romantically, anyway."
"And to think you didn't want to go on the first date."
"I am so glad all of you talked me into it."
"He's so cute. I wish he had a brother."
"Ah, what? Liam doesn't tickle your fancy?"
Both girls laughed, and Jo shook her head, her petite frame and black hair a big contrast to Fiona's, and they were garnering attention. From the corner of her eye, she could see Spencer heading her way as Jo spoke.
"Sorry, he's a little too young for my tastes. Besides, I don't think I'd like jail too much." They laugh again as Spencer places his hands on Fiona's waist. She smiles up at him, and indicates her friend.
"Honey, this is Joanne Pierce, my very best friend in college. Jo, meet my husband, Spencer." Fiona smiled as they greeted each other warmly, and then as Spencer excused them to Jo.
"Apparently, it's time to do the cake, garter and flower part." Fiona nods and lets him escort her to the front table again, where they slice the cake, sharing it with each other before sharing it with their guests. They mingle some more, this time gathering with Spencer's friends. Penelope is smiling and giggly, and speaks to Fiona as Spencer chats with Rossi.
"I can't wait for you two to have kids. I can just picture Spencer holding a little baby genius, all little round glasses and a dictionary instead of his Elmo." Fiona laughs.
"There's plenty of time for that. I love that dress on you; it's totally flattering. When are you and Kevin going to do it?" Penelope grins.
"Soon, I hope." They giggle again, and Penelope looks to Spencer. "He has been so happy since he found you. Don't let him ever get away."
"I swear I won't." She smiles as Kevin sweeps Penelope away, and turns to her husband, who smiles back and takes her arm as he finishes his conversation. He turns to her, and speaks.
"Should we head up front to toss the bouquet, and then get ready for the honeymoon?" She smiles and nods, but is accosted by Nicole.
"Fiona, you look so pretty." Fiona bends and hugs the girl.
"Thanks, sweetie. You look pretty, too." The girl was wearing a purple wrap dress in cotton, and Mary Janes. Her fine brown hair was pulled back with a purple headband, and she had a little sparkly lip gloss on. Fiona realized the dress was a little worn, and it dawned on her that her mother's family had little money, and her heart ached a moment for the child. But she smiled, and spoke to the girl.
"Nikki, Spence and I are going to throw the bouquet and things right now, but I need some help. Will you help me?" The girl nods, and smiles.
"What do you want me to do?"
"Follow me." Fiona nods to Spencer, who leads her to the front of the room, Nikki in tow. Fiona racks her brain, trying to think of something for the girl to do, and suddenly, she gets an idea. She whispers to the girl as Spencer makes the announcement that she was going to toss her bouquet.
"Nikki, I am going to toss my flowers now, but what I really need is for you to come with me in a little bit when I put on my going-away outfit, because this dress is a pain to get on and off, ok? Can you do that for me?"
"Yes."
"Do you want to stand with the other girls to get the flowers?" The girl shakes her head.
"I think I'm too young." Fee smiles.
"Probably. But here, you can have just one. For hope for the future. Maybe that Peter boy, hmm?"
Nikki smiled as Fee pulled one of the lilies from her bouquet and hands it to the girl before turning to the assembled bevy of woman, and turning around. She tossed the flowers over hand to the waiting crowd, and turns around to see Jo catch the flowers effortlessly, much to Penelope's dismay. Fee shrugs at her new friend, and smiles at her old one, and claps with everyone else. Spencer indicates a chair for her, so she can sit while he pulls off her garter, and toss it to the single males. She sits, primly, as he lifts her skirt slightly and slides his hand up her leg. She giggles, and shakes her head at him playfully, and he slides the garter off of her leg, and stands, kissing her before turning the men and sling-shooting the fabric into the crowd, then laughing as she stands and they embrace. The garter is caught by a sheepish-looking Derek Morgan as Spencer busts up. Then he tells the crowd that he and Fiona will soon be leaving for their honeymoon, and excuses them to change.
In the restrooms of the restaurant, Fiona and Spencer spend their first few minutes of alone time of their marriage. Fiona takes the quiet moment to breathe deeply and reflect on the past year, from her nervous rambling on their first date, to the soft, tender way Spencer had touched her when they'd first made love, to the time they were shopping together, and he was being silly-it had been the day he'd suggested that they buy their house. Her mind flashed to the Vegas trip, and the fact that she had been feeling needy and unloved, and the purple dress she wore to pique him. Finally, her mind flashed to the hostage scene, and her fear that he would dump her, deciding that his safety was far more important than her. But he hadn't, and here she was. She glanced at her wedding band, a slim, silver eternity band, and smiled. The door flew open then, and Syd and Nikki blew in.
"Syd showed me the two dresses you picked out. I think you should wear the polka dot one." Fee smiles.
"Thanks, Nikki. I like that one, too. Ok, Syd. The polka dot one it is." They dress Fee quickly, hanging her gown, and Nikki helps her to pin back the front of her hair, and step into a pair of patent leather high heels, strap on a strand of pearls, and repair her makeup. Finally, Fee was ready to face her husband and guests to be seen off on their vacation. She sighs, and embraces her sister, and then her step-mother.
"Thank you both. Nikki, I couldn't have done it without you. You were so much of a help. I talked to my friend Jo; she's going to drive you back to the train station later, OK? I will call you when we get home, OK? But I'll be checking email every so often." The girl nods.
"Ok. I'll be in touch, then."
"Great. Let's go."
"Wait, you forgot your purse." Nikki hands Fee her purse, the same black envelope purse she'd carried on her first date. She smiles at the girl, and ruffles her hair.
"Thanks." The three women exit the bathroom to find Spencer waiting, dressed in a casual outfit of slacks, sweater, and sports coat. He grins at Fiona, and kisses Nikki and Syd on their cheeks.
"Thanks for making my wife so gorgeous. We'll see you two later?"
"Of course. Dec and I will be waiting to drive you both to the airport. That JJ woman has had your luggage put in the car already. She's really quite efficient, where can I get one?" They laugh at Syd's comment, and then the two other women leave the couple alone. They take a moment to talk.
"So can't you just give me a little tiny hint where you're taking me?" Fiona speaks to Spencer, her blue eyes playfully begging him.
"Nope. It would ruin the surprise. But you'll love it, I promise. I love this dress on you, by the way. The polka dots really suit you."
"Thanks. That sweater is rocking my world." He smiles.
"Thanks. Shall we do this?"
"We shall." He starts to lead her back into the main room, but she stops him near the doors, and kisses him deeply. "I love you, Spencer."
"I love you, too, Fee." They burst into the room again, all smiles, and they thank their friends and families for joining them on their special day, and then they are quickly whisked off to the airport, baggage secured, with JJ's promise that everything would be taken care of.
As they make their way through the security checkpoint, and on to their terminal, Fee sighs in happiness. Soon, they are settled in the terminal, both wrapped up in each other, smiling in joy. They told everyone they'd met, from the ticketing agent to the security officer to the gate woman that today they'd gotten married, and watched, enchanted, as the whole of DC, it seemed, shared in their joy.
End of Part 8
