Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds.
A/N: Shout out to ElisaC, tannerose5, breannagabriel for reviewing chapter 8.
For the length of Spencer's hair in this chapter think about the length Spencer's hair was in season 7's episode Hope.
Here's what Clarissa's wedding dress looks like even though it's a vintage dress from the 1950's. In order to see a picture of the dress, please ignore the spaces when typing in this link, and the dress has short sleeves and is floor length.
chicvintage / wp-content/uploads/ 2013/09/14
This chapter takes place nearly a year later on November 29th and 30th of 2002. Spencer's now 21 and Clarissa's 15 days from turning 21, and I was told that even though Clarissa is almost 21 she would have the OK to have one glass of champagne for the toast before doing non alcoholic beverages for the rest of the day/night since her oldest brother would give her permission.
Let's just say that Clarissa's a Christian and Spencer's Catholic, and they decided to get married in Clarissa's childhood church.
The night before the wedding Spencer was sitting in his bedroom at his godparents house looking at a picture of himself at four years old when Alex knocked on the open door.
"May I come in Spencer?" asked Alex.
"Sure." said Spencer.
Alex joined her godson on his bed and looked at the photo that Spencer was looking at.
"They will be watching you from above tomorrow with your aunt Ethel and uncle Gordon." said Alex as she smoothed down her godson's much shorter hair, "Are you nervous about tomorrow?"
"I am, but I'm glad that I'm taking this path with Clarissa since I want to spend the rest of my life with her." said Spencer before yawning.
"Think about getting some sleep since it's your big day tomorrow." said Alex as she gave her godson a kiss on the forehead before leaving his bedroom and heading to the wall where there were photos of Spencer with her late son together as kids while thinking about how glad she was having the honor of being mother of the groom for Spencer.
Meanwhile at Hotch and Haley's Clarissa was sitting on the back porch looking at the stars when Hotch joined her.
"Nervous about tomorrow?" asked Hotch.
"I am, but I'm glad that I get to spend the rest of my life with Spencer." said Clarissa.
"I just can't believe that you will be Mrs. Clarissa Reid tomorrow." said Hotch.
"But I will always be a Hotchner." smiled Clarissa.
"I know." said Hotch before they started to talk about Clarissa's antics as a child before they headed to bed themselves.
The following day at 12:30 PM Spencer stood in the room where he was told to wait with his best friend from childhood and fellow genius Ethan Hyde when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in." called Spencer.
Alex and James stepped into the room.
"Now there's my godson." said Alex as she took in the sight of her late best friend's son dressed in a tuxedo for his wedding day.
"I'm glad that you offered to be mother of the groom for me, Alex." said Spencer as he hugged his godmother.
"I'm the reason why your parents met, and I was your mom's maid of honor." said Alex.
At that moment James reached out and straightened his godson's black bow tie before Alex and James spent the next 10 minutes giving Spencer advice about saying his vows.
Meanwhile in the bridal suite, Clarissa was standing in front of the mirror in her late mother's wedding dress, and her dark brown hair was pulled into a curly half up and half down hairstyle.
Haley looked at Clarissa.
"With your mom's wedding dress being something old, the tiara is something borrowed from me, the necklace that you're wearing is something new from Alex, what's your something blue?" asked Haley.
Clarissa smirked as she lifted the skirt of her wedding dress, and Haley chuckled at the blue converse sneakers that Clarissa was sporting.
"That works." said Haley.
At that moment there was a knock on the door, and Haley quickly looked to see her husband.
"Come in Aaron." said Haley.
Aaron came into the room and saw his baby sister dressed for her wedding day.
"Mom would have loved to see you like this today." said Hotch as he hugged Clarissa.
"I know." said Clarissa as a tear fell down her face.
"It's a good thing I decided that you would wear waterproof make up." said Haley as she left the room so the brother and sister could have time alone since the wedding was starting in 20 minutes.
20 minutes later Ethan looked at Spencer as they stood in front of the church since the ceremony was about to start, and Spencer smiled softly at how many friends he made at Yale and MIT have made it to the wedding despite him being in DC all week since he was excused from classes due to the two year anniversary of the deaths of his aunt and uncle.
"Nervous?" asked Ethan.
"Yeah, but I know that I will be leaving this church with the most beautiful girl in the world who will be my wife." said Spencer.
"At least you will get to enjoy married life for six months before we're required to report to Quantico together for the academy." said Ethan.
"I know." said Spencer.
At that moment the music started, and after watching Clarissa's maid of honor and best friend Jasmine from high school walk down the aisle, 10 seconds later Spencer's eyes went wide when he saw Clarissa coming through the doors in a simple vintage short sleeved floor length wedding dress that he assumed was from the 1950's since Clarissa mentioned that her dress belonged to her mom.
"Breathe, Spencer." murmured Ethan.
Two minutes later Clarissa and Hotch approached them, and Hotch shook Spencer's hand.
"Take good care of her." whispered Hotch before he went to join Haley and Sean in the front pew.
A few seconds later Spencer and Clarissa were facing each other while their hands were clasped together, and a few seconds later the priest looked at everyone who was now sitting down.
"We are gathered here today in the sight of God, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments. We are here to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the words that will unite Spencer and Clarissa in holy matrimony." started the minister.
The minister looked at the audience.
"Who gives Clarissa to be married?" asked the minister.
Hotch spoke up.
"I do." said Hotch.
"Spencer and Clarissa, marriage is the most important of all earthly relationships. It should be entered into reverently, thoughtfully and with full understanding of its sacred nature. Your marriage must stand by the strength of your love and the power of faith in each other and in God. Just as two threads woven in opposite directions form a beautiful tapestry, so to your two lives when merged together will make a beautiful marriage." said the minister and he took a deep breath before reciting a prayer, "Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud. Love is never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable or tough. Love does not hold grudges and will hardly notice when others do it wrong. Love is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone, you will be loyal to them no matter what the costs. You will be always believe in them, always expect the best in them, and will always stand your ground in defending them." said the minister.
At that moment the minister looked at the guests.
"Spencer and Clarissa decided to write their own vows." said the minister before looking at Spencer, "You may go first Spencer."
At that moment Spencer took a deep breath.
"When we met two years ago today I was dealing with one of the worst moments of my life since the two people who raised me for nearly 15 years when I became an orphan were taken away from me. You helped me get through the grief by helping me pack up the house I spent my teenage years in while allowing me to hold your hand during the funeral, and a few weeks after the funeral I knew that I wanted something more with you since I was told that I would know it when I find my soul mate. You gave me a reason to smile and laugh again while thinking about my own future." said Spencer as he wiped a tear that was streaming down his face before continuing, "I never thought that with being a genius with an IQ of 187, an eidetic memory, and a timed reading speed of 20,000 words per minute I would ever find love, but fate brought us together causing us to form a strong bond. I promise that you will be my one and only true love, and I will be there for you during the good times and bad times like you were for me these past two years."
Spencer nodded at the minister as he wiped the happy tears that were falling down Clarissa's face and noticed the tears streaming down his godmother's and Haley's faces.
"Clarissa you may state your vows." said the minister.
Clarissa looked at Spencer.
"Two years ago today I saw you sitting on that bench looking sad, and I instantly knew that you needed a friend since you were dealing with a horrible tragedy. You traveled down to New Haven from Cambridge so I could cry on your shoulder after hearing about the lives that were lost during September 11th of last year or when the children I helped take care of lost their battles. Even though I might not be a genius with an IQ of 187 and an eidetic memory like you do, I will always cherish everything I learn from you since I enjoy your ramblings." said Clarissa as she gained a few chuckles before she continued, "I promise that I will continue being there through the good and bad times, help you smile and laugh when you're feeling down while getting you to continue to try out new things."
At that moment the minister looked at Spencer.
"Spencer, do you take Clarissa to be your wife?" asked the minister.
Spencer looked into Clarissa's eyes.
"I do." said Spencer.
"Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her, forsaking all others and holding onto her forever more?" asked the minister.
"I do." said Spencer.
The minister looked at Clarissa.
"Clarissa, do you take Spencer to be your husband?" asked the minister.
"I do." said Clarissa.
"Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others and holding onto him forever more?" asked the minister.
"I do." said Clarissa.
The minister looked at Ethan.
"May I please have the rings." said the minister.
Ethan handed the minster the rings, and the minister looked at everyone as he held up the rings.
"The ring is a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken." said the minister before he handed Spencer Clarissa's wedding band while telling him what to say before Spencer repeated it.
"I Spencer, take thee, Clarissa to be my wife. To have and hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise my love to you. With this ring I take you as my wife, for as long as we both shall live." said Spencer before he slipped the wedding band onto Clarissa's left ring finger.
At that moment the minister passed Spencer's wedding band to Clarissa and told her what to say before Clarissa repeated it.
"I Clarissa, take thee, Spencer, to be my husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise my love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my husband, for as long as we both shall live." said Clarissa before she slid Spencer's wedding band onto his left ring finger.
At that moment the minister looked at the young couple who both had happy tears streaming down their faces.
"By the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife." said the minister before looking at Spencer, "Spencer you may kiss your bride."
Spencer gently lifted up Clarissa's veil before he pulled her into a gentle but long kiss as all their guests clapped for the newly married couple before they walked to the room there were told to wait while their guests lined up to greet them.
A short while later Spencer and Clarissa were thanking their guests for attending, and Spencer's eyes went wide when David Rossi approached them.
"I'm so glad you made it, Dave." said Clarissa as she hugged her oldest brother's former coworker.
"When you called to invite me to the wedding I couldn't object meeting the man who made an honest woman out of you." said Rossi before looking at Spencer, "I'm David Rossi." said Rossi as he shook hands with a star struck Spencer.
"It's an honor to meet you sir since I read your first book, and I believe you once worked with my late uncle Gordon Tucker." said Spencer.
At that moment Rossi instantly remembered Spencer's uncle while thinking about a news article that he read two years ago about Gordon and Ethel Tucker being killed by a drunk driver.
"I've worked with him before, and I'm sorry for your loss." said Rossi before looking at the newly married couple, "Just so you know I was the one to pay for the catering and the DJ for tonight's reception."
"You didn't have to, Dave." said Clarissa.
"It's my wedding gift for you two." said Rossi before walking away so other guests could congratulate the newly wedded couple before they got into the limo that would take them to a few places where they were going to get their pictures taken before heading to the Washington Plaza Hotel where the reception would take place before Spencer and Clarissa spent the night in the honeymoon suite before they board their flight to Cambridge.
A few hours later Spencer and Clarissa shook their head when a bunch of guests started clinking their knives to their glasses, causing the young couple to stop eating their dinner and kiss.
"It seems like no one wants us to eat." teased Clarissa.
"I know." grinned Spencer before he kissed his wife again.
A short while later Spencer and Clarissa were each holding a small piece of cake, Clarissa looked at her husband.
"Let's feed each other at the same time." said Clarissa.
"OK." said Spencer.
A few seconds later everyone was cheering when Spencer and Clarissa got frosting on each other's faces, and after kissing the frosting off each other's lips Clarissa giggled at her husband.
"It's a good thing you opted for your contacts today." said Clarissa.
"I know." said Spencer before he swooped Clarissa into another kiss causing a few wolf whistles from a few former classmates from Yale and current classmates from MIT.
After everything from dinner and cake was cleaned up, the DJ who was finally set up for the night looked at Spencer and Clarissa.
"Now it's time for the bride's and groom's first dance as a married couple." said the DJ.
A minute later Spencer and Clarissa were standing on the middle of the empty dance floor, and as soon as the opening chords of "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley started playing, Spencer started leading Clarissa on the dance floor while they made eye contact the entire time, and when the song was over Clarissa stood on her tip toes a bit and whispered in Spencer's ear.
"I'm glad we decided to do "Can't Help Falling in Love" as our first dance." said Clarissa.
"My parents danced to that song during their first dance as husband and wife." said Spencer.
"Let's pick things up a bit so anyone else who wants to dance come onto the dance floor." said the DJ as he started playing "You're My Best Friend" by Queen.
Spencer started leading Clarissa in a bit of a faster pace as other guests joined them on the dance floor, and after dancing to a few songs together, Hotch stepped up to dance with Clarissa while Spencer danced with Haley.
"That song was a beautiful choice for your first dance." said Haley.
"My parents danced to "Can't Help Falling in Love" as their first dance as husband and wife so we decided to honor them." said Spencer before he twirled the wife of his new brother in law on the dance floor.
A short while later Spencer and Clarissa were both taking a break from dancing so they could watch their guests dance on the dance floor when Rossi joined them at the table and looked at Spencer.
"Jason and Aaron mentioned that you're entering the FBI academy next May after you earn your third PhD." said Rossi as he thought about what Gideon told him about Spencer's qualifications and how he would be a good fit for the BAU.
"I'm excited and nervous since I saw what working for law enforcement did to my uncle since there were cases that haunted him." said Spencer.
"And having Clarissa to go home to will help you deal with the horrors you will see." said Rossi.
"I know." said Spencer.
"So when are you two going on your honeymoon?" asked Rossi.
"We're going to the Bahamas after Christmas since I have to go back to work on Monday and Spencer has classes to finish up this semester." said Clarissa.
At that moment Rossi looked at Spencer.
"Mind if I steal your beautiful wife for a dance?" asked Rossi.
"Go ahead." said Spencer.
At that moment Rossi helped Clarissa stand up, and a minute later Hotch was sitting by him.
"So what do you think of Dave?" asked Hotch.
"I'm glad that I finally got to meet him." said Spencer.
"I'll be separated from Clarissa for about six more months before you two move down here so you can get started at the academy." said Hotch.
"Clarissa mentioned about her staying with you and Haley, and after I find out my posting we will move wherever I'm placed and buy a house together." said Spencer.
"Clarissa told me that last night, and you're required to stay in the dorms until after graduation." said Hotch.
"I know, but I know that everything will work out since Clarissa and I handled spending the first six months of our engagement in separate states." said Spencer as Rossi and Clarissa came back, and less than a minute later Spencer and Clarissa were dancing with each other again.
Two hours later Spencer carried Clarissa into their honeymoon suite, and a minute later Spencer was helping Clarissa get out of her wedding dress before she helped Spencer get out of his tuxedo, and Clarissa smirked when Spencer was eying her body.
"Ready for our first time having sex?" asked Clarissa.
Spencer nodded, and a minute later they were making love for the very first time.
