-EMILY-

So, the news was out to everyone at work. They were all excited and incredibly supportive, but also, extremely nosey. Between Penelope and J.J. wanting to know all the details, including our sex life, and the jokes I endured from Derek (through text messages) and Luke, I really wished it had stayed a secret longer.

We still hadn't told Lenora. Not that we wanted to hide it, we just weren't sure how to approach the topic. Coming right out and saying "we are in love, is that cool?" just didn't seem right. We both agreed to wait until we felt the moment was right and then we would tell her.

It was a cold Friday night in October and I had brought over pizzas and some Halloween movies for us to watch. The moment the door opened and I locked eyes with Spencer, I could see something was wrong.

"What's the matter?"

"Lenora. She's been locked in her room all day crying. She won't talk to me. I don't know what to do," he said sadly.

"You want me to try and talk to her?"

"Worth a shot," he said as he grabbed the pizza.

Taking advantage of the empty room, I placed my hands on his cheeks and gave him a chaste kiss. A small smile reached his lips, which I returned, before walking off to Lenora's room. I gently knocked on the door, but heard no response.

Taking my chances, I turned the door knob and found it to be unlocked. Her room was dark and Lulubelle ran straight for me. Her tail wagging happily. I scooped her up and greeted her as I put her outside the door I shut behind me.

"Lenny, sweetheart," I said as I slowly approached her bed. "Your dad told me you had a rough day. Would you like to talk about it?"

I sat down on her bed, only her nightlight illuminating the room. I could see she was awake. Her arms holding tightly to Curious George as she stared blankly at the wall ahead of her.

"You know I'm always here for you. You don't have to be afraid to talk to me and if it's something you want me to keep between us, as long as it isn't something important your dad should know, I will keep it a secret," I assured her.

She slowly turned towards me, but didn't say anything. Her eyes glassy and her lips turned down in a frown.

"Did something happen at school?"

She slowly nodded her head.

"Do you want to tell me about it?" I asked again.

She shrugged.

"Scoot over," I said as I climbed into the bed with her.

My back against the headboard and my feet stretched out. She eased herself closer, laying her head on my lap, George still tucked in her arms.

"At recess today, Nancy, a girl from my class, was handing out birthday invitations. Everyone in class got one except for me," she said in a small broken voice. "I asked her why and she said because it was a Mommy daughter party and since I didn't have a Mommy I wasn't allowed to come. She said it would ruin the fun because all the other Mom's would feel bad for me and she didn't want sad people at her party."

My heart snapped in two. Half of me grieved for this poor child who lay against me heartbroken and the other part of me suddenly wanted to go tell Nancy exactly what I thought of her.

"Honey, I am so sorry. Nancy is a horrible person to exclude you like that. I know how terrible you feel and I wish I could take that pain away," I said to her as I held her closer to my body.

"It's not fair. I can't help it I don't have a Mommy. It's not my fault," she said as tears dripped down her face.

"First of all, you do have a Mommy. Just because she lives in Heaven now, doesn't mean she isn't still your Mom," I told her. "Second, does Nancy have an entire FBI team as her family? Does she have an Uncle Dave, Uncle Derek, Uncle Luke, Uncle Matt, Uncle Aaron, Uncle Will? How about an Aunt J.J. or Aunt Penny?"

"You forgot you," she said softly.

"Well, that's because I was saving the best most amazing person for last. She doesn't have an Emily. So, you can tell Fancy Nancy you didn't want to go to her party anyway. You have better things to do," I said.

"That wouldn't be nice. I don't want to hurt her feelings," Lenny said as she sat up.

"You are your father's daughter. Such a beautiful, big heart," I said with a smile. "Your Mom is very proud of you Lenora."

"How do you know that?" she said with a furrowed brow.

"I know this because I am so very proud of you and if I'm just an Emily, I can only imagine what your Mom feels."

"I love you Emily," she said wrapping her arms around my neck.

"I love you too. More than you will ever know."

"Emily, you won't leave me like Mommy did, will you?" she asked with worry in her eyes.

"I can promise you, that your Dad and I will do all we can to always come home to you. But if there is ever a reason we are apart, whether it's for work or if we went to Heaven like Mommy, I want you to know we are always right here," I said pointing at her heart. "As long as your little heart beats, that is our love pulsing through you."

"Does your love pulse through Daddy's heart too?" she asked.

I could see the hint of hope in her little brown eyes.

"As a matter of fact, it does," I said with a smile.

"Really? Like more than a friend love?" she said, trying to reign her excitement.

I sighed. Guess this was the time to break the news.

"Just a sec," I said before turning my head toward the door. "Spence! Come here!"

It only took a few moments before the door opened and Spencer appeared with Lulubelle right behind him.

"Everything alright?" he asked concerned.

"I feel much better after talking to Emily," Lenora said with a smile.

"That's good to hear," he said smiling back at her.

"We were talking about how no matter where you are or her Mom is you are always in her heart," I began.

"And I asked if Emily's love pulsed through your heart too and she said yes," she said practically beaming.

Spencer looked at me to see if this was the moment we told her. He could read my thoughts clearly as always.

"That is true and my love pulses through Emily's heart too," he said.

She looked between the two of us, her smile stretched across her face. She seemed to be afraid to trust what she was hearing.

"More than friends?" she dared ask one more time.

Spencer let out chuckle before nodding his head, "yea, more than friends."

Lenora squealed and dove into my arms, before launching herself at Spencer.

"Since when?" she asked as she let go of Spencer.

I wasn't sure how to answer that.

"I think there was always something special between Emily and me, but I think your Mom saw how lonely I was and she brought us together," he said, making me tear up a little.

"So, Mommy won't be mad?"

"No, not at all. Your Mom and I talked about what would happen if one of us passed away. Of course, with my line of work, I always assumed it would be me, not her. But anyway, we both agreed that it was important for not only us, but you, to try to find love again.

I will always love Mommy. That will never ever change. The amazing thing about our hearts is they always have room for more people to love," he explained.

"Lenora, it is important you know that I don't want to replace your Mom. She is a special part of your life and she will always be there," I told her.

"Ok," she said softly.

"Is there anything you want to ask us?" Spencer said.

Lenora thought for a minute, comically taping her pointer finger to her lips.

"Yes, what were you doing on the couch last week?"

I burst out laughing as Spencer stood up completely red faced.

"Who wants pizza?" he said walking out of the room.

"What? Dad, wait, why won't you tell me!" she said as she chased him out of the room, Lulubelle skipping behind.

So, there it was. The moment we waited so long for. I felt good about the talk. I looked at Curious George who laid on Lenora's bed and picked him up.

"I wish you could be here to see how wonderful she is. We all miss you so much. I'll try my best to take care of her," I said quietly as I hugged the stuffed monkey.

(xxxxx)

A/N: ok, so I realized I have forgotten all about poor Tara! I love her and I forgot about her! I don't want to add her at this point, there are already enough characters. But I'm so sorry Tara!

Thanks again for all the support and awesome comments! xoxo