EPILOGUE

Carrie followed Spencer up the steps, holding his hand. She waited patiently each time he hesitated.

"Spencer, it's ok. If you don't want to do this now I understand," she reassured him with a warm smile. His lips smiled back, but his eyes were full of anxiety.

"We're already here," he started, nervously. "I can't leave town without seeing her, and I want her to meet you." He turned and continued up the short stairway which was taking them an unusually long time to climb. Carrie breathed deeply, trying to hide her nerves. Spencer was enough of a nervous wreck for the both of them, and she had no idea what was making him so anxious.

He stopped again when they got to the lobby. Leading her to a small alcove, he took her hands in his own, and looked into her eyes.

"You have to understand about my mother," he started, but Carrie interrupted him.

"Spencer, I'm not going to judge your momma. In fact, I'm already pretty sure I'll love her to pieces," she assured him, stroking the side of his face with her fingertips. He grinned.

"How so?" He loved the way she always made things seem so easy.

"Well, she raised you. I should thank her," Carrie laughed, hugging him. He squeezed her tightly and then led her around the corner. Diana Reid was waiting for them outside on a patio. When she saw them coming, she stood up, giving Spencer a big hug.

"I'm so glad you came, Spencer. I was worried when I didn't get a letter yesterday," she held him at arms length, looking him up and down, before turning her gaze to Carrie. "And you must be Carrie. Spencer is very gifted with description, I'm sure I would have recognized you if I'd seen you alone."

Diana offered her hand, and Carrie squeezed it daintily. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Reid," she said with a genuine smile. Diana smiled back, pulling Carrie in for a hug.

"Oh, sweetheart, Spencer's told me all about you. I feel like I know you already. " She let go of Carrie and beamed at the two of them. Spencer was relieved and happy to see his mother in such a good mood, and being so friendly to Carrie.

The three of them sat together at a wicker table on the patio, and Diana demanded to know all about their vacation. As they took turns describing the events that had unfolded, Diana's expression changed from amusement, to shock, to horror, and everything in between. They spent the afternoon chatting comfortably in the warm June air. Diana had Carrie laughing hysterically over stories from Spencer's childhood, to his mild embarrassment. He felt great, though, watching the two women he loved most take to each other so well. The afternoon flew by much too fast, and Carrie pouted when Spencer said they had to leave and catch their plane.

They each hugged Diana tightly, and she made them promise to visit more often.

"Dr. Reid?" A nurse approached as Spencer and Carrie were about to leave Diana. "I hate to bother you, but a patient cut his hand, and insists he needs a doctor, and won't let the on duty psychiatrist look at it. I was wondering if you'd come, if anything to pacify him."

"Well, I'm not that kind of doctor..." he gently pushed Carrie towards the nurse. She gave him a jokingly annoyed look.

"I'll help you, I'm a medical doctor," Carrie told the nurse amicably, following her through the lobby. Spencer and Diana watched her sit next to the man and pick up the first aid kit.

"So, Spencer," Diana started, still watching Carrie, who was patiently cleaning the man's cut, "when are you going to propose to her?" Spencer turned to her, completely caught off guard.

"Mother! Can we not talk about this?" She turned to him as he spoke.

"Why not? Don't think I didn't notice the way you look at her. I did raise you, you know. I think I can tell when my own son is madly in love." She wrapped an arm around him. "She's an incredible young woman, you should marry her."

"Mom, you literally just met her," Spencer argued.

"So? I'm a good judge of character. Besides, she's Southern. A Southern girl would make a perfect wife for you. They're so friendly and domestic. That would be good for you," she said, reaching over and pinching his bony hip. "When was the last time you had a homecooked meal?" Spencer leaned away from her.

"I really think it's a little too early to be talking about marriage," he suggested, narrowing his eyes at her, hoping she would drop the subject. Naturally, she wouldn't.

"Fine, Spencer," she sighed, "but I'm just saying...I'd like to have grandchildren someday and you're my only hope." She took his face in her hands and kissed his forehead before adding,

"And, no pressure son, but you're not getting any younger." Spencer rolled his eyes.

"Thanks, mother. That's good to hear." He playfully pushed her shoulder.

Carrie rejoined them, and they each hugged and said their goodbyes once more. When Carrie and Spencer finally left, Carrie wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned against him as they walked. He rested his arm on her shoulders.

"Now was that so bad?" She teased, looking up at him. He couldn't contain his grin.

"It was amazing. I haven't seen her in a mood like that in a long time." He stopped at the rental car and wrapped both arms around her.

"I just have that effect on people," Carrie joked. "I can't help it that I'm so amazing." Spencer laughed with her.

"I think that's one of those 'it's funny because it's true' things," Spencer grinned, kissing her softly on the lips.

"Spencer Reid? Did you just make a joke?" Carrie tried to act shocked, and failed, laughing too hard.

"What? I was being serious," he said, kissing her again, harder this time. She pulled away from him when she ran out of breath.

"We really have to go, or we're going to miss our plane." She wiped her mouth and opened the car door. Spencer went around to the driver's side. As he opened the door and got in the car, he thought about what his mother had said, and shook his head. He was so happy with the way things had turned out between Carrie and himself, he wanted to take his time and enjoy the moment, for the first time since he could remember.