Chapter twenty
"Just don't let Penny bejeweled her or cover her in make up please," signed Catherine. Spencer gave her a look.
"She's my daughter too and I think I can handle you being out of town this one time," he signed. Catherine bent down and looked at Abby in her stroller.
"Please be good for daddy. I don't think he can handle it if you showed your true colors," signed Catherine. Abby just smiled at her and waved her hands towards her. Catherine kissed Abby on her head and stood up to give him a kiss on the cheek. Spencer heard the wolf whistles of a few students and simply shook his head.
"Some things never change," he gestured to the kids on the bus and Catherine rolled her eyes.
"I'll see you tomorrow night. Love you." Spencer waved good bye to her and she got on the bus with the kids. They were heading to New York for an overnight trip to see a play, Savannah was part of the group going so the first time he was going to be the one at home while Catherine was away. Tomorrow he was taking her and going with Garcia to a local Sci-Fi convention.
While he planned to cos-play as Dr. Who with Garcia, he had no idea what she had planned to do with Abby. He hoped it wasn't anything too elaborate it might be more trouble than it was worth with a seven month old. Spencer got Abby back on the Metro without any issue and through dinner without much fuss. It was when she started to get tired that she started to become cranky and almost unmanageable
"Hey...shush...it's ok," said/signed Spencer to Abby. He got Abby into a pair of clean pajamas and went to sit down to rock her to sleep and she just wouldn't calm down. He had seen her throw fits before, but this was totally different. He got up and started to walk around the room with her to try and calm her down.
"You miss mom huh...I know...she's normally here all the time," said Spencer. Abby sniffled and Spencer felt her finally doze off in his arms from exhaustion. He sighed and put her in her crib. Spencer watched her let out a deep sigh, but she stayed asleep. He eased out of the room slowly and shut the door. He hated seeing Abby so upset, this wasn't her first temper tantrum but this was a bad one.
Spencer sat down on the sofa and picked up a book that they had picked about the adoption process. Saul had given them the papers before he went back to school last weekend. Spencer could tell that Catherine was still nervous about going through with this, but it was more about them getting the okay to have the baby. A weight seemed to be lifted off Savannah's shoulders once Saul had signed the papers. She had already lined up a summer job so she could build up her saving for school and it looked like she was going to graduate in the top 15 percent of her class. He was proud of her, she had come a long way considering everything that had happened in the last few months. She had asked them to come with her on Monday afternoon when she had her ultrasound and Spencer found himself feeling excited and terrified all at the same time, just like I was for Abby.
…...
Catherine stretched out on the bed and was flipping through channels in the hotel room. Everyone had just finished dinner and a few of the students and the teachers had gone down to the pool and the other kids were hanging out in the their rooms, Catherine had just done a head count to make sure no one had slipped out. It was so weird to be by herself, she kept finding herself thinking that she should check on Abby and than remembering that she was baby free for the first time in months. That's going to change real soon.
It was still a little surreal to here that she was going to have another baby in her life in a few short months. She was a little worried that Abby might get a little jealous, she wasn't spoiled but she was used to having things a certain way. Even at seven months she was so much like Spencer in temperament about having things a certain way. Catherine took a sip of the tea she had made in the room and continued thinking.
Her leave was already cleared with the school and since she was tenured she could be away for as long as she wanted and get her position back without as much red tape. However, she was wondering how hard it would be to go back to work and try to raise both children when Spencer had to leave. She had access to day care on campus, but it was still it was going be a little hard to balance a full course load, the glee club and two babies at the same time. She wanted to start Abby in speech therapy after her first birthday, granted her and Spencer were working with her all the time on her speech and signing it would be good to get her into a professional sooner rather than later. The more she thought about taking a longer leave of absence...maybe until both children were in school.
Would I miss teaching if I quit competely? She could cut back to part time and help run the drama club a few hours a week to bring in some income, but would it be hard to walk away from her students and the staff she had made friends with.
When she was younger she never imagined herself having a family. Who would want children with a Deaf woman? She hadn't even been sure she wanted to have children when she was with Paul even though she loved him and they had dated for years and were married for six months. It had always been different with Spencer though. The first time she had thought she and Spencer were pregnant she was only eighteen and she was terrified about what her family, friends and Spencer would think. She still wanted it though, even though there was the possibility of her whole life going down the drain she wanted to keep it. I just can't explain what it is between us, I just knew he was the one I wanted to have a family with. Catherine saw her door bell light come on and she got up to get the door. Savannah was standing there.
"Got bored sitting in the room by myself and I really don't belong by the pool...mind if I hang out here?" asked Savannah. Catherine let her in and they sat on the bed together watching Cake Boss.
"So I've never asked the doctor to tell me the sex of the baby, but would you and Spencer like to know when we go on Monday?" Catherine had gone with her a few times to the doctor for check ups and ultrasounds, but she had never asked about the sex of the baby.
"I never did like surprises," teased Catherine. Savannah smiled and rested her hands on a very pronounced bump.
"Are you ok? You seem a little spacey?"
"It's just a little odd being baby-less right now. I keep waiting for Abby to need something."
"I sure she's driving Spencer nuts and ow..."
"Are you ok?" asked Catherine.
"It kicked me," signed Savannah. She grabbed Catherine's hand and placed it on her bump. Catherine waited a few seconds and than felt a movement against her hand.
"Yeah it's always jarring to have that happen." They both looked at each other and Savannah sighed.
"It just so weird you know. I thought giving up the baby would be hard, but now that I know it's going to be with you and Spencer...I feel much better about everything. Is there something wrong with me...that I'm ok just giving my baby away?"
"No. You want the best for your baby and I'm a little more than flattered that you think of me and Spencer as the best."
"Because you are." They settled back in and Catherine knew she would have to talk to Spencer. It would be hard to step back from her job, but wouldn't raising her children be another form of teaching. Probably the greatest teaching job of them all.
…...
Spencer sat Abby down in her chair and handed her a piece of toast to munch on. She started gumming it down.
"Someone is in a better mood this morning," said/signed Spencer looking at Abby. He sat down with his cup of coffee and watched her eat her breakfast. He heard a knock at the door and went to get it. Garcia was already dressed and was holding a pink bag that clearly had Abby's outfit in it.
"Ok you can't see it until you get dressed. But I promise you that it is adorable and you have to get lots of pictures of her for Catherine. Shoo go get ready," said Garcia. Spencer just shook his head and headed into the bathroom to shower and get dressed. When he finished getting ready he came back out into the living room Abby was dressed as an Adipose, it was a full jumper with a hood for the head and Garcia was sitting on the sofa while Abby was trying to pull herself up using the coffee table.
"Oh my god Garcia she looks so cute...even though they were little monsters made of excess body fat they were cute." She stood up and was holding the adoption book in her hands and the notebook he had been taking notes in.
"Um may I ask why you have written down: 'Contact adoption lawyer to finalize papers' and 'Talk to social worker to set up home visits'...Do you mind sharing with me?" They hadn't told anyone they were adopting Savannah's baby yet, they wanted to make sure everything was in place before making an announcement. When he wouldn't answer she guessed anyway.
"Oh god are you adopting...oh my god you are adopting Savannah's baby...OH MY GOD!"
"Just calm down. Catherine and I are going to adopt the baby and we weren't going to tell everybody after we got things settled and we got the ok from adoption courts. Please don't tell anybody yet." Garcia bit her lip and sat the book down.
"Ok. I will keep this too myself for now. I just...wow you guys are having another baby," Garcia hugged him tightly. "I just know that you guys are going to get the ok." Abby started fussing when she couldn't get her grip and Spencer picked her up. She looked at him confused and went to tug on his wig. He took her hand and just smiled at her.
"Nice try. You mind if we finish this conversation after we get through the con?" Garcia just shook her head. Even after all this time her boy genius still kept things close to vest.
"I'll hold you too it." They gathered up everything and got in Garcia's car and started driving towards the convention. Abby kept tugging on the hood of the costume and giving him this look that she was not amused by any of this. When they got there, he got Abby in her stroller and gave her a pacifier to suck on. They kept getting stopped so people could admire Abby's costume and take pictures. They got through the badge line quickly and picked up their programs and made their way to the main hall. Garcia did a quick skim of the program as they walked.
"Ok the TV and Movie panel is in hall H at nine so we should still be able to get good seats if we want to go."
"Absolutely. Do you think we can make it to the Star Trek Captain's panel by eleven?" asked Spencer.
"Oh yeah. Thank you for coming with me by the way," said Garcia.
"Of course I've been knitting this scarf for a week." Abby started fussing in her stroller and Spencer slowed down to see what her issue was and they almost ran into Kevin and another agent Spencer had only seen once or twice in passing. Spencer knew that Garcia and Kevin's relationship had ended rather recently so he could only imagine what was going through her mind right now.
"Oh Kevin...hi you came and you brought a friend. Technical Analysis Sharpe how are you?" she asked. Kevin looked to Spencer and than to Abby in her stroller as if they could help in some way.
"I'm fine. How are you?" asked Sharpe clearly picking up on the vibe of awkward.
"I am also good. Well ok see ya." Garcia grabbed his arm and dug her fingers in to stop any protest.
"You're not going in?' asked Kevin.
"Oh we were in already and it's super lame and we should get Abby home for her nap," said Garcia.
"She just woke up," countered Spencer and she dug her nails into his sleeve.
"Well she needs to be changed, so we're leaving now," Garcia started pulling on him so he had no say in the matter as Kevin called out his goodbye.
"Well that was awkward,"said Spencer as he got Abby's stroller down some stairs.
"We used to go every year and I can't believe he brought someone else," said Garcia.
"Well you brought someone else," said Spencer trying to calm her down.
"Yeah someone I could never be sexually attracted too," she whined.
"You're welcome.
"Hello you are married to one of my best friends and have a child with her. You are so far off limits it's like you are on another world." Spencer just shook head and looked over to see Rossi waiting for his car.
"Hey Rossi," called out Spencer. The older man turned around and raised an eyebrow looking at them in their costumes.
"Why does this not surprise me?"
"Are you here for the convention?" asked Spencer. Rossi did have a fondness for video games and their was a panel being held about gaming and the social impact it had.
"Who schedules a Cigar Aficionado event back to back with this?" asked Rossi gesturing at them.
"I know it's the greatest party of all...or it was going to be," said Spencer noticing how depressed Garcia looked.
"Unless it involves Gentleman Jack or Pre-Embrgo Cuban cigars I find your claim to be highly dubious," said Rossi.
"Kevin brought another woman and I'm plotting revenge do you want to help?" asked Garcia.
"No. Now you know I love you, but it's Saturday and it's my day off and I want to love you all from afar so you have fun." The valet pulled Rossi's car up and handed him the keys. Rossi looked down at Abby who was trying to pull her hood off and was muttering to herself. Rossi got down so he could look Abby in the eyes.
"You poor sweet baby. You did nothing to deserve this and you have my pity." Rossi took her hood off and stood up.
"Have a nice day." He got in his care and drove off. Garcia just shook her head and looked across the street and gasped. Spencer turned to see what she was looking at and across the street leaving the JW Marriott was Erin Strauss looking around worried and out of sorts handing her key to a valet.
"Let's go," said Spencer and he took Garcia by the arm and down the street.
"Do you think Rossi and her her...you know..." she asked.
"I don't want to," he said. They decided to get some coffee and so he could change Abby since she kept fussing and muttering to herself. It was getting warm and she was clearly annoyed in the fuzzy costume. He got her changed and Garcia had ordered them a coffee and found them a table. Spencer sat Abby back in her stroller and handed her a toy and dry cookie from her bag to keep her entertained.
"So...to take my mind off Kevin let's talk about you and Catherine. You guys are really going to adopt another baby?" Spencer took a sip of his coffee and added another sugar.
"We haven't gotten the alright from the courts or the social workers so until we do we don't have a baby yet. We just got the papers signed last weekend from Saul giving up his rights."
"You and Catherine are great parents and I can't imagine anyone not seeing that," said Garcia.
"Thank you," said Spencer. Abby reached out and Spencer felt her small hand on his leg. She was still giving him that confused look and he realized he still had his wig on. Spencer took it off and Abby started laughing at him. "Glad you find that funny." He took her out the stroller and let her stand on his lap.
"God she's gotten so big...she makes me feel old," said Garcia reaching out and touching Abby's arm.
"She doesn't make me feel old, she makes me happy," said Spencer has she tried to play with his scarf.
"So what would you do to any boy that made her want to cry?"
"I have gotten better at distance shooting. By the time she's thirteen I plan on being an expect marksman from at least a football field away." Garcia looked at Spencer and just shook her.
"You are such a dad." Before he could say anything else their phones went off.
"Can't even have a Saturday," Garcia muttered and got her phone. Spencer sighed and looked at Abby. It was moments like this when she made him feel old and a little sad. I can't even have one full day with her...what will it be like with another child?
"A bank robbery went bad and they need us ASAP," said Garcia.
"You know anyone who can take a seven month old on short notice?"
"My friend Jenny. She does another support group and is great with babies. Let me call her." Garcia went to make the call and Spencer got Abby back in her stroller and try to ignore the sad puppy dog eyes she was giving him.
"Jenny is more than happy to watch her for a little bit. Come on Doctor, it's time to get in the Tardis and go." Garcia had a change of clothes in her car and they headed back to his apartment so he could get some other things for Abby and they could both change. Garcia drove them out of the District and towards the suburbs. She pulled up to a house where a tall woman with long red hair was waiting for them outside.
"Hi. I'm Jenny and this must be Abby. I've met your wife at one of our group meetings and I promise you Abby is in good hands," said Jenny. Catherine had gone to a few grief meetings after Abby was born to help deal with her miscarriage she had prior to Abby.
"Thank you so much for doing this on such short notice." Spencer handed over Abby and diaper bag.
"Um she hasn't had lunch yet and she's gonna want a nap here in a little bit and..."Jenny just shook her head.
"I have six children...trust me I promise she will be fine Dr. Reid."
"Reid we have to go," said Garcia. Spencer gave Abby a quick kiss on her head.
"Bye sweetie," he said/signed and got in the car with Garcia and tried to ignore the twist in his heart when he heard Abby fussing and crying.
…...
When the case was over and Spencer was allowed to pick up Abby from Jenny's he found that she was sound asleep. It is past her bedtime after all. Jenny had changed her into a pair of pajamas he had packed for her and she was asleep in a small playpen.
"She was a little fussy at first, but she settled down and we got her to eat some lunch and dinner. She's a very sweet baby." Spencer picked her up and she stayed asleep.
"Thank you so much for this." Spencer went to hand her some money for watching Abby and she shook her head no.
"It's not necessary. I know what it's like to be called into work on short notice. Have a nice night." Spencer took Abby out to the car and got her into the car seat and she stayed asleep. He kissed her forehead and watched her yawn. If anything were to happen to you...I don't know what I would do? He started the drive back home and thought about JJ, Henry and Will. She could have lost them all today.
Will had been one of the responding officers to the bank robbery and had shot and killed one of the robbers. The other two robbers a man and a woman held the hostages in the back and the brother of the dead robber started shooting the hostage until they agreed to let Will go in. He went in and was shot by the robber. Lucky he was wearing his vest, however they took Will hostage and blew up the bank killing more of the hostages who didn't get out in time.
They figured out that one of the hostages was actually another Un-sub and after killing her other partner she and the Un-sub went on to their real goal, a terrorist attack on DC. They forced Will to take them to his home and collect Henry so the female was holding him hostage to make Will do what they wanted and than they strapped a bomb to Will and left him to die. Emily had defused the bomb saving Will's life and Hotch had killed the other Un-sub. JJ and Rossi had figured out where they were headed and JJ went into her home and saved Henry from the female Un-sub and than fought her to boot. After almost losing her whole family today, JJ finally decided to marry Will. Rossi had overheard the whole thing and that the couple planned to elope on Monday to a court house and JJ clearly hadn't learned you couldn't do anything in secret when your family is the BAU and tomorrow night Rossi had invited JJ to what she thought was going to be a team dinner, when it was going to be her own wedding. He couldn't wait to see the look on her face. At least I knew about my own wedding.
Spencer pulled into the parking lot of the school and saw that other parents were waiting in cars for their kids. Spencer looked into the back seat where Abby was still sound asleep. He parked the car and got into the backseat so he could sit next to Abby. She was still sound asleep and her curls were sticking to her head and her face. Spencer reached over and brushed her hair back off her face.
"I'm sorry we didn't get to spend the day together. I really wanted to take you your first convention and it just dawned on me that I didn't get any pictures of you for your mom. I know that we don't get to do a lot together and I have a feeling that it's not going to get better, but I promise you that no matter what I love you and even if I'm not here for you, or your mom, or your siblings that I love you all more than anything."
Spencer saw the bus pull up into the school parking lot and he got out the back seat and watched the kids and teachers file off the bus and be collected by parents and other family members. Catherine and Savannah were the last ones off the bus. Catherine made sure all the kids were picked up before heading over to him. He watched Savannah get in a car with another girl and her mother and than Catherine said goodbye to the driver and headed over to him. She could tell by looking at him that he was stressed out and was happy that Savannah had decided to spend the night with Mindy so they could work on a project together tomorrow so they could talk.
Spencer hugged her tightly and Catherine gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Where is Savannah going?" asked Spencer.
"She and Mindy have a speech project they need to work on so they figured it was easier to get together tonight and start fresh in the morning. It's nice to see Abby still has the same hair color. How was the convention?" asked Catherine.
"That's a long story. Come on let's go home and I'll tell you." They drove home and Abby woke up as they got her out of the car. She started to fuss, but when she realized Catherine was there she calm down and let Catherine change her diaper, get her into a clean pair of pajamas and into bed. "She really missed you last. She cried herself to sleep and it really...it really sucked," signed Spencer.
"They was one night a few months ago and you were gone and she had a cold. She wouldn't stop crying and her nose was runny and I could feel that she was making herself hoarse. I felt horrible, like I was the world's worst parent. I think that's her talent to make us feel horrible about ourselves," signed Catherine. She went into the kitchen to make them some tea, Spencer took one last look at the sleeping baby and followed Catherine.
"So other than her hissy fit last night, how was she?" asked Catherine. Spencer leaned against the counter.
"Well she was good this morning and well...I didn't get to spend the rest of the day with her because I got called in for a case. So she got to spend the day with a sitter and I got to work. Fun times all around," signed Spencer and Catherine could tell how upset he was. He filled her in on everything else that happened with JJ and Will and the wedding that was going to take place tomorrow night.
"I hope she likes surprises," teased Catherine finishing her tea. "Anything else you want to talk about." Spencer sat his tea down and just hugged her.
"I was just looking forward to spending the day with Abby and I'm disappointed that I didn't get too. I know that with this job it means that I'm going to miss things with her, I just hoped that after awhile I wouldn't feel so shitty about it," signed Spencer. Catherine squeezed his hand and he continued. "I just don't want them to think it's because I don't love them that I'm missing out. It's the way I felt when my dad would miss things, that he didn't love me."
"I promise you that I will make sure our kids know how much you love them. Umm I guess this would be a good time to talk to you about something I've been kicking around. How would you feel if I asked for a longer leave?" asked Catherine.
"How long of a leave?" asked Spencer.
"I was thinking about until the kids are both in school." Spencer gave her a look and Catherine went on. "I could still teach like part time or tutor on the side so we wouldn't be strapped for cash, but I was thinking for the most part I would stay home with them."
"You love teaching though. It's not fair for you to give that up," counted Spencer.
"I do love teaching and I wouldn't be walking away from it completely or forever. I have to talk to Leo to see if they would be willing to let me take the longer leave or if they would be willing to cut my class load so I could be home with them more. It's just something I was kicking around and I wanted your input." Spencer sighed he made a decent income so they could swing Catherine being off for awhile, plus if she was still working part time or even on the side they would be ok financially. What bothered him was how she was willing to put down the thing she loved and worked so hard for to be a stay at home mom since he couldn't...wouldn't leave his job.
"We could get a nanny, I could take more time off..."Catherine shook her head.
"Do you know how much nannies cost? I know you Spencer Reid and you have tried before to walk away from the BAU and it didn't suit you. I would still be teaching in a way," signed Catherine. Spencer looked at her and knew that she had already made up her mind and he knew it really didn't matter what he said she was going to do it, she just wanted him to be ok with it.
"I think Morgan might have been right," signed Spencer.
"Right about what?" asked Catherine.
"He said that I Jedi Mind Tricked you into marrying me. I love you and I hope you understand how wonderful you are," signed Spencer. Catherine just shook her head again and Spencer knew she would never understand how wonderful she was really was for doing this for him and their family.
"Come on, we need to get some sleep." Catherine headed to the bathroom to take a shower and Spencer checked on Abby one more time before changing into a pair of pajamas and getting into bed. Catherine finished her shower and came into bed wearing a pair of shorts and one of his old Cal-Tech shirts.
"I love you," whispered Spencer as Catherine leaned over and turned off the light.
…...
"Wow this is really nice," said Savannah looking up at Rossi's house. Catherine got Abby out the backseat of the car and looked up at the house impressed.
"I regret eloping if this what we could have had," teased Catherine. Spencer gave her a look and got the presents out of the backseat. They went up to the house and were greeted by Rossi.
"Well it's nice to see your mother is back in charge of dressing you," said Rossi looking at Abby who was dressed in a light purple dress and her hair brushed back. Catherine looked at Spencer for what was being said.
"Long story," said/signed Spencer. They went inside and Spencer took his gifts to the table outside.
"I heard that you were good at costuming," said Rossi looking at Savannah.
"I did get a full ride scholarship to a design school in Chicago," said Savannah.
"We might need your help with something," said Rossi. Spencer came back up to them as an older blond woman came up to them carrying a garment bag.
"I had it cleaned, but it might needed to be hemmed," she said. She looked at Spencer and Catherine and shook her head. "I sorry I have no manners at all. I'm Sandy, JJ's mother." Spencer quickly signed to Catherine what had been said and she adjusted Abby in her arms.
"It's nice to meet you," said Catherine slowly so Sandy could understand her.
"You must be Spencer and Catherine...JJ talks about you two all the time and this must be Abby. Oh she is just adorable," said Sandy and Spencer signed it to her.
"This is our foster daughter Savannah," said Spencer. Savannah gave a nervous little wave. Sandy turned to her and smiled.
"Rossi told me that you are skilled with a sewing machine and I think I'm going to need your help." She opened up the garment bag and inside was a very old wedding dress. "This was my wedding dress from about thirty years ago. I was a little taller than JJ, but I think we're the same size."
"Oh wow, I don't know...I didn't bring my kit," said Savannah.
"I have a machine upstairs," said Rossi and Spencer gave him a look. "What my second wife was very into arts and crafts and she left some things behind. " Savannah looked at the dress nervously and took it from Sandy.
"I would like to wait for the bride to get here before I start toying with this. Wedding dresses are one shot deals," said Savannah. She followed Sandy upstairs to study the dress in more detail. Catherine got the hint that they wanted Savannah to do something with the wedding dress. Spencer simply shook his head.
"Come on I'll give you the tour," said Rossi and Spencer signed it to Catherine.
"It's so pretty," said Catherine looking at the backyard where everything was being set up.
"Well thank you," said Rossi and he tried to sign it and he shook his head. "I should sit down one of these days and have you teach me. Since you taught everyone else."
"Any time you want to learn," said Spencer. Rossi went to go see what was going on in the kitchen, leaving Catherine, Spencer and Abby to walk around the garden.
"Are you really sorry that we eloped?" asked Spencer.
"No. My dad is still bitter about it though. He still wants me in that white dress," signed Catherine.
"I didn't care what you were wearing. I was just happy you said yes," signed Spencer. Catherine put Abby down, but held on to her hands so she could try and waddle along. Spencer watched her and smiled.
"Well look at you in a suit," teased Morgan.
"Thanks." Morgan looked over to where Catherine was with Abby and smiled.
"It's hard to think sometimes that things can be so normal outside of work. God she's gotten so big. How old is she now?"
"Seven months and two weeks," said Spencer.
"Getting to be old on me Pretty Boy." Spencer just rolled his eyes and watched Catherine take Abby over to a fountain and showed her the water.
"So how do you think JJ is going to take her surprise wedding?" asked Morgan.
"After yesterday I think she's going to love it," said Spencer. Spencer watched Will and Henry come up to them. Spencer excused himself from Morgan and went over to them.
"Congratulations," said/signed Spencer coming over to them.
"JJ's upstairs getting ready. Um...do you mind watching Henry for a minute. I need to get something out of the car?" asked Will.
"No it's fine," said/signed Catherine. Will walked away and Spencer picked Henry up and gave him a hug.
"Oh Henry...I don't think I'm going to be able to do that much longer. You're getting too big." Henry just laughed at him.
"Show me a trick," said Henry. Spencer took off his own wedding ring and ignored the look Catherine was giving him.
"In my hand I hold a very special ring. Do you know why it's special?" asked Spencer and Henry shook his head. "This ring is a promise that I made to Aunt Kitty that no matter what I would love her the best and today your daddy is going to give one to your mommy. Now I'm going to put it in my hand and give it a shake and blow on it...you blow on it too...and oh no where did it go...I have to find it or Aunt Kitty is going to be very mad at me and oh you really need to clean out your ears," said Spencer pulling the ring out from behind Henry's ear and the boy just laughed at him.
"Silly Spence," laughed Henry. Catherine shook her head and looked at Abby.
"I think I was Jedi Minded Ticked...but your daddy was worth it," she signed.
…...
"I'm sorry. Does this help?" asked JJ getting on a chair.
"Oh thank you," said Savannah and she started pinning a hem on the dress. The poor girl had been trying to kneel and JJ knew what trying to kneel while being five months pregnant was like. Getting on a chair made it easier for the young girl.
"Spencer said you're his foster daughter?" asked Sandy.
"That's the simple way of putting it," said Savannah. JJ gave her mother a look, her mother was a sweet lady, but she was nosy one.
"You aren't from around here though? But your twang is different than Will's," said Sandy.
"I'm a Georgia Peach. We lived there until about two years ago and trust me the accent stays no matter where you go." Savannah started pinning a hem.
"Lucky we don't have to take it in, not a lot of give in the fabric. Wedding dresses generally tend to only give a size or two. Ok I think you can get down now," said Savannah. JJ got off the chair and stepped out of the dress and put a robe back on. Savannah sat down at a sewing machine and started working.
"How long have you been sewing like this honey?" asked Sandy.
"Oh wow, since I was little I guess. I've just always liked do this," said Savannah. She finished the hem and took it off the machine. "Ok final fitting." JJ took the dress from her and stepped back into it. It fit perfectly and looked wonderful on her. JJ quickly wiped her eyes.
"Mom...thank you," said JJ and she turned and gave her a hug. JJ spotted Savannah putting the sewing machine away and she went up to her and gave her a hug.
"You did a wonderful job. I see why you got that scholarship to design school. Thank you," said JJ. Savannah blushed and wiped her eyes.
"Sorry, damn hormones," muttered Savannah.
"I know what it's like," said JJ.
"When are you due sweetie?" asked Sandy.
"September," said Savannah. JJ sat down to start doing her hair and Sandy pulled out a make up kit.
"So are you going to take the baby with you to school or..." started Sandy.
"Mom," started JJ.
"Oh it's ok. Um actually Spencer and Catherine are planning on adopting it," said Savannah and JJ dropped her hairbrush.
"Really," said JJ. "He hasn't said anything yet." Savannah blushed again.
"Oh well we still haven't got the papers finalized yet so it's still up in the air right now. I'm gonna go downstairs now. Good luck," said Savannah and she left the room.
JJ sighed, she didn't mean to upset Savannah. In a way she wasn't surprised that Reid and Catherine had agreed to take the baby and she wasn't surprised they hadn't told anyone yet. They were always guarded about their private lives and this was a huge thing. She had a feeling that they would tell her when they were ready. Sandy picked up her brush and started doing her hair.
"It was sweet of them to take that poor girl in. She seems very nice though," said Sandy. JJ nodded. She just needed a family and she found a good one.
…...
Spencer saw Savannah come back down the stairs while getting him and Catherine a drink and she looked upset. He saw her duck into another bedroom and he decided to check on her.
"Savannah...are you ok?" he knocked on the door and he heard her sniffle. "Savannah." Spencer opened the door and saw that she was sitting in a chair and was crying. He shut the door and came over to her. "Hey...hey...what's wrong?" She wiped her eyes and looked at him.
"Are you having second thoughts about the baby?" she asked.
"What? No...why would you think that?" asked Spencer handing her a tissue. She took it and wiped her eyes.
"JJ said you hadn't told her yet and if you haven't told her that means you haven't told the team or anyone. Why haven't you told anyone yet?" Spencer sighed and sat down across from her.
"We wanted to make sure that we have the ok before telling anyone. Catherine hasn't even told her dad yet and she tells him everything. We aren't having second thoughts, we just don't want to get our hopes up only to have them crushed. Catherine and I are used to things not working for us they way they should so we try to keep things hidden until we're sure it's going to work. Trust me we aren't having second thoughts...we really want this Savannah," said Spencer. She wiped her eyes quickly and looked at Spencer.
"Sorry I spazzed out like this," Savannah shook her head.
"Catherine started crying once over an episode of The Tudors when she was pregnant with Abby. I'm sort of used to dealing with hormonal pregnant women. Are you going to be ok?" asked Spencer.
"Yeah. I must look like a mess though," said Savannah
"Everyone cries at weddings right," said Spencer and Savannah let out a small laugh. "Come on, I'll let you have a Coke." Savannah stood up and gave him a hug.
"My mom was really stupid to not see how awesome you are." Savannah left the room and Spencer shook his head. Please let Abby's teenage years be easier.
"Hey you gonna sit here all night or come outside with the the rest of us and watch the wedding?" asked Emily. Spencer followed Emily outside, Catherine was standing next to Garcia and Strauss. Strauss was asking Catherine questions about Abby and Garcia was interpreting for her.
"Would it be alright if I held her?" asked Struass. Catherine handed Abby over and Strauss smiled. Abby looked up and her and the baby gave her a smile.
"It's been a very long time since I've got to hold a baby and you are a pretty little girl." Abby saw her father and started waving her arms towards him and whining. Struass looked over and handed Abby to Spencer.
"Someone is a daddy's girl," said Struass. Abby grabbed his tie and started tugged on it.
"We're about to start so everyone take a spot," said Rossi. Spencer adjusted Abby in his arms and motioned to Catherine that they needed to find a spot. Savannah came over and stood next to them. Catherine took Abby from him and leaned against Spencer. She felt Spencer wrap his arms around her waist, pull her close to him and kiss her on the head. He normally wasn't one for serious displays of public affection, even after being together for six years he would still hardly kiss her in public. Even after all this time it still makes me feel special when he does this, thought Catherine. Spencer heard the wedding match start and he looked behind him to see JJ walking with her mother. Catherine followed his gaze along with everybody else.
"She looks pretty," whispered Catherine. You were prettier, thought Spencer recalling how she looked in the red dress with her hair pulled up in a ponytail. JJ made her way up to Will and Henry and she bent down and gave Henry a kiss on the head. She stood up and Will took her hands in his.
"We are gathered here to watch the union between this man and this woman. Jennifer and William," said the preacher.
"Do you want me to sign for you?" asked Emily leaning over and Catherine shook her head no. She didn't need it to know how happy everyone was here or what was being said. She could still recall her own vows in her sleep.
Spencer watched JJ take a ring from Henry and place it on Will's left hand. Spencer felt Catherine's ring and could recall how their hands were shaking when they exchanged vows and rings.
"I Jennifer, take you William to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health and to keep myself only for you until death do us part," said JJ. William took the ring from his son and kissed him on the head.
"I William, take you Jennifer to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health and to keep myself only for you until death do us part," said Will. Spencer rested his head on top of Catherine's. Abby was resting her head on Catherine's chest and was sucking on her pacifier. Spencer knew this gesture too well, Abby couldn't hear them, but she liked feeling their heartbeat when they held her. Catherine did the same thing at times when they were alone together. Like mother, like daughter.
"By the power vested in me by The District of Columbia I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." Will bent down and kissed JJ and she threw her arms around him and Will dipped her while still in the kiss.
"Show off," called Morgan.
"Oh shut up," yelled Emily and Jody giggled.
"He always has a coment doesn't he?" asked Catherine. Spencer kissed the top of her head.
"He's just jealous," signed Spencer.
…...
Dinner was served outside, thankfully Rossi had asked the party planners for booster seats and a high chair. Henry was sitting in a booster seat next to his parents, Jody and Jack also needed a booster seat since the table was so high. Abby was sitting in a high chair in between Catherine and Spencer. Catherine was trying to feed Abby her dinner while her own dinner was getting cold. Spencer sat his own fork down since he was done eating.
"Here, I'll feed her," signed/said Spencer taking the noodles from her. Catherine smiled and handed him the plate.
"You mean I'll get to eat a warm meal for a change...I like weddings," signed Catherine picking up her own fork and taking a bite of chicken. Spencer shook his head.
"Abby...Abby...over here," said/signed Spencer and he tapped her on shoulder. She turned towards him realizing he had her dinner.
"Oh look at Daddy," teased Morgan.
"Keep it up Morgan. I have your mother on speed dial," said/signed Spencer. Abby finished her dinner and Catherine just rolled her eyes.
"I always end up wearing her dinner. How did you do that?" asked Catherine.
"Magic," said/signed Spencer. JJ looked over at the scene and laughed.
"Will could always get Henry to take a bottle and not spit up on him. It is so unfair," said/signed JJ.
"I went to school one day with oatmeal on my sweater and no one told me till the end of day. Eight hours I walked around with peaches and cream on me and no one told me," said/signed Catherine.
"I will have you two know I suffered my fair share of baby spit up and messes in my day," said/signed Hotch teasing both of them.
"Dad," whined Jack and he put his head down on the table. Beth patted his head.
"It's ok. Your dad has told me all the best stories about you." Jody looked at Emily and Emily smiled.
"Sorry I got nothing on you." Jody smiled and went back to dinner.
"I try to throw a classy wedding and it devolves into talk about baby spit up," protested Rossi.
"Oh David...shut up," said Strauss and Garcia nearly choked on her wine
"Well maybe it's time to move this to the dance floor," joked Morgan.
"What do you say? Ready for our first dance Cheri?" asked Will. JJ took his hand and than she took Henry's hand.
"Yeah." The three went out to the dance floor. Spencer took Abby out of the high chair and Catherine followed him out to the dance floor. Everyone else made their way to the dance floor to watch the family have their first dance.
"What's the song," asked Catherine. Spencer handed Abby over to so he could sign the lyrics to her. Will had picked up Henry and JJ wrapped her arms around his neck and they all danced together.
Give me a kiss to build a dream on/And my imagination will thrive upon that kiss/Sweetheart, I ask no more than this/A kiss to build a dream on
Give me a kiss before you leave me/And my imagination will feed my hungry heart/Leave me one thing before we part/A kiss to build a dream on/When Im alone with my fancies...Ill be with you/
Weaving romances...making believe theyre trueGive me your lips for just a moment/And my imagination will make that moment live/Give me what you alone can give/ A kiss to build a dream on.
They finished their dance and the next song was more upbeat and everyone started to go to the dance floor.
"Do you want to dance?" asked Spencer.
"You haven't danced with me since our wedding," joked Catherine.
"Call it an early birthday present," signed Spencer. He took her hand and Catherine adjusted Abby in her arms so they could dance together. For the first time in years, Spencer didn't step on her feet. Catherine looked at him and grinned as the song finished.
"So who taught you how to dance?" joked Catherine. Abby rubbed her eyes and started whining.
"Someone is done for the night," said/signed Spencer. Rossi overheard them.
"I have a room upstairs you can put her in. I picked up a travel play pen this afternoon. I figured you might need it," said Rossi.
"Um...wow thank you," said Spencer. He signed to Catherine that it was ok to put Abby upstairs to sleep.
"Thank you," said Catherine. Rossi told Spencer which room it was and left them to get another glass of Scotch.
"Come on, let's go to bed," said/signed Spencer and they headed up to the house. Catherine grabbed the diaper bag and followed Spencer up the stairs and to the room that Rossi had told him to use. Catherine took Abby into the bathroom to change her diaper and Spencer made up the play pen for her. Catherine came out of the bathroom and Abby was wailing. Catherine shushed her and started walking around the room with her.
"Is she ok?" asked Spencer, Abby's cries were shrill and she was rubbing her face. Catherine felt her forehead and frowned.
"She has a little fever...I think she might be teething," said Catherine. Spencer reached into the diaper bag and fished out a bottle of baby asprin, he shook two out.
"Abby...Abby...looked what Daddy has. Open up for me," said/signed Spencer. Abby eyed him, but took the medicine from him. Catherine started walking around the room with Abby and she drifted off to sleep. Catherine laid the baby down and she stayed asleep.
"I guess that's why she was in such a foul mood the night before," signed Spencer.
"Well she's about the age for it. You ok?" asked Catherine.
"I love you," signed Spencer.
"I've lost count of how many times you've told me that," admitted Catherine.
"I stopped counting," signed Spencer kissing her on the forehead. At least two hundred and sixty five times, thought Spencer. I did lose count on how often I have thought about how much I love you.
"I would like another dance with you," signed Catherine.
"Will she be ok?" asked Spencer.
"I check on her again in an hour. She's getting pretty good about sleeping through the night though," signed Catherine.
"I noticed," signed Spencer. Catherine took his hand and they went back to the party. Morgan was dancing with Garcia. JJ was dancing with Henry and Will was asking Savannah to dance. Jack and Jody were sitting off the to the side together coloring. Emily was talking with Rossi. Kevin and Sharpe were dancing together, Anderson and Gina were sitting at a table drinking and Hotch, Beth, Strauss and Sandy were off to the side taking pictures.
"This is so dorky," signed Catherine.
"Yeah it is," agreed Spencer.
"I'm a little sad that I never went through with the big wedding now," signed Catherine. Spencer looked down at her and shook his head.
"We did promise your dad that he would see you in a white dress someday...maybe we could renew our vows someday and have all this. If you want to," signed Spencer. Catherine stood up on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek.
"I would like that," signed Catherine.
"Hey Pretty Boy if your aren't going to dance with your lady than hand her over," called Morgan. Spencer shook his head and he took Catherine's hand and they went out to the dance floor and held her close while they danced.
…...
"So the home visit went well," said Rossi. Emily took a sip of her wine and looked over to where Jody was playing with Jack. They looked so cute together.
"Yeah. We had our last home visit last weekend and I'm just waiting for a court date," said Emily.
"How is she adjusting?" asked Rossi.
"Good...well for the most part. The girls in her class who used to be her friends haven't been the nicest. I'm hoping a new school will give her a fresh start," said Emily.
"Seems to be the year for fresh starts,"said Rossi. Emily nodded and looked over to see Hotch and Beth dancing together. Her fresh start hadn't been so fresh, the past and her actions still hung around her at times like a black cloud. Jody was her ray of sunshine, but at times even that was clouded. Her father should be here with her...he'll never see her grow up or dance with her at her wedding...it's not fair.D.C used to feel like home and now she felt lost. Cylde was now offering her and in a way for Jody to truly get a fresh start. Come to England love...I have a nice post for you running an Interpol office. I can even get your little girl into the best private school we have. You'll like it here. She hadn't been to England in years, she had gone there for a summer before she went to college. It had just been her, no parents, no one looking over her shoulder, no one telling her what to do or how to act. She hadn't had that sort of freedom in years.
Could I leave again? It would be different this time, it would be of her own chosing, she could say goodbye this time and hopefully this time they wouldn't be mad at her. She would miss them, god she would miss them so much, but she felt so odd since coming back. It was like she was trying to fit a puzzle piece into a place that didn't fit. It had been so hard to come back and try to find her life again and even than it didn't feel like her life. Her life had ended on a floor in Boston and now this person was trying to be the person who had died in Boston.
"What's going on up there?" asked Rossi.
"Jody and Jack seem to getting along really well. I was debating locking her up at sixteen and not letting her out till thirty, but I might have to step that up," teased Emily.
"What is else is going on up there?" asked Rossi. Emily looked at the older man and just shook her head.
"I hate the fact we can't keep anything from each other. I don't belong here," admitted Emily. Rossi took a sip of his drink and Emily went on. "I love you all so much and I was so happy that I got to come home, but it doesn't feel like I've really come back. I don't fit here anymore."
"Yes you do," countered Rossi.
"Why did you walk away from the BAU when you did?" asked Emily.
"I wasn't happy anymore. I felt like a rat on a wheel going nowhere fast and I knew that I just needed to walk away...I was also offered a ton of money to write about my work so I took a step back. I just needed a moment to see my life and where it was going," said Rossi.
"I thought I could just walk back into this life and everything would be ok. It hasn't...it's been so hard at times Dave to just try being myself again and I don't even know who I am anymore. I miss being me," said Emily quickly wiping her eyes.
"You are an amazing person and I'm lucky to know you," said Rossi.
"Mommy...mommy...come dance with me," cried Jody running up to her. Emily smiled at her.
"You want to dance with me? You think you can keep up with me?" Emily took Jody's hand and they went out to the dance floor. Rossi shook his head and watched them all dance. Strauss came over to him sipping her water.
"So have you talked to Bryan yet?" asked Rossi.
"We did last night. He's hurt, but he doesn't want to fight anymore. I feel guilty though about how I've treated him though over the last few years. He didn't deserve how I treated him. We're planning on sitting the kids down and talking to them next week. Thank you for listening to me," said Strauss.
"Well if you are going to divorce someone you might as well talk to the master of divorces," said Rossi. Strauss looked out at JJ dancing with Will and Spencer dancing with Catherine.
"They make being happy look so easy," she said.
"That's because they don't know when to quit," said Rossi.
Ep's used-Hit/Run