July 2009
Harper stood there, glancing at the stranger in the mirror. Dressed in an all white gown, her dark raven curled hair in a half up half down style with a veil sitting on top of it covering her face.
Flashback
May 2009
Harper had tried on many dresses but was starting to give up hope on finding the perfect dress for the wedding that her mother and Rossi had told her about. Harper wasn't much into planning big events and gladly gave the reins over to someone else. Especially two people that both knew her extremely well. Though it also hadn' helped that she had been working none stop to even think about the wedding plans.
"I've got one more dress for you to try" Emily says to Harper as she looks through another rack of dresses.
"I think this will be the last dress for the day" Harper says following her mother to the dressing attendant.
Harper stepped inside the dressing room and changed into yet another dress. The attendant helped her so that it would stay up. Harper hadn't even bothered to look in the mirror before she went out to where the group sat. Everyone looked shocked at the dress as Harper stood up on the platform in front of three large mirrors. Harper turned and saw the dress that was to beautiful. She was shocked even then to see herself in such a dress.
End flashback
She still couldn't believe that she was looking at herself when she heard a knock at the door.
"Come in" Harper says turning away from the mirror. The door opened and Emily, JJ and Penelope came in with smiles. JJ and Penelope wore similar purple dresses since Harper had asked them both to be bridesmaids, along with her friend Dr. Lily Cooper who was probably talking care of her daughter. While her mother wore a dark blue dress.
"How are you doing?" JJ asks the young women who looked slightly pale.
"I've never been more nervous in my life" Harper says.
"You have nothing to worry about" Penelope says happily.
"I am afraid of falling or messing something up" Harper says.
"Everything will be fine. Plus I don't think Rossi will let you fall" Emily says.
"I hope not" Harper says. Harper had asked Rossi to step in for her father, since John Cooley was in another country doing work. Though Rossi took the fatherly duty above and beyond by paying for the entire wedding. Harper and Spencer only wanted something simple but Rossi and her mother had other plans.
"You do look very beautiful" Emily says walking over to her daughter.
Harper glanced back at the mirror, then back to her mother, "Thanks mom" Harper says.
That's when Harper heard yet another knock at the door, "Who is it?" Penelope asks cautious.
"Who do you think Baby Girl?" Morgan asks.
"Come on in Derek" Harper says. The man, who was standing in as Spencer's best man, came walking into the room. He closed the door before turning and facing the group of women. His eyes landed on each person before they settled on Harper.
"Wow. The kid isn't going to know what hit him" Morgan says.
Harper couldn't help but smile at the thought. Thinking about everything they had gone through recently with and many sleepless nights to pull this wedding off in only a few months. They had also had to find a mass serial killer in Canada and afterwards, Harper had to help the Canadian authorities sort through the remains found at the home. Even having to stay two weeks in Canada in order to help. Spencer and team had taken very few cases while she was gone but afterwards they had a ton. Something Harper wasn't thankful for because of the lack of sleep and lack of time spending with Spencer.
Though while working gave her and Spencer plenty of time to plan their wedding, well mainly Penelope, Rossi and her mom time to plan everything and ask Spencer and Harper their opinions. Which meant asking everyone to partake in the wedding. Morgan was the first to be asked to be best man, Emily already knew she was the mother of the bride, JJ, Lily and Penelope had agreed to be Harper's brides maids, Will was going to carry Henry, who they had decided to be the ring barrier and Rossi was going to walk her down the aisle. The only one they had left out was Hotch, though Spencer knew what to ask him.
Flashback
June 2009
Harper stood outside the restaurant with Spencer, who was worried about everything that Hotch could say to him.
"Spencer, we have to talk to him before we even know what he'll say. Plus you've thought this through" Harper says looking at her fiancé.
"I know but it's just harder with Hotch" Spencer says. Harper understood, since it only took Spencer a few minutes to ask Morgan to stand in as his best man.
"Well if we stand outside any longer, Hotch is going to think we aren't coming and tonight Jack is going to be with him" Harper says. Spencer nodded before he opened the door for Harper. Harper walked inside and up to the hostess and told her that they were looking for a man and his young son. The women smiled and lead the couple to where Hotch was sitting with Jack.
"Sorry we're late" Harper says.
"Its no problem. We just got here" Hotch says.
"Hi Jack" Harper says. Jack became shy but smiled at Harper before trying to hide behind his dad in the booth. Harper and Spencer sat down and eventually they all ordered and ate their food once it arrived. Jack had gotten used to the couple and even asked Harper to play with him. When they were all done eating making small talk along the way, Harper knew Spencer was nervous and wanted to give him a chance to talk to Hotch.
"Hey Jack, why don't you and I go look around so these two can talk?" Harper asks standing up. Jack looked to his dad for permission when Hotch nodded, the boy got up and took Harper's hand before leading her over to something in the restaurant.
"She's going to be a great mother" Hotch says watching as Harper kept Jack entertained.
"She will be" Spencer says.
"What did you want to talk about?" Hotch asks cutting to the chase.
Spencer sighed and took a breathe, "I wanted to see if for the wedding ceremony...if you would consider being father of the groom" Spencer says hesitating. Hotch went still, he figured the last thing that Spencer would ask him would be something so personal.
"But isn't your father coming?" Hotch asks.
"Yes but he knows that he wasn't very important in my life for a time and he understands why I would want to ask someone else" Spencer says. Hotch stopped and thought for a moment.
"I'd be honored Spencer" Hotch says holding out his hand to the younger agent.
"Thanks 'dad'" Spencer said grabbing his hand. Once Harper noticed the two shook hands, she walked back over with Jack, already knowing what had taken place.
End Flashback
Harper knew that both of Spencer's parents would be at the wedding but worried about William Reid's reaction to Spencer's news before Spencer had told her. Though when Harper and Spencer had discussed it with him, he understood and would be happy that Spencer had felt like someone had stepped in as a father for his son when he had failed him.
Harper felt a nudge on her arm. Harper had gotten lost in thought as everyone talked in the room when JJ got her attention.
"Sorry. I'm already spacing out" Harper says.
"It's alright. We were talking about nothing important any way. Though Morgan says that everyone is here and they're ready to start if you are" JJ says.
Harper took a deep, shaky breathe. "I'm ready" Harper says.
"I'll go let Rossi and Spencer know" Morgan says.
"Thanks Derek" Harper says as Penelope hands Harper her bouquet of flowers.
"I better go take my seat" Emily says smiling at her daughter.
"Ok. I'll see you soon" Harper says pausing before adding, "No crying either" she says.
"No promises" Emily says as she and Morgan leave. Penelope and JJ grabbed a few things and helped Harper, making sure she had everything when a knock was heard at the door.
"Showtime" Rossi says. JJ opens the door and she and Penelope go stand by the door way that they'll be going through to walk down the aisle.
Rossi walks over to Harper and holds his arm out, "I was told not to let you fall" Rossi says in Italian. Harper relaxed as Rossi spoke her native tongue.
"Yes. I never wear heels, so its hard to walk" Harper says taking his arm.
"Understandable. That's why I don't like wearing them either" Rossi says as they line up behind Lily, JJ, Penelope, who stood behind Will and Henry and Lily's daughter who they had chosen to be their flower girl. Rossi and Harper would talk often in Italian since they started wedding plans. The only other two who had understood them were Emily and Spencer, she felt better after speaking in the language that she had grown up around.
Harper smiles at the comment Rossi had made and notices the music start to play. When one by one the group in front of them began to turn the corner. Penelope gave a quick wave to her before the last of the people were gone.
"Ready?" Rossi asks looking down at the young women.
"He's really down their right?" Harper asks. Rossi peaks around the corner seeing Spencer watching where Harper would walk out, with Derek leaning over to whisper something to him.
"He's there. Promise" Rossi says.
Harper nodded, "Then let's go" Harper says as the bridal march starts.
Rossi leads Harper around the corner as people in the pews begin to stand up to see the bride. Harper walked at an even pace down the aisle seeing many familiar faces as she walked down but she focused instantly on Spencer. Who looked near tears as she approached him. Rossi stopped just below the steps to where the bridal party stood.
"Who gives this women away?" the priest asked.
Emily stood up, "Her family and I do" Emily says. Spencer walked down the few steps, and Rossi handed Harper's hand to Spencer.
"Good luck" Rossi whispers to Harper in Italian before going to take his seat next to Emily. Harper couldn't help but smile at Spencer as he helped her up the steps to stand in front of the priest. Handing her bouquet to Penelope.
The priest began the ceremony, "We gather today to join this man and this women in holy matrimony..." the preset began. Harper couldn't help but glance towards Spencer while the man spoke. Spencer wasn't sure about getting married in a church, especially a catholic church but he had agreed for Harper's sake. She had a catholic upbringing and she had always dreamed of this type of wedding so Spencer asked Rossi to get into contact with the priest that had helped them with their exorcism case. Snapping back to the wedding, Harper heard the priest say something.
"The couple has prepared their own vows and Spencer has asked to go first" the man says. Spencer looked over at Harper and took her hands. Clearing his throat, he stated,
"Harper. You have been my best friend, teammate, lover, confidant and my greatest challenge. But most importantly, you are the love of my life and you make me happier than I could ever imagine and more loved than I ever thought possible...especially with everything we've gone through in the short time we have known each other. You have made me a better person, as our love for one another is reflected in the way I live my life. So I am truly blessed to be a part of your life, which as of today becomes our life together" he says. Harper smiled, trying to contain her tears when she glance over and saw her mother and most everyone in the room crying.
She looked back at Spencer, "Harper, now your vows" the priest says.
Harper nods, "Spencer, you know me better than anyone else in this world and somehow still you manage to love me. You are my best friend and one true love, and soul mate. There is still a part of me today that cannot believe that I'm the one who gets to marry you," Harper says wiping a tear away from Spencer's face, knowing her own were falling.
"From the moment we meet, I knew you would be someone important in my life. I see these vows not as promises but as privileges: I get to laugh with you and cry with you from this day, until our last" Harper says.
The priest gives everyone a moment and then says, "Can we have the rings?" he asks. Will brings over Henry, with a pillow. Spencer takes the rings from the pillow before handing the pillow back to the toddler. Handing her his ring, they exchanged rings by placing them onto one another.
"By the power invested in me by the state of Virginia, I know pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride" the priest says to Spencer. Spencer leans in and kisses Harper. Deeping the kiss, Harper and Spencer heard the room fill with cheers and applause. Only when they broke the kiss did the priest once again speak.
"It is my honor to introduce for the first time, Dr. and Mrs. Spencer Reid" the man says when people started walking back down the aisle. Will and Henry walked down with JJ, Lily and her daughter followed, and Penelope and Derek after them. Harper and Spencer stood next to one another waiting for their turn, knowing that the reception was to follow. Harper and Spencer followed Penelope and Derek when those in the pews began throwing rose petals as they passed. Harper glanced at Spencer's surprise and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before they managed to get to where there was only the wedding party. They took several wedding photos with all the wedding party and families, before they went off to the changing areas.
"Congratulations" Penelope said running into Harper, nearly knocking her off her feet.
"Penny, I'm still on stilts" Harper says steading herself.
"Sorry! I forgot" she says smiling at the young women.
"Now we can't call Spencer, Reid anymore" Derek says teasing.
"Well you can because I'm only getting my name hifinated" Harper says.
"She'll still be Mrs. Reid but will always be Dr. Prentiss. Plus it would be weird if we were both Dr. Reid" Spencer says.
"Everyone is headed to the reception" Rossi says sticking his head in.
"We'll be on our way. Harper has to change" JJ says.
"I thought they'd forget" Harper says muttering to Spencer.
"Not on your life" Penelope says overhearing her before helping Harper to her dressing room.
"We'll be done shortly" JJ says closing the door.
"And here I thought we'd have more time together" Spencer says staring at the door.
"It's a women thing. Plus knowing Harper she didn't want to change out of anything except those killer shoes she had on" Morgan says.
"You're probably right" Spencer says as the two continue to talk.
Harper managed to get into the shortened version of her wedding gown that Penelope had made for her.
"Penny this is beautiful" Harper says looking at the dress in the mirror.
"I based it off your wedding dress but made it shorter so you could actually enjoy dancing and such. And the final touch" Penelope says handing Harper a shoe box.
"Please tell me these aren't heels" Harper says looking at the box.
"You'll have to find out" JJ says smiling. Harper cautiously opens the box and sees a pair of blue converse with socks, sitting in the box.
"Thank God" Harper mutters in Italian. Relieved, Harper sat down and pulled the shoes and socks on.
Harper finished getting ready when she heard a knock, "You ready yet?" Derek asks.
"You can't rush beauty" Penelope says to him opening the door.
"Yes we are ready" Harper says behind Penelope and JJ.
"I think everyone is getting hungry" Morgan says.
"Its only you" JJ says to Morgan. Harper moves past her friends and stops in front of Spencer who couldn't help but smile at her.
"Ready for the embarrassing speeches and more wedding photos?" Harper asks.
"No but I am looking forward to getting to sit with my wife" Spencer says. Harper couldn't help but blush. She knew that would take some time to get used to.
Sorry about the short chapter! If you have anything you want to see in the next season please let me know by leaving a review or DM me. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter!