Chapter Twenty Four
January 2017
Spencer sat his go bag down in the entry way and heard Abby sobbing and Catherine trying to comfort her. Sammy looked up from his spot on the sofa and gave his father a tired smile.
"Hi daddy," said Sammy tired. Spencer went and gave the boy a kiss on his forehead and found him to be running a fever. He noticed a small cup of juice next to him and a bucket on the floor next to him
"Not feeling good buddy?"
"I threw up at school yesterday," said Sammy.
"That's not good," said Spencer.
"Abby threw up on herself," said Sammy. That would explain the sobbing he heard from down the hall in the bathroom.
"You gonna be ok while I see if mommy needs help?" asked Spencer. Sammy nodded and Spencer tucked him in with a blanket before heading down the hall to see how Catherine was fairing. She had Abby in the tub and was washing her hair, Abby was holding a bucket in front of her and had clearly just finished throwing up.
"I'm sorry mommy," signed Abby crying.
"It's ok honey," signed Catherine rinsing out Abby's hair.
"Hi sweetie," said/signed Spencer kneeling down by the tub.
"Hi daddy," sniffed Abby wiping her eyes. Catherine looked over at him and gave him a tired smile. It was clear this had been a marathon this evening.
"Sammy said you weren't feeling good," said/signed Spencer and Abby nodded in agreement.
"You need to throw up anymore?" asked Spencer.
"No," signed Abby. Spencer took the bucket away, added some water and tossed the mess down the toilet. Catherine finished giving Abby her bath and got her dried off and into some clean pj's.
"I'll dry her hair. Why don't you get Sammy ready for bed," suggested Spencer. Catherine gave him a kiss and headed out to check on Sammy. Spencer carefully brushed and blow dried Abby's hair. She turned and gave him a hug.
"I missed you. You were gone a whole week," signed Abby.
"I missed you too. Mommy said she didn't read any of James and the Giant Peach while I was gone. Would you like me to read it to you and Sammy tonight?" asked Spencer.
"Yes please," signed Abby. Spencer picked her up and carried her her back out to the living room where Sammy had crawled into Catherine's lap and was zoned out watching a show about black bears. Spencer sat down next to them and touched Sammy's head.
"Do you want story time or do you just want to go sleep?" asked Spencer.
"I want the story," said/signed Sammy. Sammy moved over so Abby could also sit on Catherine's lap and Spencer started retelling James and Giant Peach to Abby and Sammy and it wasn't even five minutes later before both kids were out like lights. Spencer took Sammy out of Catherine's lap and took him to bed while Catherine got Abby in her bed. Spencer was tucking Sammy in when he woke up. He gave his father a sleepy smile and hugged him hard.
"Night Sammy," said Spencer.
"Night daddy," said Sammy. Spencer turned on his nightlight before heading into Abby's room where Catherine was tucking her in. Abby was out like a light. Catherine looked at him tired and stepped out of Abby's room shutting the door behind her. She hugged him and Spencer hugged her back.
"So how was your night?" asked Spencer and she sort of sighed.
"The kids at school have been passing around some sort of stomach bug. I had to keep Abby home the other day and Sammy seemed ok and than right after lunch I got a text that he was running a fever and throwing up. They seem to be keeping juice and water down. However you saw the results of giving Abby a piece of toast," signed Catherine.
Spencer gave her another hug and they headed into the kitchen to make some tea. He could tell there was something else on her mind that she was working through.
"So other than the flu bug is there anything else?" asked Spencer handing her a cup of tea.
"Well there are two things actually... I got a notice that out rent is going up again. I really hate the new landlords," signed Catherine. They had gotten new landlords two years ago and so far their rent had gone up a ridiculous amount. Spencer sighed, Catherine had just gone back to work full time a few months ago, but at this rate it was just becoming impossible to keep the apartment.
"I did some digging and we could actually be making a house payment for a bit less...I was going to do some more budgeting this evening to see how much of a house payment we could swing," signed Catherine.
"Would you want to stay in the District or move into Virginia?" asked Spencer.
"The housing prices are a better in Virginia. We could move closer to Quantico. I would have to commute a bit further for work and for Abby to go to school. But it might be worth it to move to an area with more kids for them to play with," signed Catherine.
"I have a few days off so we can run the numbers together. Maybe even look at a few places online," suggested Spencer. Catherine gave him a small smile, it was clear she had been bouncing this around in her head since he left and she need to unload.
"So what else happened while I was gone?" asked Spencer.
"We might have to have a talk with Sammy and Abby. Abby had a project at school and she needed to bring in a baby photo. Her and Sammy were looking through the photo albums and there are pictures of when I was pregnant with Abby, but Sammy wanted to know why there are no pictures of me like that with him." signed Catherine.
"What did you tell him?" asked Spencer.
"I distracted them with ice cream," signed Catherine. Spencer sighed and Catherine shrugged. "I didn't know what to tell him and I figured this was something we needed to talk about as a family."
"We do," agreed Spencer. He knew this day would happen sooner or later and that it wouldn't be the first time they would have to have this conversation. He knew they would have to have again when he got older.
"We can talk to them tomorrow," signed Spencer. The next morning the kids were feeling a bit better and they sat them both down and explained that there were different types of moms and dads. That you had moms and dads who made the baby and that you had moms and dads who raised the baby. That they had made Abby, but another mom and dad made Sammy and they were the mom and dad who were going to raise him.
"Oh...ok. Can I have some more juice?" asked Sammy. Catherine went to get Sammy his juice
"You ok Abby?" asked Spencer.
"Can Sammy's other mom and dad ever take him back?" asked Abby.
"No he gets to live with us forever like you do. Is there anything else honey?" asked Spencer.
"That's good. I like Sammy," signed Abby.
"You do," teased Spencer.
"Very much," signed Abby curling up next to him. Spencer kissed her forehead and Catherine came back out with Sammy and they all sat together to watch a movie.
Catherine had Sammy in her lap and was playing his short black hair. He had very light skin and dark blue eyes. However he had so many of his and Catherine's mannerisms it was unreal to him at times. Right now he was biting the inside of his check the same way Catherine did when she was focused on something. Spencer could tell she had been more wound up about talking about the adoption than looking into a house. She had kept in touch with Savannah and Saul through letters and through Saul's mother. Savannah was finishing up college in Chicago and had a job lined up with a theater in Chicago. Saul was working at a markering firm in Chicago. Saul had been back to DC to visit his mother, but he hadn't expressed an interest in seeing Sammy in person. Savannah hadn't been back to DC since she left five years ago. Later on that night they were tucking the kids into bed and Sammy seemed more quiet than normal.
"Something on your mind?" asked Spencer.
"I like that your my daddy and that mommy is my mommy," said Sammy.
"We like that too," said Spencer. Sammy gave him a hug and settled into bed with a bear that Emily had given him when she visited two years ago. Spencer kissed Abby good night and found Catherine folding laundry in their bedroom.
"You ok?" asked Spencer and she shrugged. Spencer took the blanket she was folding away and made her look at him. "You were worried about how Sammy and Abby were going to take us telling them. I say it went well."
"We're going to have to explain it again when they're older and what if they don't take it as well the next time or the time after that. What if he wants to meet them and they don't want to see him and it hurts him?" asked Catherine getting upset.
"What matters is that he has a mother who loves him more than anything. He told me that he liked having you as his mommy," signed Spencer. Catherine gave him a small grin and Spencer sat down on the bed.
"You are a really good mother you know that. I know you tend to get the short end of the stick with all the household and parenting stuff...but the kids love you and no matter what we tell them they will always look up to you," signed Spencer.
"Thank you," said Catherine.
…...
It took them another six months to find the house, nothing just seemed right or way out of their price range. The house was one that Morgan had been trying to sell for over a year and the last potential buyers had their funding fall through leaving Morgan at square one.
"This house is going to kill me," muttered Morgan getting off the phone. Spencer looked up from his file.
"What's wrong with it?" asked Spencer.
"Not a damn thing. I've fixed it top to bottom, lower the price twice and nothing. It's really starting to piss me off," muttered Morgan.
"How big is it?" asked Spencer and Morgan raised an eyebrow.
"You looking for real estate?" asked Morgan.
"For over six months and we haven't had any luck," admitted Spencer and Morgan looked like he wanted to strangle him.
"I could have unloaded this house six months ago if you had said something," said Morgan.
"What makes you think we would want it?" asked Spencer. Morgan grinned and fished out his keys.
"Come on we're taking a long lunch," said Morgan. Spencer sighed and sat his paperwork aside and followed Morgan out to his car. They drove about twenty minutes into a small neighborhood at the edge of Quantico up to a gray two story house. Spencer got out of the car and looked up at the house, something about it just felt right. Morgan looked at Spencer and had a feeling that he was hooked, but he had to reel him in.
"Let's go inside and I'll show you the rest," said Morgan. They walked inside to an entry way that went into a dining room area.
"It's a very big space and..." Spencer gave him a look.
"Can I just look around without the sales pitch?" asked Spencer. He walked upstairs and found a master bedroom and three smaller rooms with a full bathroom. Morgan had left them all rather plain, white walls and light brown carpet. An attempt to have the potential buyer to see themselves living here. Spencer went back downstairs and headed to the basement part of the house, it had a living room area and a small laundry room off to the side. He went back upstairs to the kitchen and looked out to see a small backyard had been fenced off. Spencer could easily see himself here with Catherine and the kids. Something about it just felt right. He went back into the dining room and saw Morgan was waiting.
"You know I can't make any decision without Catherine's input," said Spencer.
"What do you think Pretty Boy?" asked Morgan.
"Did someone die here and it's why you can't sell it?" asked Spencer.
"No one died here. An old lady owed it, she moved down south and sold me her house and I've been trying to sell it since," said Morgan.
"It's a nice house," said Spencer. He texted Catherine the address and asked her if she could meet him here. About an hour later Catherine parked in the driveway and looked up at the house in awe.
"I think she's given her input," teased Morgan seeing the look on her face. Catherine came inside and Morgan gave her the sales pitch about the size of the house, the school Sammy would go to in the area and how long her commute from here to the District would be for her and Abby to school.
"I'll leave you two to talk," said/signed Morgan stepping outside.
"I checked the listing price before I got here and it's a good price. The school would be nice for Sammy. The commute is a bit longer than I would like, but it would be much shorter for you," signed Catherine.
"But you like this house?" asked Spencer.
"I really do. I don't know what it is, but I can see the kids here and I really like it," signed Catherine. Spencer gave her a hug and took a breath.
"You know if we back out Morgan is going to kill us both," teased Spencer.
"We could make him suffer, tell him we're going to sleep on it for a bit," signed Catherine.
"That's too mean even for you," signed Spencer.
"We have the loan approved. We could have this closed by Friday," signed Catherine. Morgan came back upstairs and looked at them pleading.
"I'm willing to drop another ten thousand off the price and help with any closing costs you guys need. I just want this house to go to good people," said/signed Morgan. Catherine looked at Spencer with a small smile.
"We were gonna take it at list price, but if you're willing to drop it a bit more and helping with closing costs than you are the biggest sap ever," teased Catherine. Morgan just smiled at her and gave her a hug that picked her up off the ground.
"Can you please not injure my wife?" asked Spencer. Morgan sat her down and smiled at Spencer.
"We can start the paperwork tomorrow morning," said/signed Morgan. He handed them a set of keys. "See you back at the office Pretty Boy." Morgan headed out and Catherine had to head back to work. Spencer took a moment to enjoy the quiet of the house. It wouldn't stay this way for long and it gave him a little smile.
They were in mid move when he got called in to a case in Utah involving a serial rapist and murderer.
"I love you and I will call you guys tonight before bed," said/signed Spencer giving the kids a kiss. Catherine gave him a kiss.
"I think you time these things so you never have to help with a move," teased Catherine. She was right, he had been absent when she moved in with him, he had been absent when she moved into this apartment when she had been expecting Abby and now this. He swore this would be the last time they moved.
Spencer headed out and sorely wished he was packing to move instead of going to Utah. Utah was a grueling two week ordeal that left six woman dead and the one they saved was in ICU when they took off. Catherine had been sending him pictures and e-mails of the house and what the kids were doing which was his only thing that gave him a speck of joy. He noticed that she only sent an e-mail every other day in an effort not to bother him. He really wished she would bother him more sometimes. She sent him a text letting him know that they were competely out of the apartment and to meet her out the house.
When he got home it was close to eleven and Catherine was in the kitchen unpacking. She saw him leaning in the doorway and she grinned upon seeing him.
"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes," signed Catherine and she hugged him. He hugged back and he hugged her hard. The case he had been working on had been all over the news and she had a feeling it was bothering him.
"Did you have dinner yet? I think we have some leftover pizza. I haven't had a chance to go shopping yet," signed Catherine.
"I'm really not hungry right now," signed Spencer. Catherine nodded and went back to unpacking. He would spill when he was ready, he started helping her unpack the glasses and flatware and looking around the kitchen. She had painted the kitchen in the colors they had picked before he left and she had hung up the chore chart they had set up for Abby and Sammy and he couldn't help but notice a new choir had been added to Sammy's side. Feed Dr. Who.
"Why is our son feeding a fictional character?" asked Spencer and Catherine let out a giggle.
"He won a rabbit at the school fair the other day and named him Dr. Who. I figured since it's his rabbit he should have to feed it," signed Catherine. Spencer sighed and sat down looking unbelievable tired
"How do you do this? Make everything so seem so damn normal?" asked Spencer. Catherine sat down next to him and took his hand.
"Because it's what you need me to do," said Catherine softly. Spencer started playing with the wedding ring on Catherine's hand and got quiet again. Over six years of marriage and two children and she had given more than he could ever ask for.
"I wanna marry you," signed Spencer and Catherine laughed.
"We're already married remember?" teased Catherine.
"We ran away to a Vegas chapel and friends phoned into our ceremony. Your dad laid on a guilt trip on so thick I almost felt bad. We never had the reception. We talked about it and we just never had one and I don't know I would like it if I could give you something normal for once," signed Spencer.
"You gave me my babies. That's pretty normal," signed Catherine.
"Please. I want to marry you again," signed Spencer. She squeezed his hand hard and was near tears.
"Do you want to go to Vegas and do it there? I know you don't think it's home, but it is a little bit. It's where I met you...it's where I fell in love with you," signed Catherine.
Spencer kissed her, Vegas hadn't been home to him for a very long time. Vegas was where they had fallen in love, but it was also where they had broken each others hearts. It was where he found the truth about his father out. It was where they had gotten married, had their heart to heart about her doubts of having Abby, talked about how much he hated saying good bye to her all time. Vegas had been the background of where they started and how they built what they had here.
Here was home to him because this is where she had found him. This is where she put herself on the line for him. Unlike Vegas when they had hurt each and walked away they fought for each other here no matter how much it hurt and god at times it had hurt so much. But the good times here outweighed so much of the hurt. He wanted more of the good times here.
"Let's have it here. We'll keep it small, just the family. We could even have it before school starts again," signed Spencer. Catherine stood up and hugged him.
"You know once my dad and Garcia find out that we're having a real wedding they will take everything over and we will have no say in anything," signed Catherine.
"I promise you it will not be anything insane or over the top," signed Spencer.
"Come on it's getting late. We can finish unpacking this room tomorrow. You want to check on the kids?" asked Catherine. Spencer went into Abby's room first and was still amused how she would sometimes still sleep with her arms above her head. Spencer kissed her on the forehead and went into Sammy's room to see him curled up around his favorite bear. A cage was in the corner with a large gray rabbit sleeping. Spencer kissed him goodnight and went into their bedroom and found that Catherine was changing into one of his old Cal-tech shirts that stopped just above her knees. He had always just assumed that at some point in all relationships the physical attraction would fade away, however after over a decade of a relationship and intimacy with her it never seemed to fade for him. He made sure his gun was locked and stored away before coming over to Catherine and putting his hands on her waist and kissing her hard.
"I missed you so much," he said before kissing her again. You're my home, my light, everything to me.
…...
Despite all the badgering from Garcia and Andrew to have something bigger, Spencer kept his word to her that it would be a small affair. She didn't know how he managed to pull this together considering his case load over the past few months. She had a feeling that Penny might have played a small part in getting things arranged. She had offered to help and he refused to let her. It was probably one of the few times that the groom had taken over all the wedding planning.
"It's not puffy enough," signed Abby. JJ and Garcia tried to hide their laughter. Catherine studied the dress in the mirror. It was a white knee length dress strapless dress that had a red sash around the waist. Sammy was at home with Spencer and she had taken Abby with her for the dress fitting.
"When you get married you can have the biggest puffy dress you want," signed Catherine. It was the final fitting before the renewal in three days. She went into the dressing room to change back into her normal clothes. When she came back out she noticed that Garcia and JJ were talking with a clerk, but they didn't have Abby with them. She looked around quickly and spotted Abby standing by a woman with dark hair and a young girl with short blond hair. Abby turned around and saw her and than so did the other woman. You sneak, thought Catherine seeing that it was Emily standing there. Emily grinned at her and Catherine went over to her and gave her a hug.
"I thought you couldn't get away," signed Catherine.
"You really thought I was going to miss seeing you two get married," teased Emily. Catherine looked at the young girl with Emily and realized it must be Jody, she had grown a good four inches since the last time Catherine had seen her during Emily's last visit.
"I'm going to sound old when I say this, but god she's has gotten tall," signed Catherine.
"She's nothing but legs...she's one of the best runners in her school. She actually going to run a marthron this fall. I almost had to twist her arm to get her here, I told her she could take three days off for a family event," signed Emily.
"I see you found our present to you," teased JJ.
"And it is a good one. Thank you," signed Catherine. She handed the dress over to JJ for her to keep at her house until Saturday. Garcia and JJ said their goodbyes since they had to go back to the BAU. Catherine went over and hugged Jody.
"It's so good to see you again," said/signed Catherine.
"It's good to see you again too," said/signed Jody.
"Can we get some lunch?" asked Abby.
"I'm starving," said Jody.
"Tiny crackers and cheese is not a meal," said/signed Emily.
"Burgers and fries," suggested Catherine.
"Oh Five Guys please!" begged Jody. Emily laughed at her daughter's love of the American burger and fry. It seemed to be the only thing her daughter didn't like about her life in London.
"To the Five Guys," said/signed Emily. Catherine drove them to the nearest restaurant and had lunch together. Abby kept signing and talking a mile a minute to Emily and Jody. Jody was very kind and kept talking and signing with Abby and it reminded Catherine so much of how Kyle was with kids. You would be so proud of her Kyle, thought Catherine. After lunch they headed to a park across the street where Jody took Abby to play. Emily looked at Catherine and just shook her head.
"She's gotten big too," signed Emily watching Abby on the swings with Jody.
"Wait till you see Sammy," signed Catherine.
"God your kids make me feel old," signed Emily.
"I found gray hairs the other day," signed Catherine.
"At least you don't have to dye your hair yet," signed Emily. "So after this are you guys thinking about having anymore after this. You guys do manage to have cute kids."
"I hate to say it, but I think we're done. I have two great kids...why tempt fate with a third kid? This might sound a bit selfish, but it gets a little hard at times to juggle Abby and Sammy when Spencer isn't home and it wouldn't be fair to Abby and Sammy to have another person to take my attention away," signed Catherine.
"I was really hoping for another baby to spoil,"signed Emily.
"You could always bug JJ to have another," signed Emily.
"Henry could use a sibling," agreed Emily. "So how goes the wedding planning?"
"Spencer has taken over everything. I have picked out my dress, got to add a few names to the guest list and he told me to be at Rossi's house on Saturday. I'm the groom in this," signed Catherine and Emily laughed.
"I think it's sweet that he's doing this," signed Emily.
"It is," signed Catherine playing with her wedding ring. "So what about you. Anymore horrible blind dates?"
"Too many to count. Accents are also losing their appeal," signed Emily.
"Glad I could never fall for one," teased Catherine.
"I really miss you," signed Emily. It was amazing to her how easy this friendship with Catherine was. It was one of the first friendships outside of her job that had been so easy for her to maintain. Her friendships back in England weren't has close as the friendships she had back here in DC.
"I wish I could visit you more," signed Catherine.
"You have two little kids and a have gone back to teaching full time. I understand why you can't make the trip over more than once every two years. I could visit you guys more," signed Emily
"You don't run an office with Interpol or have a tween daughter or anything?" asked Catherine.
"I still miss you," signed Emily.
"So since I didn't know you were coming I can't make you maid of honor now. That has gone to JJ, but do you think you can help me with something else?" asked Catherine.
"Name it," signed Emily. Catherine made her request and Emily grinned. "The look on everyone face is going to be priceless. " Catherine hugged her.
"Thank you for this," signed Catherine. She felt her bag vibrate and it was Spencer texting wanting to know where she was. "You want to come over and see the house? Surprise the hell out of Spencer?" asked Catherine.
"I would love too," signed Emily.
…...
"I thought you and mommy were already married so why are you getting married again?' asked Sammy.
"We are married, but when we got married we ran away so it was just us. But people like your Grandpa Andrew and Grandpa William really wanted to see your mommy and I get married like everybody else so we're getting married again for them and for the other people who wanted to see us get married," explained Spencer sitting down with Sammy.
"Like when we have Christmas here and than with Grandpa?" asked Sammy.
"Kind of like that," agreed Spencer. He heard the front door open and Abby call out.
"We're home and have a surprise!" Please not another pet, thought Spencer. He headed into the entry way and saw Catherine come in with Abby and to his surprise Emily and Jody.
"Surprise!" yelled Abby. Spencer stood there stunned for a moment before coming over and hugging her.
"I thought you couldn't come," said Spencer.
"I do like to keep you on your toes," said Emily.
"Aunt Emily!" cried Sammy running into the room to hug her. She bent down, picked him up and hugged him.
"How you doing honey?" asked Emily.
"Good. I got a bunny!" said Sammy. Emily kissed his forehead, even though she moved England, Catherine had insisted that Emily also be Sammy's godmother. God she missed them so much sometimes.
"You did. Can I see it?" asked Emily. Abby asked Jody to come and see her room. They headed upstairs and Catherine gave Spencer and grinned.
"Do you know they were coming?" asked Spencer.
"Not till an hour ago," signed Catherine. Spencer hugged her and he heard the kids laughing with Emily upstairs and couldn't help but smile.
They had dinner and Emily read the kids a bedtime story and got them into bed. Catherine sat down with Jody to watch a movie while Spencer and Emily went into the kitchen to talk.
"They want to skip Abby from first to sixth grade, but Catherine wants to wait until she's a bit older," said Spencer sitting down with some tea.
"Well she is a rather smart cookie, but I think Catherine is in the right. She's smart, but I don't think she's ready to deal with all those older kids," said Emily.
"Catherine has downloaded some lesson plans and is just having her work on those during the school year so she doesn't get bored," said Spencer.
"How's Sammy doing with preschool?" asked Emily.
"He's doing really well. Well he does need some help cutting circles, but he's doing really well with his reading and writing skills," said Spencer.
"Of course you guys have little genius babies," teased Emily.
"We had to talk to Sammy about being adopted. He seemed to take it well, than again I'm not sure he really understood it fully. I know we'll have to talk to him again when he's older, but at least the first talk went ok," said Spencer. "So how's Jody doing?"
"Good. In addition to Track and Field she's part of her school's Kennel club and is trying to convince me to let her breed Lilo and I'm not sure how I feel about a flat full of beagle puppies. You guys want a dog?" teased Emily and laughed as Spencer made a face.
"We already have a rabbit," said Spencer. They sat there quietly for a few moments before Emily spoke up again.
"So how are you doing?" asked Emily.
"I'm doing really good. I...things are settled I guessed. I mean work at the BAU is still grueling, but when I'm here something feels right. I just have a sense of peace here," said Spencer. "We had this horrible case a few weeks ago and when I came home it was just so normal here. I don't get to have a lot normal moments with them, but when I do it just puts me at ease," said Spencer.
"You have an amazing family here," said Emily. Spencer sort of ducked his head and looked at his tea.
"Do you mind if I ask you something?" asked Spencer and Emily nodded.
"How long we're you and Hotch involved?" Emily almost choked on her tea.
"How did you...you are too good at your job," said Emily.
"I was watching Hotch sign to Catherine and I realized he had never asked me to to teach him. It wasn't Garcia either, we taught JJ and Morgan and Rossi, but not Hotch. Someone had to and it had to be you," said Spencer. Emily sighed and sipped her tea.
"You knew the whole time," said Emily.
"I figured it wasn't my business. I know what it's like to want to keep a relationship private," said Spencer.
"Thank you for keeping it private for me," said Emily.
"He broke up with Beth last year," said Spencer.
"I know. Jack and Jody are pen pals and he told her," said Emily.
"You know it's never too late to try again," said Spencer.
"Some things are best left in the past," said Emily.
"If you had told my early twenty something self that I would be married to the woman who broke my heart I wouldn't have believed you. Now she's sitting in the living room of our home," said Spencer. Emily gave him a look and Spencer smirked.
"That wedding ring clearly has magical powers. Can I borrow that?" asked Emily.
"Just give it a chance...I know it's hard sometimes to take the risk, but sometimes in the end it's worth everything," said Spencer. Emily looked at him and wished she could have the courage he did. It was that courage that gave him what he had today.
…...
"I really can't thank you enough for this," said Spencer looking around the backyard. Rossi had agreed to host the renewal at his home for them.
"Well I am a sucker for a wedding," said Rossi.
"That explains a lot," said Garcia. She was wearing a bright blue dress and had light blue streaks in her hair for today.
"No pink today," teased Spencer.
"My own wedding was pink enough," laughed Garcia. She had gotten married last year to Kevin at the Sci-con here in town and she had worn a pink dress that reminded Spencer of Princess Peach from Mario. Morgan had walked her down the aisle and the minister who was dressed like Dr. Who. Garcia had actually started crying during the ceremony and they had to stop for a good ten minutes before they could go on. Abby, Sammy and Henry actually went up and hugged her so she would stop crying.
"So when is the bride joining us?" asked Rossi.
"She and the kids are getting ready at JJ's house," said Spencer.
"I'm glad you decided to not leave the country," said Rossi.
"The last time we got the kids on a plane to leave the country to visit Emily Sammy's ears kept popping and we got far to many dirty looks because he was crying. It's hard to explain to a kid that his ears are just adjusting to the pressure change and that his head really isn't going to explode. Trust me we have no desire to leave the country for awhile," said Spencer. Rossi shook his head and went to make sure the photograper was getting pictures.
"I'm really glad you want to do this again," said Garcia hugging him.
"That makes two of us," said Andrew coming up to join them. He and Erin had got to DC the other day.
"Had I known how badly you were going to use guilt to manipulate me for over the past six years I would have married her at your wedding," said Spencer.
"Wait till it's Abby's turn and trust me you will become a master at guilt manipulation," teased Andrew. Erin laughed and she hugged him.
"We're very happy for you," said Erin.
"Thank you," said Spencer.
"Have you seen the whole house yet? Trust me it is amazing," said Garcia taking Andrew's arm and Erin followed behind him. Spencer shook his head and had went to greet some of the guests. He hadn't invited many people, their family and a few friends. Norie and Monica, Catherine's friends from when she had been a student in Japan were here. He greeted them and Norie introduced him to her husband, Ando who was a doctor at St Luke's. Norie thanked him for inviting them.
"This might be the last time I get to travel," said Norie putting her hands over her bump. "Ando had to get one of the other doctors to write me a note to fly over," said Norie.
"You people and your kid having. It's why we have haven't see Kari in over three years. How many is she up to now? Three?" asked Monica.
"Actually when Kari and Tom got to California they found out she was expecting again. So it's four now," teased Norie as Monica rolled her eyes.
"I think one might be enough," said Ando taking Norie's hand.
"I think I will let guys have all the kids," said Monica sipping her drink. Spencer shook his as Norie started teasing Monica and he stepped away.
"I am surprised that you even have kids," teased Ethan coming up to him.
"I'm surprised you don't," retorted Spencer. He was surprised that Ethan had come up. Spener knew that Ethan and Catherine had kept in touch and once in awhile Ethan would write him, but despite Catherine's repeated offers he never came up.
"No one has told me about them yet," said Ethan. He walked Spencer over to the bar and and got them both a drink.
"So you've managed to trick her into marrying you again. I have to give you credit...you clearly are the smarter of the two of us," said Ethan.
"I never thought I would hear you say that," said Spencer.
"I just wish I knew what you did to con her in. I mean I did kiss her before you made a single move," teased Ethan.
"I just made better moves," said Spencer.
"Well I'm just glad you finally beat me at something," said Ethan giving him a mock toast. Spencer sipped his drink and shrugged.
"So when do you plan on knock her up again?" asked Ethan.
"I'm not. We've decided two was enough with my job and Catherine wanting to go back into teaching," said Spencer.
"You ever think about not being Batman for awhile? Quit the BAU and get some nice 9 to 5 job where you could be home for all those fun family activities?" asked Ethan.
"Because someone needs to be there to make sure that other people get to go home to their families. She knows that and understands it...it's one of the reasons I love her so much," said Spencer.
"I always knew she was your girl," said Ethan. I was always hers, thought Spencer.
"Will Gideon be joining us?" asked Ethan.
"Why don't you ask him," said Spencer. Gideon came up and asked the bartender for some wine.
"I should have known Rossi would have an open bar at his house," said Gideon. Ethan ordered another drink.
"I will let you two carry on. Your wife has very attractive friends," said Ethan heading over to talk to Monica.
"Somethings never change," muttered Spencer.
"She's already taken?" asked Gideon.
"Her partner is back in New York. Her sister was expecting a baby and she wanted to be there. It might be fun just to sit here and watch him fail," said Spencer and Gideon laughed.
"I cleaned up the cabin for you and Catherine to come up this week if you want," said Gideon.
"Thank you," said Spencer. They had taken the kids up to the cabin last summer and they had enjoyed it a great deal. His dad had offered to watch the kids while they went away this time though. Erin and Andrew were going to stay a week with them too when they went away.
"When was the last time you and Catherine went away together?" asked Gideon.
"Before we had Abby," said Spencer and Gideon laughed.
"Was it really that long ago? Time is a funny thing," said Gideon.
"I know," said Spencer. He knew that everytime he looked at Abby and Sammy.
"I glad you got a happy ending," said Gideon.
"Who said this was the end?" asked Spencer with a grin.
…...
"You need to hold still honey," signed Catherine. She was trying to brush Abby's hair, it was so curly and it tangled easily. Abby sat still reluctantly while Catherine brushed her hair and pulled it back into a ponytail.
"See how pretty it is now," signed Catherine. Abby smiled at her mother and hugged her.
"Can I have some of the gems too?" asked Abby. Catherine had some red jeweled pins that she was going to use in her hair. Catherine took three pins and carefully put them in Abby's hair. Abby was wearing a white dress with red roses on the hem.
"You look very pretty," signed/said Catherine.
"Thank you mommy," said/signed Abby giving her hug.
"You think you can sit down and read your book while I get dressed?" asked Catherine. Abby nodded and sat down while Catherine started getting dressed. JJ came into the bedroom wearing her bridesmaid dress. Catherine had let JJ pick out her own dress and JJ had opted for a half hemmed spaghetti strapped red dress.
"Well aren't you a pretty girl," said/signed JJ and Abby blushed.
"You need help with your hair?" asked JJ.
"Yes please," said Catherine. She sat down and JJ started putting Catherine's hair back in a braided bun and sticking the jeweled pins into the bun. "Thank you."
"Any time," said/signed JJ. Catherine stood up and looked at herself in the mirror almost stunned.
"I know I was a bit shocked when I saw myself in my wedding dress. Something about it just made it all seem real," said/signed JJ.
"I don't know why I'm spazzing out. We're married already," signed Catherine.
"It's that everyone is watching this time," said/signed JJ.
"Well my dad is finally getting his white wedding," teased Catherine.
"How long has he been begging you and Spence for this?" asked JJ.
"Ummm...I think he wanted this before Spencer and I were together," signed Catherine. JJ laughed.
"I'm sure if my mother had her way Will and I would have gotten married even before I got pregnant with Henry," said/signed JJ. Will knocked on the door before peeking his head in.
"Too many pretty ladies in this house and I think this one here is the prettiest," said/signed Will bending down by Abby. Abby giggled and came over to Catherine.
"You ladies ready to go?" asked Will.
"I believe we are," said JJ and Catherine nodded. She took Abby's hand and they headed downstairs. Henry was downstairs playing with Sammy. He walked over to Catherine and hugged her.
"You look very handsome," said/signed Catherine fixing his tie.
"You look nice too," signed Sammy. She gave him a kiss on the forehead and JJ got in Catherine's car with Abby and Sammy while Will and Henry got in their car and started the drive over to Rossi's house.
Catherine was a bit surprised that Rossi had agreed to host the event for them. It had been over three years since they had any get together at his home. The last time they had been to his home was for Erin Strauss's wake. She had been killed by a rouge FBI agent who had been stalking her for years after she had gotten him fired from the FBI. It had shaken up the whole team for some time. Spencer wouldn't let her and the kids out of his sight for almost a week after Strauss died and he had nightmares that even woke her up. Rossi seemed a bit broken after her death and had left the BAU for a bit after her passing. He was actually planning on retiring this year, Catherine figured it was time he was almost seventy years old. They made it to Rossi's house and parked. Rossi was waiting outside with a man holding a camera. Rossi came over and hugged them.
"I'm glad you decided to not leave the country," said/signed Rossi. He had taken lessons from Spencer and Garcia over the past few years. "Can we get the photos of you and the children before you see the groom?" asked Rossi. Catherine nodded and the photographer started getting pictures of her with JJ and the kids. They finished up with pictures and went into the house and Catherine was greeted by her father, Erin and William. The look of happiness on her father's face was priceless in her eyes.
"You look so beautiful," signed Andrew giving her a hug.
"I told you that you would see me in the white dress someday," teased Catherine.
"It was worth the wait honey," signed Andrew. Erin came up and hugged her.
"The other kids were sorry they couldn't make it out. I promised them lots of pictures," said/signed Erin. Catherine nodded, she had just seen her step siblings at Christmas and had feeling with new jobs starting and one of the twins expecting their first child they wouldn't want to come out to DC. William came over and gave her a hug. Their relationship had changed a great deal over the past few years. He had moved out to DC three years ago and whenever Spencer was out of town and she needed help he was more than willing to drop everything to help her out. When Spencer was home he would try to have dinner with them once a month. She could see that after years apart his father and Spencer were finally starting to have the relationship they missed out on years ago. The children adored William and Catherine could see how much he had wanted to be a father when he was with them. The photographer took some more pictures with her, the children and the grandparents. They finished up with the pictures and her dad handed her a bunch of white tulips.
"I'm going to take the kids outside to sit. See you soon," said/signed William. He took Abby and Sammy and headed outside. Erin was going to be walked down the aisle by Hotch since she was the mother of the bride. She and Andrew stood there looking at her and he smiled.
"You know when you and Paul got engaged I had a feeling it wasn't going to last and I knew I wasn't going to see you marry him. I always had a feeling it was going to be you and Spencer," signed Andrew.
"Sorry it took so long," teased Catherine.
"All good things come to those who wait," signed Andrew. He gave her another hug and felt himself tear up. She might be well into her thirties, a mother of two with a teaching career, but in his eyes she was still the little girl who begged to sit in the front seat of the car has they drove from Reno to Vegas and he taught her how to sign Abba songs during rest stops. Morgan came up to them and grinned.
"Your husband has got to teach me his Jedi Mind Trick. Whenever you're ready he's ready," said/signed Morgan. Catherine nodded and looked at her father before taking his arm and heading to the back door of the house. Hotch and Erin stood in front of them along with Morgan and JJ. Catherine saw Spencer standing in front of the fountain with Garcia. She knew Garcia had gotten ordained to officiate the ceremony and was very touched by the gesture.
Her father heard the music cue up and Erin was walked up front and was taken to her seat next to William and the kids. Morgan walked with JJ up to the front by Spencer. She gripped her father's arm and he started walking her down the aisle. Catherine locked eyes with Spencer and couldn't help but feel at ease even though everyone was looking at her. Her father squeezed her hand before giving her hand to Spencer.
"You've taken good care of her...thank you," said Andrew. He took his seat next to his wife and took her hand. Catherine squeezed his hand and smiled at Spencer. The way he looked at her reminded her of when she came home from Japan, when he asked her to marry him, when they got married, when she had Abby and they had Sammy. That look of joy on his face was so overwhelming.
"Wow I had something really awesome written for you guys and now I can't remember a single word of it," said/signed Garcia and everyone started laughing. Garcia took a deep breath and collected herself.
"Everyone seems to think marriage is the end of the story, but it's really just the start of a whole new story. You two have added some amazing chapters to your story so far and it's been an honor to be witness to some of these chapters. We get to be apart of this new chapter today where you promise to remember where you started from," said/signed Garcia.
"Spencer do you promise to love Catherine? To keep her in sickness and health, for richer or poorer. To take her with all her strengths and weakness as your wife once again for the rest of your days?" asked Garcia.
"I do," said/signed Spencer.
"Catherine do you promise to love Spencer? To keep him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. To take him with all his strengths and weakness as your husband once again for the rest of your days?" asked Garcia.
"I do," said/signed Catherine.
"Just to let you know if he hadn't said yes I was going to beat him up for you," said/signed Garcia. Everyone started laughing again as Spencer gave her a look.
"Just letting you know where I stand," teased Garcia before turning her attention to the reading she had picked out. "You both are here because of a promise you made to each other and it seemed fitting to have this piece by Dorothy Colgan: The Promise.
I promise to give you the best of myself
and to ask of you no more than you can give.
I promise to respect you as your own person
and to realize that your interest, desires and needs
are no less important than my own.
I promise to share with you my time and my attention
and to bring joy, strength and imagination to our relationship.
I promise to keep myself open to you,
to let you see through the windows of my world
into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams.
I promise to grow along with you,
to be willing to face changes in order to keep
our relationship alive and exciting.
I promise to love you in good times and in bad,
with all I have to give and all I feel inside
in the only way I know how - completely and forever.
Garcia finished the reading and Catherine had to wipe her eyes to keep from tearing up. He could hear Erin sniffling and saw Andrew hug Erin. Spencer squeezed Catherine's hand and she grinned at him. Leave it to Garcia to find something that would pull on everyone's heart stings.
"Spencer do you have anything you would like to say to Catherine at this time?" asked Garcia.
"I love you. I know I've said it countless times over the course of our relationship and even now it doesn't seem like those three words are enough to sum up what I feel for you. You've given me my home and my family. It's more than anything I could ever ask for in this life. It's because of you and I could never thank you or love you enough for that," said/signed Spencer. Catherine took his hand again and held it tightly.
"Catherine?" asked Garcia.
"Later," said Catherine softly. Garcia looked confused, but she nodded and went on.
"I am happy to announce that I conclude this renewing of the vows that once again confirms your promise to each other as husband and wife. Now if the good doctor would kiss his wife we could get on with the show," teased Garcia. Catherine took Spencer's hand before standing up on her toes to kiss him. Think you could meet me half way...it was something she said when she kissed him the first time after they had gotten back together. He bent down to kiss her so she wouldn't have to stand up so far up. Everyone started cheering and she hugged him tightly when he broke the kiss. He wondered why she wanted to wait till later to say what she wanted, but he knew she would say it when she was ready.
…...
Spencer grinned has Catherine danced with her father to Fleetwood Mac song Landslide. Abby was holding his hand and Sammy was signing the song to her. It reminded Spencer of how he was Catherine's ears at times. He was always worried that jealousy would rear it's head between them, but despite the normal petty sibling stuff they seem to get along well. The song ended and everyone clapped for them. Catherine gave her father a kiss on the cheek and he hugged her tightly. Catherine went over to him and took his hand. She looked really nervous all of a sudden.
"I'm ready to say what I wanted to earlier," she said softly.
"Ok," signed Spencer a bit confused. Catherine looked over at Emily and she tapped her glass to get everyone's attention. Catherine took his hand and went over to a keyboard that someone had managed to sneak in and set up when he wasn't paying attention. Catherine took a deep breath before speaking to him.
"You have always been my best friend and one of the greatest teachers I have ever know. You have always been so willing and patient to learn and grow with me and with our family. You have always wanted me to be more than I am and believed that I could be more." Catherine sat down and took a second to compose herself before she starting playing. Emily came and stood behind her and started singing and signing the song for her.
All along it was a fever Round and around and around and around we go Not really sure how to feel about it. It's not much of a life you're living Round and around and around and around we go Ooh, ooh, ooh, the reason I hold on Not really sure how to feel about it.
A cold sweat hot-headed believer
I threw my hands in the air, said, "Show me something,"
He said, "If you dare, come a little closer."
Oh now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know.
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you.
It takes me all the way.
I want you to stay
It's not just something you take–it's given
Oh now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know.
Not really sure how to feel about it.
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you.
It takes me all the way.
I want you to stay.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, 'cause I need this hole gone
Funny you're the broken one but I'm the only one who needed saving
'Cause when you never see the light it's hard to know which one of us is caving.
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you.
It takes me all the way.
I want you to stay, stay.
I want you to stay, oh.
Everyone stood there stunned watching her play and even Spencer was a little stunned. He had been teaching her on and off for years since before they had Abby. He could tell she was worried about people watching her and he put a hand on her lower back to help calm her down. He was proud of her, he hadn't taught her this song and he wondered when she had the time to work this out. Ethan looked at him and grinned. They must have worked this out on Skype. I am so proud of you. She finished and her hands were shaking from nerves. Spencer took them and smiled at her.
"That was amazing," signed Spencer giving her a kiss.
"Yeah?" asked Catherine. Emily just stood behind them with a huge grin on her face. "Thank you," signed Catherine giving Emily a hug.
"He taught her how to play piano," said Erin looking at Andrew stunned.
"They have always been remarkable together," said Andrew. Erin hugged him tightly as he watched his daughter hug her husband. I just always knew it would be you two. Gideon grinned looking at them. She had brought out the best in him, looking at him and seeing the happiness on his face was worth it. It reminded him of how Sarah had made him feel once. Gideon slipped out of Rossi's queitly. He was right, it wasn't the end for them. He knew that when they did reach the end they would be together.
…...
Emily sat there and watched Catherine dance with Sammy as Spencer danced with Abby. Jody was dancing with Jack even though she was almost a foot taller than him in her heels. They had been pen pals every since Jody had left for London. Looking at them she wondered if she was looking at a future Spencer and Catherine. Hotch sat down next to her and they watched their kids dance together.
"I miss you sometimes," said Emily. Hotch looked at her stunned and Emily waited for him to walk away. They had never really talked about their relationship or her leaving. He wished her luck and said goodbye to her. When she came to visit he brought Jack so he could hang out with Jody, but they were never alone.
"I miss you too sometimes," said Hotch softly and Emily looked at him stunned. "Let's go inside and talk." He got up and headed into the house and Emily followed after a minute. They went into Rossi's study to talk.
"After you came back...I was worried that you really hadn't 'come back' and I was right. You weren't happy here and I didn't want to hold you back or make you second guess any decisions you wanted to make. You made your decision to go after Doyle alone because you wanted to protect us...all of us and I wanted you to do something that was for you and only you," said Hotch. Emily sighed and just looked at him. This talk was long overdue and she needed to gather her thoughts.
"It was so hard coming back and I know you had to move on for the sake of the team, but...you made it seem so easy to move on and..." Hotch cut her off.
"You think it was easy to move on from you? The break was needed after Haley died. I wasn't in any shape to be romantic with anyone, but when you left and I had to pretend you were dead and watch my team try to stay together when all the wanted to do was break apart. I would go home and wait till Jack was asleep before I could break down. It was so hard some days Emily. Beth...I won't lie when I say that I had real feelings for Beth. But at the end of the day when I really get down to it she wasn't you," admitted Hotch. Emily had to blink back tears and Hotch took her hand and squeezed hard.
"So what do we now?" asked Emily.
"I really don't know," admitted Hotch.
"I could see what positions they have here state side. It might be a little hard for me to come back. I did piss a lot people off here before I left and they weren't sad to see me go," said Emily.
"I can't ask you to give up the best career move you have ever made," said Hotch.
"You haven't asked me anything I am making my own choices to do this...I have to consider Jody in this. Than again her love of American food just might make my case for me. I might not even find a job in this area. I would just like it if we could be close again," said Emily. Hotch took her hand and without warning he leaned in and kissed her. Emily was stunned for a moment before kissing him back. Somethings never change...it just takes courage.
…...
Abby was sound asleep in his arms has they danced, her hair had fallen out of it's ponytail and Spencer stroked her hair. She was getting heavy, but he almost hated to put her down. She would be turning six this year, going into first grade, she was always telling him now that she was a big girl and could do things herself. The first time I held you I just wanted to do everything for you. She was still so tiny though, she was going to have her mother's build he could just tell. She rubbed her face against his vest like she did when he was baby and yawned. She looked up at him and gave him a small smile. He sat her down and she hugged him.
"You ready for bed?" asked Spencer and Abby nodded. Spencer looked over and Sammy was asleep on Catherine's lap. Catherine would have Sammy in her arms and Abby her lap while she rocked them to sleep. It was getting late and he could just tell that kids were burnt out. Spencer picked Abby back up and brought her over to where Catherine was sitting with Will and JJ. Garcia was dancing with Morgan and Rossi was having a cigar. Everyone else had gone back to their hotel rooms to sleep.
"I think it's time for us to go," said/signed Spencer and Catherine nodded looking at Sammy.
"Don't worry we'll clean up here," said/signed JJ and she hugged Catherine. Will shook Spencer's hand and offered to help them take the kids out to the car. He carefully picked Sammy up off of Catherine's lap and they headed to the car. They got the kids in their seats and Catherine got in the driver's seat and started the drive home.
The kids stayed asleep has they brought them inside and they woke them up briefly to get them undressed and into their pj's. They fell right back asleep as soon as they were tucked into bed. Catherine made sure both nightlights were on before shutting the door to the kid's rooms.
"So we're all packed for the cabin tomorrow?" asked Spencer and Catherine nodded.
"I feel a little bad about leaving them," admitted Catherine.
"They'll be fine. We're not going that far," signed Spencer. Catherine smiled at him and hugged him.
"I think you're just trying to make yourself feel less guilty about leaving them," signed Catherine.
"When we come home in three days we'll take them to the zoo or somewhere else. Besides all the grandparents are here. They won't miss us at all," signed Spencer and Catherine laughed.
"I love you," said Catherine. Spencer kissed her forehead and took her hand.
"I would like to play that song with you again," signed Spencer. Catherine nodded and they went into the office and sat down.
"When you first brought this home I had just found out I was pregnant with Abby and you sat me down to teach me how to play. It was than that I knew...that I really knew that you were going to be an amazing father," signed Catherine.
"Thank you for believing in me," signed Spencer. He sat down next to her and they started playing together. You've always believed in me. They finished the piece and he leaned over and kissed her.
"I never should have left that night," signed Spencer. "When we were eighteen and I left that night. I shouldn't have...I," Catherine took his hands and held them.
"I wouldn't trade what we have for anything. It was what needed to happen so we could be here," signed Catherine. He leaned over and kissed her again. You are the reason we're here...Thank you for this.
Songs used-Rihanna-Stay. I do perfer the Jasmine Thompson cover though.
Paget Brewster does have a very pretty singing voice.
I think one more chapter to tie this up.