A.N. Thanks to all for reading, reviewing, favoriting, etc. We've only an epilogue left after this, and that will complete the series. (I think. I've learned never to say 'never'.) I will miss this version of JJ, Reid and Henry. Thanks for enjoying them with me.

A Song of Their Own

Chapter 28

"Jennifer!" Sandy was hugging the life out of her daughter until Charles rescued her.

"I think your mother is a little excited about the wedding, Pumpkin."

"Hi, Dad. It's all right, I understand. We're all excited. Even Henry."

"Even Casey, Papa!" Henry leapt into his grandfather's arms. "We're getting married!"

Reid was at the BAU taking care of some paperwork. The Jareaus had arrived as planned two days before the wedding. Also as planned, or at least as promised by the weatherman, the snow had melted rapidly.

"How's my girl?" Charles was being solicitous.

"I'm fine, Dad. We're all fine. Not nervous at all, now that the weather is cooperating. And even if it wasn't, I finally realized that I really wouldn't care. Whether it's sunny and warm, or snowing, or sleeting, or raining a flood down upon us….I don't care. I'm just ready to tell the world that I love Spence and I want to spend the rest of my days with him."

Charles was beaming. If he had to lose a daughter, he wanted it to be this way. "Well, I already know he feels the same way about you, so I guess we're on rain or shine. Did they say which it will be?"

"Shine, or at worst partly cloudy. If you can believe a weather prediction."

Decades of experience….and this past Christmas…. had taught Charles otherwise. "We'll leave an umbrella in the car."

He turned to Henry. "And you, my little man, are you ready for this wedding?"

"You bet, Papa! It's gonna be magical!"

They all thought he was using the term figuratively.

Henry had other news for his grandparents. "I'm a big brother!"

Sandy and Charles shared a look with each other and then with JJ. They knew she and Reid were planning to inform Henry last night that he would be meeting the little baby with whom he shared a father. Phil and Charlene were arriving tomorrow and bringing Little Will with them.

"How did it go?" Sandy inquired after Henry and Casey went out to play.

JJ was pouring coffee for all of them. "Well, he's excited, but I'm not sure he completely understands. A couple of his classmates have half siblings, so we tried to use them as examples. I suspect he'll see Little Will more as a cousin. I'm pretty sure Phil and Charlene are together now, so Henry won't be far off the mark. It will be yet another idea he'll have to grow into."

She told them about Henry's calling Reid 'Daddy' now, "He does it about half the time, and the other half he's still 'Uncle Spence'.

"It's best to let these things happen naturally, Pumpkin. You two are handling it the right way."

"Well, Dad, I can't help but notice that 'Pumpkin' doesn't seem to be going away naturally." JJ teased her father.

"And it never will." He reached his arm around her and squeezed, planting a kiss on her temple. "Bad enough I have to give my little girl away in two days, I shouldn't have to start calling her Mrs. Reid, now should I?"

"No, you can call me 'Pumpkin' forever, Dad," reassured JJ, who secretly loved the name.

"Honey, what have you decided about taking his name?" Sandy was aware of her daughter's dilemma.

"We decided it together. I'll still be Jennifer Jareau professionally, since I've got a lot of work established under that name. And for everything else, it will be Dr. and Mrs. Reid. It just simplifies everything. And you already know that Spence is pretty traditional." They all remembered his trip to Pennsylvania to ask the Jareaus' blessing on the engagement.

On cue, Reid arrived home and surrendered himself to Sandy's effusive greeting. Charles shook his hand.

"Won't be long now, son." Charles used the title without thinking. Reid heard it as an endorsement. Here, indeed, was his new family.

"Can't wait. We've got the rehearsal tomorrow afternoon, and then dinner. Then I'm back for a final night at my old place. We timed this right…the lease runs out in three weeks." He would miss the place, it had been good to him. But it would never feel as good as coming home to JJ and Henry felt.


The rehearsal went smoothly. There were plenty of Easter lilies left over from the recent feast day, setting a beautiful white background for the simple arrangements JJ had ordered. There were only the two attendants, Garcia and Morgan, with Henry serving as the ring bearer. Everyone followed their cues perfectly, allowing them to break for dinner early.

Sandy's role in the wedding ceremony was limited to being escorted down the aisle by her grandson, so she'd begged off the rehearsal to stay home and prepare a feast for the participants. Shortly after they arrived back, the doorbell rang again. Charlene and Phil had arrived to join them.

After the adults exchanged greetings and 'oohs' and 'ahhs' over the baby, JJ brought Henry over.

"Henry, I'd like you to meet your little brother. His name is William LaMontagne III, almost exactly the same as your daddy's name. They call him Little Will."

Henry had been around babies before, but none that belonged to him. He was silent and wide eyed as JJ sat him on the sofa and Charlene placed the infant into his lap. The adults held their breaths as they watched the two brothers meet for the first time, bonded by the loss of their father. The only dry eyes in the room belonged to the two children.

Henry cradled the infant gently, having been warned not to roughhouse. He stroked the baby's hair and face, and then held one of his hands. Henry's hands had always seemed so little to Reid, but compared with the tiny hand they now held, they were huge.

"Hi, Little Will. I'm Henry. I'm your big brother." Little Will stared right at Henry, and then gave him a full smile, drawing a little giggle from Henry.

"When you get bigger, I'm gonna teach you how to wrestle. And do magic!" He was quiet for a second and then added, "And I'll tell you all about our daddy."

JJ squeezed Reid's hand around her shoulder. Charlene reached for Phil. Garcia turned her face into Morgan's chest. Sandy leaned back against her husband. The silence held for a long moment after that. And then the baby let out an affirming "coo".

"He likes me! Mommy, he's talking to me! Little Will!"

The spell broken, and Henry obviously needing to squirm with excitement, Charlene took the baby back into her arms. Henry got down and ran around the room, and then out to the yard to work off some energy. Being in church all afternoon, and then having to hold still for the baby, had completely exhausted his ability to contain himself.


Morgan insisted upon driving Reid again. "There's no way I'm gonna let you get to the church late, Pretty Boy. JJ would have my head. So I'm driving you home tonight and then I'll pick you up at one o'clock tomorrow. Be ready."

"Just because I've been late to work a time or two doesn't mean I would miss my own wedding, Morgan." Reid snorted, surprising himself. "My wedding. I'm getting married tomorrow. Me. Spencer Reid. To the most beautiful girl in the world."

"You got that right." Reid heard it, although Morgan had done his best to say it under his breath.

He turned to his good friend. "What…..you think JJ's beautiful too?"

"I don't think it, Reid. It's objective. She's beautiful."

Reid's old insecurities threatened to rise, but then his brain overruled his emotion. She really is beautiful, and she loves me, no matter what. I'm past all the rest of that stuff.

But just in case... "Yep, she is. And she's mine." He sent a look in Morgan's direction.

Morgan snorted at that. "Indeed she is."

They'd arrived. Morgan declined to come in. "Get some sleep if you can, Kid. I'll give you a wake up call, just in case. And I'll see you tomorrow." He gave a rare, bright Morgan smile. "You're getting married tomorrow!"

Reid went in to his apartment, which was now almost bare except for his bed and a treasured leather reading chair….and, of course, some books. He bid a silent farewell to the rooms that had served so many purposes for him. They'd been a site of discovery, and enlightenment, and fear, and sorrow, and solace, and recovery and, finally, of joy. Now it was time to leave all of that behind and move into something new.

He fell asleep under a book and dreamt of his wedding day. In his dream, Diana sat in the front pew, beaming a radiant smile at him. He smiled back at her, in his sleep.


The day dawned clear, with just a hint of warmth in the air. It would be beautiful by the afternoon.

Reid went for a long walk to work off some nervous energy and to spend some time in reflection. He processed very little of the scenery, so lost was he in his own thoughts. He mentally retraced his childhood, his adolescent college years, his young adulthood. He focused on his time with the BAU, accurately remembering every conversation he'd ever had with JJ, every time he'd noticed her presence, her smile, her beauty, the way she moved, her intelligence, her warmth. His eidetic memory worked best with visual cues, and his attraction to her had provided him with plenty of those. He relived every moment of their lives since they'd declared their love for one another. He'd worked his way up to the present by the time he returned to the apartment. It was time to get ready. It was time to start creating new memories.

At home, JJ was also working off some energy….and escaping her mother's nervous ministrations….by going for a run. She too reviewed her history with Reid, remembering the important moments as though viewing a highlight reel. She remembered how young he'd seemed when they first met, though only two years her junior. How oddly he combined naivete with intelligence. How much strength he'd shown in battling captivity and then addiction. How compassionate he always was in his understanding of both victims and perpetrators…...not to mention his parents. How loving with her son, and then with her. How strong in his convictions and his resolve. How she had slowly come to admire, respect and love the man. And today I get to marry him. Thank You.


Garcia was almost as bad as Sandy. "Hurry, Jayje, the wedding's in two hours!"

"Pen, all I have to do is put on my dress and fix my hair. Relax."

Garcia was nonplussed. "Oh. Well, help me with mine, then."

Charles was taking Henry over to Reid's so he could "be with the guys." He would come back for the women. "You look pretty dashing, Little Man."

"Thanks, Papa. Santa gave it to me for Christmas, remember? I think he wanted me to wear it."

Henry was wearing his magician's tuxedo. The others would be in gray suits, but the little guy had insisted. Although they weren't so sure a top hat would be welcome in church.

They arrived at Reid's to find him dressed and ready. "You look handsome, Daddy."

"Thanks, buddy. But not as handsome as you do. Henry, I think all the girls will be swooning."

"What's swooning, Uncle Spence?"

Charles smiled at the exchange and at the obvious transition underway. He reached out a hand to Reid. "Spencer, today I will be giving you what I treasure most in life. After my wife, of course. Take good care of her."

"Every day of my life, sir."

Charles looked at him a moment, uncertain. Then decided. "Spencer, since we're all changing names and titles today, please consider this. Sandy and I would be happy to have you call us Mom and Dad. If it's something you might be comfortable with."

Reid just looked at him. For all of his great intellect, this issue had never occurred to him. He wasn't sure what to say. Went with, "Why, thank you, sir. I mean Charles. I mean…"

He was obviously flustered. Charles laughed. "Why don't you just think about it, Spencer? It's not something you have to do today…or ever, if you're not comfortable with it."

Reid just shook his hand. "Thank you."


Morgan got them to the church on time. Reid kept peeking out to watch the guests arriving.

"Morgan, did you see Emily? She's got on this dress….."

Morgan pushed him out of the way. "Wow. Kind of makes you wish we had regular office jobs, doesn't it?" Realizing that taking down unsubs didn't lend itself to wearing dresses.

Rossi and Hotch were flanking Emily, Jack sitting by Hotch's side. He and Henry would be able to amuse each other at the reception. Reid saw Phil and Charlene enter hand in hand, having left the baby with JJ's second favorite sitter. Karen was coming to the wedding.

Reid bent to Henry. "Are you ready, little man? Do you want to go over it?"

Henry did, so they stepped outside to rehearse until he had it just right. They saw Charles' car pulling up outside the church and Reid hurried back in. He hadn't seen JJ in her wedding dress, and he was determined not to, until she was walking down the aisle to him.

The priest stopped by the groom's room. "Are you ready?"

Reid had come to appreciate the man. The cleric recognized Reid's emerging faith and knew enough to nurture it, but not challenge it, at this point.

"Ready. I've never been more ready for anything in my life."

"Right. Well try not to pass out. I had to revive two of my last three grooms."

Reid's eyes went wide. Morgan tried to reassure him. "Relax, Reid. He's only joking, Right, Padre?"

The cleric gave them an enigmatic smile. "Maybe."


Before long, Emily came back to get Henry so she could help him with his duties.

"How are you doing, Reid?" She'd expected him to look pale and nervous, but he was just the opposite. He was the very picture of confidence and grace.

"I'm great, Emily. You look beautiful, by the way." He bent to give her a kiss. Morgan followed suit, adding a wolf whistle as he did so.

"Wow, Princess. You look amazing."

"Thank you," she said primly. "Now, I would like the most handsome man in the room to come with me."

Without thinking, both Reid and Morgan started to move forward, then, chagrined, realized she was referring to Henry.

"She means me!" explained the little tuxedoed magician.


The remaining minutes rushed by. Before he knew it, Reid heard the music begin and felt Morgan tugging him out to his place before the altar.

Standing there, looking out at a church full of the people closest to them, the ones so happy for their happiness, Reid felt full. He watched as Henry escorted his grandmother down the aisle to her seat, filled with paternal pride. He blessed his BAU colleagues for sitting on his side of the aisle, which would have otherwise been rather empty. And then he heard the bridal processional music begin.

Garcia came first, a happy smile fixed on her face. yet somehow more serious and composed than Reid could ever remember seeing her. She was dressed in navy blue, complementing the flowers that stood out against the white lilies. Next came Henry, full tuxedo and tails, sans top hat. Reid couldn't help but smile at the familiar blond head and blue eyes that first captured his heart five years ago. Henry carried the pillow holding the rings. No fake rings on this pillow. Henry was charged with the real things.

And now, finally, he saw his beloved. JJ turned the corner on the arm of her father. She was wearing her sunshine smile. Radiant. The light that seemed to emanate from her blinded him to everything else.

Very slowly, he was able to take her in. She wore a simple, mostly unadorned, strapless white dress that clung in all the right places and flowed in all the rest. Her hair was down, the way he liked it, and there was a single white gardenia tucked in one side. She carried three yellow roses, one for each member of their family, the significance of the flower known only to them.

He couldn't breathe. She was so beautiful. And she was coming down the aisle to him.

JJ saw Spence as soon as she turned the corner. She couldn't believe she was looking at the same person she'd met so long ago on the floor of the BAU, the shy, awkward boy whose insecurities prevented him from forming relationships. Now, she saw a man who was strong, and solid, and loving…and incredibly handsome in that gray suit. And waiting, at the other end of the aisle, for her. So that the two of them could vow to spend the rest of their lives together.

She'd caught the end of Henry's trip down the aisle and was exuding love for her little guy. The cutest kid on the planet, hands down.

JJ saw all of their friends present in the church, and silently thanked God for each of them. They had played so many roles in each of their lives individually, and now in their lives together as a couple. Each supportive, and loving, and giving. She was grateful for their witness as she professed her love to the man she meant to spend her life with.

She could feel a little tremor in the arm Charles had given her to hold. Poor Dad, losing his second daughter. When they reached the head of the aisle, she and Charles turned to each other. They held each other a moment longer than was necessary, and then Charles kissed his daughter. "This is a good thing, Pumpkin. I'm happy for you."

She could only smile in response, not trusting her voice. Charles reached out for Reid's hand, and placed JJ's in it. He gave Reid a look that sufficed to say all he had to say. And then he left his daughter with her mate and returned to the pew to sit with the woman he'd vowed to love so many years ago.

The couple turned to face the priest.

Because Reid wasn't all the way there yet, they'd chosen a ceremony that didn't include a ritual mass. But there would still be many prayers and many blessings said over them. They'd chosen to go with traditional vows, recognizing their honest simplicity at the same time that the words anchored them to the many generations of couples whose lives had been sealed in similar ceremonies. At one point the priest called on all in attendance to extend a hand and join him in blessing the couple. When they talked about it later, each said they could feel a heat and a fullness rising within them at that moment.

And then it came time for the rings, the final symbol of eternal commitment before the pronouncement of them as husband and wife.

Reid turned to Henry. Who lifted the pillow. The empty pillow. The rings were gone. JJ's heart sank. Poor Henry! Morgan started looking on the floor, thinking they'd fallen off. Reid made a show of searching his pockets, which prompted Henry to do the same. When at last it seemed they would have to proceed without the rings, Henry stepped in front of the priest, facing the congregation.

Inexplicably, he held up his hands, palms facing the crowd. And then lowered first one hand, making it into a fist, and then the other.

JJ looked at Reid, who didn't seem the slightest bit surprised. "What is he doing?"

And then she watched as Henry produced a ring in the palm of his right hand. And then another, in his left. The sleight of hand he and Reid had practiced for hours and hours and hours.

The congregation roared and applauded. JJ put a hand to her brow and shook her head. Is this how it's going to be? Reid high-fived his protégé. Who proceeded to take a bow before the wedding guests.

The priest smiled, filing this among one of the more interesting wedding stories he would be able to share with his colleagues. When the church settled down, he proceeded with the ceremony.

Reid placed JJ's ring on her finger, and following the priest's instructions, said, "JJ, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

JJ followed in kind. "Spence, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no one put asunder."

After which the good Father instructed them to kiss. Which they did, needing no further encouragement.

When the final blessing was given, they turned and faced the crowd, hands joined and raised in celebration. Garcia and Morgan followed them down the aisle, arm in arm, Garcia's mascara running down her cheeks. When they passed her, Morgan couldn't help but notice that Emily's was as well.


Rossi had gone all out. There were fairy lights woven throughout the trees, which were just beginning to sport their bright green spring leaves. The cherry blossoms were still early, but there were enough of them open to lend a subtle scent to the air. By the time the couple arrived, twilight was descending, the days still short in early spring. Rossi played master of ceremonies and announced their arrival.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you, for the very first time, the newly minted, Dr. Spencer and Mrs. Jennifer Reid, and their son, Henry LaMontagne." Reid was holding Henry who, despite his earlier performance, was a little intimidated by the crowd.

Rossi announced a first dance for the couple. Reid and JJ stepped forward. They'd not gotten very involved in choosing music, but this first song had been an easy pick. It was who they'd been for each other. They danced their first dance to an old Ben E. King song, 'Stand By Me'. Part way through the song, they picked Henry up and included him in the dance. This was the way they intended it to be for all of their lives together.

JJ shared a dance with her father while Reid danced with Sandy. And then all of the rest joined in with them for the rest of the mystical, magical night. When they'd all had their fill of wedding feast, all danced with good friends, and new friends, and spouses, Rossi offered the final toast of the evening.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we were brought here this night because two young people learned the most important lessons in life. That together we are more than we are apart. That love triumphs over evil. And that you should never ignore what, or who, is right in front of you." Turning to JJ and Reid, he concluded with, "We're happy that you chose to share those lessons with us. We wish you a lifetime of new discoveries together. We love you, my friends."


They'd spent so much time away from Henry this year that they'd decided to postpone the honeymoon. Besides, they had an important appointment on Monday. For tonight, they would stay at the Hay-Adams, a wedding gift from Rossi. As if the reception hadn't been enough.

Reid pulled JJ into the room and held her in front of him. He just stared at her, taking her in. Taking all of it in.

"JJ, we're married. You're my wife. I can't believe it."

She smiled at him. "I hope you mean that in a good way."

He gathered her to him, looked deep into her eyes. "Jennifer Jareau…I mean Jennifer Reid….can you believe that, Jennifer Reid?!...Jennifer Reid, I mean that just the way it sounds. I am ecstatic. I am thrilled. I am incredulous. I am married to Jennifer Jareau. Who would've thought?"

"Me. I would have thought. Because I…better than anyone else…could see the man I fell in love with . The man who is so strong, and loving….."

They'd put their arms around one another and were swaying, as if in a dance.

"And sacrificing, and wise, and…."

"Stop." He'd put his finger to her lips. "Stop. We're wasting time. Aren't we supposed to "go forth and procreate"? isn't that what the priest said?"

It wasn't, they didn't really do that anymore, but JJ wasn't about to argue. "Sure, Spence, whatever you say. I'm sure he meant to tell us that."

"Okay, well, then, I say."

And so they did, savoring the experience all the more because it was the first time they'd done it as husband and wife. They were slow, and deliberate, and mindful that they were now, indeed, two-become-one.


Much later, lying in bed, they reviewed the day.

"JJ, I have never seen you look more beautiful. I mean that. Except maybe when you woke up after the accident. That was pretty amazing."

"And I have never seen you look more handsome. Except for when you woke up after being shot. I don't think we'll ever top that."

"Well, maybe we can settle for the best looks outside of a hospital bed, how's that?" Reid was only half joking. JJ laughed.

"And Spence! When did you hatch that trick with Henry?"

"Oh, that. We've been practicing it for months. Kid's a natural."

She looked at him with affection. "He's a natural all right. And Monday we get to make it official."

He searched her eyes. "Would it upset you to know that I'm as excited about that as I was about this?"

She gave him her sunshine smile again. "Not at all. I was counting on it, Spence."

And they celebrated being man and wife once again. And again. And once more in the morning.


Monday was a workday, so only a few of the BAU team could be in attendance. Garcia was there, as Henry's godmother, and Hotch was present as well. Reid couldn't quite articulate why he felt it important to have their unit chief, but he knew that it was.

Sandy and Charles and, by special invitation, Phil and Charlene, rounded out the attendees.

They were in family court, attending to family business. The judge was reading through the paperwork, which included Will's letter. JJ and Reid were intimately familiar with what he was perusing. It read:

Cher,

I hope you don't mind that I still call you that. It doesn't matter that we couldn't make it together, I still remember what it was like at the beginning. If you're reading this, then I guess…..you know.

There's a letter for Henry too. Please wait until you think he's old enough to want to hear from his daddy again. When it won't make him scared. When he might be able to understand.

You probably also know about Charlene. We knew each other a long time ago, and met up again when I came back home. Maybe our New Orleans blood will make us more compatible, I don't know. But she's a good woman, and I hope you will let Henry get to know her. I would have asked her to marry me if I got the chance. But if you're reading this, I guess I never got to do it. Charlene found out today that she's pregnant. JJ, I know I shouldn't ask, but please be good to her and to our baby.

I know you and Spencer are becoming closer. I wouldn't be surprised if he asked for your hand soon. And if you decided to give it to him. I guess I should admit I'm a little jealous. But he's a good man and I'm happy for you both. I mean that.

Cher, JJ, thank you for giving me a wonderful son. Little Henry has brought such joy to my heart, I cannot say how much. I'm sorry I won't be there to see him grow up. Or to help him grow up.

That's the real reason for this letter, Cher. You know I was a daddy's boy. My daddy played such a big role in my life. He formed me, he taught me, he showed me how to be a man. I followed in his very big footsteps all my life.

Cher, every boy needs a daddy. I want Henry to have one. A real one. One he can touch and play ball with. If Spencer is that person in his life, I will be happy. He's a good man and I can see that he loves Henry, and that Henry loves him.

Cher, I want Henry to have a daddy in every sense of the word. Which is why I want you to know that it would make me happy to have Spencer adopt him. A boy should have his daddy's name, the daddy he grows up with. I want that for my boy. I want him to remember me, but I want him to have the same kind of relationship with the man who is his daddy that I had with mine. It's more important to me than having the LaMontagne name carried on. My brother Phil can take care of that for us, I'm sure.

Cher, I know life can change, I know love can change, so I have to trust that, however it comes out, you will make the right decision. Just know that I hold you and Henry in a special place in my heart, no matter what.

With love and gratitude,

Will

JJ and Reid had pondered it, prayed on it, sought advice from those they trusted. In the end, they'd decided Will was right. But they still weren't ready to finalize it. They'd brought it to Henry.

Reid reflected that there was virtually no way to present this to Henry without some degree of coercion. How much consent could a five year old give? And yet, he thought, this is what parents are called upon to do. Make decisions in the best interests of the child. Welcome to parenthood, Reid.

Several weeks before the wedding, they'd felt the time was right. JJ took Henry aside and was holding him on her lap. They'd decided she should have this conversation without Reid being present.

"Henry, I need to talk to you about something very important. Okay?"

"Okay, Mommy." Henry put on his serious face.

JJ took a breath, begged for guidance, and began. "Henry, I know you think of Uncle Spence as your daddy. Right?"

Henry nodded.

"Would you like him to really be your daddy? Officially? You would have his same last name, you'd be Henry Reid, just like Mommy will be Jennifer Reid when we get married. Your Daddy Will thought it might be a good idea. What do you think?"

"A real daddy? Not just a step-daddy?"

"A real daddy, Henry, that's right." JJ was trying not to hope too hard.

"Yay!"

She almost cried. She hadn't heard a 'Yay' in ages.

"Yay?"

"Yay, Uncle Spence will be my real daddy!"

JJ still wasn't sure they were done. "And what about Daddy Will?"

"Daddy Will is my first daddy. And Uncle Spence is my now Daddy!"

JJ wasn't sure exactly how that worked, but she was glad of it. And Henry seemed genuinely happy.

Reid had been out walking, and reflecting, and praying for whatever might be the right outcome to JJ's conversation with Henry. JJ met him at the door when he returned. He knew, immediately, from the grin on her face.

"I'm a dad?"

"You're a dad!"

He grabbed her and whirled her around. And then found Henry, to do the same with him.

"I'm a dad!"


Now they all stood before the judge. He'd been advised about the circumstances, and now been given Will's letter. Phil assured the judge of his support, and that of the LaMontagne family.

"Henry LaMontagne?"

Despite the judge's best attempts to moderate it, his voice was deep, and imposing. Henry was intimidated.

"Yes?" a little voice squeaked.

"Henry, come here for a moment, please."

Uncertainly, and with a visible timidity, Henry stepped forward.

"Henry, " the judge was still trying for his kindest, quietest voice, "do you know what 'adoption' means?"

"No?"

The judge wasn't surprised that Henry didn't understand, only that he'd admitted it.

"It means that a grown up loves you enough to want to become your parent…..in this case, your father…..even though he isn't really related to you. It means someone loves you very, very much. And that they're willing to say they'll love you forever. No matter what."

The judge had thrown a look in Reid's direction as he spoke those last words.

JJ realized she was listening to the voice of experience.

"You have an Uncle Spence who loves you very much, do you not?"

Henry didn't understand the phrasing, so made an affirmative statement. "I love Uncle Spence. He's my daddy now."

The judge took that in. "You already think of Uncle Spence as your daddy, Henry?"

"Yep."

That was good enough for the judge. "Well, then, I guess we should make it official. Dr. Reid, would you sign the papers my clerk is handing to you. Mrs. Reid as well."

When they were finished signing, the judge addressed the small group assembled in the courtroom.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you Henry William LaMontagne Reid."

Phil was teary, but approving. Garcia and Charlene cried, as did JJ and Sandy. Reid bent down to lift his son into his arms, feeling overcome. Hotch reached a hand over and laid it on Reid's shoulder, just as Charles did the same, fathers bonding with a new member of the brotherhood. The family Reid was formed.


Sandy and Charles headed home the same day. The Reids settled in as one, into the home they'd shared before, but now shared as a family. In the evening, after Henry was down, JJ and Reid were snuggling on the couch, in front of the fire.

"I'm so glad we can still do this, even though we're an old married couple," teased JJ.

"I'm hoping we will still be doing it,JJ, even when we're very old, and very married."

He drew her closer. "It feels so full, JJ. Being a family. It feels like we're complete."

Reid noticed a strange look come over her face, one that he couldn't quite interpret.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No, Spence, no. But about being complete?" She put her hand on her lower abdomen. "Umm...Spence, there's something I have to tell you."