Thanks for the support!
Chapter Twenty-Eight:
Reid spent the week taking Clara out to do different things. They went to the park one day and the library another. They visited the Briars family to return the casserole dish.
"We were all worried sick about you," Sylvia said.
"Not all car accidents are deadly and I wasn't exactly watching where I was walking."
"Still, we're all so happy your safe and without any serious injuries."
"As am I," he said.
On Thursday, Rossi invited him to dinner. While Reid offered to bring baby food, Rossi insisted on cooking something special for her. At first, she didn't seem to like it, but after a few spoonful's, she couldn't get enough of it.
"She's a good eater," Rossi said.
"She always eats everything in her bowl," Reid said.
He then cleaned up her face.
"So, are you mad?" Rossi asked.
"I was, but not anymore," he said as he put the wipes in the garbage.
"What made you change your mind?"
"I could have died if it weren't for your security detail. I was lucky to have it as much as it felt like you guys didn't trust me to do anything on my own. In the end, I realized it was a waste of energy to stay angry when I have other things to worry about."
"I'm glad you feel that way," Rossi said. "Because I'm not dropping the detail. Not because I don't trust you. But because I don't trust Cat Adams to not find a way to put her hooks into your life."
"One day I hope you'll feel comfortable with me not having a security detail. But until that day comes, I guess I'll have to live with it."
"That day may come but I don't see it being anytime soon."
Reid sighed. "I know."
"On to more unpleasant topics: J.J."
"Is she any calmer about me staying at Innocence Investigations?"
"Prentiss had a talk with her, I know," Rossi said. "How effective it was I can't say. We've been consulting on cases this week and your name hasn't been brought up at all."
Reid merely looked down at the table.
"Give it time, son," Rossi said assuredly. "You two will get through this. I don't doubt it for a minute."
"Thanks, Rossi," he said.
He glanced over at Clara who was snoozing in her chair. Rossi chuckled.
"Someone's already tuckered out," he said.
Reid smiled too. "That happens sometimes after a big meal."
"She really is precious," Rossi said.
"I know Rossi," he said. "I know."
…
Reid hadn't spoken with J.J. all week so he assumed their usual Sunday brunch was off. It was an unusually warm day, so he took Clara into the backyard and they had their own brunch. After eating, he laid on his back and let Clara sit on his stomach. He looked up at the sky and idly wondered what would come next.
"Spencer!" J.J. shouted.
Reid gently picked up Clara and turned to see J.J. waiting at the fence. It looked like she was holding a basket of some sort.
He walked over and unlocked the gate.
"Hi," he said.
"Hi," she said as he let her in.
"Look I have been a monumentally huge jerk since you were attacked," she said. "I thought I was protecting you when I was really just hurting you. I was foolish to think that I know what is best for you all the time. I need to let you be your own person. I am really sorry for brushing you off at the BAU on Monday and not trusting you to do what is best for you and Clara."
"Thank you, J.J.," he said. "I really believe that a bright future is waiting for me at Innocence Investigations and I hope you will feel the same way eventually."
"I'm working on keeping an open mind," she said and presented him the basket. "These are for you obviously. Cranberry walnut for you and plain for Clara."
"Thank you," he said. "Would you like to come in?"
"I'd love to," she said.
