Disclaimer: I don't own Criminal Minds
A/N: Thanks again to all who take the time to review and make my day
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The trip to the Graham home was uneventful. Reid was not nearly as anxious as he'd been the first time he'd come here but after the introduction at the hospital, he was still trying to get his brain around the fact that a child had been named after him. That diverted his mind from much of the anxiety of seeing Allie's parents again. Allie glanced at Reid from the passenger seat. The expression on his face when Chantal had told them the baby's name was priceless. She thought it didn't dawn on him for a moment. She thought Spencer believed someone was speaking to him when Chantal said Reid. Then the realization struck and the shock seemed to hit him. He looked almost catatonic for a moment. He protested to the couple that there was no need but they had assured him it was what they wanted. He still looked a little shocked but honored as well, Allie thought.
They were greeted at the door by Joan Graham who held her daughter for a long time. Lloyd came right behind her and held his little princess, as he called her, more tightly than usual. Reid was content to stand off to the side as the rest of the family shared a few moments of affection and relief that Allie was okay, but Joan would have none of that. "Spencer, you get in here dear," she said, putting her arms around him and hugging him warmly with an affection he felt was real.
Reid retuned the hug because he decided that Joan Graham was a lot like Garcia. She was a force of nature and you either went along or got out of the way. Lloyd shook Reid's hand and put an arm warmly around his shoulder and Reid could see tears in the man's eyes when he whispered, "Thank you for my baby." The others all greeted the couple eagerly. There was a man in the group Reid had never seen before. He was thirtyish, six feet tall with an unruly mop of curly red hair. His face was freckled and his smile was wide and friendly. Chelsea introduced him as her husband Mike Murphy. He clasped Reid's hand in a firm, warm handshake saying, "So you're the FBI guy who's brave enough to take on Allie. It's nice to finally meet you."
Brunch was served, this time in the formal dining room, which was dominated by a huge dining table in a rich mahogany with a matching buffet and china cabinet. The chairs had elegantly curved legs and backs and were upholstered in a rich cream that matched the drapes.
The Grahams had again put on a veritable feast complete with eggs, scrambled and devilled, waffles with numerous sauces and whipped cream, bacon sausage and ham. Along with hash browns and cheese, there were jellied salads and fresh fruit and vegetables. Of course there were freshly baked biscuits made especially by Marion Graham. There were pies, a cheesecake and Allie's favorite, chocolate brownies.
Joan and Marion kept a close watch on Spencer's plate to make sure he was eating enough. "I think they want to fatten you up. I should tell them they're fighting a losing battle," Allie remarked.
"He seems to be putting away everything they're dishing up for him," Dylan said from his place at the far end of the table and was once again cuffed on the head, this time by his sister Chelsea. "What, can't a guy talk around here anymore?"
"How is Chantal doing dear," Joan asked. No one seemed to want to bring up the events of last evening but Joan felt this was a safe topic.
"We saw her this morning." Allie went on to tell the family about the visit with Chantal and Mark and seeing the new baby.
"So you're a Godmother now," Joan was saying to her daughter, "That's exciting."
"I am excited, I guess it's not official until he's christened but I'm looking forward to spoiling little Reid Graham."
"Oh wow, "Chelsea beamed, "They named the baby after you guys, oh now that is cool. You must be so honored."
"I am and I think Spencer is. He hasn't said much. I think he's still in shock." Reid nodded at Allie's interpretation, still trying to eat all that the women had heaped on his plate.
"You'll have to have one of your own one of these days," Charlie interjected from the head of the table.
"Well Chelsea should have one before her Grandpa, she's the one that's married," Dylan added much to Reid's relief. Everyone turned to look at Chelsea who was holding Mike's hand. They were smiling broadly.
Allie was the first to catch on, "Oh my God, you are aren't you, you're pregnant. Aaah," she screamed and jumped up to hug her sister. "Oh my God, a Godmother and now I'm going to be an aunt. Isn't that great honey?" Reid nodded that it was and hoped it would take her mind off being a mother herself. He quickly offered his congratulations to the couple as the rest of the family joined in.
After everyone had eaten all they could, the women started to clean up the table. "I'm going to pack up these leftovers. We've got a cooler that we never use and Spencer can take it home with him," Joan said as the four women started gathering the many leftovers from the table.
"No really, Mrs. Graham, there's no need." Reid tried to dissuade Allie's mother.
"You might as well save your breath and face it son, she's chosen to mother you and there isn't anything you can do about it," Lloyd told him. "Just go with the flow. That's what I've done all these years."
Dylan and Mike had planned a game of pool in the basement, leaving Reid and Lloyd alone, sharing a pot of coffee in his den. "I noticed the look on your face with all the baby talk. It scares you doesn't it because of your family?"
"Allie knows she's got a good support system to build a family on. That's important. I don't have that and therefore any child of mine won't have that. I also worry that I'll pass on my mother's schizophrenia."
"And what if you do? Our world is made up of imperfect people, thank God. Some of the most imperfect people have achieved the greatest things. It's just a chance you'll have to take, if you've got the guts and I think you do. As far as your support system, the situation is not likely to improve with your mother, her condition being what it is, but you still have your father." He held up his hand to stave off Reid's comment. "I know he's in prison for trying to kill you and I don't know the circumstances surrounding that and I'm not trying to pry. He'll have time in there to think and reflect and on your part there's always forgiveness if you have it in you. Where there's life there's hope. Think about it and if your father ever needs help on a parole hearing or anything, I'd be happy to help. Of course you've got Agent Hotchner who's a fine lawyer in his own right." Reid looked surprised. "Spencer, I knew who was likely to be in that interrogation room with Daryl and me. I may be a small city attorney but I do my research."
Reid admired the room, like he admired the man who inhabited it. It was very much a man's room with rich dark wood furniture and bookcases housing a vast array of books from law, to fiction, to biographies to poetry. Reid liked this room. He could feel at home in this room. Over by the window two brown leather wing chairs encircled a small table that held a beautifully carved wooden chess set on an inlaid wood board. "Wow, that is truly beautiful," he picked up the black knight. The carving was exquisite.
"My father did that. He was a woodworker. He made the set, the board and the table it sits on. It's one of my most prized possessions."
"I can see why," Reid replied.
"My father made that for me when I was your age and I have lovingly tended it all these years. We used to play a lot and although he's still a sharp old guy, his thought processes aren't what they used to be," he said sadly. "I tried to get the kids interested. Allie learned, bless her heart, but her heart was never in it and it was never much of a challenge with her." It reminded Reid of how much he missed his chess matches with Gideon. He enjoyed teaching Evan but it wasn't the same, not yet anyway. It probably never would be. There was a silent camaraderie over a chessboard that many never understood. Lloyd was continuing, "I was hoping it would be with Dylan like it was with me and my father but he lacks the desire and discipline necessary for the game."
Reid sat in one of the very comfortable chairs. He put the black knight back in its place. He then took one of the white pawns and moved it forward on the board. He looked up at Lloyd who smiled and sat in the opposite chair. An hour later Allie opened the door to the study looking for Spencer, thinking they should be starting the journey home. She silently closed the door. Maybe she could interest her mother in a game of Scrabble.