A month had passed since their visit, and their relationship was improving every single day. They still had their standing date on Saturday nights, most of which were spent in the house after Parker went to sleep, watching a movie and talking about their feelings. They also spent their weeknights starting Parker on baby food, which was its own adventure. Spencer remembered one particular incident where Morgan refused to feed her a food because it was, and he quotes, 'the same color of some of the things that come out of her'. Despite this minor setback, Parker was now eating food and only taking a few bottles a day.
It was a couple days before Valentine's Day and Spencer, not being privy to the holiday, wasn't aware of what the big deal was. He knew the history of said day, but wasn't sure why it needed to be celebrated by gift exchanges and romantic dates: he and Morgan could do those any given day.
"Did you know that the holiday wasn't linked to romantic love until the days of Chaucer in the High Middle Ages? It didn't become close to what it is today until the 15th century," he explained to Emily.
"Uh huh. So what are you doing for the big day?" she asked, looking up from her folder.
He shrugged. "Morgan has a date planned, and it's not on a Saturday, so it's going to be odd."
"If you need me to keep Parker any longer, just give me a call. It's just me and Sergio this wonderful St. Valentine's Day, staying in and watching bad romantic comedies."
He smiled. "Thanks, I'll let you know."
"He hasn't cracked at all on what you're doing?"
He shook his head. "Despite my best efforts. I even tried playing the ever famous 'but I carried around your daughter' card. Nothing."
"Then he must have something good planned. That one always works."
"I know!"
Meanwhile, Morgan was in JJ's office, discussing the date he planned.
"You're really going to be cliché, Derek? Really?"
"Considering he doesn't understand most holidays and what they represent, I don't see how I could possibly be cliché. I mean, come on, I had to explain to him the purpose of a sprig of mistletoe these days."
She thought to herself, shrugging. "Good point."
He leaned back in the chair. "But the pressure's still on for this to go perfectly. You haven't told anybody, have you?"
"My lips are sealed, I promise. I wouldn't want to ruin this for either of you."
"You think he's going to like it?"
"No, actually. He's going to love it."
He smiled. "We'd better not beat you and Will."
She thought to herself, shaking her head. "Not going to happen. You've been together how long?"
"32 weeks."
"Talk to me when it's been five years."
"Well, if we're going to get technical."
"Nuh uh. We're not counting the years of awkward tension you two were too stupid to realize."
When Valentine's Day finally came, Morgan went over to Spencer's desk.
"Come on, we're leaving early," he said, holding out his jacket and scarf.
Spencer raised his eyebrow. "Is something wrong with Parker at daycare? Do we need to pick her up?"
"Everything's fine with Parker, she's as perfect as ever. Emily's going to pick her up normal time."
Spencer looked across the desk at her. "You are?"
"I am," she confirmed. "And we're going back to my place for a wonderful dinner of whatever jars you have packed in her diaper bag."
"What about-" Spencer started.
"Already in Emily's trunk."
"And what about-"
"I already sent her home with baby proofing supplies."
"And they're already on practically every surface of my apartment," Emily assured him.
Spencer got up, pulling on his jacket, wrapping his scarf around his neck. He looked over at Emily, ready to talk, but was cut off.
"I also have the emergency numbers and Morgan had her tested for a cat allergy."
Spencer smiled, looking at Morgan. "I'm impressed."
"You should be. Now let's go."
After they left work, Morgan drove them home to get ready for their date.
"What is this date? Casual? Formal?" Spencer asked, going through the clothes in his closet.
"You've really never had a Valentine's date befo-" then Morgan stopped himself, answering his own question. "Formal."
"How long is it going to be? Are we going to be home before Parker's bedtime?"
"Not sure. It looks like it, considering how early we're getting started."
"Good. Did you check the mail yet? My mom sent you another letter."
"I haven't yet, but I will while you're getting ready."
He walked out of the bedroom, clothes in hand, and kissed Morgan's cheek. "Thank you for making an effort with her. I really appreciate it."
"Any time, Pretty Boy."
Spencer smiled, walking to the bathroom and closing the door behind him.
When he got out, Morgan looked him over: he was in his favorite purple shirt, black slacks, a black vest and matching jacket. He also had his scarf and two mismatched socks, one pink and one red. He couldn't help but smile.
"What? Is it too much? I can change."
"You look great. Give me twenty minutes, I'll be good to go."
Spencer nodded, walking to the living room and sitting on the couch. As he saw the bathroom door close, he called the daycare center to confirm that Morgan had told them Emily would be picking Parker up that night. Earlier in the day, he'd read up on the modern interpretation of Valentine's Day, and had to admit he was still unclear on the concept.
He saw Morgan coming out of the bathroom and tucked his phone in his pocket. He got up, pulling on his jacket.
"What, no bag?"
He shrugged. "Something tells me I'm not going to have much time to read, so I don't see the point in bringing it."
"Good point." Morgan reached over, grabbing his jacket and putting it on. "Ready to go?"
He nodded, walking outside.
While they were in the car, Spencer watched out the window, hoping to understand Morgan's plans.
"Is it hopeless to ask you what's going on tonight?"
"Sort of," Morgan said, reaching over and squeezing his hand. "But do you want a hint?"
"That depends. Would it ruin whatever surprise you have planned?"
"What surprise?"
"Oh come on. You've been talking to JJ more than I have this past week. Something's going on."
"Do you want that hint or not?"
"Don't worry, I'll still take it."
He smiled, shaking his head. "A walk down memory lane."
Spencer raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself what that could possibly mean. He had to admit that he was completely stumped.
Morgan took a familiar turn, and Spencer looked over at him. "The museum?"
"You bet," he said, turning into the parking lot. "Just like our first date."
"You remember?"
"…And you're surprised? In case you forgot, I planned it."
"I just didn't think you enjoyed it, or that it was significant enough for you to remember."
"It was something you found enjoyment in, so it mattered to me."
Spencer smiled, getting out of the car. "Aren't we overdressed for a trip to the museum?"
"Alas, Pretty Boy. This is only part one of our date."
He glanced at Morgan. "Part one?"
"You bet. Now let's get going."
When they walked inside, Morgan set a timer on his phone for an hour, and once again let Spencer take the lead. He let him walk around and drag him along, telling him everything about anything he wanted. He took particular interest in an exhibit about dinosaurs, explaining to Morgan that a common belief is that birds and dinosaurs share a common ancestor.
"So, a chicken and a t-rex are related?"
"Not directly, but it's believed that they're distant relatives."
"You're not kidding?"
Spencer shook his head. "I can show you the article I read about it. It's actually quite interesting."
Morgan smiled. "Maybe. That'd definitely be a good read."
"…Really?"
"Of course. Dinosaurs and chickens being relatives? That's something you need to read up on."
Spencer shook his head as the alarm went off in Morgan's pocket.
"What's that?"
"Our cue to get to the second part of our date."
"Can I call Emily from the car?"
"Go for it," he said, lacing their fingers and walking outside.
After they got to the car, Spencer took out his phone, calling Emily.
"Hey, Reid," she said, setting Parker on the carpet. "Having fun?"
"Oh yes. We just went to the museum for an hour."
"Morgan willingly went to a museum?"
"And he actually enjoyed it."
"Pretty impressive."
"How's my little princess doing?"
"Well, I just got back from picking her up from daycare about a half hour ago. After I'm done on the phone with you and she's done crawling around like a little walrus? She's going to enjoy a delicious dinner of," she reached in the diaper bag, taking out a jar of baby food, "pasta vegetable medley, which really does look scrumptious and I'm so jealous she gets to enjoy it."
"Sarcasm?"
"Oh, you bet. Then at precisely 7:45, as instructed, I'm going to read the provided fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, and then put her to bed."
"Sounds like you know what you're doing."
"Surprised?"
"Impressed is more like it."
"Like I said. You and JJ take good care of my baby fix."
"Glad I could help."
Meanwhile, Morgan was texting JJ.
Headed to 2 now. Is everything ready at 3?
She checked her phone, texting him back.
All set up. Just waiting on your word to get it done.
You're the best, JJ.
He looked over at Spencer as he was hanging up. "Everything okay with Princess Parker?"
"She's enjoying time with her Aunt Emily. Definitely calling on her as a babysitter in the future."
"Good to know," Morgan said, starting the car and driving.
"Who were you texting?"
"Nothing important, just my mom checking in."
"Your mother's not important?"
"I didn't say that, and don't you dare tell her I did."
Spencer smiled. "Fine, I'll give you this one."
When Morgan pulled up at the restaurant, the very same one Spencer chose for their fifth date, Spencer turned to him.
"You didn't."
He grinned, unbuckling his seatbelt. "Oh yes, I did."
"Isn't it next to impossible to get a table at a restaurant the day of Valentine's Day? Based on my readings-"
"…You read up on Valentine's Day?"
"I wanted to know what the big deal is. It seems like everyone in the BAU has plans for it every year and I wanted to understand the culture."
Morgan shook his head, getting out of the car. "Trust me, I took care of it."
Spencer got out, closing his door. "How?"
"Don't worry about it."
After getting into the restaurant, Morgan gave his name and they were seated immediately.
"Okay, there is no way you're that good," Spencer said, scanning his menu, even though he knew exactly what he was going to order.
"What do you mean?"
"You got a table on one of the busiest days a restaurant has during the year."
"And?"
"How did you do it?"
"You really want to know my secret?"
"Yes… why else would I ask?"
Morgan smiled, leaning over the table and whispering in his ear. "I got a reservation."
Spencer hit his arm. "That's no big deal!"
"I didn't say it was!"
Spencer looked up when the waitress came over, ready to order. Oddly enough, he was cut off by Morgan.
"We're ready to order."
"What can I get you?" she asked, taking out her notepad and pen.
Spencer again tried to speak, but was cut off.
"If I'm not mistaken, he would like fettuccini alfredo with both the chicken and the shrimp and a coffee with four sugars, and I'll take-"
This time, Spencer cut him off. "If I recall correctly, he would like the chicken parmesan with toasted ravioli instead of the pasta, and he'll take an ice water. Thank you." He collected the menus, handing them to her.
"Not bad."
"What, you think I don't remember what we ordered at our first trip to this place in Tennessee? Shame on you, Derek."
As they were eating, Morgan looked up at him.
"You know what I love about you, Pretty Boy?"
"I'm sure the fact that I gave birth to your daughter helps?" he suggested, taking a bite of his food.
Morgan smiled. "That too."
"Okay, what reason are you thinking?"
Morgan set down his fork. "Your strength."
"In case you've forgotten, you're easily twice the size of me. If either of us should be admired for your strength, it's you."
"I don't mean physical strength."
"Then what do you mean?"
"The fact that no matter what you go through, in your personal life or at work, you never let it get to you. You always miraculously bounce back to your old self in nearly no time. The scars are there, and with me, you're willing to discuss them. So many people just shut themselves in and refuse to let others know. But you? You talk about it and you get it all out there so it doesn't have a chance to affect you. That's strength. That takes guts."
Spencer swallowed, setting his fork down and sipping his coffee. "Wow."
"What?"
"I've just never really had someone compliment me that much," he said, shrugging.
"Well, it's about time somebody did, and trust me, I'm not going to stop."
Spencer smiled, setting down his cup. "I suppose I should return the favor?"
"You don't have to if you don't want to."
"Go ahead and try to guess," he said, opening a sugar packet and pouring it into his coffee.
"You definitely wouldn't be superficial and say something like 'looks' or 'charm', though I'm sure they definitely don't hurt."
"Correct." He looked over and saw Spencer stirring his coffee, sipping it.
"I give up."
"Your heart."
"Really? On Valentine's Day?"
"I mean it though. You care about Parker and me so much. Most men would've been in your situation of having someone tell then they're a father, and they'd just send a check or call every once in a while. You didn't. You know how much we matter and didn't hesitate to let us in. You've made every single effort in our relationship and didn't think twice about any of it." He looked up at him. "I love how much you love."
Morgan smiled, leaning over and kissing him. Spencer blushed, pulling back.
"I have to admit. This is a pretty great date."
"And we're only halfway done, Pretty Boy."
Spencer thought to himself. He couldn't help but wonder if the first half of the date was so successful, what the second half would bring.
Before he got into the car, Morgan texted JJ.
Leaving now, are we all set?
She checked her phone. I'll be gone by the time you get here, guaranteed.
He got into the car, buckling himself in. He glimpsed over at Spencer and saw that he was fidgeting with his scarf.
"Out with it, Pretty Boy," he said, starting the car.
Spencer's neck snapped up. "Hm?"
"What's wrong?"
He shrugged. "We haven't had a date like this in a while."
"Oh, and we won't again for a while."
Morgan looked over and saw Spencer with a defeated look on his face.
"We'll definitely go out again like this, but trust me, this one's going to be one to remember."
"I'll hold you to that."
"Feel free," he said, pulling out of the parking spot and driving.
Spencer stopped looking out the window when he saw a picture from Emily on his phone. He opened it, smiling when he saw Parker with food smeared across her face, with a caption underneath reading 'you could've warned me'. He laughed, calling her.
"So I take it you never fed Henry when he was on stage 2?"
"By the time I got him, he was on solids."
He bit his lip, smiling. "So you've never dealt with baby food?"
"No, and I think your daughter's scared me off of ever doing it again."
"Oh, come on. You know you love her."
"She spits. And smears. Not that I mind, but a little bit of a warning would've been helpful here."
"Where is she now?"
"I just gave her a bath and changed her, and she's currently crawling around on my floor like a walrus again."
He checked his watch, then started to talk. "You know that-"
"In five minutes, I need to start her story. Yes, I know."
"And to get her to sleep-"
"Turn on the mobile or some classical music."
"You're the best, Aunty Em."
"…What is this, Wizard of Oz?"
"Sorry, I'll stop."
"No, it's fine. 'Em' is going to be a lot easier for her to grasp onto than 'Emily'. Though I have to admit, her constant babbling of 'da da' is absolutely adorable."
"Melts your heart, doesn't it?"
"Into a big puddle on the carpet. Listen, go enjoy the rest of your date. I'll see you whenever you pick her up."
"Are you sure you don't want me to check in?"
"Reid, I love and care about you, but I swear to God if I get this child to sleep and you calling wakes her up?"
"Noted. I'll see you tonight."
"Have fun," she teased, before hanging up.
When they finally parked, Spencer looked around. "Isn't it a little cold for the beach?"
"We're not going swimming. Come on."
He got out of the car, adjusting his scarf and shoving his hands in his pockets.
"It's more than a little cold for the beach."
Morgan smiled, wrapping an arm around him and walking. "This won't take long."
Spencer rested his head on Morgan's shoulder, looking out at the water as they walked along the beach. "It's so beautiful. And quiet."
Morgan nodded in agreement. "Just what we need."
"Mhm," Spencer said, looking out at the water. He didn't notice the trail of candles lit in the sand until Morgan nudged him.
"What's this?" Spencer asked, looking over at him.
Morgan smiled, taking his hand, lacing their fingers and walking the lit path. "You know I love you, Spencer."
"I love you, too," he replied, confused.
"I love every part of you," he continued, walking along, "your intelligence, how wonderful of a parent you are, how much you care about your family, how strong you've become over the years."
Spencer smiled, flustered, looking down at his feet in the sand. "Derek," he started.
"You're such a wonderful, loving, passionate person, and you've overcome so much. I've never met anyone quite like you, and I know I never will."
Spencer couldn't get the smile off his face, but couldn't help but wonder what this was leading to.
"You know, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once said," Morgan started.
Spencer stopped. "Hold up. You know Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?"
"I know he's one of your favorite authors, and he's one of few authors whose books you've read on multiple occasions."
They continued walking along until Morgan finally stopped. Spencer turned to him. "Go on."
"Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once said, 'Any truth is better than indefinite doubt'."
"One of my favorite quotes," Spencer said, looking him in the eyes.
Morgan smiled. "And the truth is? I don't want to live a single day of my life without you. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that you're the one person I want to spend my forever with."
"You know that after only seven months and four days?"
"No, I know that after seven long, stupid years of not letting my feelings be known."
Spencer looked at him, chewing on his lip. "What are you trying to say?"
Morgan gave him a smirk, then knelt down on one knee.
"Derek?"
"Spencer Reid," he started, reaching in his pocket, taking out a box, and opening it. "Will you spend forever with me?"
Spencer looked down into the box, greeted by a silver ring with gemstones in the band instead of diamonds: Parker's birthstone, to be specific. He bit his lip, swallowing, taking a deep breath.
"Derek…" he said softly.
Morgan glanced up at him with his trademark smile. "Will you marry me?"
Before he could look at the logic behind it, Spencer's mouth had shouted "Yes!"
Morgan smiled, taking out the ring and slipping it on Spencer's finger, getting up. No sooner had he stood up had Spencer flung his arms around him, kissing him. He quickly wrapped his arms around Spencer's waist, returning the kiss.
Spencer pulled back, panting. "Did that just happen?"
Morgan kissed his forehead. "Yes it did, Pretty Boy."
He smiled, pressing his forehead against Morgan's. "Writing my mom?"
"I had to get her blessing."
"Talking to JJ?"
"I couldn't have set all this up by myself."
He glanced down at the ring on his finger, grinning. "Rubies. Parker's birthstone."
"I knew you'd prefer that to a diamond."
He wiped his eyes, cupped Morgan's cheeks, pulling him in for another kiss.
Once Spencer had finally calmed down, Morgan kissed his forehead. "Ready to wind down, then go pick up Parker?"
"There's another part?"
"Just one, and you're going to like it, though not as much as this part."
"Definitely not," Spencer said, glancing down at his hand and running his thumb over the ring.
When the car stopped at the park, Spencer looked over at him. "Where we had our picnic and star gazing date?"
"You bet," Morgan said, walking around and opening Spencer's door, helping him out.
They walked around the park, Spencer seeming to be in an endless daze. He laced his fingers with Morgan, smiling when Morgan's hand ran along the ring finger.
He saw a familiar face and stopped in his tracks.
"Hey, Spence."
He couldn't keep himself from grinning. "Hey, Jayje."
She looked between them. "Did it happen?"
Will looked at her, curious. "Did what happen?"
"Oh, it happened," Morgan said, motioning toward Spencer's hand.
She gasped. "Let me see!" She pulled her hand free of Will's, pushed Morgan's hand off, and looked at the ring, gasping. "It's gorgeous! Great call on the birthstones, Derek. It's perfect!"
Spencer waited for her to realize the situation. "…Hi."
She snapped out of it, looking up at him. "You're engaged!" she squealed, hugging him.
Spencer smiled, rubbing her back. "I'm engaged." He glanced over to see Will shaking Morgan's hand, congratulating him.
She pulled back, looking at him. "You're practically beaming!"
"So this is what you two have been up to the past few weeks?"
"Are you mad?"
"Do I look mad? You actually pulled one over on me, I'm impressed."
"It was all Derek's planning. I just helped it happen."
"I definitely appreciate it," he said, resting his head on Morgan's shoulder.
"You two enjoy the rest of your night. We're going to enjoy ours. Just don't beat me down the aisle, Spence."
"We'll see," he said as she walked away.
After they finished their walk, they got in the car, on their way to pick up Parker.
"Shouldn't we call Emily, let her know we're on our way?"
"What did she tell you when you asked that question last time?"
"Threatened me."
"Then there's your answer," Morgan said, lacing their fingers.
Spencer smiled, putting his hand on top so he could see the ring.
When they were waiting outside Emily's apartment door, Spencer stole a quick kiss.
"What was that for?"
Spencer shrugged. "I can't kiss my fiancé?"
Morgan shook his head as Emily opened the door.
"How was she?"
"Despite her two wardrobe changes and my one? Just peachy. If you need me again, I'd be more than happy to."
Spencer walked inside, picking up Parker out of the pack and play and putting her into the carrier, placing a blanket over her.
"What is that?" Emily asked, looking over at him.
"What's what?" He was preoccupied stuffing all of Parker's things into her diaper bag.
She walked over, grabbing his left hand and looking at it, gasping. "You're not."
Spencer smiled, chewing on his lip. "I am."
She gasped again, hugging him. "Congratulations!"
He smiled, rubbing her back. "Thank you."
She walked over, hitting Morgan on the arm. "You could've told me!"
"And miss this look on your face? Definitely not."
She rolled her eyes, hugging him and patting her back. "Take good care of him."
"I plan on it."
Once they got home, Spencer put Parker to bed, turning on her baby monitors. He pulled on his pajamas and walked to the bedroom, laying down on the bed and waiting for Morgan.
Morgan walked in, setting his alarm and adjusting the baby monitor on his nightstand. He then climbed under the blankets, relaxing.
"Did you have a good night, Pretty Boy?"
Spencer nodded, resting his head on Morgan's chest. "It was perfect."
Morgan exhaled, rubbing Spencer's back.
"Did you mean it?"
"Did I mean what?"
"What you said on the beach?"
"Every single word."
Spencer smiled, twisting the ring around on his finger.
"Are you happy?"
"Second greatest night of my life."
Morgan raised his eyebrow, looking down at him. "Second?"
"You shouldn't be so offended. The first and third involve you too."
"Oh?"
"First is the one after Parker was born, and third was the night Parker was made."
Morgan ran a hand through his hair. "You do realize Garcia's going to want to be involved in the planning, right?"
Spencer yawned, moving closer and pulling up the blankets. "I'm looking forward to it. Less work I have to do."
He smiled, kissing his forehead. "Goodnight, Pretty Boy."
"Night, Derek."
The following morning at work, Spencer was sitting at his desk with a cup of coffee, his face still plastered with a huge smile.
"Reid, can you be a little less obvious?"
He looked up to see Emily staring at him. "Hm?"
"Tone it down a smidge or twelve. You're radiating happiness."
"I can't help it," he admitted, setting his mug down and picking up a folder.
"O. M. G." he jumped, setting his folder down. He wasn't sure what those letters meant, but coming from Garcia, they couldn't mean anything good, given her tone. He saw her coming toward him out of the corner of his eye.
"…Hi?"
"Hi nothing!" she said, grabbing his hand and looking at it. "He didn't!"
Spencer smiled, pulling his hand back. "He did. Last night."
"When? Where? How? Tell me everything!" She grabbed a chair from a nearby vacant desk and pulled it over, sitting beside him.
He shook his head, telling her how he recreated aspects of several of their dates and proposed on the beach, using a quote from his favorite author.
"You officially took Derek Morgan off the market. I'm sure there's an award for that."
He shrugged, playing with the ring on his finger. It was definitely a feeling he'd have to get used to over time. "We were dating seven months and four days when he asked me."
"Don't tell me you're doubting it, Boy Wonder. I can't put the pieces of Derek Morgan back together. He's a very difficult puzzle that I've yet to completely solve in the first place."
He shook his head. "Definitely not. It just feels so right. I don't know how else to describe it."
"You're in love, kiddo. He's going to be your first, your last, and your only. Are you ready for that?"
He smiled, nodding. "I can't wait."
She leaned over, pulling him into a tight hug. "Neither can I. Congratulations, 187. You two are amazing together. You both deserve each other so much."
He hugged her back, trying to fight back tears again. "I know. Thank you."
She pulled back, looking at him. "With that said? I want to help."
"I'd expect nothing less."
She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before rushing off to Morgan's office.
Meanwhile, Morgan was on the phone with his mother.
"Hey, mom."
"How did your Valentine's plans go?"
"How did you know I had plans?"
"Because you're my son, so you're a romantic."
He smiled, leaning back in his chair. "They went extremely well."
"Oh?"
"I did something last night."
"Did you?"
"I took him to the museum where we had our first date, then to the restaurant Spencer picked on our fifth date, and to the beach where we had our third."
"How did it go?"
"He loved the museum and being able to educate me. We ordered for each other at the restaurant, based on our first unofficial date choices, and at the beach…"
"Yes?"
He exhaled. "I had a lit pathway in the sand, we walked up it, and I asked him to marry me."
She gasped. "Derek!"
"…and he said yes."
He heard a muffled scream, knowing she'd put her hand over the phone, then she came back. "Are you saying my baby's engaged?"
"As of last night. I asked for his mother's permission first, and I had JJ help me plan it out so I knew it'd be something he'd like."
"Did he like it?"
"He loved it. I started with telling him everything I loved about him, and telling him that I wanted him to be with me forever. I quoted his favorite author and then I got on my knee, and asked him."
"What happened?"
"He was shocked, at first. He loves the ring – instead of diamonds, I got Parker's birthstone, because I know that's a lot more significant to him. After he snapped out of it, he didn't even have to think. He said yes."
He could hear how happy she was over the phone. "I'm so proud of you, Derek."
"I'm proud of me too, mom. We were only dating a little over seven months, but when it happens, you just know."
"You do indeed."
He looked up to see Garcia waiting at his door, bouncing on her feet and impatient.
"I gotta go, mom. I'll have him call you later with his side of the story."
"Don't forget my weekly video of my grandbaby."
"Don't worry, I won't. Love you."
"I love you too, Derek."
He hung up the phone, looking up at her.
"Yes, Baby Girl?"
She walked in, closing the door behind her. "You popped the question to Boy Wonder last night?"
"That I did."
"And I am finding out this morning why?"
He shook his head. "Because I was trying to keep it low key. If he saw me talking to multiple people about it, he'd have known something was up and put two and two together."
"Good point," she said, leaning on the edge of the desk. "I've never seen him happier than he is right now. Thanks for being just what our 187 needed."
"I'm glad I could be. Listen-" he started.
She looked at him. "I know. You're off the market. But I am not stopping our playful flirtatiousness; he'll just have to accept that."
"Oh, don't worry, he'd never dare come between us," he said with a wink.
"Then what?"
He smiled. "Well, we're both not very wedding savvy."
"You don't say."
"And you're a natural born planner."
She gasped. "I like where this is going!"
"Would you like to help us?"
"More than anything!" she squealed, hugging him.
"Did you hear the news?" Rossi asked Hotch, pouring his cup of coffee and looking over at Spencer's desk, where he was nearly glowing with excitement.
"What news?" Hotch asked, leaning against the counter.
"Morgan proposed to Reid last night. It's about damn time."
Hotch smiled. "You don't say. I was thinking you'd be on your fourth before they finally caught on."
"Watch it," he said, reaching in his pocket. He took out a 20, handing it to Hotch. "And remind me to never make a bet with you again."
Author's Note: Doing a super long update tonight for you guys, I hope you enjoyed it! Taking a few days off to kick a nasty cold and get some writing done. Not only is this story in the works, but a series of sibling one-shots involving Spencer and JJ co-written with my best friend, and maybe something extra involving this storyline. :)