Wedding Details

Victoria rushed into the bathroom and grabbed her travel bag. She dumped her makeup into it and zipped it up before hurrying back into the bedroom to drop the bag into her suitcase. She zipped it shut and pulled her hair up into a ponytail. Spencer stood in the doorway, his hands in his pockets. He raised his eyebrows at her. "Ready?"

Victoria nodded and hauled the suitcase off the bed. "Yep."

Spencer reached out his hand as Victoria rolled the suitcase forward. He took it from her. Victoria kissed his cheek in thanks. Spencer beamed in response. They left the apartment and packed the trunk of Spencer's car with Victoria's suitcase. Victoria hopped into the front seat while Spencer slid into the driver's side. He pulled out of the parking lot and hit the Interstate. Spencer drove around the airport grounds until he found a place to drop Victoria off. Victoria jumped out of the car, but Spencer beat her to the trunk. He withdrew her suitcase. "Are the others here yet?" he asked, looking around.

Victoria checked her phone. "Yeah, Penelope said that she and Tara are inside. JJ should be here any minute."

Spencer nodded. He bounced on the balls of his feet. "Don't forget to print off your ticket. Keep them both on you, because you have that connecting flight in Atlanta."

"Spence."

"And keep your phone charged. You might want to keep some cash on you, but not in your purse, because that can get stolen easily."

"Spencer, I've flown before. I've traveled before."

Spencer's cheeks puffed as he blew out a breath. He tucked his hands into his pockets. "Sorry."

Victoria smiled. "It's okay. I'm used to your rambling," she said. She reached up and kissed his cheek. "And I kind of like it."

Spencer grinned. "Well, I hope so. You live with me and you're going to be my wife." He wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Are you going to introduce me as your wife all of the time?" Victoria teased.

Spencer furrowed his brow and smirked. "Of course. When you are."

"Well, I'm going to be by the end of this year."

Spencer smiled and ducked his head down. He pressed his lips to Victoria's, whose fingers played with his hair. Spencer broke off the kiss, much to Victoria's disappointment. "You've got a plane to catch."

Victoria nodded. "And a wedding dress to find." Spencer kissed Victoria's lips and cheeks before she pulled away, laughing. "I'm gonna miss my flight if you keep kissing me."

"Well, then you'd stay here with me." Spencer protested.

"I've gotta go. I love you."

"I love you, too." Spencer waved as Victoria hurried off, trailing her suitcase behind her. She hurried into the airport. She looked around, a little dazed by the amount of people.

"Victoria! Over here!" called Penelope. Victoria caught sight of her and Tara waving her over. Victoria jogged over to them, grinning. Penelope wrapped her into a hug. "I'm so excited for this, oh my gosh."

Victoria grinned. "Me too. I'm sad Savannah couldn't come, but we're all gonna have a blast."

"And not to mention find your dream dress." Tara said, smiling.

Victoria returned it. "That, too."

"So, Alice and your mom are meeting us in New Orleans?" Penelope asked.

"Yeah, they'll probably get there around the same time as us, so they'll just meet us at the hotel." Victoria said as she walked to the kiosk. She printed her tickets and stepped in line to board her luggage.

"Where are we staying again?" Tara asked, stepping forward as the line shortened. She looked back, keeping an eye out for JJ.

"The Westin. It's only a few blocks away from Bourbon Street." Victoria reached the front.

"Oh, there's JJ!" Penelope said. She waved at JJ, who waved back and went to the kiosk to print her tickets. When she finished, she joined them in line. After dropping off their luggage, they headed for security.

Victoria stripped of her shoes, phone and purse. She dropped them in the box and waited to step through the full-body scanner. "Step forward ma'am." said the security guard, waving Victoria forward. She stepped inside the machine. "Hands above your head and hold still." Victoria obeyed as the machine whirred and spun around her. She felt a little silly, but the process finished in under five seconds. She stepped out and retrieved her belongings. She slipped on her sneakers while she waited for Penelope, Tara and JJ to step through the machine.

JJ made a face as she joined Victoria and the others to put on her shoes and jacket. "I forgot how much of a pain security is. I'm so used to flying on the jet."

Victoria shrugged. "I don't mind it. It's actually kind of exciting."

Penelope smiled. "I totally get that. Because this is for pleasure, not business. What gate are we?"

"Seventeen. We have an hour to get over there." said Tara, checking her ticket.

"If there's a vending machine near the gate, I want to get some Cheetos. I'm starving." JJ said.

Victoria nodded as her own stomach grumbled. "I feel ya."

They found their gate and dropped off their carry-ons. Penelope and Tara saved a few seats while JJ and Victoria ventured off for food. They discovered a McDonald's, where JJ opted for fries in place of her Cheetos. Victoria bought fries and sodas for everyone. JJ nibbled on a fry while Victoria worked on filling the cups with ice and Dr. Pepper.

"I'm really happy for you and Spence." JJ said after a moment.

Victoria looked at her. "Thank you. It means a lot to me to hear you say that."

JJ pulled a face. "Why?"

"Because you and Spence are close. You're best friends, and your opinion matters to him."

"You guys are best friends, too."

"But you were friends first."

JJ smiled. "Yeah. Well, you and I are friends."

"Duh. You're a bridesmaid."

"So of course you have my approval. And that's why I said I'm happy for both of you."

"I know," Victoria pursed her lips into a shy smile. "Thank you."

"No problem," said JJ. "Is it weird living together?"

"Not really," Victoria said, handing JJ the cup tray, full of soda. Victoria grabbed the fries. "I mean, we've lived together before. And we're not prudes. We've shared a bed before. And sometimes we have little arguments, like when he leaves his books out and I trip over them in the middle of the night."

JJ laughed. "I'm not even surprised."

"It's happened three times now! He's left a stack of books out on the floor, and I got up to get some water or something, and I've tripped over them. Last time I managed not to fall, but the first couple of times, I fell flat on my face. Spence jumped out of bed because he thought someone had broken in, but nope. I was just swearing on the floor." Victoria giggled as she reached the others. She divvied out the fries to Tara, Penelope, JJ and herself. They ate while they chatted about the new Fifty Shades movie coming out the next year.

"I've never read the books." said Tara.

"Me neither." Victoria mumbled, sipping from her Dr. Pepper.

"Ugh, they're so good! Well, maybe not fantastic, but they're damn sexy!" Penelope groaned, placing her hands over her heart.

Victoria grimaced. "I don't think wealth equalizes controlling behavior."

"I meant the sex, silly," said Penelope. She grinned. "But I doubt you and Reid do that sort of thing in the bedroom."

Victoria felt her cheeks burn as JJ and Tara laughed. "They probably sit on opposite sides of the couch." JJ chuckled.

Victoria gaped at her friends. "We do not! Just because we're not having sex yet doesn't mean that we don't… That we don't do other things."

"Ooh, what sort of things?" Penelope cooed.

Victoria looked around. "Not here, okay?"

JJ buried her face in her hands. "That's okay, I don't want that mental image of Spence."

Victoria smirked. "I do."

"Oh my gosh, shut up!" Penelope giggled, smacking Victoria playfully.

"Now boarding Group A." called the flight attendant.

"What group are we?" Penelope asked.

"Uh, B." said Tara, looking at her ticket.

Penelope gathered up their trash and tossed it in a nearby trashcan. Victoria stood and shouldered her backpack. She texted Spencer quickly.

Boarding now. I'll let you know when we land. I love you to Pluto and back!

Her phone buzzed with a response as she waited for the attendant to call for Group B. She checked the message from Spencer.

Okay, have a safe flight. I love you too, but Pluto is not even a planet.

Victoria smiled but typed an angry response.

SHUT THE FUCK UP!

"Group B may board now."

Victoria stepped in line. She felt her phone vibrate. While she waited for the family in front of her to scan their tickets, she checked the message from Spencer.

Pluto is a wonderful dwarf planet! It's even got a heart on its surface. I love you to Pluto and back, too.

He had sent a picture of Pluto along with the text. Victoria smiled as she looked at it. She slipped her phone away as she scanned her ticket and hurried onto the boarding ramp. She grinned because she loved the sound of the plane's high-pitched hum outside. She turned when Penelope squealed behind her. "I'm so excited!"

They found their seats, with Victoria by the window and Penelope on the aisle. JJ sat across the aisle while Tara sat by the other window. Victoria leaned into Penelope to take a picture for Snapchat. She posted it on her story. She and Penelope discussed wedding dresses for takeoff, but once the plane was airborne, Penelope's excited chatter ebbed as she fell asleep. Victoria lifted the shade of the window and took a picture of the clouds. She closed it and then put on her headphones. She leaned against the wall of the plane, feeling the hum of its engine and dozed off. She awoke when she felt a swooping sensation in her stomach. She looked around groggily. She felt the plane's descent and buckled her seatbelt. When they landed at the Atlanta Airport, Victoria sent a text to Spencer letting him know. She grabbed her backpack and purse and followed the crowd off the plane.

"Oh shit," Tara muttered, glowering at her ticket.

"What?" Victoria asked, turning.

"The ticket doesn't have our gate and our next flight is in twenty minutes."

JJ hurried to the nearest help desk. "Sir, where do we go for this flight?" She asked, showing the man her ticket.

The man studied the ticket through his thick glasses for a long time. "Let's see…" He typed away on his computer. "Ah, the flight to New Orleans… Yes, you're in Terminal One, and you need to be in Terminal Three."

"Oh, that's not too far, then." said Penelope.

"It's across the airport." said the man.

"Say what?" Penelope breathed.

Victoria felt a grin cross her cheeks. She ran a hand through her hair. The man looked at the computer. "Yes, you're near Concourse D. I'd take the train to Concourse A. You're in Gate 23."

"This would make for a great Snapchat." said Penelope.

Victoria pulled out her phone and started recording from her camera roll. "So… We need to run."

"Yep." JJ replied. She thanked the man and then they took off. Victoria laughed as she ran, her Converses beating the shiny floor. JJ fleeted out front, her ponytail zigzagging with the bounce of her shoulders. Tara ran alongside Victoria, who slowed every now and then to allow Penelope to catch up, who shuffled along in her sparkly silver UGGs. Victoria's side cramped and the laughter in her throat winded her, but they reached the airport train at last.

"Hurry!" Tara cried, jumping onto the train after JJ. Victoria and Penelope followed, just as the doors slid shut. Victoria doubled over, laughing. Tara joined in, and soon the four of them giggled until tears leaked out of their eyes. Penelope grabbed Victoria's phone.

"Adventures at the airport!" she cried. She sent the video to herself and to Spencer. "He said to keep you updated."

Victoria took her phone back. She grabbed onto a pole to keep from falling over as the train slammed to a stop. She stumbled backward as the train surged forward. She waited until they arrived at their concourse, and then they took off again, sprinting past restaurants and bathrooms and hordes of people to get to their gate. They made it with just a few minutes to spare, doubled over, panting and holding onto each other as their sides cramped from running and laughing. They boarded the plane, still red-faced from their sprint. Victoria took a selfie for Snapchat with Tara and then leaned her head back for a nap.

Spencer did not know how Penelope had convinced Rossi and him to get a Snapchat, but the eccentric techie had succeeded. Spencer suspected Rossi had only agreed to get Penelope to shut up about it. Spencer was indifferent towards it, but he did enjoy the pictures from the team. It was a good way to keep in contact with Derek, too.

"It's nice to have just the guys over," said David, raising his wine glass.

Spencer lifted his glass. "Thanks for inviting us over."

Derek grinned. "And I'm honored to be best man… Which also means that I get to plan Pretty Boy's bachelor party."

Spencer smiled and shook his head. "I don't know whether to be excited or mortified."

"Aw, c'mon man. Trust me!" Derek chuckled, clapping Spencer on the back.

"And I'd be happy to be a groomsman. Who else are you going to ask?" Rossi said, propping his elbows on the counter.

"How many more groomsmen do you need?" Derek asked, sipping from his beer.

"Three," replied Spencer. "I'm going to ask Jason, Seth and Brett."

"They'd love that." said Hotch, smiling.

"I can't believe you guys are getting married," said Derek, shaking his head. "I mean I can. You guys are great, and you'll love each other forever. But remember when Pretty Boy here looked fourteen years old?"

Spencer felt his cheeks burn. "I will be forever grateful that Victoria and I didn't know each other then."

"Ah, c'mon. She loves you, man."

"She might not have back then." Spencer joked.

"Don't sell yourself short. You made out with that actress in the pool." Derek raised his eyebrows at Spencer before finishing off his beer.

Spencer smirked. "Yeah, I-I did."

"Does Victoria know about that?" Hotch asked.

"I didn't even know about that." Rossi protested, grabbing Derek another beer.

"I've never really seen a need to tell her." Spencer said.

"Did you keep in touch with that girl? What was her name? Lila Archer." Derek cracked open the beer that Rossi handed him.

"We talked some, but… No, not really." Spencer shrugged.

Derek's phone chirped. He looked at it. "Uh-oh," he said. "Snapchat from Penelope." He laughed. Rossi, Hotch and Spencer gathered around to look at Penelope's Snapchats. There were several goofy selfies, one with Penelope and each of the other girls. There was one picture of Victoria asleep on the plane while JJ made a face by her. There was a video.

Penelope's face came into view. "We've arrived in New Orleans!" She panned the camera. JJ waved and Tara saluted. Victoria winked and then laughed.

The next video showed the girls in the back of a taxi cab with the caption: "Cab rides are sooooooo awkward!"

The next video showed the girls in the hotel room, with Alice and Gemma now in the picture. "So, we'll go to dinner tonight and dress shop tomorrow. Tomorrow night we'll hit Bourbon Street." Gemma said. The camera flipped to Penelope who nodded her approval.

"They look like they're having a blast." said Rossi, smiling.

"Yeah, Savannah was disappointed she couldn't go." Derek said, pocketing his phone.

Spencer circled the counter, smiling. "I just wish I could see the dress."

"She's not gonna let you?" Derek asked.

Spencer shook his head. "She said that I can see the dress on October twenty-fifth."

Derek grinned. "But I'll get to see it."

Spencer scrunched his lips to one side. "Yeah, but I get to marry the girl."

"Hey, hey," Derek raised his hands, "I've already got my girl."

Victoria stepped into the bridal boutique. It was the fifth one they had visited that day. So far, there were a few dresses that Victoria really liked. But she wasn't ready to make any decisions. She looked around for a few moments before a very petite woman with short brown hair and a clipboard spotted her.

"Hi, can I help you?" she asked, her heels clacking against the hardwood floor.

"Yeah, I have an appointment for three o'clock." Victoria said.

"Okay, what's the name?" asked the woman, looking at her clipboard.

"Victoria Parker."

"Okay, great," said the woman. "I'm Caroline. Can I ask you a few questions before we get started?"

"Sure."

"When's the wedding?"

"October twenty-fifth."

"This October?"

"Yes."

"Okay," said Caroline, frowning slightly as she scribbled down a note. "And the groom's name?"

"Spencer Reid." Victoria replied. "Oh, that's R-E-I-D."

"Okay, great," said Caroline. "And who's with you today?"

"My mom, maid of honor, sister and bridesmaids."

"Fun stuff," said Caroline, smiling. "Do you know what styles you like?"

"Not a fan of mermaid, but I'm okay with fit and flare. Um… I like beading, lace, tulle… I like sleeves, but I'm really laid back." said Victoria, shrugging slightly.

"Okay, that's fine," Caroline replied. "Now, I will pull some styles off that fit that description, but you and your group are welcome to look around and whatever you pull I can put in the dressing room for you." Caroline led them to one end of the shop, where a large curtain sectioned off a mirrored dressing room. It also had pedestal in the middle of it. Victoria looked around with the others for a while before pulling out a few dresses. When she was ready, she waved to Caroline, who walked across to them. "Okay, you guys can have a seat and I'll help Victoria get ready." Victoria shot her friends a look before disappearing behind the curtain with Caroline. Victoria had dressed and undressed so much that day that she had lost any shyness she had. She stripped for Caroline, who helped her get into the first dress. It was heavily beaded and strapless. Caroline drew back the curtain as Victoria stepped onto the pedestal.

"Ooh," JJ said, eyeing the dress with gleaming eyes. "I like this one. I like it better than that one from the other shop."

"Yeah, but I don't know if it really screams Victoria, though." said Penelope, frowning.

"I agree. It's pretty, and you look fantastic in it, but you're… You're whimsical." said Tara.

Victoria laughed. "Whimsical?"

"Next?" Caroline guessed, smiling.

"Next." Victoria agreed. She went through the next few dresses. She really liked an all lace gown, but she still felt like she could keep looking. They were down to the last two dresses when Victoria tried on her favorite. The top was lace with quarter sleeves. The V-neckline ran toward her breasts but remained modest. The waist cinched in before flaring out into tulle. It wasn't too poufy or too fitted. It was whimsical. When Caroline pulled back the curtain, everyone gasped.

"Oh, V…" Penelope breathed.

"It looks really pretty with the belt," said Caroline, tying a grayish lavender belt around Victoria's waist. The front of the belt was adorned with beading, adding just the right amount of sparkle to the gown.

"I vote yes." JJ said.

"Yes!" Penelope squeaked.

"Hell yeah." said Tara, nodding.

"Mom? Alice?" Victoria turned to her family.

Gemma had tears in her eyes. "I wish Nana could be here."

Victoria's shoulders slumped and she nodded. "Me too."

Gemma wiped her eyes. "You look so beautiful. I could see you getting married in this."

Alice nodded. "No one will forget this dress."

"Do you think Spence would like it?" Victoria asked, looking down at it.

"Victoria, you could walk down the aisle in a paper bag, and Spence would still think you're beautiful." JJ assured her.

"Yeah, Reid doesn't care. But yes, I'm sure his jaw will drop when you walk down the aisle in this." said Penelope.

"It's very beautiful," agreed Tara.

Victoria beamed. "I think I'm done looking for wedding dresses."

The next several months passed with a flurry of activity. Victoria met with caterers, decorators, florists, bakers, venues and jewelers. When she wasn't hunting down some of the escaped serial killers, she was working on the wedding. She was exhausted, but while October approached, her excitement heightened. The wedding was only a month away when Penelope approached Victoria.

"I think you should do a boudoir shoot." she said.

Victoria blushed. "I've always wanted to do one." she admitted.

"Ugh, they're so much fun. And it's so sexy. You and Reid haven't dirtied the sheets yet, so just give him a photo album of your boudoir shoot and he'll need a really cold shower." said Penelope with a wink.

Victoria buried her face in her hands. "I don't know… Is that weird?"

JJ pulled up a chair. "It's not weird at all," she said. "You and Spence are about to know each other in a new, physical way. And it's a really sexy gift. But it's also personal. He'll love it."

"You should do it," said Tara, scooting her chair closer.

Victoria laughed. "Yeah, we don't look like we're conspiring anything at all."

"It'll make you feel amazing, too." said Penelope. "I know you struggle with that some."

Victoria's cheeks burned. "Yeah, but…"

"He's gonna see you naked eventually. And in lingerie, if he's lucky." said Penelope.

JJ snorted. "Sorry. My inner twelve year old has made an appearance."

"Okay, okay, okay! I'll do it!" Victoria caved.

"Do what?" Spencer asked, walking over with a mug of coffee.

Victoria, Tara and JJ pushed back with their chairs so that they rolled back to their desks in one, solid movement. Penelope yelped and scuttled to her office. Spencer watched her with a bewildered expression. He looked at Victoria with a raised brow. Victoria exaggerated her frown and shrugged. Spencer's eyebrows shot up, but the beginnings of a smile touched his lips.

"I cannot wait for your bachelorette party this weekend." JJ said.

Spencer sat at his desk and caught Victoria's eye. He grinned and smoothed down his tie. They resumed their work. Victoria bounced in her seat, remembering the weekend trip she had planned with her bridesmaids –a weekend getaway at Universal Studios. Spencer and his groomsmen were heading to New York City for the weekend. Victoria checked her phone when Penelope texted her.

Made you an appointment! A friend of mine does boudoir shoots. She's really fun!

Victoria glanced over at Spencer, who frowned as he focused on some paperwork. She bit her lip and texted Penelope back: Great, thank you! Um… Could you possibly go with me? I'm really nervous about this.

Sure thing, sweet cheeks! I think you'll have fun. I know u get self-conscious, but u really shouldn't.

Easier said than done.

I know, boo. But u sexy! And Reid thinks so too. The boudoir shoot helps u feel good about urself. It's not just for Reid, it for u, too!

Thank you, Pen. When's the appointment for?

Tonight at 7. That ok?

Yeah, I don't have anything planned. LMAO when do I ever?

We'll need to go by ur apartment for lingerie from ur lingerie shower a few weeks ago.

Okay, we can do that. I hid it from Spence.

Victoria leaned toward Spencer's desk. "I'm going over to Penelope's for a while tonight."

Spencer looked up and frowned. "Oh, okay."

Victoria pursed her lips, catching onto his disappointment. "You okay?"

"Yeah. I was just hoping that we could… Since we're both going out of town this weekend, I was thinking that we could hang out." Spencer said, shrugging slightly.

Victoria's heart sank. "I won't be at Penelope's too late. And we have tomorrow night."

Spencer brightened slightly. "Yeah. We can actually go out this time."

Victoria grinned. "Ooh, the romance." She turned back to her work, but her stomach kept flopping. Her nervousness for that night plagued her until the workday ended. When it did, she grabbed her things and hurried to meet Penelope. They scurried to Victoria's car. "We have to beat Spence home." Victoria said as they sped toward the apartment. She hopped out of the car and skipped the steps two at a time until she reached the door. She let herself in and hurried to the guest room closet, where she found a bag full of lingerie, which she hid from Spencer. She hurried out of the apartment and locked it. She then sprinted down the stairs, only to run smack into Spencer himself at the bottom.

"Victoria? What are you doing here? I thought you were going to Penelope's?" Spencer said, steadying Victoria as she wobbled from the impact.

"I, uh, had to grab something. But I gotta go. Love you, bye!" Victoria planted a hasty kiss on Spencer's lips, who blinked in bewilderment as Victoria raced out the door. She hopped into her car and sped off. "Where am I going?"

Spencer furrowed his brow, watching Victoria peel out of the apartment parking lot. He blinked and headed upstairs to the apartment. He entered it and hung his keys on the rack. He ran a hand through his hair and huffed. He crossed the living room to the bookshelf to grab one of the new books he had recently bought. He opened it, smiling at the crackling of the book's spine. He sat down and began to read. He finished the book after several minutes. His phone rang a few minutes after finishing the book. He smiled when he saw Derek's call sign.

"Hey," he greeted.

"Hey, man. What's up?" Derek said.

"Uh, not much. Just read a book while waiting for Victoria to get back from Penelope's."

"What's she doing at Penelope's?"

"I don't know," Spencer said, walking around. "She's being really secretive about it."

"Well, knowing Baby Girl, it's nothing too bad. Well…"

Spencer smirked. "Yeah, not helping."

"Wanna grab a bite to eat?"

Spencer grinned. "Sure."

They met at a Taco Bell. Spencer ordered and took a seat. Derek entered after a few moments. He ordered and joined Spencer. "So, I talked to Penelope," Derek said. He unwrapped his burrito.

"And?" Spencer asked, pausing before biting into his Dorito Taco.

"You don't need to worry about Parker. They're just watching a movie."

Spencer frowned, noticing the catch in Morgan's tone and the glimmer in his eyes. "You're lying."

Derek grinned. "Look, I promised I wouldn't tell. It has to do with the wedding."

Spencer shrugged. "Why didn't they just say that?"

"I don't know, man." Derek smirked. Spencer sighed.

"You're really not going to tell me?"

"My lips are sealed."

Spencer rolled his eyes, but grinned. "So, for New York, no strippers."

"Victoria won't let you?"

"No, I don't want any."

Derek's grin widened. "Don't worry, we can have fun without strippers."

October arrived, bringing with it cooler weather and golden leaves. Victoria rushed to tie up last details for the wedding before catching a flight to Florida with her bridesmaids for her bachelorette party. They checked into the Portofino Hotel on the campus of Universal Studios. Victoria wore a small backpack with money and a sweater. She and her bridesmaids spent the day riding rides. The next day, as part of a package deal for wedding parties, the girls were treated to a spa day. They danced at a bar on the City Walk. The next morning, they slept in and then returned to the amusement park. Night soon blanketed the park, but it remained open until later, so Victoria, JJ, Penelope and Tara stayed in the park. Alice and Savannah returned to the hotel for rest.

"Uh, I'm beat." JJ muttered, checking her watch. The time read ten o'clock. The park closed at ten-thirty.

"One more ride?" Tara suggested, gesturing to the Dragon Challenge ride. The rollercoaster looped and dropped and rolled, and Victoria loved it.

"Yes!" Victoria cried.

"Hell yeah!" Penelope high-fived Victoria, though she seemed exhausted. Victoria's own feet ached to the very bones, but she wanted to enjoy one last ride. They rushed through the line, where Victoria jumped into the front row line. They boarded the next cart. Victoria buckled herself in.

"Oh, Victoria is extra safe, she's got two buckles." Tara said.

Victoria looked at her harness. "Actually, I'm wondering what's wrong with this one that I need two."

Tara laughed. Victoria clenched the handles at the cart accelerated up the track and then down the first drop. Her stomach swooped and she screamed as the ride flipped upside down, plastering her to the seat. Her stomach lurched as the cart barrel-rolled. Too soon, the ride was over.

"I could use some wine." JJ said.

"Mhm. And pizza." Tara agreed.

"I could use a shower and a ten year nap." Victoria muttered.

Tara snorted. "That's quite a long nap."

"Yeah, I'll miss my wedding but at least I'll be refreshed." Victoria joked. Penelope giggled and threw her arm around Victoria's shoulders.

"I love you, V. And I'm so happy that you and Reid are getting married. You guys totally deserve this." she said.

JJ looked over her shoulder. "Yeah. Spence has gone through so much. I'm ready to see him happy."

"Victoria's been through some shit." said Penelope. "But yeah, Boy Wonder's definitely had some terrible ordeals."

Victoria glanced at her shoes. "Hopefully I've helped with the bad stuff he's been through."

"You have," JJ said, slowing to match Victoria's pace, "He's really happy with you. It'll take a lot of work, especially with our job, but the two of you will be one of those couples who grow old together."

"And you'll need each other, especially because of our job." added Tara.

"I'm glad that we're a family," said Penelope, her eyes twinkling, "otherwise it would make what we do so much harder."

"Amen to that." said JJ.

"Well, enough with the heavy stuff. Let's go watch a chick flick." Penelope sang.

"After I shower," Victoria protested. "I smell like a New Orleans storm drain."

JJ and Tara laughed while Penelope wrinkled her nose and feigned vomiting. They walked to their hotel. Victoria took a shower and dressed in her pajamas before slipping into JJ, Tara and Savannah's room, where Penelope and Alice waited, too. Penelope was sprawled on one of the beds, her feet swinging while she laid on her stomach and looked at her phone.

"Oh Lord," Penelope laughed, "Derek posted stuff on Snapchat."

Victoria jumped onto the bed beside her and looked at the phone. The others gathered around while Penelope played Derek's Snapchat story.

The first was just a picture of Spencer, Derek, David, Aaron and Brett. Victoria smiled at the wide grin on Spencer's face. The Times Square glowed in the background. The next several pictures showed Spencer at the Natural History Museum. The captions read: Pretty Boy nerding out, Pretty Boy in his natural habitat, Look at this geek. Spencer stood in front of a large dinosaur fossil exhibit. His jaw hung open as he spread his arms. The femur of the dinosaur was larger than Spencer. The next Snap was a video.

The camera panned upward to reveal a marquee sign: The Book of Mormon. Derek turned the camera to himself. "Broadway, hell yeah!"

The next video showed the men all at dinner. Brett caught sight of the camera and exaggerated a wink as Spencer rambled in the background. The next few videos panned around a club. Victoria's lips spread with a smile with each video, watching Spencer drink and dance.

The last video showed Spencer slurring some fact about bars in New York City. "Pretty Boy, you got a message for your Pretty Girl?" Derek asked.

A lazy grin stretched Spencer's cheeks. "Can't wait to marry you!"

The camera showed Derek's face. "We'll see you soon, Pretty Girl!"

"Aww," JJ cooed.

A knock sounded on the hotel door. "I've got it!" Savannah chirped, jumping off the bed. She answered the door, and room service entered with a large pepperoni pizza and two bottles of Moscato. The girls gnawed on pizza and sipped wine while watching "Bridesmaids." Victoria looked around at her friends, her family, and her heart swelled.

Spencer entered his apartment, feeling tired but still smiling. He hung up his keys and shut the door. He stumbled back when a body flung itself at him. His arms wrapped around Victoria and a smile spread across his face. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and closed his eyes. "Hey."

"Hey," Victoria replied, her face nestled against his chest. "I missed you."

"I missed you, too." Spencer withdrew, a soft smile touching his lips. Victoria looked up at him, her eyes twinkling. Spencer's eyes brushed her features.

"I'm not allowed to stay here tomorrow night." Victoria said.

Spencer frowned. "Why not?"

"You're not supposed to see the bride before the wedding, silly." Victoria smirked.

Spencer rolled his eyes. "Are we really going to stick with all those traditions? You know it's just a superstition, right?"

"And I'm not taking any risks," Victoria retorted. "It's not about the superstition, I just want the moment where I first walk down the aisle and we look at each other. It's stupid, but I've always wanted that for my wedding."

Spencer shook his head but smiled. "Fine. But I get you tonight and tomorrow."

"I'm all yours." Victoria agreed.

"Good. Let's find a documentary to watch." Spencer kissed her cheek.

"Do you like how sexy I got for you?" Victoria said, dropping into a lunge. Spencer laughed at her. She wore an oversized T-shirt and a pair of shorts. A long pair of socks stretched up her shins.

"You're always sexy," Spencer said, leaning to kiss her cheek. "And is that my shirt?"

Victoria looked down at herself. "Maybe."

The apples of Spencer's cheeks popped as he suppressed a smile. "You look good in it. I think I'll join you." He rolled his suitcase into the bedroom and changed into pajamas. He heard Victoria rummaging in the kitchen. The smell of cocoa wafted to the bedroom while Spencer unpacked his things quickly. He then entered the living room and turned on Netflix, where he searched for a documentary. By the time he found one, Victoria shuffled into the room, carrying two mugs of cocoa. Spencer smiled at her as he hit play. He joined her on the couch and accepted the mug she offered him. Victoria stretched her feet into Spencer's lap while they watched. Spencer rested a hand on her leg and leaned back, a contented sigh escaping his lips.

The next day, they lounged in bed until lunch, drinking coffee and reading. Spencer read to Victoria while she painted. However, after lunch, they rushed to get ready for their dress rehearsal. Spencer dressed in a pair of dark brown pants and a light blue shirt. He tucked his shirt in and put on a navy tie. He paused in his measuring of the tie when Victoria graced the room. She wore a light sage dress. Her straight hair framed her face as she approached him.

"Need help?" she asked. Spencer turned toward her. She tied his tie for him, and for once, it was straight. He met her gaze.

He pulled her closer to him, his hands resting on her hips. "Thank you."

Victoria tugged on his collar and pulled him downward in a kiss. Spencer parted his lips to deepen it, and let out a breath when he felt Victoria's tongue trace his bottom lip. He slid his mouth against hers and explore her mouth, feeling her teeth scrape against his tongue. Her hands slid down his chest to his waistband. Spencer exhaled, feeling heat gather in between his legs. He broke off the kiss. "We should stop."

"Why?" Victoria pouted.

Spencer breathed a laugh. "Because if you keep going, I won't be able to control myself."

Victoria tilted her head up at him. "Maybe I don't want you to control yourself."

Spencer grabbed her hands. "We have the rehearsal dinner," he reminded her, "and we'll be married tomorrow. We've waited this long. We can wait one more night."

Victoria sighed. "I hate it when you're right. Which is ninety-nine percent of the time because you know everything."

"I don't know everything."

"You know a lot."

"Yeah."

"Nearly everything."

"Impossible."

"Nothing's impossible."

Spencer laughed. "You're right. You're impossible."

Victoria gaped at him. "Is that meant to insult me?"

Spencer shook his head. "Of course not. I love you."

"I love you, too."

"We should go." Spencer sighed. He took her hand and led her out of the apartment. They drove to the venue, the Glasgow Farm in Fredericksburg. It was a forty minute drive, but when they arrived, it was well worth it. They spent the late afternoon decorating with the wedding party. When the pastor arrived, a family friend of Victoria's, they ran through the ceremony. Spencer doubled over with laughter when Victoria and Hotch rolled down the aisle on Razor scooters.

"Wait, she needs a bouquet!" called Penelope, interrupting the ceremony. The pastor, Brandon Olden, smiled pleasantly while Alice handed Victoria a few dandelions.

"There ya go, I got ya fam." Alice winked and then backed into her place.

Victoria giggled. Mr. Olden put his hands on Victoria and Spencer. "I'm not going to say everything that I would at the wedding, because I want it to be a bit of a surprise. So we'll just pretend that I'm marrying you right now, might I say that you look lovely this evening, Victoria?"

"Why, thank you." Victoria said.

"Shhh, don't talk," Mr. Olden winked. "And… You guys are hubby and wife. Is that what the kids call it?" A few people laughed. Mr. Olden smiled. "You may kiss your fiancée."

"Show 'em who's boss, Reid." said Derek.

Spencer grabbed Victoria and dipped her, where he planted a firm kiss on her lips. Everyone cheered, and Spencer stood, pulling Victoria close. Penelope started playing "Clique" by Kanye West on her phone as everyone trailed back up the aisle. As they left the barn and headed for their cars, Victoria, Penelope and JJ linked arms.

"Ain't nobody fuckin' with my clique!" Penelope sang.

"The children, Pen!" Victoria giggled.

"Oh, right." Penelope paused her music. "My bad."

"It's okay, they're out of earshot." JJ muttered.

"All right, we'll meet Ristorante Renato." Rossi said.

"See you guys there!" Victoria called. Spencer hopped into the front seat. They waited while everyone else backed out of the venue and headed for the restaurant. Victoria looked at him, her brow furrowed. "Are we going?"

Spencer leaned toward and cupped her neck. He kissed her deeply before breaking off to rest his forehead against hers. "I love you."

"I love you, too," Victoria said. Spencer could hear the smile in her voice. "Now can we go? I'm about to gnaw my own arm off."

Spencer chuckled and buckled his seatbelt. "Well, I wouldn't want you to do that." He drove to the restaurant, which was reserved just for their rehearsal dinner. When they entered, several people cheered. Spencer laced his fingers with Victoria's, grinning.

"Guess who's here?" squealed Penelope. She waved wildly and Emily Prentiss walked forward, grinning.

Spencer's jaw dropped into an open-mouthed grin. He let go of Victoria's hands to embrace Emily. She laughed. "Congratulations!" she cried. She turned to Victoria and the two hugged. "Thank you for inviting me to the rehearsal dinner."

"No problem!" Victoria said, waving Emily off. "We want the people we love here." Spencer and Victoria rounded through the crowd, hugging family and friends alike. He shook hands with his father but did not stay for a long chat with him. He gasped when he caught sight of Alex Blake.

She smiled and embraced him gently. "Hey, Spencer."

"Alex, it's so good to see you!" Spencer said, grinning. "I didn't know you were going to be here."

"Victoria invited me," said Alex, her eyes sparkling, "and I couldn't not come. I've missed you guys. I really miss crossword puzzles with you."

Spencer's grin softened. "Yeah, I miss it too. I miss you."

"I miss you, too." Alex waved at Victoria, who chatted with JJ, Emily and Penelope. Victoria left them to join Spencer.

"Hey, Alex," Victoria greeted warmly, embracing the former BAU agent.

"Victoria, you look beautiful," Alex said, looking Victoria up and down.

"Thank you," Victoria replied. "How have you been?"

"I've been great," Alex said. "James and I have been travelling a lot. I teach when we're not doing that."

"That sounds amazing," Victoria said.

"Where have you been?" Spencer agreed.

"Oh, London, Paris –which was my favorite –Madrid… Spencer, you would love it, there's so much history in Europe." Alex said. Spencer nodded enthusiastically.

"My mom's always wanted to go to Paris."

"If I may have everyone's attention," said Rossi into a microphone. Spencer and Victoria turned. Alex patted Spencer's back before turning her attention to Rossi. The room fell silent. "The maid of honor and the best man both asked me to give my speech tonight, since they're saving theirs for tomorrow. So, here it goes. I've known these two kiddos for a long time now. I've known Spencer longer than Victoria. And let me say, the kid's come a long way," Rossi paused to chuckle along with the rest of the BAU team. Spencer felt his cheeks redden. "I promise I won't embarrass you guys too much," Rossi added. "But I was once at a talk with Spencer at a university, where he told a room full of college students an existentialism joke. He's the only one who laughed, and I stared at him like he'd grown a third eye." Rossi grinned.

"It was a good joke." Spencer called.

Rossi rolled his eyes. "No, it wasn't."

"It was." Spencer muttered to Victoria. She patted his wrist comfortingly.

"Anyway, Spencer's grown into a remarkable young man, not that he ever wasn't, but he's really grown since then. I've seen the kid go through hell and back a couple of times, and he's always come back stronger," Rossi paused to look at the whiskey glass in his hand. He cleared his throat. "And this young lady has been with him for a few of those trips. When she first joined, she was the enemy. Working for the higher-ups who thought we were a rogue team that needed babysitting. But she slipped past our defenses and joined our family before we could even call her a dork," Rossi smiled as Victoria laughed. "I've watched her blossom into one hell of a woman, and I could not be prouder. I am honored that I have been able to partake in the journey of their love. I will forever be grateful that I got to watch them fall in love, and I can say, with a hundred percent certainty, that these two will love each other forever. To Spencer and Victoria," Rossi raised his glass, the rest of the room following suit, "for a lifetime of happiness and love, congratulations."

The room chorused with congratulatory wishes and cheers. Spencer looked at his fiancée, a soft smile toying with his lips. Victoria returned it, and he leaned down to kiss her as his fiancée for one last time.

Sorry if this was kind of a blah chapter. If you guys want to see what their venue looks like, I suggest Googling the Glasgow Farm wedding in Fredericksburg, VA. It's really pretty! Next chapter is the wedding, and then I will start with Season 12! I hope to update at least once to every other week, depending on school and my other fanfics. I'm doing a lot of episodes from 12, so it'll finish before I even get to the Reid arc, which is good, because I have to find a way to squeeze Victoria into it. Anyway, let me know what you thought of this chapter with a review! Thank you!