Why am I trying to edit this at three a.m.? Because the dog woke me up and I can't back to sleep.
Chapter Twenty-Three:
Calvin was used to wearing wigs when she didn't want attention. She took the train to DC. Her heart was beating a mile a minute. Wearing a simple blue dress (nothing like the evening gown Reid painted her in), she was ready to see Reid. It promised to be an interesting afternoon.
She kept the wig on and signed in as "Dorothy Fuldheim." A care assistant escorted her to Reid's floor. The therapist, Jane Bennet met her at the elevator.
"The wedding begins at two and you're welcome to stay until five," she said. "They sent cake and sparkling cider."
"How is he today?" Calvin asked.
"Nervous, but in good spirits," Bennet said. "I trust you've read the instructions we emailed you?"
"Yes," she said.
"Then have a good time," Bennet said.
She knocked on Reid's door.
Reid appeared in a gray suit with a white shirt and blue tie.
"You look handsome," she said.
"You look nice," he said nervously.
He stepped out of the way and Calvin saw his room was decorated with posters from sci-fi shows along with a few personal photos.
"Nice place," she said.
"Psychiatric facilities have come a long way," he said quickly.
"Spencer," she said. "Breathe."
"I haven't been on a date in over five years," he said. "The last person I kissed was Lowell Morton. I'm scared out of my mind."
"Don't be," she said. "We're just two friends watching your boss get married. It should be fun."
"Okay," he said. "The wedding is going to be live-streamed here."
They went to the table where a screen was set up and sat down. People were just beginning to come in. Calvin recognized some of Reid's coworkers.
"Beautiful venue," she said.
"I agree," he said.
"What color are the bridesmaid's dresses?"
"Mint-green."
Calvin made a face and Reid tried to laugh.
"It's a soothing color," he said.
"Not my choice for bridesmaid's dresses."
"What were yours?"
"What?" she said.
"Garcia dug into your past," he said. "It seemed only fair as you know everything about me, I should know something about you."
She smiled. "You're right. Mine were a pale shade of pink. I figured the girls could use them for Easter dresses in the future."
"Did they?" he asked.
She laughed. "No. One girl, several years later, cut it up, bedazzled it, and made a princess dress out of it for her daughter."
"Well, at least it was being used and not kept in a closet," he said.
"It turned out to be really cute."
"The ceremony is starting," Reid said.
The bridesmaids came down as well as the groomsmen. The dresses, while cut nicely, were an ugly color. Calvin recognized most of the team as being part of the ceremony. They truly were a family.
Rossi walked Prentiss down the aisle. Prentiss was beaming and smiled into the camera. She seemed to wink at Reid.
"Oh Spencer," Calvin said. "She is stunning."
"I know," he said.
Prentiss held Mendoza's hand.
"No holds this time," she said.
"Nope," Mendoza said with a smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today the celebrate the love of Emily and Andrew. They both made great sacrifices to be here and overcame many obstacles. Let us celebrate and give thanks."
Prentiss and Mendoza couldn't not stop smiling at each other throughout the ceremony. They truly were in love.
"Andrew, you are a prince among men," she said. "I live for your love. You make me a better person every day. Your undying patience has been a blessing. You are my world. I cannot wait to be called your wife."
"Emily, my world revolves around you. I would wait a million years to call you my wife. Our love was written in the stars. The future is ours, my love. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you in my arms as my wife."
Calvin cautiously put her hand out and a few seconds later, Reid touched it. His hand shook at first, but then it relaxed. He slowly picked at her fingers until their hands were woven together. They remained together for a long time.
"I now pronounce you, husband and wife."
The room exploded in cheers as they descended down the aisle.
Calvin carefully took Reid's hand and kissed it. He took hers and kissed it back shakily. Then he smiled.
"I think I'm falling for you, Gwen Calvin," he said.
"I'm a so glad, Spencer Reid."
His head jolted back and his breathing quickened. Reid then took deep breaths.
"You okay?"
"Yeah," Reid said. "I won't let him have this. I won't let Uris destroy my happiness. He is dead and I am alive to enjoy life without him."
"You are stronger than him Spencer," she said. "You are fighting back and winning."
"I know," he said. "I know I can do this. I can live. I can love."
Suddenly, he kissed her on the lips. Calvin forgot to breath. It was deep and intense.
He let go just as suddenly.
"I wanted to see if I could feel something with a woman," he said. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," she said. "That was pretty good."
"Really?" he asked anxiously.
She laughed.
"Really," she said.
"I promise our next kiss will be more romantic, if there is one," he said. "I just wanted to know how it felt to kiss a woman again and I'm sorry if you feel used."
"Spencer," she said. "I'm not complaining. I understand why you did what you did. I feel lucky to be here for you. How do you feel after the kiss?"
"Embarrassed," he said.
"During?" she asked.
"Like my world was spinning," he said. "It was incredible."
"I'm glad I've still got it then," she said with a smile.
"When was your last kiss?" he asked.
"About for years ago. I haven't had time for dating. I also don't like the pressure of the media surrounding me."
"Did you mean what you said in your letter?" he asked. "Are you really ready to give up PAX for me?"
She nodded.
"Since I hit the big four-oh, I have been thinking about my legacy. I've got a few Emmys, Peabody, and a Morrow award. I have thought about aiming for network evening news, but I don't think that's in the cards for me. I am satisfied with where my career has taken me. I'm ready for a change."
"I don't know what's waiting for me, but I think I like the idea of a future with you," he said.
"That's great," she said.
"Let's open sparkling cider and celebrate as they toast," he said.
"We'll toast too," she said.
"To new beginnings?" he said with a nervous smile.
"To new beginnings," she said with a smile.
Reid's smile broadened.