Disclaimer: see my profile
A/n this is a series of "snapshots," into the lives of Remax and their family. The timeframe will jump around so don't be surprised. I hope you enjoy them. This is set after the end of the series. Stay safe and remember the upheaval to our lives is temporary.
The day began with mists of gold and pink in the sky, and the sounds of birds calling one another from high atop the shifting trees. A lightly perfumed breeze drifted into the open window and across the face of a young girl sleeping deep on a sofa near a stone fireplace.
Maxine Brenner Reid, or Max for short, entered the living area and smiled down at her three-year-old daughter. The child, a perfect copy of her father, save for the shape of her mouth and ears, lay wrapped in an antique patchwork quilt. The vintage item, a gift from her favorite Aunty Penelope, was her most prized possession.
"I see she's still sleeping," said a quiet voice to her right.
"Yes, let's go outside, where we won't wake her."
"Good idea."
They went out to the back porch, and as always, Max breathed out a happy sigh. A lake ringed with elms, and fragrant pines met their eyes as they took a seat in the wooden porch swing. The June breeze that perfumed the inside of the cabin intensified, and she closed her eyes.
"I love the silence here," she said as Spencer wrapped an arm around her.
"Me too." He agreed happily.
"When you said you wanted to buy this place, I thought you were nuts, but you were right."
"Wait," Spencer attempted to rise. "I want to get my cellphone and record your last statement."
Max pulled him down. "Oh, stop it."
"What? You said I was right."
"Ha," Max rolled her eyes and then shook her head. "You're a funny man, Spencer Reid."
He frowned and placed a hand on her abdomen. "I only thought to preserve the evidence of your admission."
"Watch it, or you'll sleep on the couch tonight."
"Why is Cassie sleeping there instead of in her bed?"
Max shrugged and glanced back at the cabin. "She said it's too hot."
"I think she likes to do the exact opposite of what she's told," Spencer observed.
"You're just now realizing that," Max inquired. "Where have you been for the last three years?"
Spencer grinned, then sighed. "You're right. I wonder where she picked up that personality trait."
"Hm," Max pretended to think about it. "Certainly not from my side of the family."
"Are you accusing me of contrariness," Spencer asked, and surprise colored his face.
"Yes."
"Why? When have I exhibited divergent behavior?"
Max pursed her lips and then smirked up at him. "There are too many examples to count, my love. All I have to do is speak with Penelope, or JJ, or – "
Spencer reached across and put a hand over her mouth. "I get it," he said irritably. "I fail to see why using my judgment is considered inappropriate."
"It is when you find trouble."
"I think you've been talking to Morgan again," Spencer accused.
"Yes," she said with a grin. "Remember Cassie's birthday call."
Spencer narrowed his eyes. "I knew you were talking about me."
"You were right," Max commented.
Spencer blew out a breath and gave up. "Alright. I will admit you have a point, but only because we're enjoying a beautiful sunrise and because of our recent good news."
Max squeezed his hand on her abdomen. "Yeah, I'm beyond happy, Spencer."
"Me too," he leaned down to kiss her.
"Daddy," called out a voice as Cassie pushed open the screen door.
Max smirked at Spencer. "You sure you want to do this again?"
"Yes."
Cassie tried to climb into Spencer's lap. "Hey, my little angel," he greeted and lifted her for a kiss. "I love you."
"I love mommy and daddy," she said as Max smoothed her golden-brown hair.
Max grinned at Spencer when Cassie reached over and flung her arms around her mother's neck and caused him to shift quickly in his seat.
"Hey, princess."
"I hungry, want cocoa puffs."
"I should've seen that coming," Spencer said. "I'll take her in, and you enjoy the fresh air."
"Thanks, babe."
Max watched them go inside the new family vacation home. "Hey," she called as the door slammed behind them. "Make sure she has a banana or apple slices, Spencer."
"Yes, ma'am," he responded, and she laughed at the salute in his voice.
"Can't wait to meet you," she said as one hand caressed her belly. "You're going to have the best daddy in the world.
Max returned her gaze to the lake in the early morning light. A lone chipmunk leaped onto the railing of the porch and stared at her in curiosity. Then, quick as a wink, it followed the split log to the opposite end and completed an impressive jump to a window. It stuffed its cheeks full of oatmeal Spencer had helped Cassie spread on the sills of the cabin.
"Hey there," Max greeted.
The tiny animal looked at her again, twitched its nose, and ran off. Max chuckled and thought what Cassie's reaction would be to see it.
"Hey," Max glanced up to see her husband in the doorway. "You want something to eat."
"Yeah, thank god the morning sickness is under control. I'd love some pancakes."
"I thought you'd say that. Come on before Cassie tries to stir the batter."
Max stood and, after a last look at the beautiful view behind her, followed Spencer inside. Adventures awaited them in the next two weeks, but for now, she'd settle for the smiling faces of her family.