A/N

Thank you, Hannah .grahamlecter, for your hard work and dedication. You've done a remarkable job as Beta-reader on this and I am extremely grateful. Now that you're finished checking the rest of the chapters, I'm the one catching up!

If you care to leave comments, reviews, or constructive critiques, I'm gracious about it (I promise). I know not everyone will enjoy this story. And there are always better ways to say something, and there are parts of the story that could (and should) be cut out. I get that, but how will I know if the readers don't tell me?

I appreciate those who have given me so much praise, ideas, and constructive reviews. Scoofuls, Szzlebtch, ElleAtGW, knothead, DragonGecko18, LolaD, Bethany, Kelly, IDGAF, and several other guests. I'm sure I've forgotten someone (and am sorry for that).

To all, as always, please enjoy the story.

G-Girl

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Chapter 59 - A Tale of Two Thors

After lunch, the group stood by the pop-up, discussing plans for the rest of the day. Susan saw Andy's brother, Kris walking down the beach, from the direction of the boardwalk; shirtless, shoeless, wearing only bright blue board shorts slung low on his hips. Other people on the beach turned to watch him as he walked by, especially the women. Since Andy was facing south, he hadn't seen Kris. Yet. Kris lived near Dewey Beach, so Andy was no doubt keeping an eye out for his brother. At 6'5, Kristoffer Eriksson was two inches taller than his youngest brother and outweighed him by 30 to 35 pounds, yet there wasn't an ounce of excess fat on his chiseled, tanned body. His blonde hair, bleached lighter by the sun, was long and wind-swept, brushing over his broad shoulders.

And his walk turned to a jog.

Susan pressed her lips together, trying not to smile. She knew what was going to happen because the same thing happened over the 4th of July weekend for the last three years. When the Eriksson brothers got together, it was like watching giants from Norse mythology wrestling. If Andy looked like Thor with short hair, Kris looked like The Mighty Thor with the long hair. Ladies were drawn to him like moths to a flame, and he did nothing to discourage them. Yet there was one thing most people didn't know about Kris. Like Andy, he was extremely intelligent. Andy had his degree in Public Accounting. Kris; in Structural Engineering.

She caught Lizette's attention and gestured with a tilt of her head in Kris' direction, so she could see what Andy didn't; a 230-pound muscle-bound locomotive in the shape of his older brother, now running straight for him. Spencer saw him out of his peripheral vision, not knowing who he was. His right hand instinctively went for his gun, which he didn't have on him.

Andy noticed the stricken look on Spencer's face and turned in time to see his brother still at least eighty feet away, giving him precious time to run in the opposite direction. He headed for the surf. Getting pummeled by a locomotive doesn't hurt as much when it's done in water. Emily gasped, her eyes wide, as Andy ran past her, missing her by mere inches, causing Kris to change direction.

Right before Kris reached his brother—who had changed direction yet again—he crouched low and as he hauled Andy over his shoulder, bellowed; a roar heard over the sound of the waves. The rest of the group, as well as everyone in earshot, merely stared, frozen in place. Kris chortled maniacally, bounding through the foamy surf, carrying his brother as easily as one might carry a bag of flour, and tossed him in the ocean. They wrestled, one lifting the other up and slamming him down into the waves. After a few more minutes, Kris had Andy in a loose headlock, hauling him back up the beach. Susan noticed most of the women were staring, mouths open, practically drooling over the sight of the two men.

Spencer stood next to Aaron and Morgan, grinning. "And here I thought Andy was a big guy."

Now freed from his brother's grip and rubbing his neck, Andy introduced his brother to the group. Several of the ladies were standing around Kris, feeling his biceps, touching his eight-pack abs, commenting on his resemblance to the actor who portrayed the Mythical Norse god in the action movies.

Poking Morgan in the ribs with his elbow, Spencer gleefully inquired, "Feeling insecure yet? Look." He gestured with his thumb. "The only women not fawning over the guy are my wife and Lizette." He went over to Susan, wrapping her in his arms. "It's funny; I'm not feeling inadequate… at all. I can't say the same for the rest of the guys, though. Well, not Andy." He kissed her, and she trembled as her arms slid around his waist.

"I've got you. Why would any other man turn my head?"

"Spence, I know my brother-in-law, trust me; I got the better man. Kris is a good guy, but he's a ladies' man." Lizette saw Andy looking over at her, grinning. Holding Tiana, she winked and blew him a kiss.

"Well, I need to talk to him," Susan added. Spencer raised his eyebrows. She laughed, pointing to the deck by the side of the house. "Let me rephrase that. I need to have a discussion with him about putting up a gate on the deck. People come up from the beach and use the bathroom and showers. Part of his job when he's out here is the maintenance and repairs on the house."

He whispered in her ear, making her laugh, and she replied quietly, "You're the only one who gets that job, Love."

After Susan told Kris what she needed, he said his goodbyes, hugging Andy, lifting him off the ground. He set Andy down and picked up Tiana, lifting her high, then smooched her neck, making her giggle, and hugged Lizette after handing the baby to his brother. He waved to the rest of the group, pointing to Andy, promising to visit him in town soon as he continued down the beach, heading back to his house.

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That evening, after dinner, the group sat around the fire ring, talking, and Emily brought up Spencer's upcoming required month off.

"Spence, your next review is coming up soon. I can probably get that 30-day condition lifted."

He shook his head, smiling. "What if I snap? No… we'd better play it safe and leave it as is... for, I don't know, a couple more years? I'm used to it, and besides that, it's perfect timing with Susan's due date in December. Wouldn't it be great if everyone on the team could take 30 days off every few months?"

"Okay, if you feel that strongly about it. You know, that sounds like a great idea. With us training other agents, perhaps the team members could cycle off for a month and spend time with their families. Hmm. Let me look into that and talk with the higher-ups and see what they think. It seems to have made you happier. Any plans for your month off?"

"Besides getting ready for the baby…" Spencer looked down at Susan. "Do they know?" She shook her head, murmuring sleepily, snuggling against him. To the group, he revealed, "We're going to New York for a few days. Andre wants to do another print in the Dancer series, of Susan... and me." He pursed his lips, trying not to grin.

There were gasps from the group. Garcia's eyes widened. "Are you telling us you're going to pose nude?"

He shook his head. "Oh, God no, but Susan will be. Tastefully, of course, so Andre says. I told him I'm not taking my clothes off. That wouldn't reflect well on the Justice Department."

Susan whispered, "Chicken."

Emily heard it and laughed. "Chicken? So how is Andre planning to pose the two of you? You said tastefully?"

"Yeah. He has some ideas but said he'll have it figured out by the time we get there. There is something I wanted to talk to you about. I had an idea about doing talks, like pre-recruitment events at the local high schools, to start. Susan's nephews were so excited to talk to me about working for the FBI. I thought it might be a good idea. I certainly wouldn't share the more gruesome aspects of the job. By the time these kids get to college, quite a few who are interested in going to the Academy have arrest records for minor drug offenses and don't pass the entrance requirements. What do you think?"

"I think you're onto something. Could you come up with a presentation aimed at middle school and elementary school students, as well? And maybe a mentor-type program? Those who stay inspired to join the FBI are more inclined to stay out of trouble. I'll take that to the brass. Good thinking."

"Thanks." He looked down at his wife. " We're going in. Susan's tired, and it's getting late. I know everyone needs to start packing and head out in the morning, after breakfast. Make sure and put the fire out? Oh, there will be a gallery show, probably late October or early November, and Andre said we're all invited. And any plus-ones, of course." He got up and helped Susan up. "From what she told me of the last show, there will be quite a few celebrities and other notables from the art world there."

"Perhaps I can get one of the other teams to cover, so we can all go up to New York for it."

"Thanks, Emily. Andre will let us know the date. We could make a weekend of it, maybe even do some sightseeing? With all the cases we've had in New York, I've never seen the city as a tourist. There are a few museums and a few other places I'd like to visit. Something to think about. Right? Goodnight all!"

"Mm-hmm." Susan yawned and waggled her fingers. "G'night."

As they went up the back staircase, the rest of the group remained around the fire ring, talking.

Spencer closed the door to the bedroom and locked it. He turned around, expecting to find Susan crawling onto the bed, halfway to dreamland. Instead, she had taken her top off with a hungry look in her eyes, standing near the bed.

"I thought you were tired?"

"I got my second wind going up those stairs. Want you, need you." She smiled seductively, holding her hands out to him.

Grinning, he raised his eyebrow. "Well, then..." He kissed her, holding her, moving back to the bed. "Matt gave me some advice for dealing with a pregnant wife. Never tell her no."

"That's wise advice." She sat down and kicked her sandals off. Laying back on her elbows, she planted her bare feet on his shirt. "Would you please help me take these shorts off?"

He wet his lips and winked. "Gladly…"

After breakfast Monday morning, while the group was busy packing and cleaning up, Susan asked if everyone would bring the sheets, blankets, and towels down to the garage. "Stella, a lady who lives here in town comes in, washes all the linens and towels, and gives the house a deep cleaning."

While Susan finished packing, Spencer went from room to room picking up blankets, leaving them on top of the sheets by the washer. Jack, Henry, and Michael helped him, making a game of it.

JJ and Will looked happy, talking quietly between themselves and kissing as Susan brought the suitcase out of the bedroom. She saw the pair across the landing. Will took their suitcases downstairs while JJ carried Susan's.

"It's the least I can do, for you."

"Aww, thanks." Susan checked the room to make sure nothing was left behind, then went out to the deck to find Andy walking down from the sundeck with a trash bag in his hand from the bathroom.

"All the towels are in a basket by the washer, and everything's put away. Lizzy's locking up the sheds, and this is the last of the trash."

"Thanks, Andy. I appreciate it."

"Thank you… for the vacation. As always, we had a great time. I need to pick up some of those grill sheets, for the grill at home."

"And… as always, thank you for manning the grill here. On the back seat of your truck, you'll find a bag of those… for you. I figured you'd like them. Oh, and take the leftover briquettes."

"Sure. Thanks! Oh, Kris said he'd get that gate done this week and send the bill to Stan. He'll get a lock for the gate and will make sure to give the keys to Stella. She'll be by later to clean and bring the trash and recyclable bins back up to the house. From what I've seen, there won't be much for her to do. This group is… tidier than the rec center crowd."

"It's called forensic countermeasures, my friend. Didn't you know FBI agents leave absolutely nothing behind?" Her eyes widened, and she whispered, "No evidence," then her voice returned to normal. "When we have our get-togethers at the house, the kitchen and backyard are always cleaner than before they come over. They're an awesome bunch."

"Yep, definitely."

Emily walked up behind them. "Thanks. We're pretty fond of you guys, too. Again, Susan, thank you, for the weekend. It's been fun and relaxing. I can certainly tell a change in Spencer. And he's been more focused at work." Emily held her thumb and forefinger a quarter of an inch apart. "Laser-focused."

"Thanks. And that makes me happy too."

"Mm-hmm. I've noticed the two of you sneaking off to your room. You know it's okay, being married, but still… it's sweet."

"Busted," Susan squeaked. "But then Spencer said you're a great profiler." She grinned. "He doesn't like our sex life being used as fodder for jokes. He's a bit... sensitive about that."

"But that's what we do with each other. Lately, he's been holding his own at the office with witty comebacks."

"Hmm. Confidence is sexy in a man."

"Aaaand, with that, ladies, I'm gonna go see if Lizzy needs me." Andy grinned and held his index finger up. "Confidently, of course". He laughed, heading down the back staircase.

Susan turned back to Emily. "When Spencer goes to work, I ask him to focus on the case, catch the unsub and come home safe. Not making him feel guilty for doing his job helps. I know what I signed up for."

"He told me that. Over the years, I've seen friends trying to deal with intolerant spouses and the relationship problems it causes while working cases. That never yields positive results for either."

"That's how I see it. When he's home, he focuses on me... and the bump." Susan ran her fingers over her belly. "Psychologically, women are more adept at juggling different aspects of their lives. Men do better focusing on one… maybe two things at a time."

"I get it. I see why you and Spence are such a good fit."

"Thanks, Emily. I can say the same with you and Aaron." They went down the stairs and joined the rest of the group in the dining area.

Spencer smiled and slipped his arm around Susan's back. "Everything's put away outside. All the trash and recyclables are in the bins which have been taken to the curb at the end of the driveway. The blankets, towels, and sheets are in baskets by the washer."

"Awesome. Thanks, Love. Thank you, all. I know Stella will appreciate it when she comes by to… finish up. Oh, wait! We still have all the leftover food in the fridge we have to deal with."

Several people held bags up, and Spencer told her, "We left the ice. Everything else has been wrapped up and distributed."

"Well, then, we're done. Time to hit the road?" There was a round of hugs, as Aaron announced that he and Emily were buying a home together, so the next get-together was being planned as a housewarming party.

Emily announced, "BAU team, I'll see you all tomorrow morning. Be safe on the drive home!"

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Susan woke up as Spencer parked in the garage. "Mmm, that was a nice nap, Love. I tried keeping my eyes open."

"Honey, you were asleep by the time I turned onto Highway 1. So, I listened to your Hamilton CD on the way home. Interesting music. Tomorrow would you stop by the Post Office, pick up the mail and my suits at the dry-cleaners, please?" Spencer dropped his keys in the bowl on the table by the door.

"Sure, Love. If you're interested in watching the musical, it's streaming on my Disney subscription. I'm gonna need a shower after I put a load of laundry in the washer... I have sand in my hair." Susan kissed him softly, sliding her arms around his waist. "I'm so glad everyone had a nice weekend."

They sat together on the sofa, talking in between kisses.

"Three more days at work, and I'm all yours for thirty. I'll take the suitcase down to the basement... in a while. Right now, I need more of this. While you were sleeping, your phone kept making… rude noises."

"That's Phil's ringtone. I'll check it later."

Later, after she came back from the bathroom, Susan dug her phone out of her purse and checked it. "I got a message from him, and three missed calls." She listened to it, and her eyes widened. She played it again on the speaker.

'Hey, Sooz. I hope you guys are having a great weekend. Tried to call you yesterday. Don't be mad, but Amanda and I got married. It was a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing at City Hall. I'll call to tell you more next week. Love you, Sis. Bye!'

"The message was from Friday." Susan laughed. "My phone was off the entire weekend. Hmm. I'll call him tomorrow." She saw the surprised expression on Spencer's face. "I'm not upset if that's what you were thinking. I'm thrilled for them. I like Amanda."

"No… I was thinking you might be disappointed not having the wedding here, or at least having a reception for them."

"Yeah, okay, you got me on that. But next time they visit, maybe I'll throw… a small party." Susan sat across Spencer's lap with her hands on his sides as he slid his arms around her, holding her…

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A/N

Coming up, the pair trek to NYC for a photo shoot, and start discussing baby names.