A/N

Thank you, Hannah .grahamlecter, for your hard work and dedication. You've done a great 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 all those who have given me ideas, praise, and constructive reviews.

To all, as always, please enjoy the story.

UPDATE - August 10, 2021: Without the functionality of my desktop computer, it takes a little longer to copy over and prepare a chapter on this little laptop. We're almost at the end; two more chapters and an Epilogue to go. And several more chapters of Side Stories, including the harrowing return of an unsub who got away years ago, a heartbreaking confrontation that proves difficult in Spencer's life, and an ambush that almost ends it. (Eeek! Stay tuned!)

G-Girl

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Chapter 69 - Baby Genius, Emily Diana Reid

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As Spencer approached the waiting area, everyone turned their heads, watching him, holding a variety of flowers and balloons.

Aaron told him that Morgan was on his way, and Marsha let him know his father was at McCarran airport after she got him a last-minute flight. They were all staring, waiting for him to speak. He had to practically force himself to walk and breathe at the same time, to get to the waiting room. Now, trying to walk, breathe and talk was overwhelming.

Smiling, Jennifer held his arm. "Look at that. For once, Spence is absolutely speechless."

The dam broke. Spencer chuckled, wiping his flooded eyes with his knuckles. "Nah... I'm fine. Now… uh… there is... a beautiful little girl… waiting to meet everyone..." He trailed off, swallowing, as tears kept filling his eyes. "My daughter…" He cleared his throat, chuckled weakly, then grinned wide. "My baby girl." He cleared his throat again. "If any of you have so much as a sniffle, make sure and put on one of those masks." He pointed to a nearby stand, holding a stack of masks and anti-bacterial wipes. "And anyone who wants to hold her, wash your hands first." He gave them statistics on germs carried by people on their hands and faces.

"Now, that sounds like the Spencer we all know and love." Emily laughed and hugged him, and everyone else took turns hugging and congratulating him.

"Okay. Two at a time, please… so she doesn't get overwhelmed." He looked at his watch; it was late afternoon. "It's no wonder I'm hungry, I haven't eaten since this morning." Emily offered to get him something.

He asked, "Uh… coffee? Maybe a sandwich? Oh, and a popsicle. I promised Susan I'd get her one, or a protein shake? We decided to name her Emily Diana, but we've been calling her Dot." He took a deep breath and nodded. "Who's first?"

Of course, Garcia said she had to go in, since she was the baby's Fairy Godmother, and Lizette had already been in to see the baby. Marsha asked if she could go too, being Susan's godmother. Spencer reminded them they'd be stopping by the restroom on the way.

"I wasn't joking about washing your hands."

After Penelope and Marsha came back, JJ and Tara went in, then Matt and Luke. Emily and Aaron went last, having come back from the cafeteria, with food. Not only coffee and the popsicle but also a ham and sandwich, and two bottles of chocolate milk—instead of protein shakes—and Spencer's go-bag that he had left on his desk at work. Dave and Krystall were on their way back from New York and would come by the house to visit.

Aaron was smiling, holding the baby, with Spencer close beside him, hardly taking his eyes off his daughter.

Emily watched him. "You are going to be a great dad, Spence." She hugged him again, then hugged Susan. "Congratulations, both of you."

After everyone left and the nurse took the baby back to the nursery, Susan laid down for some much-needed sleep. Spencer did too, but he wanted to make sure she got rest first. He curled up against her back while she slept and even managed to close his eyes for several minutes. The nurse came back with the baby later, trying to kick him out as he walked out of the bathroom, saying visiting hours were over. He explained they paid extra for the private room, so he could stay with her.

"What if I told you she's a material witness in a federal case, and I'm here to protect her?" The nurse gave him a skeptical look, and he grinned. "I really am an FBI agent and her husband... and while she's here, I'm staying. So… take it up with her doctor." The nurse didn't bring it up again and left the baby with them. So he figured she understood or perhaps didn't see the point in arguing with him. He watched Susan sitting up against the pillows, gently rocking side to side, feeding their daughter.

"Sweetheart, did you get some sleep?"

"A little. It's late. Why not go home and get some sleep, Love? Come back in the morning when you're fresh?"

He sat on the edge of the bed, beside her and kissed her. "You told me once, wherever I am, is home. Right now, here is home. I'll get some sleep, Love. Don't worry." He snuggled against her and a few moments later, he was out.

While Susan nursed the baby, Spencer slept. Soundly.

Morning came quickly. He got up while she was sleeping; used the bathroom and took a shower. After he got dressed, he brushed his teeth. Shaving, he decided, could wait until later—the same for dealing with the bags under his eyes. The smile on his face told the best, most important part of the story.

There was a knock at the door, and he heard Susan asking to come in, so he unlocked it, took his go-bag, and hung it on the hook by the shower, smiling as she walked in, holding a fresh nightgown from her suitcase, under her arm. She slid her other arm around his waist. "G'morning, Love." He could tell she was also tired, but happy and he kissed her, slipping his arms around her shoulders, pulling her close, feeling her lips against his neck. He heard her sigh and mumble something. It sounded like 'sex'. It wouldn't have surprised him and that made him chuckle.

"Hmm? What was that, Sweetheart?"

"I said six, Love. "

"Six what?"

"Weeks. Or 42 days, depending on how you look at it."

"Oh, yeah... that." He laughed when he heard her growl. "Right now, you need to rest. We'll get through that, too. Remember, there are... options."

"More for you, than me, Spencer."

"You want to take a shower?" He kissed her again. "Love you. The nurse came by earlier. She'll be bringing the baby in soon."

"Sounds good. Yeah, I need a shower… badly." She turned to see him smiling at her. "What is it, Love?"

"You're beautiful. I love you."

She kissed him, softly. "Aww, thanks, I needed that. I feel like I was hit by a bus, then run over by an 18-wheeler. I love you, too."

Spencer sat on the edge of the bed, kicked off the flip-flops, and pulled his socks on as the nurse wheeled the bassinet in, checking his wristband, then compared it to the baby's. His daughter was awake... and hungry. He picked her up gently, kissed her forehead, and explained why her mommy couldn't tend to her needs at the moment. "Nah? I know you're hungry, but you're stuck with me, for a few minutes, until your mom's out of the shower." The nurse grinned, offering a bottle. "We'll be fine for a few minutes. My wife will be right out." He held the baby against his chest, sitting on the rocking chair, talking quietly to her. She settled down.

Susan came out minutes later, in a nightgown; her robe over it, loose and untied. "Well, look who's here, my former passenger." Spencer stood, so she could sit down.

He handed her the baby, and then went back to the bathroom, bringing a towel out and draping it over her lap, as she nursed their daughter.

A maternity nurse came in, to check Susan's vitals and to change the pad on the bed, putting a fresh one down. After she left, Spencer sat down near the end of the bed, watching Susan. He smiled sleepily, and she suggested he lay down while waiting for his parents to arrive. "Sounds good. I'm going to close my eyes for a few minutes." He was asleep seconds after his head hit the pillow.

After feeding the baby, Susan held her for a while, getting to know her, then laid her in the bassinet and parked it next to Spencer. She put on a pair of slipper socks, went to use the bathroom, and came back out as he started waking up.

Spencer sat up when his cell phone pinged and opened his eyes wide, blinking a few times, trying to focus as he looked at it. "My folks are here, in the waiting room. Ready?" Susan, sitting on the rocking chair, nodded, smoothing her hair back, braiding it as he went out into the hallway. A few minutes later, Bill and Diana came in quietly, behind him. Both were smiling as they looked down at the sleeping babe in the bassinet telling Spencer and Susan how beautiful their granddaughter was. Quietly, Bill told them he arrived late the night before and went straight to the hotel. He drove out to Brookdale, to pick up Diana even before he ate breakfast or had coffee.

His mother sat next to the bassinet. "Spencer? Can I hold her?"

"Of course, Mom." He picked the baby up, gently placing her in his mother's arms. Bill sat next to Diana, one arm on her back, the other on the back of the baby's pink knit hat.

"She's got your nose, son, or I should say my nose. So, Emily, after Susan's mother, but she'll go by her middle name, Diana. Right?" Spencer nodded in agreement, as he looked over at Susan, now asleep in the rocking chair.

He heard his mother sniffle. "Mom, are you alright? You're not sick, are you?"

She had tears welling in her eyes. "I'm fine. She's precious. I have to see her often; every week and pictures. Spencer, she looks so much like you did, when you were born."

"I'll take your word for it, Mom. Dad, how long will you be in town? The doctor will discharge Susan in a couple of hours and I thought perhaps you could come by the house to visit a little longer?"

Bill wanted to hold her, so Diana carefully handed him the baby and he spoke softly. "I'll be leaving Sunday morning, so we have two days to visit. You look tired, son. Have you slept?"

"I'm exhausted. I managed to sleep a few minutes last night. But we'll have a night nurse… Mathilde. She'll be over from 9 to 6, six nights a week, for eight weeks, so Susan and I are sure to get some sleep. Later, after we get back to the house, our lunch will be delivered. We could eat, while we hang out."

"Sounds good. Spencer? You're going to be a wonderful father."

"Thanks, Dad."

There was a knock at the door, as it opened and Morgan stuck his head in, grinning broadly. "Hey Kid, or should I say... Daddy?" He walked in and hugged Spencer. "Now, Hotch said I had to wash my hands before I get to hold your baby girl." He held up his hands. "Washed 'em twice." The baby woke up and started fussing, and Bill handed her back to hold his daughter against his chest, whispering softly. "Shh. You're going to wake up your mother." The infant quieted, and he smiled, shrugging. "It's a gift."

Susan woke up and yawned, holding her hand over her mouth. "Oh, hello." She sat up, holding her arms out, to take the baby from Spencer. "I need to borrow her for a bit, Love. Why don't you spend some time with Derek and your folks, while I feed our daughter?"

Bill suggested they go down to the cafeteria for some coffee and breakfast.

"Sounds good." He kissed Susan, gently handing her the baby. "We'll be right back, Love. Do you want me to bring anything back for you?"

"Earlier, the nurse said an orderly will bring my breakfast soon. Go, have some coffee and something to eat."

Kissing the baby's forehead, he whispered softly, "Be good for your mother," and kissed Susan again.

He came back later, with Morgan, as Susan was being discharged. His parents were heading over to the house and would visit with Garcia until they arrived with the baby. Lizette loaded the contents of the cart into the diaper bag and a couple of tote bags as Spencer watched in amusement.

She told him, "The hospital charges the insurance company for all of this, and by law, has to throw it out if you don't take it. An orderly will be here soon, with a wheelchair, to pick up Susan. Alrighty then, I'll take all this to the house and meet you there." She blew kisses and left with Morgan, to put the bags in her car.

Spencer sat on the bed next to his beloved. "Mom is thrilled you're going to breastfeed; said she wasn't able to do that with me because of the medications she had to resume taking after I was born." He nodded, lips puckered. "Hmph. That actually explains a lot."

"What, your fondness for my breasts, Love?" She smiled playfully.

He chuckled. "Apparently. Oh… uh… Morgan went to get the car and bring it to the front of the hospital. He took an Uber here, from the hotel, so he'll ride to the house with us."

"Okay, sure. And you installed the car seat, right? Spencer?"

A knock at the door interrupted them, and the orderly came in with the discharge papers and a wheelchair, checking her wristband, the baby's, and then Spencer's.

She sat in the wheelchair, and he handed her the baby after he wrapped the pink blanket his mother had crocheted around her.

The orderly wheeled Susan and the baby outside. Walking alongside them, Spencer pointed to the SUV. After handing the baby to Spencer, she stood up. The orderly said goodbye and took the wheelchair back into the building.

Morgan opened up the passenger door and climbed out. He had noticed the car seat laying on the backseat and buckled it in snugly. He handed Spencer the keys with a grin. "Sweet ride, Kid. When did you ditch your bucket of bolts?"

"This… is Susan's, but I did sell my old Volvo, and bought a new one... an SUV—a month ago. Now, that's a sweet ride."

Morgan shook his head, grinning. "You really have changed."

"I told you." Spencer held the baby against him, held his fist up and Morgan bumped it gently with his.

Susan asked, "Derek, would you take a picture of Spencer and me with the baby, please?" She handed him her cellphone, and he took one of them standing by the car. Then he talked the nervous new father through buckling the infant into the car seat while watching over his shoulder.

He went around and climbed in the backseat, while Spencer helped Susan into the front, and she fastened her seatbelt. After closing her door, he hurried to the driver's side and got in. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

Morgan laughed in the back seat. "You're gonna be ok, Daddy. Want me to drive?"

Spencer shook his head, "Thanks, I'll be fine," as he buckled in. Driving a few miles an hour below the speed limit, he ignored a couple of impatient drivers who honked behind him.

Since it wasn't that far and traffic was light, they made it home quickly, without incident. Susan carried the baby in and Spencer and Derek followed with the suitcase and a tote bag.

Bill and Diana were sitting on the sofa, in front of the fireplace, talking, as Penelope stepped down off the stairs.

She hugged Morgan, then Susan, smiling at the baby, and gave Spencer a hug. "The nursery looks beautiful. Lizette and I have nearly everything put away and ready for this little girl. Only a couple of things left to set up." She pointed to two boxes by the library doors. "I need a strong hunk to lug those upstairs."

Morgan smiled. "I can do that, Baby Girl. No problem."

One, a room-sized fridge, the other, a bottle warmer. She picked up the small box, as he picked up the other, and they went upstairs to the nursery.

Susan followed Spencer, holding the baby close to his chest while discussing where to put them, figuring on the small desk would work. Lizette finished loading the changing table with the diapers and various baby items from the hospital.

After the baby showers three weeks earlier, she helped Spencer put the gifts away, hanging up some of the outfits in the closet and folding others, stowing them in the dresser. A dozen empty bottles and two breast pumps sat in a covered clear plastic case on the shelf next to the desk, and a stack of burp cloths lay on the small table by the two-seat rocking chair.

She told them about the nightlight she brought with her and plugged in. "It's red; I heard it's better for the baby's sleep."

Spencer nodded, "I read that." He held the baby, gently swaying from side to side. "Hey, Mom… Dad."

Bill and Diana stood in the doorway, commenting on how beautiful the nursery was, watching Morgan plug in the fridge and bottle warmer.

When Garcia finished situating the appliances, Susan showed his parents the room, the bathroom, and the walk-in closet.

As they came back out, Spencer stood with them, holding the baby and Susan took a picture of them, after fishing his cell phone out of his pocket. The baby sounded off; it was lunchtime, and she wanted everyone to know it. Susan slid his cell phone back in his pocket, and he gently handed her their daughter.

"I'll send it to your email, Dad." He turned to the others "Guys? Susan's going to feed the baby and put her down for a nap. Our lunch will be delivered in half an hour." He stood in between Garcia and Morgan, hugging them both. "Thank you guys, for helping with everything." He gave Lizette a hug and thanked her, as well.

Morgan and Garcia followed Bill and Diana downstairs, and Susan sat on the chair, asking Lizette, "Can you bring me that pillow thingy?"

She went into the closet and brought it out, setting it around Susan's waist. Spencer sat next to her on the double-rocking chair, watching while she nursed the baby.

Lizette lowered her voice. "I'm going to head downstairs. Do you want me to bring anything up? Water, coffee, snacks?" Both said no. "Ok, if that changes, ask Betty to let me know. See you in a bit."

"How are you feeling, Sweetheart?" He could tell Susan was tired but happy to be home.

"I'm good, Love. After we put her down for a nap, I need to eat something and lie down, Promise me you'll get some rest too?" She leaned over and kissed him.

"I promise. I may let them entertain themselves while I snuggle up with you on the bed. Mathilde will be here at 9?"

"Yes. Jeez, that seems late, but she'll be here until 6 am nearly every day and all I'll have to do during the night is sit up and nurse. She'll take care of everything else."

"I read the feedings at night are done quietly, in low light, so the baby will fall back to sleep afterward," Spencer told her in a whisper.

"Yep, and we should too. Love you... so much."

"Love you." He kissed her, then leaned over and kissed the baby on the back of her head. "Love you, too," he said. "I'm going to run to the bathroom." He watched for a moment, in rapt fascination, smiling. "I'll be back."

After several minutes, he came back, closed the door, and sat beside her. "I checked on everyone downstairs. They're fine."

"Would you take her, please? I think she's done, and I need to pump the left side."

"Sure." They talked while he held the baby against him, gently patting her back, and chuckled when she let out a tiny burp. "I'm ready for lunch, and this little one needs a nap." Susan finished, closed up her nursing bra, and buttoned up her top. Spencer stood slowly, carefully holding the baby.

He held her against his chest for a few minutes more, carrying her to the crib, kissing her forehead. Ever so gently, he laid her down, tucking part of the light blanket under her, tilting her to her right. He turned to Susan. "I'm gonna have to remind myself that she'll be fine."

Susan hung the pillow on the back of the rocker, capped the bottle and put it in the mini-fridge, and then washed out the pump. She walked back over to the crib, where Spencer was still standing, gazing down at the baby.

"I'm starving but I need to use the bathroom first."

"I'll meet you downstairs." He held her hand, pulling her close for a moment, and kissed her. "Love you."

"Love you." She headed to the bathroom, and he went to the stairs.

Spencer found Lizette in the living room, gathering her things, getting ready to leave. Penelope and Morgan were in the kitchen and his parents were sitting on the sofa by the fireplace, talking quietly. Bill was holding Diana's hand. It was nice seeing that. Odd, but nice.

Lizette gave him a hug. "I gotta go get Tiana. Want me to come back and help later?"

"I think we can handle it, between the two of us, plus Mathilde will be here." The doorbell sounded. "That should be lunch. Are you sure you don't want to stay and eat?"

"Thanks, but no, Spence. Your color is better." She hugged him and gave him a peck on the cheek.

At the door, the delivery guy handed Spencer the bags. Susan stepped off the stairs and gave Lizette a long hug. "Thanks for helping Gator." After she left, Susan joined the rest of the group, at the table, pulling containers out of the bag.

While they were eating, Spencer was talking to Morgan and his dad, on his right. His mother sat across from him, tapping his hand, gesturing to his left. He looked over at Susan. She was asleep, with her elbows on the table; her hands propped her head up, breathing softly.

He slid his hand over her back. "Sweetheart? Why don't you go lay down for a little while?" She nodded and mumbled an apology to the group.

"No apologies needed, Sweetheart. I'll be up in a little while."

She smiled sleepily and went up to the bedroom.

After lunch, Bill said he was taking Diana back to Brookdale, but offered to bring her back over the next day, to visit. "If it's okay with you and Susan."

"Of course, Dad. That would be nice."

She was fast asleep when he went upstairs, so he curled up against her back, and was out, moments later.

Marsha, Emily, and Aaron had arrived while they slept, and Spencer woke up later, to find Dave and Morgan in the nursery.

In the kitchen, Penelope organized the group, working together assembly style, making dinner and several casseroles for the freezer, plus a week's worth of dinners, all prepped, labeled, and stowed in the fridge.

Susan got up a while after that and went to the kitchen, to find Penelope and Krystall there, and dinner on the counter. "I thought I smelled Lasagna. Mmm, I'm so glad it wasn't a dream."

Krystall gave her a hug. "Penelope took me upstairs earlier, to see the baby. She's precious. We changed her and put on a fresh outfit."

"Thank you. I checked on her before I came down. Dave is giving her a bottle, with Spencer and Morgan practically hovering over him... figured I'd have a few minutes to start dinner before I had to feed her. Since dinner's ready and they're doing that, I'll pump. Penelope, thank you again, for the fridge and bottle warmer. It's a time saver."

"Oh, there's a card but wasn't from me." She took the envelope off the counter and handed it to Susan, silently pointing at Krystall.

Susan read it, a sweet poem about babies. "Thank you. It's so thoughtful and practical; the perfect size for the nursery."

"That's exactly what I told David. Since he didn't get to be a grandpa until Kai was older and Portia isn't ready to have babies yet, I'm hoping we get to spoil Diana. Now, Suzie, I know she's not going to call us Grandma and Grandpa, but how about Uncle Dave and Auntie Krystall?"

"That's perfect. She's a lucky little girl, to have so many people who care about her. Lots of Aunties and Uncles. Now, food. I don't know about all of you, but I'm starving. I don't remember eating lunch, or how I made it upstairs."

Penelope handed Susan a plate with a slice of Lasagna, a fork, and a napkin. "Here, you take the first piece. You fell asleep before you ate anything. Do you want a salad to go with it?"

"This is a great start, thank you. No, on the salad, but I have to warn you, I might be wolfing down more of this later."

The guys came downstairs, ready to eat. Spencer kissed the back of Susan's head, as she ate, then went to get some. "The baby's down, for a couple of hours. I'm happy you finally got some sleep." He chuckled. "Dot's wearing an 'FBI' onesie, from Auntie Penelope."

"Aww. I saw the blanket, but not the outfit. Where did you find that, at the Academy gift shop?"

"Oh, that's not all, Honey. Under FBI, it says Farting, Burping Infant." Spencer laughed as Garcia smiled, bobbing her head.

As they ate, they made plans to get together for Christmas dinner, since Susan wasn't up to driving two hours to the Wheeler ranch with a newborn. "Next Christmas, for sure."

Penelope offered to help her and Spencer 'deck the halls'. "All I need to know is where you keep your holiday decorations."

Susan pointed straight up, as she stood to get more Lasagna. "In the attic in numbered plastic bins. I have a list of everything in each bin. Give me a day or two? I'll be more in the mood to decorate."

Later, after everyone left, Spencer and Susan had some time to spend with the baby and relax together before Mathilde showed up at nine…