Hotch stared through the window into the interrogation room. Through it, he saw the pathetic shell of a woman slumped over the surface of the table. Her frizzy strawberry hair spread around her. He couldn't hear anything out here, but he was certain she was silently weeping.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted movement. Turning, he saw JJ was coming in the see him. Handing him a few printed sheets of paper, she said, "This is everything Garcia could find on her family history."
His tired eyes scanned it quickly, but even he could spot the most distinguishable words. He nodded, "Thank you."
JJ couldn't resist turning to their criminal. It was the first time she was seeing her and was surprised. "She's not what I expected."
"Until a few hours ago, we weren't expecting a woman." Hotch muttered, giving her a soft glance.
"It's not that," She shook her head. "It's just... someone who did all this, who planned all this... I expected someone cold... someone angry. She just seems... sad."
Hotch nodded, understanding. He knew that feeling. When you lose the one you loved, no matter what the circumstance, something inside you hurts so much... like a part of you is dying. He'd felt that way when Hayley left him, he knew Reid had felt that way when Riley was in Seattle... it took a strong person to be able to pull through it. Bridget just wasn't strong enough.
"Are leaving for the hospital now?" He asked.
"Yes, Riley and Garcia are meeting me at the car." She answered. "We'll see the rest of you in the morning?"
At that moment, Rossi and Bradbury were stepping in. Hotch nodded again. "Definitely, drive safe."
With a tired smile, JJ say her goodbyes to the three men and left. The two agents and inspector grouped together.
"I'd like to lead the interrogation if that's alright," Hotch said to Bradbury. "You'll need to be in there for legal reasons, but I'd like to control the questioning."
"This is your area of expertise." Bradbury said without offense. "In fact, it would give me a good chance to observe."
"I'll be the third party out here." Rossi answered. "Do you know what you're going to say?"
He gave nothing more than a nod, taking the offered case file from his team member. Stepping over to the door, Hotch slowly entered with Bradbury behind him.
Rossi watched as the two men took their seats at the table. Bridget sat up as she realized she had company. Her trembling hands wiped the streaks from her face. She didn't question or demand to know why she'd been in here so long. In fact, she wrapped herself in her arms, guarding herself, and stared at the table.
"Bridget Murphy," Hotch said as both he and Bradbury sat down. "My name is Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner, I work at the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States. This is Inspector Leonard Bradbury with Scotland Yard."
Her eyes landed on Bradbury. "I know who you are..." She mumbled. "You've been handling this case since the beginning."
He nodded. "Yes, I have."
Her lip was trembling a bit as her sorrowful green eyes landed on Hotch. "You're only here because those Americans were in danger."
"Actually, we were working on this case before you decided to go after the Reids." He explained. "But, I do know them personally, they are my friends. Now... we need to answer some questions."
More tears were flowing through her lashes. She gave no affirmation or denial that she would be cooperative, but she didn't seem to be resisting.
"We've taken a look through your medical history." He explained, pulling out one of the sheets of Garcia's findings. "It says here you come from a long line of female family members with bipolar disorder, including your mother. Is that true?"
She nodded, remaining silent. "Have you ever been tested for the disorder, Miss Murphy?" Bradbury asked.
"I'm not a nutter." She choked, trying not to sob.
"We didn't say you were." Hotch assured. "But, in our experience, behavior like this suggests some kind of mental imbalance... such as depression."
At that those words, her eyes squeezed shut and she became like a waterfall. "I didn't want to do it... I don't know why I did it in the first place... but once it happened, it made the pain stop for awhile. I had to keep doing it."
"So you admit to killing these people?" Hotch asked.
Bridget was too taken over by her emotions to answer. She covered her face with her hands, sobbing silently.
"Miss Murphy, if you do confess to the crimes you committed, we can help you." Bradbury said soothingly.
"I can't go to prison." She moaned. "Please, I'll die in prison."
"Someone in your state won't be incarcerated." Hotch explained. "Your cooperation will ensure you don't go to trial. You'll be placed into a psychiatric facility where you and your disease can be properly treated."
"You may have to be there for a long time," Bradbury said, a sugar-coated way to indicate the rest of her life. "But it's a much better placement than life in prison. Will you cooperate?"
She needed only a minute to think before she nodded. That was that; quick and clean. With her answer, the BAU's service to Scotland Yard was finished, allowing both Hotch and Rossi to breathe with ease.
"I'll have the papers drawn up." Bradbury said, standing up. "We'll sign it and have you placed in hospital by morning. If you come with me, we'll take you somewhere you can lie down."
He went to help the young girl stand. As a precaution, he put her wrists in handcuffs. She didn't resist in the least. Seeing nothing further for him to do, Hotch stood and headed to the door.
"Agent Hotchner," She called, sounding shaky and meak.
"Yes?" He asked, looking back.
"Would you..." She stammered, trying to even her voice. "Would you please tell Mr. and Mrs. Reid... that I'm sorry?"
Bridget waited with expectation. Hotch couldn't have felt more pity for her. "I'll tell them." He assured, seeing the relief flood her face. With that, he turned and left, meeting Rossi on the other side.
With trembling hands, Reid took grasp of Riley's. They stood before the judge. It comforted him to know Riley was trembling, too. He hoped he could say this as flawlessly as he'd been practicing for weeks. How ironic it would be for his eidetic memory to fail now.
He couldn't even hear the judge speaking, even if it was right in his ear. All he could do was look at the beautiful woman before him, dressed head to toe in white. The silver sparkles glittered all over her dress. She had never looked so beautiful and right now, Reid was incredibly grateful for his amazing memory. He'd be able to return to this for the rest of his life and recall every detail. His love dressed so gorgeously... just for him.
It was upon him. Reality returned to him, realizing it was his time to speak. Reid took a deep breath and looked back to his best man to accept the gold ring. Morgan gave him a reassuring wink. If Reid didn't know better, he'd think Morgan was actually proud of him. Turning back to his bride, he clutched Riley's left hand and carefully cleared his throat.
"Riley," He said, and was pleased it came out so clearly. "I've never had much in my life... and the truth is, I've never wanted much. Even when it seemed, however, that I had everything possible to make me happy, I knew something was missing. I knew there was some part that I needed in order for my life to be complete."
He swallowed as he gave a smile. The tears forming in her eyes was enough confidence to push him on. "You're that last piece. I want you in my life, but more importantly, I need you in my life. I can't be alone anymore. Now that I know what it feels like... to have the love of the most wonderful woman... to always have my best friend by my side, supporting me, loving me, making me feel like the luckiest man in the world... I can't live any other way. If I lose everything else, I know I'll be all right... as long as I have you. I love you more than my own life is worth and I know, as long as we're together... we can get through anything."
That was it. The first tear dripped down her cheek. Reid easily slid the gold band onto her ring finger. As it settled into place, he grasped her hand, meeting her eyes again.
A moment passed between them and Riley turned to Emily, taking the matching ring. She turned back around, barely able to look at Reid's face as she prepared to speak. As she looked up, however, the glow in his soft hazel eyes relaxed her and she smiled.
She could do this. Her knuckles were white as she clung to his hand. With another deep breath, she spoke. "I had the hardest time when I was growing up... just trying to survive the world I was in until I was free, when I could have a real life... and be happy. Everything would be be alright, and if I just held on... I would get my happy ending someday. I never planned for something like this. I didn't want to get married, I never wanted to fall in love, I was just so afraid I'd wind up in that world again... It's funny how the one thing you never wanted turns out to be what you needed all along."
She bit her lip a moment, and Reid started to feel like he was going to cry, too. He remembered how scared she was, that both their lives would be ruined if she let herself be in love. It was hard to believe, after all that fighting and misery, they were getting married.
"I didn't know it, but you are what I was waiting for." She said, her voice cracking a bit, just as choked up as he. "You're my happy ending, Spencer. And the best part is, it's not the ending. It's just the beginning. I know we're going to have a good life together... you make me so happy. And I will love you until the day I die."
And with that, she slid the band onto Reid's hand. It fit like a glove, wrapped around his finger like it belonged there all along.
The judge took his place once again, first asking Reid if he took Riley with all his love and devotion. To Riley, he asked the same. When the 'I do's were finished, he pronounced them for the first time to the entire congregation. Reid felt all his nerves bundle and twist in his stomach, at last getting to bring her lips to his. It was the sweetest, most beautiful kiss he'd ever shared with her. The kiss that officially made her his.
Reid let out a soft sigh, he was sleeping peacefully now. A pleasant, blissful smile was spread on his face, breathing in and out at a steady pace.
Morgan couldn't help but chuckle as he watched him. He had arrived a half hour ago. Eden had asked him to stay with him so she could get back to the Yard. Reid's pain must be better now. When he woke up, he'd be in a bit of agony, but for now he was at ease. He was content to let him be in whatever place was making him so happy.
A soft knock on the door disturbed him. "Come in," Morgan called as quietly as possible.
The door opened to reveal Emily. She poked her head in, checking on the patient. "Hey, how is he?" She whispered.
"Comfortable," He answered. He watched as Emily slipped in, carefully closing the door. "They gave him a sedative so he could sleep through the pain. He should be awake soon, though." He suddenly realized Emily was alone. "Where's Riley? I figured by now she'd be here flipping over gurneys to get to him."
She couldn't help but give a light laugh. "I just talked to Garcia, they should be here soon.."
It was like things were normal between them again. Emily took the chair right beside Morgan, and he didn't even shift uncomfortably as she sat. She looked to the sleeping man in the bed, smiling again. "I wonder what he's dreaming about."
"I could take a guess." Morgan said with a grin and a wink. He couldn't help but feel a warm wave of happiness in his stomach as he made her smile.
But it was short lived. "So... the case is over."
"Yeah..." He mumbled. "We'll probably fly home tomorrow afternoon."
"And then... back to our regular life." Emily said softly. Each word was another step towards the door of unanswered questions. Both were desperate to open it, terrified of what they'd find.
Never able to control himself, Morgan felt his anger creeping up on him. "I'm sure you'll want to get that transfer going as soon as possible."
Was it silly for her to believe they could actually have a civil conversation? Even if they could manage to work this out - yet again - it wouldn't last. Maybe their friendship was too far gone to repair.
"I thought you wanted to talk." She indicated, her temper already beginning to slip from her.
He did. Morgan had hoped once the time came, he could work out what he wanted to say. What he wanted and what he needed to say in order to keep her were two different things. He couldn't even look at her, knowing those brown eyes were going to infiltrate him again and make him long for her so badly, it would hurt.
"You said you had some things you wanted to say, too." He finally answered, putting the ball in Emily's court.
Unfortunately, she was just as lost as he was. She tried to take Riley's advice. If she wanted Derek Morgan, she had to fight for him. And in order to do that... she had to admit she was wrong.
"I don't want a transfer." She mumbled. "I don't know much, but I know I don't want to leave the BAU, or our team... or you."
"Really, I make it on that list?" He grumbled, still unable to look at her.
"Why do you have to do that?" She asked, irritated. "I'm trying to honestly say how I feel and you have to be a jerk."
She was right, he'd done that to people his whole life. Were he profiling someone, he'd say it was a defense mechanism so as to avoid being hurt. It was probably the reason why he had so few serious relationships in his life... and why he was fighting with himself so hard to keep her. Were it anyone besides Emily Prentiss, he would have discarded her ages ago. No one but Emily was worth this trouble.
"I'm sorry," His voice was hushed, almost in a frightened way.
Emily had to admit, she expected him to lash out at her. Maybe she could do this. She reached over and gently took his hand. It was so cold against her skin, but she missed it all the same.
"I'm... I'm scared, Derek." She mumbled, her eyes closed as she tried to shut out the world.
Amazed, Morgan finally turned to her. He gaped at her a moment, her saddened face breaking his heart. "What?"
"I'm afraid... to admit how I really feel." She revealed, still hiding in the darkness. "I'm afraid to ask for what I really want because..."
Her voice was fading. It trailed off so low, her last few words were inaudible. "What? Because what?"
"Because... I don't want to seem weak." She fiercely stated. "I can't reveal to even myself that I could be happy... that I... I need someone else... that I need you." At last she opened her eyes. Pure terror glowed in them. "I know I'm not enough for you, but if I can't have you... I can't share you. Please understand that. I don't want to lose our friendship or our partnership over this... but I can't do this anymore. I want more."
Morgan had suddenly forgotten how to speak. He stared at Emily in shock, knowing he could have exactly everything he wanted. But how could he explain it to her? Would she even understand?
The silence became unbearable and Emily felt her whole world crash around her. She had lost everything. He was absolutely right, she knew exactly what she wanted, but was too damaged and too far gone to let it be a part of her life.
Had another second passed, Emily would have stood from her chair, said a quick goodbye, and left. She'd avoid Morgan until they got back to America, at which point she would indeed request a transfer. But, as if Fate was trying to keep them side by side, a loud groan sounded.
Emily and Morgan turned to see Reid starting to stir. His hand lifted to feel his head, lightly rubbing his uninjured temple.
His head was throbbing. He couldn't ever remember feeling a pain this bad before, but at least he seemed a little more at ease now. Slowly, Reid allowed his eyes to open, finding himself in a hospital bed. It seemed a little different than he was used to, taking several moments to recall he wasn't even in his native country at the moment.
"Hey," Emily said with a smile, putting her own misery aside for the moment, just thankful her friend was okay. "How are you feeling?"
His mouth was so dry, but turned to find Morgan and Emily sitting by his bedside. It made him happy, even if they weren't the person he'd been hoping for. "Sore," He grumbled, but gave a smile. "Could I have some water?"
"Absolutely," Emily exclaimed, standing up. She went to a round table in the corner, pouring some into a glass from a large metal pitcher. She handed it to him and watched him drink the tepid water slowly, relishing the taste.
"Thanks," He said, handing the empty cup to her.
She set it on his beside table, sitting on the edge of the bed. "What time is it?"
"Almost midnight," Morgan informed. "You've been sleeping for about two hours, you'll probably be sleepy for awhile, you've got a sedative in your system."
He definitely preferred that over pain killers. One more glance around the room informed him they were indeed his only visitors. "Where's Riley?" He asked with longing.
"She's on her way." Emily assured, patting his arm.
"I swear, you've got nine lives, kid." Morgan teased with a grin.
"It's a common misconception that cats have nine lives." Reid informed, his head sinking into his pillow. "Felines are no more resiliant to death than any other animal, but their reflexes and ability to land on their feet gives the impression they're less susceptible to injury."
He shook his head, meeting Emily's eye for a moment. "Yeah, I'd say he's alright."
Emily giggled, feeling Reid take her hand. "Thanks you guys... I wouldn't have lasted much longer if you hadn't found me."
"I don't know, Reid, you were holding your own pretty well in there, even with a concussion." Emily informed. "I don't know how you managed to get Sarah out of there, but it was good thinking, she's safe and on the mend."
"Really?" He'd almost forgotten about his fellow captive. "You found her? She's okay?"
"Thanks to you," Emily continued. "She's resting down the hall, and still with child, we're happy to say."
He couldn't have been happier about that, sighing with relief. At least some good came out of having to slice through her flesh, which was going to haunt him for a long time. A lot of this was going to haunt him for a long time. At least he knew he had his family by his side, and he could lean on them, including the beautiful girl that kept running through his thoughts as he looked for the strength to hang on.
Reid seemed to have forgotten his friends were in the room, watching him with apprehension. "What is it, kid?" Morgan asked.
He wasn't sure how to say this. Indeed, he was afraid to know the answer, to perhaps learn the woman he loved had made a mistake in choosing him.. that she deserved better.
"I'm... thinking about something Bridget said to me." He explained, stopping short.
"Reid, she's mentally ill. Don't take anything she says to heart." Emily uttered, squeezing his hand.
She was right, Reid knew, but he couldn't just let this go. "It's just... I asked her... why she wanted us. I'm not an alpha male and Riley's not docile like an alpha would choose, anyone can see that... she shouldn't have been interested in us."
"Why does it matter why she chose you?" Morgan wondered.
Reid continued as if he hadn't heard. "When I asked her this... she didn't give an answer. All she said was if I couldn't see it... I wasn't worthy of love, and Riley was better off without me..." He glanced up at his friends. "I know it's foolish, but I can't... I don't know, I can't help feeling she might be right."
Again, Morgan and Emily glanced at each other. It pained them to know how little their friend thought of himself. "You really can't see it, can you?" Morgan asked.
Puzzled, he looked to his friend, "See what?"
He let out a loud sigh. "No, Reid, to the rest of the world, you are not an alpha male. You're right about that. But that's not what attracted Bridget to you... to the rest of the world, you're nothing, but to Riley? You love her and protect her and take care of her... you treat her in a way no one ever has or ever will. To Riley... Reid, you're the leader of the pack."
He wasn't sure he believed that. He'd wasn't sure why he always felt the need to protect and care for this woman - since the day he met her practically - but he'd never felt like that for anyone else. Maybe his friends were right... maybe, in a unique kind of way... he was indeed the leader of the pack.
They arrived at the hospital just after midnight. Riley didn't want to waste anymore time, desperate to just run to Spencer's room. But, having no idea where he was or even how to navigate this new hospital, knew it was best to keep a rational head. She followed JJ and Garcia to the nurses' station.
"May I help you?" A disgruntled elderly nurse asked in a strong Liverpool accent.
"Spencer Reid," Riley cried at once. "He's... he's a patient here, more than likely on the trauma ward."
"Visiting hours are over." She stated without even glancing at the outdated computer.
It wasn't taking much for Riley to get upset, ready to launch across this counter and rip out this woman's jugular if she didn't give out her husband's room number this instant. Instead, she swallowed her frustration. Taking a deep breath in order to keep calm, she announced, "I'm his wife."
Annoyed, the nurse typed through her computer. Riley knew she was intentionally taking her time to get on her nerves. The receptionist in her office did the same thing to patients with poor attitudes.
"He was brought in a few hours ago, he's upstairs. Oh, I see..." She stopped typing and reached for something under the desk. Revealing a clip board, she offered it to her. "There's always some things lost in translation when we have international patients. We'll need you to fill out some insurance information for our records."
"We'll take care of that," JJ intercepted, taking the clip board away. "You go ahead."
"Thank you," Riley said, looking to the girls with such appreciation. They really were her friends... why couldn't she see that before?
"Room 1274," The receptionist stated, handing her a visitor's badge. Riley snatched it almost instantly, hurrying to find the elevators.
Around the corner, she spotted her destination, rushing over. It took all she could not to think about what state she was about to find her husband in, knowing little about the condition when he was found. Stopping at the lift, she pressed the up button and waited in impatient silence.
"Dr. Reid?" A voice called.
Startled, Riley turned, expecting to see Spencer somewhere in the hall. Why else would someone call that name?
"Dr. Reid," Eden said as she approached the distressed young bride. She grabbed her arm lightly. "I thought that was you."
"Oh," Riley exhaled, surprised. "Inspector... what are you doing here?"
"Agent Prentiss and I brought your husband in, I stayed with him until Morgan got here. I was just about to head back to the Yard when I saw you. I... wanted to see how you were."
At that, the elevator doors opened. It would have been easy for Riley to say a quick goodbye and step away, but she felt so guilty at how she treated her. "Would you... like to walk with me?"
"Certainly," she smiled, stepping onto the car with her.
The door slid closed and Riley finally realized she was shivering. She'd been so worried and anxious to get here, she just now rememebered she'd forgotten her coat. It didn't matter now. Pushing back some of her wild hair, still frizzy from the bath water, she turned to Eden. "How is he, do you know?"
"I don't know the details," She explained. "I'm not family... but from what I could see when we found him he had a concussion. It seemed the most severe of his injuries though. The rest was just some bruising and a few minor cuts."
"Really?" She asked, alleviated. Things always seemed so worse when they had time to fester in a worried mind.
"Yes," She assured, swallowing her nerves. "I'm sorry I let him leave. I had no idea that woman's intentions, please understand."
"Oh, I don't blame you for that." Riley assured. "Believe me... I've gotten that poor man into much worse predicatments."
As Eden had suspected. She sensed there was a very interesting history between these two, but knew better than to ask at the moment.
The elevator opened onto the 12th floor. The two women stepped out. Eden knew the way and lead her down the corridor.
"I want to apologize for how I treated you, Inspector." Riley said. "I know it's silly, but I've been a little jealous of you... you've been spending more time with Spencer than I have this week. And I know that's not your fault, but... it upset me. I didn't want to take it out on him so I went after you."
"You don't have to apologize, I would have felt the same way, I'm sure." Eden said kindly. "But just so you know, Dr. Reid, when we weren't discussing the case... Reid couldn't stop talking about you."
She was delighted by that, "I assume he told you I'm a psychiatrist, which is why you're calling me Dr. Reid now."
Eden was suddenly embarrassed. It was the modern age, after all. "Oh, I'm sorry, are you not taking his name?"
"No, I am," Riley insisted. "It's just... everyone's been calling me Mrs. Reid... that's the first someone's used my title." She blushed a bit as she smiled. "I have to admit, I like it."
At last, the room number came into view. Riley wanted to run to it like she was a refugee coming home. Approaching the handle, she suddenly realized she was alone.
"Aren't you coming in?" Riley asked.
"No..." Eden shook her head. "You need to be alone with your husband right now. I'll come back to see you soon."
Turning, Eden went to head back to the lifts. "Evie..." Riley cried, stopping her.
"Yes?" She asked, looking back.
"Thank you... for saving my husband." She exclaimed.
Eden smiled, "My pleasure, ma'am." And with that, continued on her way. Taking a deep breath, Riley turned, gripped the handle, and hurried inside.
Reid relaxed back on the pillows. "I suppose you guys are right."
"It happens every once in awhile." Morgan joked. "And anyway, it doesn't matter what we or the rest of the world thinks. You're in love with her, she's in love with you... and that's all that matters."
"Remember that when the two of you are in your first big fight." Emily teased with a grin. "Which I suspect will be pretty soon... if I don't give you these."
From the confines of her pocket, her hand removed a tiny bundle. In her palm, Reid spotted the glittering silver and gold, accentuated by diamonds.
He let out a gasp, "Oh, thank you, Emily," He exclaimed, taking the rings from her. At least this was one promise he could keep.
"No problem." She replied, patting his shoulder.
"Anything else we can get for you, Reid?" Morgan wondered.
He thought for a moment, "Am I allowed to eat? I'm kind of hungry."
"No surprise, considering what you left on Emily's pants earlier." He laughed.
Reid looked to Emily. Though she found it just as funny as Morgan, he was horrified. "Oh, God... I forgot about that. I am so sorry, Em."
"It's alright, I got most of it off." She replied. She cleared her throat as she brushed some hair behind her ear. "Just, um... if you talk to Riley later and she... happens to mention something about... your apartment... let's just call it even."
Curious, he looked at Emily in question. She couldn't even meet his eye and when he turned to Morgan, he saw the same somewhat ashamed, but amused expression.
"What the hell did you two do in my apartment?" He demanded, looking from one to the other.
There was no time to explain. At that moment, the door to his room opened slowly, at last revealing the one person he'd be yearning to see... just as beautiful as always.
Already, Riley felt like crying. Her throat was squeezing so tight, she could barely breathe. Reid pulled himself into a seated position.
"Hi," he said, giving a smile.
Riley couldn't smile, she couldn't even talk. Tears were making a break for it and it was all she could do not the throw herself on him. Carefully, she sat on the edge of his bed, looking over his beaten form.
"Are you all right?" She whimpered.
"Yeah," He nodded, taking her hand with his free one. "I'm better now."
She could hold it together no longer. Her emotions took over, tears flowing from her eyes like a faucet.
"I was so scared, Spencer." She sobbed as he pulled her into his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder. The smell of formaldehyde was still about him, but it was him just the same.
"We'll leave you guys alone," Emily said, getting off the bed. Morgan and Emily went to the door, their departure went completely unnoticed by the couple reunited.
After what seemed like hours in each others arms, Riley finally sat up. She brushed her tears away with one hand while the other ran down his cheek. She observed the sickening bruise dripping down from his temple. "Are you in a lot of pain?"
"It's not so bad," He lied, putting on a brave face. The touch of her hand seemed to soothe the throbbing in his head. He could deal with the pain if she was here.
She sighed, leaning forward to press a kiss on his cheek. "Oh, Sweetheart... I thought I lost you..."
"What are you talking about?" He smiled, running a gentle hand along the curves of her torso. "You can't get rid of me that easily... I told you I'd find my way back to you... just like we always do."
He was in fact beginning to consider Riley's belief may have some truth to it, that there may indeed be some kind of fate keeping them together. There was no proof and there probably never would be... but it didn't matter. Either way, they were together.
"I knew something bad was going to happen... after last night..." She shook her head. "Losing my rings was a sign."
"What do you mean?" He asked, pretending confusion. "You didn't lose your rings."
He must have hit his head harder than he thought. "Yes, I did. Remember? I told you this morning, last night before I got changed, I took them off..."
As she looked to her left hand, her voice trailed off. She was stunned. Sitting on her finger were indeed both bands, right where they belonged.
With a playful glare, Riley asked, "How did you do that?"
"A magician never reveals his secrets." He grinned.
Riley couldn't help it. She smiled through her tears, carefully placing a hand behind his head to pull him into a kiss. Reid wrapped Riley in his arms, refusing to ever let her go.