Disclaimer: see my profile

A/n hello all. I hope you have a great week. Thank you all again for your continued support and your patience with this chapter update. Real-life gets in the way sometimes.

The Birthday Surprise

JJ sipped from her fresh cup of hotel room coffee. It wasn't the tastiest in the world, but she thought it best not to complain when it came to the room.

Speaking of the room, It faced the edge of Mountain Lake. They had reservations in an exclusive hotel called Moutain Lodge. The rooms were built as separate log cabins and had small porches with bench swings and little tables for coffee and food. The layout featured a living area, a tiny kitchen with a sink, cabinets, hot plate, and a half-fridge. One bathroom lay to the right with all the amenities. The bedroom was to the left of the living area with windows that faced the woods behind them.

JJ lifted her legs and put her chin on her knees. It was strange how good she felt in the woods with Spence at her side. Her fears retracted, and she could enjoy the beauty of the green firs, the white birches, and a rainbow of flowers. The blues and greens of the lake in the early morning sunshine were so gorgeous it took her breath away.

A breeze came up and reminded her that it was still April. She shivered a bit and took the last sip of her coffee. It was time to go inside and see if Spence was awake. She smiled and thought that she didn't blame him for sleeping they'd been up very late making love.

God. She'd made love with Spencer Reid. It was everything she imagined and more. The entire experience was so much more than giving and receiving pleasure. It was like melding her soul into one with his and finding that place where they breathed as one, though, and felt like one.

When JJ entered their room, Spence was sitting up and rubbing his eyes. She giggled and then laughed when he glared at her. "Why are you laughing?"

"Because you are so adorable. I love you. You're all mine, so therefore I giggle with joy."

Spence smiled, and it was his rare expression of total happiness. She wanted to see that smile every day.

"Oh, well, come over here and kiss me," Spencer said.

"Nope, I need a shower, and if I get any closer to you, we won't leave this bed again."

"I'm okay with that?"

"No way, mister. We are going out to enjoy the lake. It's my birthday, and I call the shots."

Spencer frowned, and then he said. "Alright, fair enough."

"Get up, babe. If you stay there, you'll go back to sleep, and I'm hungry."

"Why are you looking at me? I can't cook."

"Spencer Reid, you promised me your specialty."

He smirked at her, and she rolled her eyes. "Please!"

"I don't think it's fair when you look at me like that."

"Like what," JJ asked, and her innocent tone made him frown.

"You know what I mean. Your eyes. I can't say no to them."

"Oh. That's useful information."

"JJ!"

The rush of happiness that accompanied their gentle teasing made her warm, so she went back to the bed instead of to the shower. "I'm simply repaying you for all the times you've used your puppy eyes to get your way."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Spencer said as he drew her into his arms and began to plant kisses along her neck.

"I don't want to argue," JJ said and reached beneath the sheets to greet him properly.

Spencer jerked, blew out an explosive breath, and whispered shakily. "Keep me up, and I'll cook you anything you want."

'Don't want food, but I do want you to say it."

"What?" Spencer asked as he lay back and watched her straddle him.

"You know what I want."

Spencer reared up, kissed her, and whispered urgently in her ear as he nibbled.

"That's all I wanted to hear," JJ said and leaned forward to devour him.

CMCMCMCMCMCM

Candlelight flickered as JJ lay back in her bathtub. Her birthday trip was over, and she was enjoying a soak before bed and back to work the next day. She sipped from a glass of white wine and reached for her pen and stationery. Her bamboo bathtub tray caddy came in handy for writing and her wine glass.

JJ thought for a moment and smiled at the remembered words of Spence's last letter and their fantastic trip to the mountains.

My dearest Spence,

I'm lounging in the tub and thinking about our trip. You gave me such a wonderful surprise and made me feel so – special.

The lake was spectacular, and our tiny cabin was beautiful. Making love to you was wild and tender at the same time. It was more wonderful than I ever dreamed. You touching me felt like I finally found the missing half of my soul.

But, Spence, do you know what I truly loved about our trip? It was the quiet moments sitting together on the bench swing and watching the light shimmer on the surface of the lake, or you bringing me your special breakfast and a glass of champagne.

Thank you for making me feel beautiful and – beloved. Thank you for showing me, by your quiet example, that I can love freely and unconditionally. You're my angel, Spence.

All my love forever,

JJ.

She read the letter and decided that it was perfect. She took another sip of wine and lay back with her eyes closed. Tomorrow meant time to go back to work and the real world, but she'd take her perfect weekend with her into the suffering and blood to sustain her.