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A/n this chapter takes place between "Aftermath and The Boogeyman." Thank you all for your kind support. Now, on to the next chapter.

Happy Birthday

JJ smiled as she surveyed her bedroom. Every step was complete, and all she needed to do was wait for Spence to arrive.

As if her thoughts had called him into being, JJ heard a familiar knock at her door. It was strange, the qualities one noticed about someone they love. JJ always recognized Spencer's knock because, like him, the sound was always gentle yet firm without demands.

JJ hurried to the door and pulled Spencer inside before he had the chance to speak. Instead, she drew him into her arms and kissed him until he had to push away and breathe. "Um, wow. I'm not complaining, but what was that for, JJ.'

"I've missed you. It's been a week since we've had the chance to spend time together. And, I know you're worried about Elle. But, I want you to relax for a few hours."

Spencer drew off his jacket, tossed it over a chair, and pulled JJ close. He kissed her again, this time slowly and gently. "You are the best kisser I've ever met," JJ said when he finally relinquished his claim on her lips.

"Thank you. I love you."

"And, I love you."

Spencer finally looked around and noticed the low, golden glow. Two candles burned on the counter between the kitchen and the living room. He also smelled something that made him smile. "I know that odor. It's butter chicken from the Indian Pearl."

"Yep. I know what you like. Happy Birthday, Spence."

Spencer stared down at her. "My birthday was three days ago."

"True, but I wanted to celebrate anyway. Also, I remember last year and the aborted chocolate cake."

"JJ."

She smirked at him. "Don't think I didn't notice how you were looking at me. I wish – "

"No," Spencer put a finger to her lips. "We're not going to revisit that time, JJ. We've already been over it. So let go of the past."

"You're right," JJ agreed and took his hand. "Let's have dinner, and then I have a surprise for you."

"Nice. I like surprises."

JJ playfully slapped his chest. "Do you?"

"When you plan them."

JJ's eyebrows went into her bangs. "Hm… I hope you're serious because I have something planned that I'm certain you've never done."

Spencer gulped, and JJ laughed. "I promise you'll love it."

"I'm not entirely sure I should fully trust you."

"Come on, Spence. Where's your sense of adventure."

"For right now, I want to eat and not think about what you have planned."

"Then let's go."

CMCMCMCMCMCMCM

Spencer lay sprawled on JJ's bed and tried to remember his name. "Wow!"

JJ lifted her head from his chest and said breathlessly. "You're the genius, and that's the only word you can come up with right now."

"My mind is boggled with sugar from the chocolate cake and your talented mouth."

"I'm glad you approve."

"JJ, no one's ever eaten chocolate cake off my – well, let's just say that was amazing."

"You're the creative one. I'm very sure that I'm spoiled for any other man."

"Hey."

JJ kissed him and said. "You know what I mean, Spence. I'll never look at another man, much less do anything like this without you as my partner."

Spencer kissed her and said. "Thank you."

"For what."

"Distracting my mind."

"It's not over yet. We need a bath, and I have just the right bubble bath. Lavender."

Spencer grinned and said. "Nice. Lavender is known for its relaxing properties."

"I know. Come on."

Spencer got to his feet and surveyed the mess on the bed. "Guess we'll need to change the sheets. There's frosting and crumbs all over."

JJ smirked and nodded. "I'm pretty sure I have frosting in my hair."

Spencer bent down and licked her lips. "Also, on your face."

"You too, babe."

"Let's go run the bath."

CMCMCMCMCMCMCMCM

JJ tiptoed into her living room. She wore Spencer's shirt and a pair of thick socks. She curled up with a glass of wine, her pen, and a sheet of stationery. She wrote quickly. The scratching of her writing was the only noise in the apartment.

She sneaked into the bedroom and climbed back into bed. She snuggled up to Spence and smiled when he said in his sleep. "Love you."

CMCMCMCMCMCM

When Spencer woke, he found a piece of paper folded on JJ's pillow. He heard the sound of water running in the bathroom. He picked up the note.

My dearest Spence,

I couldn't find a birthday card that expressed how I feel about you. So I decided instead to write you a letter. You see, you created a letter-writing monster.

Spencer grinned over the phrase, "letter-writing monster," and continued reading.

Spence, you're the only one in my life that knows the real me. Even my friends and the team don't know the depths of me. Of course, there are secrets I haven't told you, but one day I will. But, unfortunately, it's not the right time – yet. The best quality about you is that you understand that I need to tell you in my time. You don't push me, and I love you for that.

You make me feel confident and unique like I can do anything I want to do. You stand by me when I'm sad and are supportive of me even when I don't appreciate it.

The point is that I want to be there for you, too. I know you're worried about Elle, but I have a feeling it's all going to be okay for her and us. If it's not, then we will get through it together.

Well, that is enough of the mushy stuff. Happy Birthday, Spence. I love you with all that I am, every day.

JJ.

Spencer looked up to see JJ, whom he hadn't heard, enter the room, looking down at him. She wore a pink robe, her hair was wet, and she smiled. She was gorgeous.

"Thank you for this," Spencer held up the letter.

"You're welcome. I meant every word."

"Yes. I know. I love you, too. Thank you for a wonderful birthday celebration."

"You're welcome."