Disclaimer: See chapter 1

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William Reid saw the envelope drop through the bars. He hadn't received a lot of mail lately. He'd had a letter from Evan last week. His younger son was pining away for Bethany who had returned to Minnesota for the summer. He wondered if maybe it was from Chico and sprang from his bunk to pick up the envelope. He saw that it wasn't from Chico when he recognized the loopy handwriting that belonged to his daughter- in - law. He tore the envelope open eagerly.

Hi Dad,

Sorry it's been a while since I've written. On of my co-workers, who thought he was doing me a favor, gave my mail to Spencer to bring home to me. Of course he saw the envelope from Leavenworth and recognized your handwriting and, well, I guess you could say it hit the fan. Spencer was very angry. I've never seen him quite that mad. He eventually calmed down and told me he couldn't stop me from writing but I was kind of leery at first. Finally the other night, we agreed that I would.

My Dad told us that Chico had been released and that it was you who got the ball rolling. It was a wonderful thing that you did but I hope you haven't put yourself in danger because of it. Dad brought Chico's grandmother with him from Chicago and they were reunited in Kansas City. He was so happy to see her, Dad said, but I'm sure you're both missing each other.

Joanna is three months old now and growing normally. The doctor says she's a happy and extremely bright little girl so maybe she'll have Spencer's mind. We recently had her christened. My parents were here for it as well as Spencer's team, Evan and Janice. You should have seen Spencer. He was such a proud Daddy, showing his little princess off to all the parishioners. I wanted to send you a picture but I didn't because Spencer worries about my letters falling into the wrong hands and Joanna and me being in danger. Thank you for the pictures you sent by the way. They mean a lot. Spencer was such an adorable child but then I knew he had to be. The picture of you and Spencer playing chess brought back some bittersweet memories for my husband that he still struggles with.

Another month and I go back to work. It'll break my heart to leave my baby. Spencer's been trying to convince me to stay home with her but I love my job.

Not much else newsworthy to tell you. Please take care Dad, now that Chico's not there.

Love Allie

William folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope. Maybe he shouldn't write back. He did not want to cause problems for Spencer and Allie and he certainly didn't want to put them in danger. They were obviously happy together. He put the letter with the others secured with an elastic band.

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Jason Gideon opened the express envelope from Samuel. There was another envelope and a short note inside.

Jason,

Spencer Reid brought me a letter he'd written to you. He asked me to see that you got it. Keep well my friend.

Samuel

He looked at the envelope with his name in the familiar handwriting, perched his glasses on the end of his nose and ripped open the envelope. He sat down in his comfortable leather wing chair and began to read.

Dear Jason,

First off, I apologize for taking so long to respond to your letter at our wedding and your amazing gift. We haven't had a chance to get up there yet. You, of all people, know how busy the BAU can be.

Allie and I have been busy with many things. We bought a house in McLean. My apartment was simply getting too small for all the family but the most important thing we've been involved with is our daughter. Joanna Faith was born on May 2nd and is the light of our lives. Most importantly, she's healthy with lots of dark hair and I pray she grows up to be as beautiful as her mother. I've enclosed a few pictures so you'll be able to see how beautiful she is. I may be just a little biased, I admit.

Becoming a father has been the most awesome experience of my life. I had no idea I could feel so deeply for another human being. I admit to being totally terrified but the moment I first held my daughter in my arms, I felt the need to love, nurture, encourage and protect this little life always.

Evan continues to do well. He's stayed healthy and is quite happy with his girlfriend Bethany. Last year we went to Leavenworth to visit our father. It was quite an eye opener for him. Evan still keeps in touch with him and he and Allie have been exchanging letters. Allie keeps hoping for a reconciliation but I don't know if I am, or ever will be, ready for that. My relationship with my father could hardly be described as ordinary and my relationship with Allie's father underscores that even more. He's a wonderful man.

My own fatherhood has led me to reflect on the fathers around me, my own father, Lloyd Graham, Hotch and you. Each has given me a different perspective on the wondrous experience I now undertake. The fatherly guidance you gave me during my early years at the bureau has meant more to me than you will ever know.

I hope your efforts to reconnect and reconcile with Steven are going well. Allie feels our situations are similar, you trying to reconnect with your son and my father trying to reconnect with me. Perhaps Steven is not as stubborn as I am and can let go of the hurt. I hope that's the case.

Take care of yourself Jason. I hope that you are finding the solid footing you are searching for. For Christmas last year my father-in-law gave me a chess table and chess set that his father had made for him years ago. It was one of his most prized possessions and it has become one of mine. The only thing that would make it more special is to someday sit at it with you. That seat will always be open and waiting for you.

Spencer

He folded the letter and turned his attention to the pictures. A sweet beautiful little baby dressed in a white christening dress looked back at him. The next showed Spencer holding his daughter, smiling proudly at the camera with Allie at his side. Gideon smiled as he ran his fingers over the images in the pictures. Spencer would make a terrific father. He'd come a long way from the exceedingly brilliant but socially inept kid who'd first come to the bureau. He wouldn't mind taking a seat at that table he thought as he got up and headed for the door. He had to go down to the strip mall. He needed to get frames for those pictures.

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As Spencer Reid got out of his SUV toting his messenger bag, a dozen red roses and a bottle of wine, Allie was primping herself in front of the mirror. Joanna was spending the night at Aunt Emily's with Aunt Penelope and Aunt JJ. Allie had cried when she'd left her but the girls had promised to take good care of her. A night alone with Spencer was the best birthday present they could give her, they thought. She hoped she could concentrate on her husband and not worry about her daughter. "Honey, I'm home," she heard as the front door opened. She met Spencer at the top of the stairs and he presented her with the roses. He set the wine down on the kitchen counter, removed his messenger bag and took her in his arms.

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The pizza box was half empty and the wine bottle almost empty as the couple lay naked on the couch wrapped in each other's arms. "You want more pizza?" Allie asked. Spencer shook his head. "More wine?" he shook his head again as he nestled it in her breasts. His hand gently kneaded one breast while he caressed the other with his mouth, tasting the precious juices that sustained their daughter. Allie moaned under his ministrations. He moved his mouth from her breast and was feathering kisses down her abdomen when the phone rang.

"Don't answer it," Spencer said against her soft skin.

"What if something's wrong with Joanna? Maybe there's a case," Allie reminded him.

"Damn," he cursed as he picked up the cordless phone. "What," he barked into the receiver.

"Is this Spencer Reid?" a man's voice asked.

"Yeah, who's this?" Spencer asked, irritably.

"This is Warden Bingham from Leavenworth. I'm calling about your father."