"You ready for coffee," JJ asked as she entered her living room.

Spencer sat on the sofa with his journal and a pen. His BCC sponsor had suggested journaling as a way to work through his addiction. Spencer liked it because it was low-tech. Garcia had rolled her eyes when he'd said he liked writing in longhand better than typing on a keyboard. He'd said it was – a way to connect with the printed word that was – restful.

"Yeah," he said and looked up to see JJ sitting. She moved with a grace that he deeply envied.

"Here, just like you want it," JJ said, handing him a red ceramic coffee cup.

"Thanks," he leaned in to kiss her before sipping his favorite beverage.

"Wow," JJ said. "A kiss first. You must love me."

"I must," Spencer agreed.

"Hey," JJ reached out, stroking her fingers through his wavy hair. "You're awfully quiet. You thinking about the case?"

Spencer nodded as his chest tightened a little. "I still can't believe Frank's gone, that he killed Sarah and Rebecca and manipulated Jane into – I'm glad Tracey's alright."

"I'm glad we stayed together this time."

Spencer inhaled sharply the scent of his coffee as he took a sip. "Me too. I love you, JJ."

"Hey, what's wrong?"

JJ put aside her mug and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. He loved how her hair felt when she lay her head on his arm.

"Just thinking about if something ever happened to you – "

"Nothing is going to happen to me, Spence."

He didn't believe her, not then, and a niggling itch began at the back of his head. It was familiar and hated. "I don't know if I can believe that."

"Babe, what if something happens to you," JJ's eyes spoke to him louder than words, and he squeezed her hand.

"I get it," he said. "Neither of us has a safe job. I guess I'm not thinking it through."

JJ laughed and wiped her eyes. "You – not overthinking for a change. Let me call the papers."

"You wouldn't dare throw me to the wolves," Spencer admonished, and he was glad they could talk about anything.

"I will if you get out of line," JJ teased.

Spencer put his coffee on the side table and pulled her onto his lap. He held her tight for a long time. "I promise to behave if you do."

"Not funny," JJ said, and she sighed as Spencer rubbed her back. "Do you think Gideon will be alright?"

The urge to find a needle began to recede as Spencer thought about the weeks to come for his mentor. "I honestly don't know," he admitted.

"Do you think he'll seek help?"

"I hope so," Spencer kissed her cheek.

"How's the journaling going?"

Spencer handed her the book. "You can read it if you like. It's about you this time."

"Spence, you're supposed to write your thoughts about getting well, not about me."

Spencer turned her to face him. "JJ, you're a massive part of my getting through addiction. I can't imagine where I'd be without your support. Of course, I'll write about you.

"If you're sure it's helpful, then I guess it's okay."

"It is, now read it," Spencer prodded.

JJ rolled her eyes, and he laughed. JJ climbed off his lap, sat beside him, picked up the journal, and read. Spencer watched her and smiled when she finished and gave him a look. "Spence?"

"You were so wonderful with Tracey today. She needed a mom, and you were a fantastic stand-in during our flight home."

"She's an incredible kid. All she's suffered is enough to drive an adult past the point of endurance."

"Yes," Spencer agreed. JJ had precisely described what he was thinking when making his journal entry.

He yawned, and JJ held out a hand. "Come on, time for bed."

"Yes, mom!"

"Cute," she lightly smacked his shoulder.

Spencer yawned again as JJ tugged on his hand. "Guess you're right. Let's go."

He squeezed her hand as they strolled to JJ's bedroom. Life was precious, and he hoped that he'd remember and value what he had in JJ in the upcoming weeks.