The jet had reached cruising speed when JJ turned and pulled up the window shade. The blue sky swarmed with wispy white clouds and soft yellow light.
"Do you think Hotch will enjoy driving back to Quantico," JJ asked Spencer when he returned to his seat next to her with a fresh cup of coffee.
"Perhaps," Spencer said. "I think he needs some time to think. Also, there is great scenery on the drive, which he can enjoy. This time of year is pleasing to the eye when you see all the changing leaves."
"Yeah," JJ agreed. "I love this time of year. It's gonna be beautiful."
"You're beautiful," Spencer said after his first sip from his coffee mug.
"Hey, you're a bit down tonight," JJ observed as she opened a bag of Cheetos to go with her mug of green tea.
"Can't help it."
"Spence?" JJ nudged him on the shoulder until he looked over and met her eyes.
"Yeah."
"Talk to me." She pressed.
"It's just today. What Emily said about me." Spencer stared out the window instead of maintaining eye contact with her.
"You know that was just a joke. Emily has a quirky sense of humor, Spence."
"I know – it's just that all my life, people have treated me like a machine with all the answers, whether or not I do. I thought I was past that with the team." He said and sighed loudly.
"Well, I see you as the incredible person you are. You're not just your intellect or your abilities. You're kind and compassionate, and you'll be an amazing father. Our baby is so lucky to have you."
"Thanks, JJ. That means a lot." He reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Anytime, Spence. We're in this together, remember?"
"How could I forget," he kissed her cheek, and she responded with a hug.
"Hey," Morgan said from his seat across the aisle. "Workplace remember, guys.'
"Mr. Vibe, it speaks," JJ shot back.
"Yeah, I got us here on time and in one piece," Spencer added and chuckled when JJ wiggled her eyebrows at him.
"Alright, I give up." Morgan threw up his hands in defeat, which made JJ smirk.
Spencer squeezed JJ's hand just as Emily strapped in across from them. "Hey," she said as she put down a cup of steaming coffee and a package of chocolates she'd got from the candy machine at the precinct. "I wanted to apologize for my remark today. It was thoughtless."
"It's okay," Spencer glanced at JJ, who smiled at him. "I understand."
"Good, because I can't imagine not having you around, Dr. Reid." She held out the bag of candy to them. Spencer took two pieces and handed one to JJ.
"Speak for yourself," Morgan said and shrugged when JJ tossed a pillow.
"Watch it."
Reid shook his head and leaned back in his seat. Another case behind them, and soon he'd be home with JJ. He couldn't wait to sit back with a cup of coffee, his journal, and JJ in his arms.