Authors Note: Hey, here is the final chapter. I thank everyone again for their comments, and my wonderful beta, REIDFANATIC, for her wonderful job editing all my mistakes. Thanks!

JJ dialed Spencer’s number for the fifth time in three hours. She was worried that he wasn’t answering. Should she call Hotch, or should she leave it alone for the night. Maybe he saw her name on caller ID and was ignoring her. She couldn’t blame him. She shouldn’t have left, no matter what Hotch thought.

She’d gone straight to his house when she’d got in from the airport. She’d banged on the door for twenty minutes before giving up, and conceding that he wasn’t home, not just ignoring her. She’d left when a neighbor came out, and asked her in an annoyed tone, if he could please help her.

She sighed and called her mother. There had been a storm predicted for that area that promised to be the first big one of the year. It was early for the season, but at least she’d made it home before the winds and rain had begun here.

“Hey mom, I just wanted to let you know I’m home.”

“What’s wrong sweet girl, you sound upset?”

“I can’t find Spencer, I went to his house and he isn’t there. I’m worried about him; he’s not answering his phone.”

“That’s because he’s asleep in your bedroom honey.”

“What! Mom… I’m not in the mood for jokes.”

“I’m not joking with you, he really is here, so stop calling him, you’ll wake him up and he looks like he hasn’t slept well in weeks.”

“But why -”

“He came after you Jenny, he loves you very much and he wants to talk to you.”

JJ couldn’t believe her ears, he’d actually gone after her, and now here they were like the principal players in a bad romance novel, missing each other by hours.

“I know what you’re thinking Jenny and I want you to stay put. You can’t get a flight in here anyway, the weather is horrid. I can’t remember the last time it snowed like this at this time of year. In fact I’m glad he’s here, I feel a lot safer since your father’s away.”

“You’re right mom, is he okay?”

“No… but he will be after about twelve hours of sleep. He needs to eat, he’s too skinny.”

“I’m sure you’ll get a meal into him before he leaves,” JJ said trying not to laugh at her mother’s last remark.

“He’s not leaving here until he has a good breakfast in the morning, now get some sleep my girl, you’ll feel better.”

“Okay mom, I love you.”

“I love you too sweetheart.”

Bright sunlight woke Spencer up the next morning. He turned over stretched, and sat up feeling better than he had in months. It took a minute but he finally remembered where he was. He’d been sleeping in her room, in her bed. He flushed pink, then remembered that she wasn’t here, she was back in Virginia and he’d come all the way here for nothing.

Good one Reid, just wait till Morgan hears about this little stunt, he may stop laughing in a couple of years.

He was about to get out of bed when a knock came at his door. He lay down and pulled the sheets up around his bare chest.

“Ah - come in.”

The door opened and Susan Jareau came in. She was carrying the clothes he’d worn the day before. “I washed these for you.” She placed them on the bed.

“How do you feel?” She asked.

“Um… good I feel really good, what time is it?”

She consulted her watch, “it’s about 11 am.”

“What! I have to go.” He threw off the covers and was about to get out of bed when realized he only wore boxers. He’s face went crimson and he hastily covered himself again. Susan began to laugh.

“Dr. Reid don’t be shy, you don’t have anything, I haven’t seen before.”

“I ah - I’m sorry I didn’t think…” Oh this was so embarrassing; this was JJ’s mom for God’s sake.

“Spencer don’t feel bad, I’m sorry I teased you, now get dressed and I’ll fix you something to eat.” She patted his arm through the blanket and gave him a cheeky smile.

“I have to get going.”

“Relax, the storm is over and the roads are cleared, but the next flight out doesn’t leave till 4 pm you have some time.”

She left before he could ask how she knew the flight schedule. He sighed, and put on the clothes that were still warm from the dryer. He made the bed and picked up his phone. He checked his messages and saw that JJ had tried to call him several times.

JJ rolled over and groaned when the sunlight struck her face. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the clock. 11 am straight up. She’d slept for twelve hours. It was more sleep than she’d gotten in weeks. She could only hope that Spence had slept as well as she had.

She stumbled into the bathroom and turned on the shower. She was about to step under the hot water when her phone rang. She ran back to the bedroom and snatched up her phone. She froze when she saw Spence’s number on the caller ID. She let it ring twice more before she answered.

“Spence?”

“Yeah JJ, it’s me.”

“Um, how are you?”

“I’m fine actually; I slept for twelve hours straight.”

“That’s great, how’s my mom.”

“Oh ... you know where I am.”

“Yeah I know where you are, I talked to mom last night, after I couldn’t reach you.”

“Your mom’s pretty great. You’re lucky Jennifer.”

He called her Jennifer; he never did that, mostly because he knew she hated to be called that at work. She liked hearing him say it. It sent little shivers down her back. She loved the sound of his voice; the way it squeaked when he was excited was so cute.

“JJ are you there?”

“Yeah, I was just thinking I like it when you call me Jennifer.”

He was quiet for so long she began to be afraid he was mad and had hung up.

“I like calling you that, Jennifer.”

Oh how she wanted to see him again. Please God give us a break!

“I should be back some time this evening, can I come to see you and talk.”

“Yeah, I’d like that Spence.”

“Okay, see you soon.”

She hung up the phone and squealed. She ran into the bathroom and jumped into the shower. He wasn’t mad at her anymore and he was coming to see her.

Susan Jareau made him eat an enormous breakfast, even though it was almost noon. She had scrambled eggs, pancakes, toast, bacon and coffee all lined up on the table when he walked into the kitchen. He tried to protest, but like her daughter, she got him to do what she wanted with little trouble. He decided it was the eyes, you couldn’t say no to them.

“I talked to Jennifer.”

“Good, how does she sound?” She added a couple of teaspoons of sugar to her tea and stirred it slowly.

He put down his coffee and said thoughtfully. “She sounded like she just woke up, but not like she hadn’t slept. She sounded rested.”

She walked over to the table and sat next to him. She took a sip from her tea and said to him,“I’m glad; its great what a full night’s sleep will do for you isn’t it.”

“It was slightly more than a night’s sleep Susan.”

“Hey, you obviously needed it.”

“I did actually, I haven’t been sleeping that well.” He attacked his breakfast because despite his complaints to the contrary, he was stomach rumbling hungry.

“I know, but I have a feeling that’s going to change.”

Spencer flushed and Susan laughed. “Just remember the hard part’s over.”

“Is it Susan, is it really?”

“Yes, it is, now get on that phone and book a flight, my daughter’s waiting for you.”

“Thanks Susan I forgot what having a mom is like,” he said shyly, and nervously pushed a strand of hair behind one ear.

“Your welcome. I never had a son so I look forward to knowing you better." She kissed his cheek and his flush deepened.

By the time seven o’clock rolled around JJ was so nervous she could hardly stand still, in fact she was pacing around her living room for the hundredth time that afternoon. What if he changed his mind and didn’t come see her like he promised?

She stopped pacing and went into the bathroom. She looked in the mirror checking her make up and lipstick. Her hair was hanging straight down and unfettered. She wore a blue sweatshirt and a pair of dark blue jeans. Her feet were clad only in white socks and her hands were shaking.

It was so surreal. She was usually so confident with men. Now she was a nervous as a school girl on her first date. The doorbell rang and she jumped and gave a little scream. Calm down girl, you’re going to have a heart attack if you don’t settle down.

She went out to the front door, each step seemed to take an eternity to complete. She opened the door and he stood there looking as nervous as she felt. One hand pushed back his hair and oddly that made her relax.

“Hi Jennifer.”

“Ah - hi Spence, ah - do you want to come in.”

Stupid question girl of course he wants to come in why do you think he’s here?

“Yeah, ah - thanks.” He entered and stood awkwardly without making eye contact. Oh boy, this wasn’t going to be easy.

“Spence, why don’t you sit down, do you want some coffee, or a beer maybe.”

“Coffee’s fine, I don’t think alcohol is a good idea, especially in light of what happened the last time I was here.”

Okay so maybe he is still mad at me. Don’t give up girl you can do this. You have to do this.

“I’ll be right back.”

She left the room and he sat down on the same leather sofa where last year they had - stop it Reid don’t go there. He looked around and everything was the same from the books in the bookshelves to the paintings on the white walls. Maybe this was a bad idea.

“Hey Spence, you okay?”

God she looked great, her golden hair swinging around her face, her blue eyes that made his heart stutter whenever he looked into them. Her lips were painted a light pink and were so kissable.

“Spence, did you hear me.”

“I don’t think this was a good idea, I should go now.”

“No please don’t go, I need to talk to you. Please Spence give me another chance.” She put the coffee cups on the end table and grasped one of his hands.

He pulled away from her and walked to the couch. He sat down and looked up to where she was standing staring at him.

“Jennifer, I should leave, this wasn’t a good idea.”

“Why, all I want to do is talk to you. I’ve tried so hard to convince you that I’ve fallen in love with you, but you refuse to believe it.”

“Okay then let me ask you a question, what does it mean to love someone?” He stared at the floor unable to meet her eyes again.

“I don’t get what you’re asking Spence.”

“What is love to you, what does it mean? I can give you lots of scientific reason for the feelings we call love, but does the word mean more than just surging hormones to you." He demanded as he rose and retreated to the other end of the room from her where it was safe.

She took a deep breath as though she were getting ready to dive into a deep pool of water. He watched her stand and move to join him. He wanted to retreat, but she sensed

it and lay a restraining hand on his arm.

“Please don’t pull away again, I couldn’t bear it.”

His heart beat began to speed up but he didn’t move. He asked the question, now he had to be ready for whatever her answer was.

“I don’t want to hurt you anymore, so if you want to walk away right now, I won’t stop you. It’s your choice.”

He gaped at her. "Why are you saying this after everything we just went through in the last 24 hours, just to see each other?”

“I love you Spence and if that means I have to let you go then I will. You asked me what love means to me, well it means many things. I don’t have the right words to tell you but maybe I can tell you in the words of my favorite sonnet. I memorized it in high school. She took a deep breath and began to recite it.

Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark,

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks

Within his bending sickle's compass come:

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,

But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved,

I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

“That’s -”

“William Shakespeare,” Reid said, a strange look on his face.

“Hey… you don’t have to look at me like that, I can know things too.” She pulled on his arm and he follwed her back to the couch.

“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I know you’re more than a pretty face, you’re smart and funny and you can make people do what you want them to do, especially the press.”

“I can’t get you to believe in me, so I must not be that great at influence.”

“I believe in you Jennifer, but I’m scared. I don’t want to go any further with whatever there is between us and then get hurt again.”

“If you want a guarantee Spence, I can’t give it to you, but I can give you all of my heart and my soul and my body if you want it, because I do love you.”

He wanted to believe her. He wanted to believe in himself. So he threw aside his doubts and he said, wrapping one arm around her shoulder.

When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,

I all alone beweep my outcast state

And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries

And look upon myself and curse my fate,

Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,

Featur'd like him, like him with friends possess'd,

Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,

With what I most enjoy contented least;

Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,

Haply I think on thee, and then my state,

Like to the lark at break of day arising

From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;

For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings

That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

“That’s Shakespeare too, isn’t it?” She asked him with tears filling her eyes.

“Yes, it is.”

“Oh Spencer, I’m so sorry for everything, for what I did last year and for Lisa. Please forgive me, I love you.”

“I know,” he said. He kissed her and when she pulled away he asked. “Jennifer, I want to start this right, so will you go to dinner with me tonight. We’ll spend some time together and see how it goes.”

“Okay, but I have to change first.”

“No you don’t you look fine.”

“Spencer, a girl doesn’t go to dinner with a guy she really likes looking like this. Honestly… you have a lot to learn about women.”

She winked at him then left him there to ponder that statement and yes he did have a lot to learn, but there was time now, all the time in the world.