Chapter 41: The Proposal*

Spencer and I have been on good terms following the hostility and emotions Saturday night. It's Wednesday, my birthday spa day. Spencer is on another case, but it is local at least. He was very excited for me when I told him what the girls had planned for my birthday, he said it was really thoughtful. He's right, but I don't want my friends spending so much money on me for my birthday. Spencer told me if they offered then don't worry about it. I choose to listen to him and plan to enjoy the day. He had left excruciatingly early in the morning, leaving me a note to wake up to that explained his absence. He calls me in the morning after I've woken up and he says "hey how'd you sleep?" I smile like an idiot and say "not so great without you, bubs, after you left so early but alright considering you were there for part of it." Spencer chuckles "same here. Listen, I wanted to remind you to drink a lot of water before and after your spa day. A lot of people get headaches after getting a massage because of dehydration. This happens because during a massage, your muscles become looser. As your massage therapist applies pressure to your muscles, blood flow to the area increases. Metabolic waste that was previously trapped in the muscle now moves to leave the body through your lymphatic system. This means the kidneys have to work harder, meaning they use more water than usual." I giggle "Spencer, I would've believed you without the anatomy and physiology lesson." Spencer laughs back "well I have to divulge all of this knowledge to the one person who always listens to me ramble." I hum in agreement "your rambling is my favorite sound in the world, Spence." He goes to respond but is interrupted by a female voice. I feel my blood boil at the thought that it could be Seaver. I haven't even met her and I don't like her. Spencer says "yeah, Prentiss, I'll be there in a second." I'm relieved that it was Prentiss and not Seaver. He continues "I gotta go, we are going to talk to somebody and try to solve this case." I tell him "go save some lives, Superman, I love you!" He chuckles "go have a relaxing spa day, I love you, too." We hang up and I start to get ready. I choose to not wear makeup since I'm getting a facial anyway. I just get Ryder taken care of and I opt to wear leggings, a nicer sweater, and ugg boots so I look cute and cozy for the spa, but not homeless. Alison texts me that she's downstairs and I head out to her car. I hop in the back seat and greet both girls with an excited smile and say "hey guys, y'all ready to relax?" Killian says "hell yes. I love Jack with my whole heart but I think he gave me a knot in my back or something." Alison and I chuckle. Alison says "I have to tell my massage therapist I'm pregnant because there's certain pressure points she should avoid. Other than that I'm excited." I give her a big smile and say "oh hey I brought water bottles for y'all. Spencer said massages can dehydrate you and give you a headache so be sure to drink one before we go in." They both nod and start drinking the water. Alison goes "so how's life, Annie? Are the guys on a case right now?" I hum and say "yeah they're on a case, but it's local so at least Spencer comes home and sleeps beside me at night even if I don't see him when he gets there or when he leaves." Alison gives me a questioning look in the rear view mirror and Killian interjects "oh I know exactly what you mean. Aaron sometimes doesn't even come home when working local cases and will just sleep for like an hour on his couch in his office." My heart breaks to hear that. I tell her "we need to do something nice for the BAU team. Like an appreciation party or something." Alison smiles and says "that would be really sweet. Those guys work so hard and I bet they rarely get the recognition they deserve. But right now we are celebrating your birthday so stop appreciating other people and let us appreciate you!" With that we pull up to the spa and file out of Alison's car. They start all three of us off with our full body massages in separate rooms. I opt to just stay quiet and enjoy the massage. Usually I would feel the need to talk all through the massage, but today I just decided to do what I wanted to do. She applies the perfect amount of pressure, getting rid of every knot and tense area with her magical hands. She tells me at the end of the massage that she will also be doing my facial later. After the massage, she tells me I can take my time getting up and our provided lunch will be waiting for me outside as will Killian and Alison's. I take my time getting redressed and simply savor the moment of quiet and calm before rejoining my friends. We eat together and have similar conversations to what we would at work or at home. After our lunch it's time for our mani pedi. I can't decide on a color or shape but the girls help me decide on short oval white nails. Alison said it was very classy and would go with anything I decided to wear for dinner for my birthday. I get my pedicure done to match my toes with white polish. It truly is such a relaxing and happy day. I am so glad we did this, but I'm still worried about what this must be costing my friends. After our nails and toes are done it's time for us to each go back for a facial. I nearly fall asleep during the facial and my aesthetician tells me she has more people fall asleep during facials than massages. The facial is extremely relaxing and satisfying. She moves right in to the lash lift and tint from the facial. It's not too bad of a process. We talk the whole time because I have to have my eyes closed the whole time. I learn more about her and why she became an aesthetician. I know now that I will be requesting her if and when I come back for more spa services. Knowing Spencer, I'll have more spa services eventually. After my lash lift and tint is done I'm in awe that these are my real lashes. She praises me for handling the process so well and she instructs me not to get them wet or wear makeup for 24 hours and to be careful when rubbing my eyes. I take in all the information, I'll be sure to tell Spencer as soon as I can so he can help me remember. We finish up the services and I meet back up with my friends. Killian and Alison ooh and ahh over my lashes. I'm confused and ask "did y'all not get a lash lift and tint?" They smile and shake their heads "no, that was actually a gift from the BAU girls to you." I'm in shock and ask "so is everything already paid for?" Alison smiles and says "yep it's done you can't change it. Now let's find you a new dress! I know a great place!" I hand everybody more water in the car and we chug it so we don't get headaches. We go in this boutique that Alison recommended and it's actually really beautiful. The woman walks over and hugs Alison. She turns between Killian and me and asks "so who is the birthday girl?" I raise my hand shyly "it's me, hi." She smiles and nods "well let's find you the dress of your dreams!" I chuckle and say "uhh okay." The woman says "now, there is something important to note. Do not look at price tags today. We want you to find the best dress for your birthday. The cost is already covered by somebody who wishes to remain anonymous." I internally roll my eyes, knowing its probably Spencer. Externally I just say "oh wow that's so nice. I really don't mind paying for my own dress." The woman waves her hands and says "not this time. Now what are you thinking?" I end up browsing for a bit because I have no idea what I want. I try on a number of dresses, both long and short, in different colors. I eventually land on a champagne colored dress with some embroidered beaded flowers in white and silver beads. It's honestly just breathtaking and I fall in love with it as soon as I try it on. My friends and even the store owner are in awe of the dress and tell me that this one is definitely it. I'm blushing out of excitement and shyness as they all just gush over the dress. I decide that it's the one and tell the girls my nude pumps will be great with it and I don't need new shoes. They try to fight me on it and I quite literally put my foot down at this point. They let me make this decision, thankfully, and I can honestly feel a headache coming on. I don't know if it's from the massage or just from all the action today, or my hormones or what. The store owner writes down the details of the dress for the "anonymous donor" to pay for later and wraps it up and even puts it in a garment bag to take it home in. I am a bit in shock there's so much care going into one dress. It's just my birthday, hopefully there will be many more. I kinda hate that it's turned into such a big deal, but I am happy my friends care enough to do all of this for me. Alison drives me home and I say my goodbyes to the girls and make my way upstairs with the dress. I walk inside and immediately see Spencer in the kitchen and am so happy to see him. I run over to him and hug him as I say "Spence, you're home! I feel like I haven't seen you in days!" He just holds me tight and gives me a quick kiss before saying "I know I feel like I haven't seen you in days either." He then asks "how was your birthday spa day?" I smile and say "pretty great! I do have a bit of a headache right now, though." Spencer frowns and pushes some hair behind my ear "did you drink more water like I told you to?" I smile softly and nod "I drank almost three bottles of water before during and after, Spence. Maybe I was just already dehydrated." Spencer hums "could be. Go lie down and I'll whip us up something for dinner." I smile and nod. When we first started dating he could only cook breakfast foods and even then those could be touch and go and now he's going to fix dinner. He's so sweet. I go to the bedroom to lie down for a bit, Ryder follows at my heels and hops into bed with me after I hang up the dress in the closet. I doze off pretty quickly; I have no idea for how long. I wake up to something smelling really good in the kitchen. Spencer has made grilled cheese and tomato soup, one of my favorite sick meals. I know he has an eidetic memory but it still warms my heart when he does remember things. Spencer smiles when he sees me and says "perfect timing, dinner is ready." I smile and take a seat at the island, Spencer makes our plates and hands me mine before sitting next to me. We sit and chat and I notice Spencer is looking at me weirdly. I furrow my brow and ask him "what is it Spence?" He says "hmm?...oh! I was just noticing how nice your eye lashes look. Is that something they did today at the spa?" I nod and tell him about the process, of which he seemed horrified. All of a sudden there's a knock at the door. Spencer gives me a knowing smile and goes to answer it. I furrow my brows in confusion once again. Spencer opens the door to reveal Rossi with a gift sack. I get up and go to greet him. I say "hey, Dave, what are you doing here?" He smiles and says "well, kid, I have a birthday present for you. The genius here let it slip that you liked one of the gifts I had given him previously?" I'm confused, still not following. He hands me the sack and I say "but, Dave, my birthday isn't until Friday?" Dave chuckles "I thought you might want to break them in before Friday." Then it all clicks. I just look between the two men and say "no," in shock. I open the gift sack to reveal a box that says Christian Louboutin. I look at Rossi and screech "YOU DID NOT!" He chuckles and nods "they're nonrefundable so don't even try. Go on, open it!" Spencer just watches from his stance, like a parent happily watching their child ask for their most coveted Christmas present on Christmas morning. I open the box to reveal a beautiful pair of nude heels. The heel part is sparkly but the part around the toe is transparent with small diamonds. They are so classy. Rossi says "I've noticed you often wear nude colored heels when you dress up for events, so I got you a nicer pair for your birthday." I'm in shock and get up to hug him and thank him profusely. He just chuckles and tells me to try them on. I slip them on and walk around. They're a little slippery on the hardwood like most heels are when they're brand new, but they're absolutely gorgeous and fit like a glove. I hug Rossi again and thank him profusely. He just chuckles and says "the best way you can thank me is by honoring me and wearing them for your birthday dinner. Deal?" I smile wide and nod quickly "deal!" He turns to head out and says "I'll let you kids get back to your dinner. Happy early birthday, Annie!" I call out one final thank you and start doing a little dance in my new shoes. Spencer chuckles and asks "are you happy, Annie?" I nod "I've wanted a pair of red bottoms since I was in like high school! This is so surreal!" Spencer chuckles "I'm happy you're happy. Let's finish up dinner and head to bed. Sound good?" I nod and follow Spencer so we can eat dinner.

•••••

It's now Friday and we both have work. Luckily the team hasn't been called away on a case since the local one they just wrapped up so they are catching up on paperwork. I am only working 9-3 today, usually our Fridays don't go very late unless something comes up. All of my friends in the hospital were sure to stop by and say happy birthday to me or they would tell me as we passed in the halls. It was super sweet. I'm about to go on my lunch when Alison asks me if I can check on the supply levels for our apple sauce and crackers in the kitchen/break room area and see if we need to request more for Monday. I smile and nod and go to check it out. I walk into the kitchen and as I open the door I hear "surprise!" I look around and most of my friends in the hospital are there with a birthday cake for me, in the center of them all is Spencer. I start tearing up, surprised that people thought ahead enough to do something like this for me and that Spencer would take time out of his work day to be here for me. Spencer walks up to me with a big smile and gives me a hug and a kiss. I say "Spencer! What are you doing here and not at work?" He just laughs and says "you think I would miss any event that celebrates you? Absolutely not. Happy Birthday, Annie." I blush and smile big at how sweet he is. Alison walks up to me after having slipped in behind me and says "so did we fool you?" I chuckle and nod "yes, I had no idea!" Killian chimes in and says "lucky for you you have an FBI agent boyfriend who can protect you from your obliviousness!" She nudges Spencer slightly as she says it and Spencer laughs. He says "I will always protect her, especially from herself." I scoff lightly and laugh. I then say "it's much easier to surprise me than a profiler, that's for sure. I have to have multiple stories ready for the interrogation that ensues if Spencer thinks I'm just a little bit off. Like when I was planning his birthday surprises." Spencer blushes and nods. He says "it's just part of the job." Spencer and I mingle and eat cake. A lot of people here actually helped care for him when he was in the hospital for anthrax and for his gunshot wound. The cake is delicious, just regular yellow cake with buttercream icing. One of the nurses bakes cakes as a hobby and she baked and decorated the cake all herself, it was one of the most thoughtful things anybody has done for me. She insists I take it home and I try to fight her but she says she won't take it home if I leave it here. Eventually Spencer just laughs and tells me to take the cake home. He says "you only turn 26 once, Annie, might as well enjoy it!" I smile and nod. Once we get to my office, Spencer asks if I just want to take a half day and go home with him like we did for his birthday, but I tell him I'd rather get as much work done as I can before the weekend so I'm not worried about it all weekend and have to dread it come Monday. He understands and tells me he will do the same at the BAU. I smile and nod and lean up on my tip toes to give him a kiss. He says softly in my ear "wanna find an on call room before I go?" I just chuckle and say "no Spencer, I get off earlier today. Just lemme spend the next couple of hours working on stuff and then you can have me all. Weekend. Long." I punctuate my statement with a kiss and he hums, puckering his lips for one more. I give him one more kiss and then tell him "okay, go, Spence! I gotta get some work done while I can still walk." I wink and turnaround and I just hear him laugh as he walks in the other direction towards the main entrance of the hospital.

•••••

I get home from work at around 3:30 and see that Spencer isn't home yet. I expected this since he doesn't usually get off until 5. I take care of Ryder before changing into some comfy clothes and opt to lie down for a bit and wait for Spencer to get home. I doze off watching tv and only wake up when I feel Spencer gently climb into bed with me. I turn over so that I can snuggle with him. He just chuckles and envelops me in his long arms. He gently runs his fingers through my hair and asks "you still asleep?" I lightly shake my head and he just chuckles. He says "was the birthday party tiring?" I just lightly nod, my eyes still closed. Eventually I ask him "what time is it?" He hums and I feel him move his arm to check his watch. He says "it's 5:32." I hum in acknowledgment and start to open my eyes. I realize he's still in his work clothes and start giggling. He smiles and asks "what's funny?" I tell him through giggles "you're still in your fancy work clothes. Belt and tie and all." He starts laughing, too, and says "you just looked so peaceful I wanted to join you. I'm sorry I woke you." I shake my head "I've been asleep around 2 hours if it's 5:30. I needed to wake up anyway." Spencer hums. He says "do you still want to go out for your birthday dinner? We can reschedule." I shake my head and say "no I don't want to reschedule, let's go tonight. You've already made me feel so special and I kinda don't want it to end." Spencer smiles and nods "I am definitely not done making you feel special. Hopefully I never will be." I just blush and smile at that, averting my gaze. I ask him "what time are our reservations?" Spencer says "8. I think you'll really like the surprise I have planned." I giggle and nod "I'm sure I will. I always love your surprises." Spencer blushes and kisses my forehead. He asks "how much time will you need to get ready?" I hum, calculating, and then say "an hour to an hour and a a half." Spencer hums in acknowledgment "how about we stay here and cuddle for a bit before you get ready? I'm kinda tired from work and I missed you." I chuckle "Spencer you just saw me at lunch." He hums and says "yeah like 4 hours ago." I laugh and tell him "yeah baby we can snuggle for about 30 minutes and then I need to start getting ready." He just hums in acknowledgment, and I can tell he's already starting to nod off. I trace patterns on his tie and on his checkered shirt, listening to his heartbeat and his even breathing. Eventually I hear him start to snore and I smile lightly at the sound. He swears he doesn't snore, but he does most nights. I think it's because he sleeps so little that when he can sleep he sleeps so deeply he ends up snoring, twitching, sleep talking, all of it. Sometimes he has nightmares where he twitches more and cries out. He will call out names and protest whatever it is that's happening. Most of the time I gently wake him up and he wakes up briefly and then tries to go back to sleep. He never wants to talk about it. I think he wants to protect me from the worst of his job, but he should never have to do any of this alone. I trace patterns, listen to his snoring, and study his sleeping frame until it's about 6 pm. I decide to get up and start getting ready. I slowly slip out of Spencer's arms and out of the bed. As soon as I get up, Ryder takes my place that I had and curls up with Spencer. I walk around and pull the covers up over Spencer a little more and then walk into the bathroom. I put my hair up into a bun and hop in the shower to wash the day off, shave, and exfoliate. I have a feeling if my birthday will be anything like Spencer's birthday, then he won't leave a single inch of my body untouched tonight. With my permission anyway. After that nap I feel much more energized and excited for the night. I'm sure Spencer will, too. I decide to wake him up around 7 if he doesn't wake up before that so that he has plenty of time to get ready. Once I have finished my shower and my skin care routine I walk back into the bedroom in my bedroom wrapped in only a towel. I switch out the towel for my robe once I get to my vanity. I sit down and get to work on my makeup. I put my AirPods in and listen to a podcast while I apply my makeup. I don't even notice Spencer is awake until he walks up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. He gently pulls out an airpod and says "you let me fall asleep." I chuckle and nod "I was going to wake you up at 7, bubs, you looked really tired." He hums and kisses my temple "I appreciate that. I'm going to take Ryder out, I'll be back in a bit." I nod and thank him for doing that. I watch him walk away in the mirror and smile. I take the AirPods out now that Spencer is awake and listen to it just on my phone's speaker. I finish up the makeup after about 20 minutes since I'm taking my time. It's a classic subtle smoky eye and red lipstick. I spray the setting spray and get to work on my hair. I curl it and twist some strands around, connecting them in a small braid in the back. I pull out some strands in the front to frame my face. Once I'm satisfied with my hair and makeup I step into the closet to get the dress. While I'm in the closet I hear Spencer's footsteps and he calls out "I'm going to take a quick shower!" I yell back an okay as I get the dress out and start to get ready. I pull the dress on and step into my louboutins. I look in the mirror at the outfit; it's everything I imagined it would be. Now that I'm dressed I apply deodorant and perfume before adding jewelry. I add the tourmaline necklace from Spencer and some three pairs of stud earrings into my ears. There are two diamond studs and a set of pearl studs in the middle. I opt to not to wear bracelets, not even a watch, but I do put my rings on. I grab my wallet and the shade of lipstick I'm wearing and add a few things to a small clutch that matches the dress. I stand up and do a quick walk around and check everything in the mirror. I'll have to wait for Spencer to zip me the rest of the way up. On cue he comes out of the bathroom, dressed and ready to go, and I ask him "Spence, can you zip me up? I'm ready after that." He hums and zips me up. I turn around to thank him and his eyes go wide at the full sight of my outfit. He is speechless for a moment and says "wow. You are quite literally breathtaking. You look so beautiful, Annie." He leans down to kiss me on the lips. I stop him and say "ah ah, no messing up my lipstick. Yet." He smiles and opts to kiss me on the cheek instead of the lips. I smile and say "thank you." He smiles and takes my hand. We get Ryder set up, put on our nice coats, and head out. I know the routine all too well as we make our way to Spencer's car. He drives, holding my left hand in his right the whole time. We talk and laugh on the drive there, I'm still unsure of where we are going, but I trust Spencer and have never been disappointed by one of his surprises. Eventually I figure out where we are going and get excited. We pull up to the Ponte Vecchio Italian restaurant and Spencer hands the car off to the valet. He guides me in with a hand on my lower back. Once we get to the hostess he tells them the name for his reservation and we follow the hostess. She actually leads us through the restaurant to a private set of stairs I hadn't noticed the last time we were there. We follow the hostess up the stairs and find a private dining room that's beautifully decorated. There are flowers and lights and there are even water features along the walls like the private room we had been in before. There's a private balcony with French doors, they're closed right now due to the frigid January air, as well that overlooks part of the Potomac river. It's all absolutely beautiful and I'm speechless. The hostess tells us something that I don't catch and then she leaves us. Spencer asks me "Annie? Are you alright? You haven't said anything." I just look at him and say "Spencer, this is absolutely beautiful. Nobody has ever done anything like this for me for my birthday." He smiles softly and says "you deserve it. Now let's sit." Spencer then moves to take my coat off for me and hang it up on the coat rack in the corner. I grin so hard my face is hurting as I sit to look at the menu. Spencer asks me "do you want what you ordered the first time we came here or do you want to try something different?" I hum and look at the menu. I say after a beat "why don't you pick for me, Spencer? Surprise me." He grins at that and nods. I know he loves to have control and I think he loves the fact that I trust him. I'm sure if I wanted to order for myself he would happily let me, but I honestly like what he picks for me more than I would like my own choices most of the time. Spencer knows me better than I know myself at this point. A female waitress approaches and informs us that she will be our server for the night and tells us her name is Claire. I smile and let Spencer order the wine. He orders a vintage Riesling for us to share. I sip on my water as he also orders our food for us. I think he just wants to be interrupted as little as possible. He orders "Amatriciana" for both of us. I have no idea what it is and just decide to wait and find out when it gets here. I look out the windows on the doors of the balcony and marvel at the view. Spencer follows my gaze and asks "do you want to walk out there?" I look at him wide eyed "are we allowed to?" Spencer chuckles and nods "the place is ours for the night. Come, let's explore a bit while we wait." Spencer grabs my coat and helps me back into it and he also puts his coat back on as we walk out onto the balcony and I walk straight to the railing and look over at the beautiful greenery and the river before us. Spencer follows and places a hand on my waist and stands next to me. I smile warmly at the gesture and turn my face to look at his. I tell him "thank you." Spencer says "for what, Annie?" as he moves some hair behind my ear with his other hand. I smile softly and say "for loving me and showing me that you love me in all that you do." Spencer's face softens and he says "you don't have to thank me for loving you, Annie. I love you, too, and I enjoy spending my life with you. It's truly never a dull moment." I giggle and nod "yes, I'm a bit wild like that." In that moment Claire comes back with our wine. Spencer excuses himself to pour us a couple of glasses and then walks back over to me with them. Spencer says "a toast?" I giggle again "to what?" Spencer smiles and says "to another year around the sun for Anneliese Grace Winters." I smile and nod "I'll toast to that." The wine is crisp and smooth, absolutely delicious. I decide to not even ask how much it was - I don't want to fight with him on my birthday. We talk outside on the balcony until we get cold and then move back inside, shutting the doors. There is actually a small heater by the table so we warm up in no time. Shortly after our bodies are back at a normal warm temperature, the food arrives. The mystery food turns out to be a tomato pasta and cheese dish and is absolutely delicious. There is also a salad with the pasta and some bread with an olive oil dipping sauce. We happily begin to eat and it honestly just feels like a normal dinner for us, albeit dressed up. Spencer seems nervous but I chalk it up to him just still being cold. We finish our food in no time at all it seems, and the bottle of wine between the two of us. My cheeks are warm from the wine and from smiling and laughing so much. After our meal, we decide to walk around on the balcony again. As the night slowly gets darker more and more lights are shining out on the river and on the ground below. The lights on the balcony are getting brighter as well. I walk up to the railing again and marvel at the view once more. Spencer turns my face lightly to look at his, I happily oblige. He says to me "Annie, I can't think of another way that I want to spend January 7th ever again. This date will forever be a memory that I replay again and again in my eidetic memory like a broken record." I smile at the sentiment. He continues "before you came into my life I was lost. I mean I ended up in the hospital for anthrax exposure, I had accepted that I was probably going to die the minute I figured it out, and you quite literally aided in nursing me back to health. Ever since the day that I thought my life was over, my life truly began. It wasn't because of a new positive outlook on a perceived second chance at life, it was you. You showed me and continue to show me what love really is. You know me better than any person in my life and you continue to love me even as you learn about the darkest parts of me. Every time I'm afraid my past or my present will scare you off you hold on tighter to me, ready for whatever the future may hold." It's at this point that he steps back a step and gets on one knee in front of me. He opens up a small ring box to reveal a beautiful and classic diamond ring. My eyes and mouth go wide in a surprised expression. I cover my mouth with my hands and can already feel the tears filling my eyes. He continues his speech "Annelise Grace Winters, I love you more than anything in this world and I want to show you every day for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?" The tears are flowing and I'm nodding frantically as I say "yes, yes, yes! Yes I will marry you!" Spencer chuckles and stands, putting the ring on my finger and it fits perfectly. I frame his face in my hands and pull his face so his lips meet mine. We kiss passionately for most likely far too long before we pull away. I hold Spencer's face in my hands, lightly swiping away the few tears that managed to escape his eyes as well. He notices and begins to apologize "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be crying." I giggle through my own happy tears "Spencer, I think I love you even more because you aren't afraid to cry with me. I love you so much. A million times yes."

•••••

We make our way back home, both smiling like idiots. Spencer asks me in the car "do you want to call anybody and share the news?" I smile and shake my head "I want to be in our own little bubble. At least for tonight." Spencer chuckles "that might be hard considering our closest friends and family were all in on the sequence of events for tonight." I turn to him, wide eyed, and ask "what?" Spencer laughs "every person we see on a regular basis was involved." Then it starts to click for me. The spa day. The dress. The shoes from Rossi. It all was an elaborate ploy designed by Spencer and our closest friends. I turn to Spencer shocked and say "that's why you've been so weird! That's why everyone has been so weird and generous!" Spencer laughs and nods "yes, everyone was in on it. I picked out the ring on New Year's Eve. You were either in the kitchen or passed out on my lap as I showed everybody the pictures." My jaw drops and I say "wow I really must be clueless." Spencer laughs "don't worry, it really worked in my favor." I lightly hit his arm and we both laugh. We make it back to the complex, hand in hand. We walk back into the apartment and I remove my coat and hang it up before going to let Ryder out. I let him out and walk back to Spencer who is still in the living room, pouring us each another glass of wine. I laugh and say to Spencer "if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're trying to get me drunk, Dr. Reid." Spencer laughs and says "not entirely, future Mrs. Reid." I feel a fire light within me as he says that and I immediately pull him in for a kiss. It gets heated quick as I start to push his jacket down his arms and he moves his hands back to lower the zipper of my dress. He pushes the dress down my body and says "why don't we end the night similar to how we did the night of our first real date." I giggle and ask "similar?" Spencer nods with a sinister smirk "I have no intention of you wearing a stitch of clothing again until morning." I feel the butterflies flapping in my stomach as we continue the kiss and I step out of the puddle of fabric at my feet and we walk over to the couch. I giggle and say "how appropriate that we christen the couch tonight." Spencer laughs heartily and says "I fully intend to, multiple times." His words shoot straight to my core and I moan. He unclasps my bra and pulls it off in record timing. In the meantime I'm finishing up the buttons on his dress shirt, his suit jacket and tie in the puddle of fabric by the kitchen. I finally finish the buttons and push it off his shoulders, leaving him shirtless. I then move my hands to his pants, attempting to undo his belt. He lightly swats my hand away and makes a few tsk sounds. He then says "have you learned nothing yet, Annie? Ladies first. Every time. Especially on her birthday." I giggle and bite my lip. He pulls me down the couch by my legs and lightly removes my louboutins. He gently places them down on the coffee table and I'm very appreciative. He then kisses down my legs until his face is level with my heat. He smiles a toothy and mischievous grin as he lightly hooks his fingers into my panties. He slowly tugs them down and says "now we can finally get down to the main course of the night." I giggle in response and he quickly pulls the panties the rest of the way off of me. He assumes his normal position, my legs over his shoulders and his arms around my hips. Without another word, he dives into my heat with his tongue. I don't know why it always surprises me but I hope that never ends. He takes his tongue through my folds at lightning fast speeds and I can't help the whorish moans that are escaping my mouth. He moans against me and that only pushes me further. He can tell I'm trying not to come and he isn't having any of that tonight. He moves a hand and quickly rubs my clit side to side, my orgasm crashing into me like the Hindenburg. I'm crying out and he doesn't dare stop. I tighten my grip on his hair making him moan again. He moves his mouth to my clit, sucking it entirely into his mouth and circling it with his tongue. He moves his hand to thrust two fingers into me, stroking my g spot with every thrust. My eyes roll back into my head as another orgasm moves through my body in big waves. I'm crying out, probably annoying the neighbors - they can get over it at this point honestly - and it isn't until Spencer has worked me through the aftershocks of my second orgasm that he pulls away and lightly wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. He asks me "wanna taste?" I nod and he lightly pushes his fingers into my mouth. I suck them clean and he praises me "good girl," and then leans forward to kiss me, furthering the taste of my arousal into my mouth. When he pulls away he asks me "can you stand?" I give him a funny expression in return and he says "trust me, you'll love it." I chuckle and move to stand on wobbly legs. Spencer holds me steady before laying down in the place I was just laying, paying no mind to probably the small puddle of sweat and arousal beneath him. He probably loves it. He tugs on me and says "you're going to ride me, princess." I give him a shocked expression, but oblige. We haven't done this position much, especially not lately when I've been so self conscious recently. I swing a leg over him and hover above him. He puts his hands on my hips and lightly pulls me down onto his hard length. I groan in response and lean forward, placing my hands on his chest Spencer gives me a brief minute to adjust. He adjusts his legs and, without moving his grip on my hips, starts to thrust into me with hard and fast strokes. I cry out in pleasure and slight pain at the feeling. I start to move as well with thrusts of my own, meeting his thrusts. He groans at the added contact. I lean forward and take his lips in mine. He gently wraps his arms around me and pulls me against him so he has complete control again, thrusting into me in a rapid pace. I'm moaning into his mouth and he reaches down and tries to rub my clit as best he can with our somewhat difficult position. What little he can reach is just enough and I fall over the edge, screaming Spencer's name. He moans in response and his thrusts get sloppy as he falls over the edge behind me, filling me with his cum. Shortly after he pulls out of me. It's a wonderful feeling and I fully let myself collapse the rest of the way on his chest in our post coital euphoria. Spencer gently moves some hair out of my face and places a kiss to my temple. He asks "how was that, birthday girl?" I just groan and say "20/10" Spencer chuckles and presses another kiss to my temple. He tells me "we should probably go clean up, angel." I shake my head and say "no. Sleep here." Spencer chuckles and says "I know you're tired, sweet girl, but we need to get you cleaned up so you don't get a UTI." I groan and shake my head "it's my birthday and I'll risk a UTI if I want to." Spencer chuckles and nods "as you wish, princess." He pulls a blanket from the back of the couch and drapes it over us. I quickly fall asleep to the even rhythm of his breathing and heart beat, happily replaying the memories of the night in my head.

•••••

We wake up in the morning to Ryder barking at knocking on the door and I hear the door handle jiggling. I quickly shake Spencer and he groans and I shush him and say "somebody's trying to get in!" He still doesn't fully register what I'm saying and says "wha-" before the door busts open and in comes Derek Morgan and Emily Prentiss with guns drawn. I scramble to cover myself with the blanket and try to also cover Spencer with it. Spencer yells at them "what the hell guys?!" Emily says "nobody heard from either of you last night and you weren't answering your phones! We knocked for a while, too!" Morgan flashes us a big smile and says "it was that good huh? Knocked you out cold?" I blush and so does Spencer. Emily says "damn maybe I do need to get a steady boyfriend." I hold my hand and say "well in our case you need a fiancé." They both freak out and cheer. Morgan says "finally! I was afraid pretty boy lost the nerve and you just had 'birthday sex' but instead you had 'I just got engaged on my birthday sex'." I giggle and nod. At this point the entire team might as well be this involved in our sex life. I turn to Spencer, his face is beet red, and say "my official review last night before I passed out on his chest was 20/10." Spencer smiles a shy smile and continues to get redder and Morgan says "my man!" Spencer then says "will you both please get out now? There is only a thin throw blanket preventing you both from accidentally seeing too much from both of us." Emily laughs and says "yes we will go, but you should know Garcia has made brunch reservations for all of us to celebrate your engagement." Morgan chuckles and says "be sure to come in more than just an engagement ring and throw blanket guys!" I laugh and as soon as they've gone out the door Spencer jumps up, still fully naked, and goes to lock the door back and put the latch on the door. We usually leave the latch on overnight but I guess we just got a bit carried away last night. I start giggling and Spencer starts laughing, too. He just says "none of my friends have any boundaries." I giggle and say "mine don't either, it's okay. I'd rather them be too involved and care too much than for them to not care at all. I don't think they were that concerned, I think they were just nosy." Spencer nods and says "they were definitely just being nosy. I saw both of their tells." I ask him "what are they?" He chuckles and says "I'm not going to tell you. You'll try to beat me at poker then and I can't afford you having any advantage over me." I giggle and shake my head. Spencer holds out his hand and says "come on let's get cleaned up." I hop up and follow his orders. He says "maybe we can have shower sex for the first time as an engaged couple." I throw my head back in laughter, neither confirming nor denying his wishes at this point.