Chapter 48: Say Yes to the Dress

After I finally started feeling better from having flep (TM) for a few days, Spencer started displaying similar symptoms. By Wednesday of the next week we were making another trip to the same urgent care clinic. I was pretty much fully recovered at this point, still just a bit tired and achey. Spencer, however, appeared to be on the verge of death. We were recognized by Dr. Mercer and her nurse, as well as the lady at the front desk who scowled at us. I don't know if she just didn't like us laughing or if she just despises happiness in general? We went through the same motions for Spencer, the strep test and the flu test, both came back positive, and the subsequent steroid shot. We get in the car to go pick up Spencer's prescription at the pharmacy and I'm driving us because Spencer is too ill to drive like I was when I was sick. I tell him while we are stopped at a red light "you know, it occurred to me today that I didn't know if you were scared of needles or not when I was thinking about you having to get a shot. But with the whole anthrax and shot in the leg thing I figured you weren't." Spencer scoffs and says "come on Annie of course I'm not scared of needles. You know that." I raise an eyebrow at him while keeping my eyes on the road, asking a silent question of what he was talking about. He scoffs and says "it's kind of hard to be scared of needles when you're addicted to dilaudid." I say nothing, but my mouth forms an "o" shape at the realization. Spencer gets upset and says through a strained voice "I wish it was that easy for me to forget about it." I take a deep breath and pull over at the next possible chance so we can have this conversation seriously and safely. I turn to Spencer once we are safely parked and out of the way of traffic and say "Spencer I didn't know you when you were still using. I forget that was a part of your life sometimes because I only know the happy, sweet, funny, smart, kinky Spencer Reid. I didn't know you during that really rough time. I wish I did so I could have helped." Spencer shakes his head and says "I'm glad you didn't. You probably would have left me." I turn to Spencer and say "if you were only ever grouchy and mean to me I might would have left because I wouldn't have gotten to know you. If I only ever got to know grouchy you then maybe, but I truly do not think it is possible for you to be an angry hateful person forever. That's not who you are. Drugs can change a person's behavior, so it was the drugs and it wasn't you. I fully know that in my heart, Spence." I pause for a beat and then ask "Are you craving it right now?" Spencer doesn't make eye contact with me, he just says "I just don't want to feel all of this. The body aches and the pain. I can't have normal pain killers like the cough syrup because there's codeine in it so I can't even take that. I even have to be careful with taking ibuprofen." He's silent for a minute, still not looking at me. He tells me after he thinks about what to say for a good minute "I-I...I just w-wish th-that he n-never s-stuck that n-needle in my a-arm." Spencer is sobbing through that sentence and I gently pull him in to cry on my shoulder. I soothe him in hushed sounds telling him it's okay and that I'm right here. I tell him "I know that you never would have willingly or knowingly stuck that needle in your arm the first time Spence. This wasn't a choice for you, not even the first time. It's the worst thing ever and I wish I could take this pain and suffering because you are the last person in the entire world who deserves it." Spencer's sobs start to slow to quiet sniffles after a little bit. I look at him and ask "are you okay if I get back to driving? We can hang out for a minute here if you want." Spencer shakes his head "I just want to get back in bed." I nod "I know how that feels." Spencer sighs after we get a mile or two down the road. He asks me "how do you always know when I'm craving it?" I just shrug "I guess I have to profile you. When you're being a grumpy bear you are either craving or you don't feel good or you're hungry. So kinda like a toddler but with added obstacles." Spencer chuckles and shakes his head. I giggle and say "I'm sure I'm not much better when I'm hangry. We have to keep it interesting though, Spence." Spencer nods, seeming a little better as we run the last few errands to get his prescriptions and pick him up something to eat.

•••••

It's later in the day and I've now gotten Spencer home and he's in bed asleep with Ryder. Ryder was already at the pet kennel for our valentines weekend so we just let him stay there for the rest of our reservation because he wouldn't have gotten the attention he needed while I was sick. Now that Spencer is sick I'm just going to have to work a little bit harder. I mean I used to care for Ryder all by myself before Spencer came along but now I've got to take care of Spencer and Ryder. A sick Spencer and Ryder. I might as well be taking care of two toddlers right now. Dogs are really just fluffy toddlers. At least mine is. As I'm catching up on laundry and other chores while Spencer rests in bed, I get a call from Penelope. I answer and put her on speaker "hey, Pen? What's up?" I can hear the excitement dripping off her voice as she says "tell me you don't have plans for Saturday?" I laugh and say "well the only plans I have for Saturday right now are taking care of Spencer now that he has officially been diagnosed with flep as well." She gasps in horror and continues "oh that poor sweet genius baby!" I giggle and say "now I'm curious what you said about me when Spencer told you I had flep?" Penelope giggles and says "well first of all I had to ask him what flep was and then I was in shock that it is possible to catch both the flu and strep at the same time. Anyways if I can get Derek to hang out with Spencer for a few hours on Saturday will you be able to join the girls and I for a surprise?" I hum in uncertainty. I tell her "I don't know, Pen, I don't want the team to get taken out with flep one by one. I hate that Spencer is sick now, but he's too good of a fiancée to leave me when I'm sick and I want to make sure he's taken care of, too. I can't just take off for a few hours." It's then that I hear footsteps behind me and Spencer gently grabs the phone from my hands. He takes it off speaker and puts it to his ear and in his gruff morning/sick voice he says "what is it you need her for Garcia?" I don't hear anything except garbled sounds on the other end. Spencer nods to himself and says "mhm sounds good...I'll be fine for a few hours on my own on Saturday...Yes count her in....Thanks...you, too. Bye." He hangs up the phone and takes it to the counter, spraying it with Lysol. He looks at me and says "leave your phone there for 15-30 minutes." I look at him in shock and he says "I don't want you to get sick again from me touching your phone." I tell him "Spence, you know that's not what I'm confused about." He shrugs "you'll go and have a good time on Saturday and I'll be fine. Don't worry about it. And no I'm not telling you what it is." I pout and he says "stop, I'm not spoiling the surprise for you." I tell him "Spence you're already forcing me to sleep in the guest room, it's not fair to withhold so much." Spencer shakes his head "I'm withholding so much now because it will benefit you more later." I sit there pondering what he just said for a minute. Spencer asks me after silence from me "what are you thinking?" I shrug after coming back down to earth and say "I was just wondering if that's what God or the universe or whoever was saying to me when I would wonder why I was a single 23 year old. I'd wait a thousand years, though, if it meant I got to have you for even just a few minutes." Spencer blushes a bit - it's hard to tell with the fever and all - and smiles softly. He then looks at me and says "it's still not going to work. You still need to sleep in the guest bedroom so we don't pass this abomination of an illness back and forth for all eternity." I giggle and let him go with that one. I hear him quietly shut the door and I assume he's getting back in bed and going to sleep. He's letting me take care of him in terms of getting his meds, taking his temperature, making him food, things like that, but he won't let me sleep next to him because he's afraid we will just pass the illnesses back and forth forever which I guess is fair. I try to listen for him getting sick, but I haven't heard that yet and he hasn't told me he's been getting sick at all so hopefully he's been spared that symptom.

•••••

A few days pass and Spencer slowly gets better. He did end up getting sick some but he never let me come near him. I watched from afar to make sure he didn't pass out. I would prep cool wash cloths for him and leave them so he could get them and stuff, but I hate so much that he won't let me be there for him like he was for me. I understand why but I still hate it. By Friday his fever is completely gone so he's not contagious anymore and he's really just a little weak and tired with some sniffly symptoms. He's working in the living room at his desk on paperwork that was dropped off by Penelope while the team went on a case. I definitely feel better about leaving him tomorrow because he's recovered quickly. I was worried he would take longer to fight it off due to the fact that he's not exposed to germs as much as a normal person is because of his germaphobia. It's Friday now and the team has just wrapped up the case they were working on, they'll be back later tonight from Los Angeles. I walk over to him with some water and soup I had made, setting it down out of the way on his desk. I then walk around behind him and run my fingers through his hair. I softly say to him "I know you want to help with the case, but you're no help to anyone if you don't eat and work too hard before you're fully recovered." Spencer sighs and leans back. He tells me after checking his watch "I didn't realize it was already 3 in the afternoon." I hum and tell him "time flies when you're having fun." He laughs once and says "I wouldn't call this fun, but it's definitely helping people." I think to myself that the paperwork is more for the government and not the people but I definitely don't want to burst his happy bubble. I tell him "you've worked all day. I've changed the sheets on the bed, let's go watch something together and maybe just take a nap. You don't need to overdo it before you get better, bubs." Spencer nods and says "I have missed sleeping next to you. I've missed my dream catcher." I look down at him with concern "have you been having nightmares again?" Spencer shrugs "fever dreams. They're much more vivid than my normal nightmares, which is saying something." I sigh and tell him "I understand why, but I hate that I couldn't take care of you like you took care of me." Spencer says "I was arrogant and hoped I couldn't get sick. I was very wrong." I giggle "can I get that in writing?" Spencer chuckles "you know I always try to admit when I'm wrong." I giggle again, nodding to myself, and say "yes Spence I'm just kidding." He hums and stands, stretching. I slowly start to guide him back to our bedroom and we climb in between the freshly washed bedding. Ryder jumps into the bed, curling into a ball in between us, happy to have us both back in the same bed again. Spencer and I both look down at our fur baby and smile warmly and then look at each other. I smile and say "he missed you." Spencer chuckles "he missed us being in the same room. He freely traveled back and forth between the two of us which must have been so exhausting for the little guy." I giggle and say "he was mainly next to you. He was worried." Spencer chuckles "our 20 pound guard dog." We laugh at Spencer's joke together and lie down, talking briefly before falling asleep, getting the extra rest we both need.

•••••

Saturday morning I'm dressed and ready in the outfit Spencer picked out for me for the surprise outing with the girls since he knows where I'm going and I don't. I walk out to the living room and see Spencer at his desk, trying to get ahead on his paperwork. He hears me walk in and looks up to greet me, smiling. He stands and walks over to me, saying "you look beautiful. I hope you have a great day with the girls. I think you'll have a lot of fun." I smile at him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and neck once he reaches me. I sigh and say "so you're not even going to give me a hint before they get here?" Spencer looks up, chuckling. He sighs and as he looks back down at me he says "it's something you need to do soon." I raise an eyebrow and say "what the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Spencer says "you'll understand when you get there." My phone chimes with a text from Penelope telling me they're downstairs. I lean up and kiss Spencer on the cheek and tell him goodbye. He smiles and says "have a great time, I love you!" I smile back and say "love you, too, baby," and walk out the door, locking it behind me. I walk down the stairs and out the door to Emily's car where the girls are waiting for me. I slide in the back seat next to Penelope who is just as colorful and excited as ever. She claps when she sees me and smiles wide. I smile and greet everybody as I get buckled in my seat. Penelope squeals excitedly, saying "I'm so excited for today. I bet you're excited too of course but I know where we are going so I'm probably even more excited!" I laugh and nod. Then I ask "so is anybody going to tell me where we are going?" Emily speaks up "so we are going to a bridal boutique owned by a friend of my mother's. She likes to support law enforcement, especially the bureau, in her services." My eyes grow wide with realization as it all clicks in my head. I turn to Penelope and say "oh my god we are going wedding dress shopping?!" JJ and Emily turn to me from the driver's and passenger seats, smiling with excited nods. Penelope squeals and says "there's more! But you have to wait until we get there first." I giggle and nod "I should've known." We continue the drive there, listening to a wedding playlist curated by Penelope. We pull into the parking lot of the bridal boutique, blasting "Marry You" by Bruno Mars and singing along, when I notice Killian's car and Derek's truck are both there. I turn, looking to each of them before saying "y'all invited Derek Morgan to go wedding dress shopping?" Penelope giggles and says "oh no he's just the courier for your surprise," and winks at me. I'm still very confused by this but trust these girls with my life. I get out of the car once we park, and walk over to greet Killian and Alison. Shortly after that I walk with the girls over to Derek's truck. Derek gets out and walks around to the passenger side. He opens the door and helps a woman out of the truck, like the gentleman he is, followed by a man from the back seat. I'm confused until I see the face of the woman and immediately run over to her. I nearly scream "oh my God, mom?!" She laughs and smiles, nodding. She envelops me in her arms and everything in the world immediately feels safe and all right. I lean back and look at the other person, quickly realizing it's my dad. I excitedly hug him and he chuckles deeply, hugging me tight. While still in his embrace I look between the two of them and ask "what are you guys doing here?" My dad pulls back, smiling at me, and my mom says "you didn't think we would miss going with our baby girl to go shopping for her wedding dress did you?" I laugh and shake my head. I tell them "I only found out 5 minutes ago that I'm going dress shopping and now you're here. This is amazing." Derek steps in quickly and says "I'm going to duck out so you guys can get to your dress shopping. It was nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Winters!" We say our goodbyes to Derek and I thank him for taking the time out of his Saturday to drive my parents. My mom turns back to me and says "your father and I flew in this morning." My jaw drops in shock. I ask her "where's your luggage?" My dad smiles and says "Derek is taking it to your apartment. Spencer insisted we stay with you two while we visit." I smile and nod "of course he did. Honestly the apartment is a mess because we've both been sick. He probably doesn't have the energy to entertain really." My mom shakes her head "we know this was sprung on you so we are just happy to spend this time with you two and find your wedding dress!" I smile widely and nod "I'm still just in shock. It's a lot to process." Everybody laughs slightly and Penelope asks "but it's a good shock, right?" I laugh and tell her "of course!" She squeals and claps her hands. She says "I just love surprises and weddings and reunions and just all of it. It's absolutely wonderful and lovely." Everybody laughs warmly at Penelope's excitement when JJ steps in and says "how about we go inside and get started on the dress shopping shall we?" We all file into the dress shop, admiring the beautiful dresses on display and the decorations in the shop, especially the gorgeous chandelier. A woman in an all black outfit with perfect makeup walks up and greets Emily. The two women share a brief conversation, I'm pretty sure they were talking about Emily's mom. The lady then turns to me and smiles brightly. She walks up to me with her hand outstretched and says "hi I'm Ashley White, I own this store." I shake her hand, smiling, and introduce myself. She continues "I'm so excited you are here to shop for dresses for your wedding. I always love to help with weddings within the Bureau. I'll get you all set up in an area with a consultant to help you with whatever you need. Feel free to have some refreshments and champagne while you shop. I'll be in my office if you need anything, but especially let me see your final selection should you say yes to the dress today." We follow the consultant, Leah, also dressed in all black, as she takes us to a private area where my friends and parents can comfortably wait while I try on dresses. The consultant instructs me to pick out dresses I think I might like. I nod and tell the girls and my parents to help me pick out dresses. I promise them I'll try them on, but I'm not promising I'll pick theirs. I think they're all excited they get to be a part of picking them out. I also pick out a few of my own choices to try. Leah is very helpful in getting me in my dresses. I try on all of the dresses from everybody, but nothing feels just right. Alison picked up a lace A-line empire waist dress, Killian picked out a lacy mermaid style dress with lace and tulle that was almost entirely see through except for the bikini regions, Penelope picked out a ball gown with lots of rhinestones, Emily picked out a sleek mermaid type dress with a plunging v neck, and JJ picked out a sheath dress with a sweetheart neckline and a corset back. They were all beautiful dresses, but they were definitely more their style than mine. My dad picked out a long sleeve trumpet style dress that was honestly too conservative for my liking, but of course that's what a dad would pick out. However, the final dress that I decided on in the end is one I picked out with my mom. It's a ball gown dress with a sweetheart neckline. The bodice is see through with floral lace covering the bodice and the tulle skirt. It's absolutely beautiful and I feel beautiful in it. I look at myself in the mirror in the dressing room with only the consultant and am in shock at what's staring back at me. Leah smiles at me in the mirror and tells me "you look beautiful. How do you feel?" I giggle shyly and say in a whisper "beautiful." She smiles warmly at me and nods "good. That's exactly how you should feel." I smile and nod, following her out to where my friends and family are waiting. I had picked a pair of heels to wear with the dresses so we could get a feel for how the dresses looked with heels and they especially add to the experience. I walk out and onto the platform catwalk in front of them. I hear their reaction before I see it. Everybody is gasping at the sight and speaking in choruses of "wow" and "oh my god." My dad starts tearing up as well as my mom and Penelope. Alison and Killian both grin wide and clap silently while telling me they love it. JJ looks me up and down nodding and says "you look absolutely beautiful, Annie." Emily nods in agreement and then asks "but how do you feel about it?" I nod and giggle shyly "I love it. This is the dress." Everybody cheers and I'm so happy we are all in agreement. Honestly one of my fears I had when I was fully informed of all surprises today was that there would be a fight over dresses among some in the group, but everybody has gotten along beautifully. I was also afraid I wouldn't find my dress here and I would end up offending Emily or her mom's friend. Ashley comes out after Leah goes to fetch her. Ashley has a similar reaction to everybody else and ultimately agrees that the dress is perfect. After a unanimous response regarding the dress, I get dressed in my normal clothes and then pick out bridesmaid dresses for my friends here to try on. I decide to give them all the color I want for the dresses and tell them they can pick it out any dress in that color that is long and decent. I will have to approve it first, but as long as it's the right color, length, and isn't just showing all kinds of nudity then it should be perfectly okay. I sit back with a glass of champagne and a finger sandwich from the refreshments as I watch them pick out dresses and go to try them on. My mom is also searching for a mother of the bride outfit so it's just my dad and I sitting here for a minute alone while I take a reprieve from dress shopping. My dad tells me "you know when you were home for Christmas, Spencer asked your mom and I for our blessing?" My eyes grow wide and I shake my head. I ask my father "what? No, I had no idea! When did he have time to do that?" My dad shrugs and says "he had your brothers occupy you with a video game so we could talk briefly in my office. Of course your mother and I were on board. We had only just met him, sure, but we've seen how happy he makes you. He's an FBI agent so I know he can provide for you and protect you. He's kind and smart. He's also very funny. The only reservation your mom and I might have is that he doesn't seem to be Christian, but if he makes you happy that's something I think we are willing to look past. He happily participated in Christmas Eve Communion and he knows the entire bible backwards and forwards I think." I nod "we've talked about religion. We've agreed we are going to educate our future kids on all religions but we are going to start out raising them in a church. We agreed we both have veto power over the churches we choose to attend. We also will allow our children to make their own choices regarding religion. Spencer hasn't promised that he will convert or anything but he has promised to support me in this so long as we work together. Kids are a long way away but it is definitely a conversation you should have when you're going to marry someone." My father laughs heartily and nods. He says "absolutely. That definitely solidifies for me that we made the right choice. He has our blessing and we love him." I smile warmly and nod "thank you, dad." Just then all the girls come out in their dress selections. They all choose dresses similar to the ones they picked out for me. Alison chooses a maternity dress but decides to wait until later to officially pick a size because it'll be a few months before we get married. We are planning on a mid June wedding when the team has to take their mandatory leave. They have to take one every six months so it falls during Christmas and in the summer usually. Alison will be 7 months pregnant then and she doesn't want to commit to a dress size today which is fair. Killian's dress has a lace bodice, Penelope's has sparkly tulle, Emily's is a sleek v neck with tulle and a ribbon cinching the waist, JJ's is sleek satin with a straight neckline. They all have a slit on the right side which is great; I didn't even care about that matching but it looks so good I'm excited about it. Emily looks at me and says "only for you will I wear this light pink." Penelope giggles and says "I love it!" JJ and Killian shrug, indifferent on the color. JJ says "it's your wedding. I would wear a tie die dress and a cowboy hat if you wanted me to." I cackle at that and say "don't give me any ideas Jayge." Emily's facial expression reacting to that statement is priceless - I wish I had caught it on camera. My mom comes out shortly after in a gold dress with a tulle skirt and lace flowers on the bodice with long transparent sleeves like netting. There are teeny tiny rhinestones throughout the sleeves and bodice of the dress that catch the light just beautifully. My mom looks stunning. I tell her "wow you might just steal my thunder, mom." She laughs "not possible, honey, I've seen your dress and it's not beating this one." I smile and blush in response and we both start giggling. My mom is tearing up so I walk forward and wrap her in my arms. Through tears and sniffles she says "you're just supposed to be a little baby and fit right here on my shoulder. Now you're all grown up with a masters degree and a big job and you're getting married to a wonderful man." I start tearing up, too, and say "yeah growing up sucks." She starts laughing and shakes her head, pulling back from me. She tells me as she pushes a piece of hair behind my ear "this is everything I could've wanted for you and more. It's bittersweet because you're my baby, but I couldn't be happier for how everything is turning out for you now." I smile and nod "I'm very happy with where I am in life now." She smiles and nods "that's wonderful. I'm so happy for you, sweetie." All the girls are now back from changing back into their normal clothes so mom and I break up the sappy pity party and she goes to change out of her dress. We all move to go pay for our different dresses and Ashley gives everybody 25% off on their dresses which is much more generous than I expected. I get my wallet out of my purse and my dad pushes my hand down gently and says "you're my only daughter. Let me buy your wedding dress." I'm speechless for a moment. Eventually I land on "but dad that dress is really expensive." He nods his head and says "and you're getting married. You'll have plenty of other wedding charges to cover and eventually, hopefully soon, you will be looking at houses. I've got this one." He kisses me on the forehead and smiles warmly at me. I don't fight him anymore and allow him to buy the dress. Everybody makes different appointments for alterations who needs it, including me - I make a few appointments so everything can be just perfect on the dress. As we all leave the store, some of us with garment bags and some of us, including me, left our dresses for the first round of alterations, I walk out and see Derek Morgan once again. He smiles at me and says "pretty boy has me booked as your chauffeur today. My price is that I get to see one picture of the dress." I giggle and nod, pulling out my phone, showing him a picture one of the girls sent me. He lets out a whistle and says "that is absolutely beautiful. By wedding time your traps are going to be popping in that dress from our workout sessions together." I throw my head back in laughter and climb into the front seat of the truck. On the drive back to the apartment my parents and Derek get along swimmingly; it makes me so happy to see my parents so effortlessly begin to build relationships with some of the people I love most in the world. Everything is coming together beautifully; I couldn't have planned it better myself.

AN: the dress in the picture for the chapter is the dress I have picked out for Annie ☺️