February 14th dawned bright and clear, the kind of day that felt full of promise. At Quantico, the BAU team was abuzz with excitement—not just because it was Valentine's Day, but because it was the day JJ and Reid had been waiting for: the adoption ceremony.
The air was thick with anticipation as everyone prepared for the day ahead. JJ had dressed up nicely, opting for a simple but elegant dress that made her feel both beautiful and confident. Reid, in a tailored suit that accentuated his tall frame, looked dapper and a little nervous. They had coordinated outfits for the kids, who were all dressed in their Sunday best, beaming with excitement.
Donna sat between JJ and Reid, her noise-cancelling headphones snug over her ears, providing her with a sense of calm amidst the bustling world around her. She fidgeted with the hem of her dress, occasionally reaching into Reid's bag for her AAC device, ready to communicate when the time felt right. Matthew and Maisey were perched happily beside Rossi and Emily, their giggles breaking through the solemnity of the moment.
As the clock ticked closer to the ceremony, JJ felt a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and a sense of urgency. She planned to share her own big news with Reid at the party tonight, a moment she had been waiting to create.
"Are you ready?" Reid asked softly, leaning closer to JJ, his voice a comforting whisper amid the noise.
"As ready as I'll ever be," JJ replied, her heart racing. "I just hope the kids are okay. Donna seems a bit anxious."
"Hey," Reid said gently, placing a hand on Donna's shoulder. "You're doing great, kiddo. Just a little longer, and then we can celebrate."
The adoption ceremony began, and as they stood before the judge, the weight of the moment hit them. JJ and Reid exchanged glances, their hearts swelling with love and hope for the future.
"Do you, Jennifer Jareau, and you, Dr. Spencer Reid, accept these three children as your own?" the judge asked, looking at them both.
"We do," they said in unison, voices filled with conviction.
"Then I hereby declare you their legal guardians and parents. Congratulations!"
Cheers erupted in the small courtroom. JJ felt tears of joy welling in her eyes as she looked at her children, their faces glowing with excitement. As the celebrations continued, JJ and Reid turned to Rossi and Emily.
"We'd like to ask you both something very special," JJ began, her voice steady. "Will you be the godparents of all three kids?"
Surprised, Rossi and Emily exchanged glances before Rossi's face broke into a wide smile. "Of course! We'd be honored," he said, his voice full of warmth.
"Absolutely," Emily added, beaming. "This is such an amazing day!"
With the ceremony behind them, they made their way back to Rossi's house for the celebration. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and joy as friends and family gathered to toast to new beginnings.
As the evening wore on, Donna started to feel overwhelmed by the noise and excitement. JJ noticed her daughter fidgeting more intensely, and before long, tears began to stream down her cheeks.
"Hey, sweetie, what's wrong?" JJ knelt beside her, concern etched across her face.
With trembling fingers, Donna reached for her AAC device, tapping it quickly to communicate. "Hurt. Loud. Bed"
"Oh, honey," JJ whispered, wrapping her arms around Donna. "Let's find a quieter space for you, okay?"
Reid joined them, gently stroking Donna's hair. "We're here, sweetheart. Just take some deep breaths with us."
Once they found a quieter corner, JJ and Reid worked to calm her down, reminding her she was safe and loved. Slowly, Donna's breathing began to steady, and her tears subsided.
After a few moments, with a mischievous glint in her eye, Donna used her AAC device again. "Cake. Party. Happy. Please."
Laughter erupted around them, easing the tension in the room. "See? Even cake can fix a bad day!" Emily called out, grinning.
Just then, she reappeared from the kitchen, carrying a beautifully decorated cake in traditional pink and blue colors—symbolizing both the love in their family and the new addition that awaited them.
"Everyone!" she called, gathering the team's attention. "Let's celebrate!"
As the cake was set down, cheers erupted from the group. JJ and Reid exchanged a knowing glance, hearts swelling with love for their children and their family.
"Now, before we dive into this delicious cake, I have one more piece of news to share," JJ said, her voice shaking slightly with excitement. "We're having another baby!"
"We are?" Reid smiled, happy tears in his eyes. He laughed as he picked JJ up and spun her around, and gave her a rather passionate kiss.
A wave of joyful cheers and hugs engulfed them. Rossi pulled them into a group hug, his voice thick with emotion. "You're going to be amazing parents again!"
JJ felt the warmth of the moment envelop her, surrounded by family—both old and new. It was everything they had ever wanted, a beautiful blend of love, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings.
As the party continued, and cake was shared around the room, JJ looked down at Donna, who was squeling with excitment, as Reid fed her a small piece of cake. Donna rocked back and forth, stimming happily, and when Reid turned to look at JJ with a smile, she hit him. "More plush." Emily and Penelope snorted with laughter.
Today marked the start of a new chapter, and with her family by her side, they would face whatever came next together.
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A House Is Not Always A Home: A Criminal Minds Fanfic
ФанфикAn inbetween where they didn't need the parallel universe. A JEID fanfic :) In the year following Garcia's leaving and the passing of Spence's mom, JJ spent all of her time devoted to taking care of Reid through his grief. JJ called it quits the mom...
