Decisions (4th Book in the Boss's Niece Series)

Talking To Aunt Haley

The next day, Spencer still hadn't come home. He probably went to Derek's or something. I couldn't believe he reacted this way.

I went over to Uncle Aaron's to pick up Haley. I walked in to see the living room was dark. The blinds were closed, the lights were off. The only light source were candles that Haley and Jack held.

"Hey. What are you guys doing?" I asked.

"Talking to Aunt Haley!" exclaimed Haley. I looked up at Uncle Aaron.

"It was something Jack and I did when he was younger. We didn't get the chance to do it last night where I got home so late, so he wanted to this morning before school." he explained.

"Join us, Melanie!" Jack said and held out a candle. I smiled and took it. I knelt on the floor next to Haley.

"So, what do you guys say to her?" I asked.

"We ask her to watch over us and to help us with anything we need help with." Jack explained. "Mom, please watch over dad and Melanie while they're gone away with work. Watch over me in school and Haley in daycare. Help us whenever we need it."

"Anything you want to say to Aunt Haley, mommy?" asked Haley.

I thought about it and nodded. I looked around the room, then down to the candle in my hands. When I spoke, my voice was soft.

"Aunt Haley, I'm sure you're watching over us, so I guess you know what happened with Spencer and I last night. Please, please make sure he's okay wherever he is. Let him know I miss him and I want him to come home." I said.

Jack and Haley blew out their candles. I waited a moment before doing the same. Beth opened the curtains and sunlight filled the room.

"Haley, why don't you go up and get ready to go. I have to talk to mommy." Uncle Aaron said. Haley nodded and raced up the steps, Jack following not too far behind. "Would you like to tell me what happened between you and Reid?"

"I got a job offering in Philadelphia. Double the pay I get on the BAU and only half the work time, meaning I'd get to spend time with the family, but I don't want Spencer to quit his job and just up and leave. Haley was born here, this is her home." I explained. "I told Spencer last night and he got upset. He walked out, saying I should go and he'd rather me there then here."

"Do you know where he went?"

"No idea. I called his cell a bunch of times, but he won't answer. I tried again this morning, he turned his phone off." I said. "I'm worried, Uncle Aaron. I don't know where he is or if he's okay."

Haley came racing down the stairs with her little pink book bag dangling off her shoulders. She raced up to me and I picked her up.

"Mommy! Mommy! I have a loose tooth!" she said and showed me with her tongue.

"That's awesome, sweetheart. That means you're gonna get grown up teeth and become a big girl." I said.

"I don't wanna grow up mommy. I wanna be your and daddy's little princess forever."

I smiled. Haley was the perfect daughter. The daughter I've always wanted. She was smart, sweet and sees life for all the beautiful things. I hoped she wouldn't grow out of that.

"You will be mommy and daddy's princess, no matter how old you get." I said. "As long as you don't have a boyfriend until your 20."

"That's not far!" she argued. I chuckled and kissed her cheek before putting her back on the floor.

"I'll see you at work then?" I said to Uncle Aaron.

He nodded and said, "Talk to Reid. I don't need this affecting your work."

"Wow, Uncle Aaron. Your niece and her husband have a fight and all you care about is work. You haven't changed much."

He chuckled and gave me a hug.

"And about that offer-"

"I'm not sure what I'm doing yet, Uncle Aaron, but once I decide, I promise to let you know." I said. "I'll see you at work."

Haley and I walked to the car. As I was buckling her into her car seat, she asked, "Mommy, what happened with you and daddy?"

"Mommy and daddy had a disagreement." I said.

"Did daddy leave us?"

I looked up at my baby girl and my heart broke. I could tell Haley generally meant it. She generally thought Spencer left us for good. The sad in her eyes reminded me of how I felt when my mom left us.

"No baby. He didn't. He's just a bit upset, but he'll be back. Okay?" I said. "Don't be sad, baby."

"Don't be sad mommy." she said.

"Mommy's not sad." I replied. "Now, let's get you to daycare."

I kissed my little girl on the head and closed the door. I took a moment to take a breath and to make sure I didn't start crying or anything. Haley didn't need to see me crying.

Why did I have to be offered this job?