A/N: Whelp, so here we go, the ending to my longest story ever. My Criminal Minds muse has left me, so this was incredibly hard to write (especially with the Mentalist plot ideas in my head, so stick around for those…). Thanks to all of you who have been here to support me and encourage me, it was well-needed at some points. Now for the last time, enjoy!

Chapter 50

Reid didn't want to open his eyes the next morning, one because it was way too early, and two because he had way too much fun replaying last night's events in his mind. He tightened his arm around his girlfriend's waist and pulled her closer, burying his nose in her hair.

"Hmmm, morning Spence," purred a content JJ, her long graceful fingers finding their way to his chest, caressing gently. "How'd you sleep?"

"Extraordinary," Reid replied with a grin, kissing her cheek before slowly opening his eyes, knowing she was looking at him. He couldn't help but blush at her smile. "Last night was amazing," he admitted in a whisper.

JJ nodded and leaned up slightly to capture his lips, "It was," she whispered in return and let out a small chuckle when she heard footsteps padding through the hallway. "Here comes our little tornado," she said and looked up when the door opened.

"Mommy! Daddy Spence! Can we go get Dex now?" Henry asked as he made a run towards their bed, jumping up on it.

Reid swallowed nervously, hoping the little boy wouldn't crawl under the sheets with them, because that would make for one incredibly awkward situation. He kept the sheets wrapped tightly around them.

JJ smiled at her son, pulling him onto her lap. "We can soon baby," she said and kissed the top of his head. "But we need to go eat breakfast first and then go to the pet store to buy everything we are going to need."

Reid nodded in response when Henry looked up at him for confirmation, "He's going to need a bed, a food and water bowl," he started.

"And toys! Lots of toys!" Henry added as he nearly bounced on his mother's lap.

Reid chuckled, "Definitely toys, as well as a collar, leash and food," he added. "So… what do you say we go downstairs and get breakfast started?" He suggested.

"Chocolate chip pancakes?" Henry asked hopefully as he looked at his mother.

JJ shook her head, "Not every morning baby," she said, "how about some yoghurt and fresh strawberries and some toast?" She asked.

Henry's smile fell, "I'm a big boy mommy," he sighed and shook his head slightly. "I want chocolate chip pancakes," he said, pouting.

"Too bad bud, not today," Reid said, knowing he needed to stick to what JJ had said, even though all of him wanted to give in upon seeing Henry's eyes.

A few hours later they'd gotten everything they would need at the pet store and then some. It was almost time to head to see their new dog, and Henry was getting more and more excited by the minute. He was telling all of his toys that they would get a new friend soon. He had put all Dex's things in the right place in the house, had filled his water bowl and food bowl.

"Can we go now?" He asked Reid, jumping up on the couch next to him.

"Almost," Reid responded as he closed his book, telling Henry to properly sit on the couch instead of jumping at it as if it was an air mattress. "So remember what I told you Henry, we're going to meet this dog first and see if he likes us, okay? There is still a chance this is not Dex," he tried to explain.

Henry let out a small sigh and nodded, "I know," he said and sat down next to his stepfather. "But I think it is," he added.

"I hope so buddy, I really hope so," Reid said.

"Okay Henry, are you ready to meet him?" JJ asked. To be sure Reid had gone alone first to get a sense of the dog's character, to make sure it was safe enough to introduce him to Henry. He had a good feeling about the dog and had told JJ.

Henry nodded, "I am," he said excitedly.

"Now remember, be very gentle and don't chase him. Let him come to you to sniff you before you can pet him," Reid said as he took the boy's hand, walking into the next room with him.

"Hi Dex," Henry said as he stood inside the room.

The golden retriever went back to Reid first, as he'd seen him before, wagging his tail. He then slowly and tentatively walked over to the young boy, sniffing him. He continued to wag his tail.

"You can pet him," Reid said as he showed Henry how best to approach the dog.

The retriever immediately responded positively to Henry, licking his cheek, making the little boy giggle.

They spent another couple of minutes with the dog, not even noticing JJ come in. Soon they found out though, as Dex made his way over to his new owner.

"Can we take him home now?" Henry asked, growing impatient.

Reid met eyes with JJ, who gave him a gentle smile and a nod. He gave her a smile in return before kneeling in front of Henry. "We can, let me go fill in the papers. Why don't you and mommy grab the collar and leash and go outside with him for a walk so he is ready for a car ride?" Reid suggested.

A couple of days went by and the family had adjusted perfectly to their new addition. Henry had kept his word, making sure Dex' water bowl was filled with refreshing water at all times and playing with him in the garden whenever his mother and stepfather allowed him to.

It was early evening and Henry had been put to bed. Reid and JJ were snuggled on the couch, Dex resting on JJ's other side. She had wanted to keep the dog off the couch but had eventually relented. She ran her hands through his fur as her head rested against Reid's chest. "I love you," she whispered, before turning her head up to look at him.

"I love you too," Reid responded and kissed her forehead, causing Dex to look up at him. "He's pretty protective of you," he chuckled as he pet the dog's head. "We're quite alike in that respect," he grinned.

JJ smiled and snuggled closer, letting out a content sigh. "We really do have the perfect family," she said. "Small, but perfect," she added, looking up to gauge his reaction.

Reid blushed deeply, knowing immediately what she was implying. "Let's see if we can grow," he replied and leaned down to capture her lips. He truly loved this woman, the life they had and were going to have. He knew right this instant he wanted it all and that she would end up with his last name sooner rather than later. With that thought in his mind he smiled against her lips. Perfection.

The End

A/N2: So, this was it. Hope you enjoyed it. Let me know what you think.