Over the next few days, Ryder just tried to forget. Forget about her father and everything he had told her. She busied herself with work and friends. Steve had gotten back the day after she met with her father and Ryder told him everything.

Emily had contacted Ryder to have a girl's night out with her, Penelope, and JJ. None of the team except Garcia knew anything about Ryder but the women avoided the topic in front of the others, which Ryder was thankful for. But she didn't stay quiet entirely. She calmly and softly brought up the fact when it was just the two of them, asking Ryder how she was doing and handling the situation.

"I'm fine." Ryder shook her head when Penelope asked, the older women resting a hand on her arm, giving her an unbelieving look. "I'm confused." She changed her answer, this time being truthful.

"Oh, honey, that's normal," Garcia told her, rubbing Ryder's arm in a form of comfort.

"Spencer and my brother are supportive and I love them for it, but I don't know what to do and I just wish someone would tell me." She confided in the blonde, proud of herself for keeping her emotions in check.

"Well, no one can tell you what to do," Penelope started, looking off in the distance as Ryder watched her. "You have to make that decision, and I don't know what that's like exactly but if I had the chance to be with my parents again, either one of them, I'd take it."

Ryder nodded to her words, really thinking them over. It wasn't the exact same but Ryder saw Penelope's point and was able to see the situation from a different point of view. "Thanks, Penny. That actually helps a lot."

"Oh good, anything for you, darling," Garcia said with a smile, happy she would help as she wrapped her arms around Ryder in a hug.

Ryder enjoyed going out with the girls, Natalie was her only female friend and the model was often busy. It was nice, she loved her boys but girls need girl time and it was far overdue for Ryder to have some real girl time and it was exactly what she needed to get her mind off everything and help her feel better. Sometimes when making a big decision, you just needed to stop thinking about it. If that makes any sense.

And Ryder did. When she got to Spencer's apartment that night, the couple sat down for dinner and she brought it up, telling him she decided to contact her father again.

It was late but she suddenly feared losing this chance and so she decided to send him a text, letting him know she wanted to meet again. His response only came a little while later, saying he could do the next day if that was good for her, which she responded with a yes, telling him she'd like to try to go for lunch this time. Hopefully, they could actually sit through a whole meal this time.

It made her feel better, knowing he was still there, which she found odd, finding peace in knowing the person you hated was there. But she tried not to think about it to much, distracting herself in spending time with Spencer until the couple settled down for the night.

---------

It seemed easier than last time, Ryder thought as she appraoched the little resturant she was meeting Roy at. Maybe she had gotten most of her emotion over it out. Or maybe she was just more confident in herself.

Something Ryder had realized over the time she debated on what to do was it didn't matter in the end. Sure this man was her biological father but she didn't need him to have a family. She had Tommy, her brother, Steve, her best friend of many years, Spencer, the love of her life, and all the other people she had in her life that she cared for. They were her family and that's all she needed. She would give it a chance, and she would admit to herself that she wanted it to work out, but if it didn't, she would be okay, because she already had a family.

Straightening her shirt, Ryder reaches out and pulls the door open, walking into the warm building, her eyes scanning the room much like last time. He was there before her, his eyes meeting hers before he waved her over.

"I'm glad you came, and I'm sorry about last time. I should've known it was going to be hard for you." Roy said, feeling bad for the way things happened the last time he was with his daughter.

"Yeah," Ryder mumbled. "I'm sorry too. I was angry and I didn't even think about how you might've felt. I can't say I'm not still angry but I also don't know what it was like for you so...I would like to try again." It was hard to admit but she knew it would be harder if she didn't. She was scared, scared that if she got to know him, let him in that she would get hurt. It's happened before and she was scared of letting it happen again.

"No, you have nothing to apologize for." Roy shook his head. He couldn't imagine what it was like for her, growing up never knowing what happened to her parents or why they gave her up, never knowing where you came from.

"Can we just..." Ryder trailed off, meeting his eyes as she struggled to ask. "Start over?"

"I'd like that," Roy nodded with a smile, telling himself to take things slowly at the risk of causing her to leave again, this time maybe forever. "Um, tell me about yourself." He thought it was a good place to start and he was curious.

"Okay, um," This is weird, Ryder thought with a shake of her head. "Well, I-I'm a photographer." She shrugged, not really knowing where to start.

"That's great, you like it?" Roy asked right as the waiter came over to take their drink order, their conversation picking up after he left.

"I love it, it's, I couldn't imagine doing anything else." She told him, the smallest of smiles pulling at her lips as she thought about her job. It wasn't even like a job, it was what she loved to do. Whoever said, "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life" was right, she thought.

"That's good," Roy nodded, happy that his daughter was happy.

"Uh, w-what about you?"

"I'm an oncologist." Without her permission, Ryder's eyebrows rose up, not having expected that answer.

"That sounds...depressing." She said, unable to imagine being in that line of work.

"It has its ups and downs." Roy agreed with a nod. "I live up in New York. I took some vacation time to come down here and see you."

"When do you have to go back?"

"Soon, but that's not important right now." Roy shook his head. He missed his family back home, he had to leave in a couple of days but he wanted to get to know his daughter, create a relationship with her. "Tell me more about you. Anyone special in your life?"

"Uh, yeah," Ryder nodded, a smile coming to her lips as Spencer popped into her mind. "Yeah, his name is Spencer, we've been together for a little over a year."

"That's good," Roy said. He always thought about when Isabella got older he would hate when she discovered boys, planning to give them a talk about how if they did anything to hurt her they would have hell to pay but Ryder was an adult and he was new to her life, he didn't want to overstep, thinking he didn't have the right to say anything about it. "Friends?"

"A few, yeah." Ryder started, pausing for a moment before continuing. "And a brother. I have no idea how much you know but when I was fifteen I got adopted, and I gained a brother."

"You two are close?" He asked, happy to know she had people in her life that cared for her and she cared for in return.

"Yeah, we're family." Ryder cleared her throat when the word family came off bitter, reminding herself how she wanted to give this a chance and being rude and angry wasn't the way to do that. "Um, you said you were married?" She changed the subject quickly, the waiter returning with their drinks, apologizing for the wait before taking their food order.

"Yes," Roy started once the young man walked away, remembering Ryder's question. "Her name is Lyla, she's a teacher." He had a smile on his face, matching the one Ryder had when she thought of Spencer, allowing the young women to see how he truly loved his wife. "And if one day you're ever up to it, I know she'd love to meet you."

Ryder didn't say anything immediately, causing Roy to backtrack. "I'm sorry, too much?"

"No, no, i-it's fine," She shook her head. "Just...maybe a little."

"Right, sorry," Roy closed his eyes, cursing himself silently for pushing too much.

"It's just, I've spent my whole life not knowing why, I guess," Ryder tried to explain, not completely knowing how to explain her thoughts. "And then suddenly you show up and I just don't know how to react." She said slowly, trying her best to explain.

"I know you probably hate me. I hate myself for what I did and I wish I could change it and I know me saying this isn't going to help but..." Roy trailed off, trying to find the words he needed to let her know he really did mean this. "I do want to be in your life and I'm going to try my hardest to be. And I'll be honest, I have no idea how to do that."

"Yeah, me either." Ryder admitted while nodding her head. It made her feel better to say that, she wanted to trust him but it was hard. He says he wants to try and so does Ryder, but she had no idea how to do that.

"You're right, I do hate you," Ryder started. She hated secrets and lies so she was going to be honest. "I'm angry at you. Just being here is hard but a friend of mine said something the other day and I realized I owed it to myself to try to have you in my life."

"You have every right to hate me and be angry, and I'm not going to try to tell you not to be but I will try to make up for everything, if you'll let me."

"I'll try my best." Ryder nodded once again, willing to give him a chance and praying she wouldn't regret it.

"That's all I ask."

----------

"Heeeey, big brother, whatcha doin?"

"What do you want?"

"What? Why do you think I want something?" Ryder asked, pretending to be offended as she placed her hand over her heart.

"Because I know you," Tommy said, raising a brow at his little sister. "Now spit it out."

"What are you doing tomorrow night?" Ryder dropped the sweet facade, resting her chin on her fist as she looked over to her brother.

"Uh, I don't know but I have a feeling you're about to tell me." Tommy smiled, wondering what she was up to.

"So Spencer and I are having dinner with his team and I wanted you to come along." She flashed him a smile and her best puppy dog eyes, hoping he would accept.

"I don't know, Ry." Tommy shook his head, unsure.

"Oh, come on, please? I already brought it up and they want to meet you." Ryder told him, biting her bottom lip as she waited for his answer.

Blowing out a big breath, Tommy looks into his sister's hopeful eyes and chuckled. "Yeah, okay." He nodded, not like he would've been able to tell her no anyway, she's had the puppy dog eyes down since he could remember.

"Yay!" Ryder cheered with a small clap and Tommy only smiled wider and shook his head. "Okay, tomorrow night, meet here and we'll all ride together."

"Where are we going?"

"Uh, David Rossi's house. You know, the author, cause he's on the team. And I say house but it's more of a small mansion." Ryder rambled.

"Bigger than our house?" Tommy asked, thinking of his childhood home.

"About the same." Ryder shrugged. Their mother, Eleanor, did well in life and had a very nice and very large home. "And he's a great cook." She added offhandedly.

"Who is?" Spencer asked as he walked into the apartment, having only heard the last thing Ryder said.

"David. I was just asking Tommy if he would come to cause the others want to meet him." Ryder informed, turning back to the stove to stir dinner.

"And?" Spencer asked, wondering the younger man's answer as he set his messenger bag on the table before joining the others at the counter.

"He's coming," Ryder answered before Tommy could, throwing a stern look to her brother over her shoulder even though he'd already agreed to come.

"She's impossible to say no to." Tommy whispered to Spencer when Ryder was distracted.

"Tell me about it." Spencer responded in an equally quiet voice, knowing all to well that that fact was true.

"What are you two whispering about over here?" Ryder asked while turning around, pointing the spoon in her head at them with a raised brow.

"Nothing," The boys said simultaneously, their heads snapping to Ryder as she gave them a disbelieving look, dropping the subject as she shook her head and turned back to cooking.

"Sure," She said to herself. "Would you guys grab some plates?"

"Yes, ma'am." Tommy said as he stood with Spencer, the two of them collecting plates and cups before setting the table, the trio soon sitting down to have a peacefull dinner.

----------

The next day when the clock hit one O'clock, the team was still at the office, a case yet to come up which they were all thankfull for as everyone was excited for dinner that night. They always loved there get togethers, having everyone along with their immediate family was always a good time.

Spencer was sitting at his desk unable to focus on his work as something was bothering him. It was something he'd been thinking about for a while now, he just didn't know how to bring it up, fear of being shut down. And with the recent events happening, he wasn't sure if it was the right time.

Derek, being the good friend he was, noticed Spencer's distractive behavior and brought it up when the two were alone, having both gone to the break room. "What's up with you today?"

"What?" Spencer asked, his head turning to look at Morgan. "Uh, nothing."

"You sure about that?" Morgan raised a brow and Reid sighed, looking over his shoulder to see if anyone else was around.

"I want to ask Ryder to move in with me." Spencer caved, feeling better now that someone else knew.

"Way to go, Reid," Morgan smiled, slapping Reid on the shoulder. "So what's the problem? I know she'd say yes."

"It's not that, not entirely anyway," Spencer shook his head, knowing he was worried she'd say no. "Ryder's got some stuff going on and I don't think it's a good time but it's killing me to wait."

"Oh, Reid," Morgan sighed, seeing his friends struggle. "There's never going to be a perfect time and I don't know what's going on but Ryder loves you, you don't need to worry."

"I guess so," Spencer sighed with a nod, knowing his friend was right. "Thanks."

"No problem, kid." Morgan said, patting Reid's shoulder again as he passed, walking back to his desk.

Derek was right, Spencer knew it. There was no perfect time for anything really, he just didn't want to put this on Ryder when she was dealing with her father. Ryder was trying her best to have a relationship with her father but it was hard for her, the young women still holding anger towards him. Roy had gone back home but the two texted occasionally, Spencer imagined he didn't want to lose contact with his daughter at the risk of losing her.

Ryder talked with Reid about it which he was happy for, both of them had trouble opening up to other people and talking about themselves but over the time they've known each other, they've come to trust in their partner. She vented, Ryder called it, she always felt better after she did.

She often felt bad after she did though, telling Spencer her problems didn't compare to the ones he saw daily but he always shook his head, telling her that she was the most important thing to him. He loved her, she was everything to him. He wanted to do more than just move in with her, but one step at a time.

Spencer felt a little better about things and was able to focus on work until it was time to go home, leaving with "see you soons" to his team before heading to Ryder's apartment, excitement filling him up as he did, having made a decision with himself.

Ryder was getting ready when Reid arrived, coming into the main room when she heard the door opened, her eyes following Spencer's figure as he quickly approached her, wrapping her in a hug, drawing a surprised laugh from the younger women.

"What's this for?" She asked while returning the hug, happy but confused, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck.

"Let's move in together." Spencer went for it, saying the words before he could stop or second guess himself, pulling back only enough to look at Ryder's shocked face, her mouth falling open but no words coming out.

"Uh," She stammered for a second, her brain processing Spencer's words before she huffed out another laugh. "Spence, we're about to go to dinner, Tommy's on his way." She reminded him, shaking her head but not removing her hands from the back of his neck.

"I know, I know, but I couldn't wait any longer," Reid told her. "Just...what do you say?"

"Well, yes you dummy, of course." Ryder let out another laugh before Spencer leaned down, his lips meeting Ryder's in a kiss. "Honestly, I thought you'd never ask." She whispered when they pulled away, slightly out of breath.

"Sorry for the wait." Spencer mumbled against her lips, the smile on his face looking far from sorry.

"Don't be, it was worth it." Ryder grinned right back, lifting to the tips of her toes to place another kiss to Spencer's lips, the sound of the door's lock clicking open pulling the couple away.

"I didn't just walk in on something, did I?" Tommy asked, looking between the two, making a mental note to knock from no on.

"No," Ryder laughed before looking up at Spencer. "Not exactly. You ready to go?"

"Whenever you are," Tommy replied, pulling out a barstool to take a seat.

"I'm gonna change real fast," Spencer said, giving Ryder a quick kiss before disappearing down the hall.

"So," Tommy started as Ryder approached him, unable to get any more words out before she started speaking.

"We're moving in together," She said quickly, a huge smile on her face as she tried to keep her voice down, letting out an excited squeak sound. Normally with something like this, she would wait to tell people but she was just so excited, she couldn't hold it in.

"You look like you did when you were eighteen, fangirling over that stupid tv show." Tommy said, teasing his sister.

"Okay, it wasn't stupid, it was great and come on Tommy, be happy for us." Ryder told him, dropping the excited tone before giving him sad eyes.

"I'm kidding, I am happy for you, sis." Tommy smiled, standing from his seat to hug his sister. "I love you, kiddo."

"Thanks, Tommy, love you too." Ryder said, her voice muffled by her jacket as she hugged him back. "Behave tonight, okay?"

"Me? Behave? I think you should be telling yourself that." Tommy chuckled, being the calm one out of the siblings. Although Ryder had changed since her younger years, Tommy remembers the rebellious teenager she used to be.

"Please." Ryder scoffed as Spencer reappeared, looping his arm around her as the group made their way outside and towards Rossi's house for dinner.

After arriving, the group made there way up to the house, not bothering to knock before entering and navigating their way to the others. "Hey, guys," Ryder greeted with a smile, giving everyone a quick hug, and smiling at Henry before she turned to introduce her brother.