In early 2009, Spinelli becomes friends with Winnifred Leeds, causing tension between him and Maxie. Spinelli is arrested for treason, and it is revealed Winnifred is an undercover FBI agent. Spinelli finds out he is bait to take down Jason, Sonny and the Zaccharas. Meanwhile, Spinelli enlists Winnifred's help with missing cargo the FBI is pressuring Jason about. They discover spheres of deadly biotoxin have been released at General Hospital. Spinelli stays behind to help, and he makes it out, he and Maxie reunite. Spinelli finds out the FBI is still using him, and leaves town. Maxie urges him to stay in the country, and Spinelli returns. They destroy the evidence the FBI has. Spinelli catches Maxie and Johnny Zacchara kissing on the pier, and confronts Maxie. She is devastated at losing Spinelli, and realizes her feelings. Over time they are able to reconnect, and Spinelli insists on courting Maxie. In July 2009, he proposes. Maxie agrees in order to not hurt him, but the night before their wedding, Spinelli overhears her confessing her fears about marriage. As Spinelli says his vows, he asks her to "not" marry him. They vow to get married in the future, and enjoy their reception with friends and family. In late 2009, Spinelli helps Jason investigate Franco, a mysterious artist.