"Just hold me?" Penelope questioned in a whisper. That was all that Derek needed to hear. He enveloped her in his embrace bringing his arms around her shoulders. Resting his hands on her back, Derek began rubbing soothing circles. Penelope brought her arms and hands to rest around Derek's waist. She buried her face in his chest, resting her head there.

"I've got you, Baby Girl." Derek said before he kissed her hair. He then lay his head on top of hers. "And I won't ever let you go," he reassured her. Penelope sighed in contentment in being in Derek's embrace. Hearing her sigh, Derek brought one of his arms from Penelope's back. He brought his hand up to her face and lifted her chin so he could see her face. Derek stared into her caramel colored eyes.

"I love you, Penelope." he said as he continued gazing into her eyes. Seeing nothing but love reflected back to him.

"I love you, too, Derek," Penelope said as a single tear ran down her cheek. "Forever?" she questioningly whispered again. Derek wiped away the tear with his thumb.

"Forever," Derek declared to her before meeting Penelope's lips in a tender kiss of nothing but TRUE LOVE.