Disclaimer: I just borrow them and manipulate them for a little while, then give them back.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Pregnancy Counter: 30 Weeks
"Derek Morgan."
"Okay, don't laugh at me, but I can't remember where I left the tickets."
He pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it. Joy didn't forget anything.
"Derek?"
"Okay." He shook his head and tucked the phone between his ear and shoulder. "Walk me through what you've done already."
"I've searched my bedside table, your bedside table, all the clips on the fridge, my purse, all the jacket pockets… Derek, I can't remember."
"Honey, calm down. The doctor said this would happen."
"I swear, I feel my IQ dropping."
"Reid says that's not possible."
"Derek!"
"Okay, wait. Let me check my jacket pockets."
"Why would they be there?"
"Because we thought they would be safe there." Because I wanted tonight to be a surprise. He turned around and pulled his pockets inside out. "I have them."
"Okay. So I'll meet you there and we'll go to the show together."
"Yes."
"You're sure there won't be a case?"
"We just got back from one. JJ will hold off for a few days. Tonight is good."
"Derek?"
"Joy?"
"Thank you."
"Welcome." He hung up with a smile. "Love you."
"You know, it's better if you tell her that, not the phone after you hang up," Rossi said. "Big plans tonight?"
"Taking her to see a play."
"Where?"
"The local community theater is doing Cinderella."
"Really, Derek? The community theater?"
"My mother is driving her here when I get off. And after, we're going out."
"She can't drink."
"Going out doesn't mean drinking."
"Tyler?"
"Again, my mother."
"Where is she staying anyway?"
"A hotel. Says the new family needs their space."
"She's hoping you're practicing for more."
"Rossi, I really didn't need to hear that."
"Are you?"
"What?"
"Practicing."
"No."
"You know, you can still have sex during pregnancy, you just have to be careful."
"How do you know this stuff?"
"Do you want to know?"
"Not really."
"He's a dog, Morgan. Just walk away," Hotch advised. "Stick to your plans and don't listen to Rossi. Expect about the 'I love you' part."
"Can I ask you something, Hotch?"
The Unit Chief paused and turned. Derek pulled a dark blue box from his pocket. "It isn't my class ring."
Hotch flipped it open and glanced at Derek. "Are you serious?"
Garcia had come out of her bunker with files for Hotch. She grabbed the box, dropping the papers everywhere. "Chocolate buns?"
"While we were away on this last case, I couldn't stop thinking about her. When I'm home, I check on her and Tyler every morning. I ended up checking on Reid just to do something. I watch her move through the house and think, 'Thank God I come home to this.' I want this, for the rest of my life."
"Sugar!" Garcia squealed and hugged him. "You're growing up!"
He took the ring back and slid it back into his pocket. "I am, aren't I?"
She cupped his face. "You're going to be a great daddy."
Derek stood and grabbed his coat as Joy walked (waddled) in. She had on a pretty dress and a smile, all ready to go.
"My lady." He held out his arm. She laughed and looped hers through. "How was your day?"
"Birthday countdown: fifteen days."
"He can't wait."
Joy shook her head. "No. He's going to have Jack and Tony is bringing the kids down and now he has Clooney to show off." She grinned. "You are never getting your dog back."
He laughed. "And you?"
"I forgot where the tickets were."
"I knew that."
"And… I repacked my hospital bag, finished my book and looked for a job. Your mother made a fantastic lunch."
"Are you going back to law enforcement?"
"You know, I don't know."
"You did with Tyler."
"A lot of things are different with this one."
"Anymore names?"
"Hmm… Matthew, Edward or Benedict."
"Edward was Henry VIII's son, the sickly one?"
"Yes."
"That's out. So is Benedict. Benedict Arnold."
"What about Matthew?"
"I'll think about it."
She smiled. "When he comes… we'll figure it out."
"So, ready for Cinderella?"
She stopped. "You remembered?"
"That it's your favorite? Of course."
She wrapped her hand around his tie and pulled him close. His eyes flicked down to her mouth as it opened and closed a few times. She pulled his head down for a gentle kiss. "I love you."
He pulled away. "I… I have something to ask you."
"Yes?"
He took the box out of his pocket and opened it, holding it between them. "Will you marry me?"
"Derek…"
"Joy, you aren't pushing me down the aisle and I'm not trying to push you. We can wait until the baby is two or five or fifteen for all I care." He brushed her hair back. "But I want to be a part of your life, a big part of your life, not just the baby's daddy."
"Yes." She looked from the ring to him. "Yes."
He slid the ring on her finger. "I love you."
"Love you, love you, love you." She wrapped her arms around him. "So, so much."
He pressed a kiss to her temple. "Come on. We've got a night out planned. Probably our last for a very long time."
"Lead the way."
