Red My Fortune

Garcia got up before Morgan, who had slept on the couch anyway, and brewed the coffee while calling Virginia. First was Dave's cabin in Little Creek.

"Thank God," Rossi answered. "Hon, Garcia's on the line."

Another line clicked on. "Hey Pen."

"You two," Garcia shook her head. "My dears, blue and yellow are so-so blandly traditional. Do something different. Use violet and green."

"Anything but that god-awful yellow," JJ grumbled.

"I still don't get that," Rossi replied.

Garcia interrupted before JJ could let off. "Dave, never argue with a pregnant woman. We are far too hormonal most of the time, and now it's worse for her. You be good and do as she says."

"You sound like my mother."

JJ piped up. "Who's already planning our wedding."

"Good," Garcia told them. "At least she likes you. BTW, Morgan asked me out."

Delighted gasps from the other end, and suddenly JJ and Rossi were on a united front.

"How did this happen?" JJ demanded.

"And when?" Rossi added.

"You two are the Dynamic Duo, you know, it's quite scary. He asked me out at his mother's request, with his sisters second and thirding it. He's taking me out tonight."

"You will call Em and I and share," JJ informed her.

"Em might me in Atlantic City with Kevin by then."

"Really?"

Rossi interrupted. "Hang on, Prentiss and who? Not Lynch?"

"Yes Lynch," JJ told him, sighing. "Stay on top of things."

"But she was seeing that guy from white collar crime, wasn't she?"

Garcia was in search of a huge mug, checking through the cupboards. "You need to not be so behind, Dave. She broke up with him two weeks ago because he had issues with washing his underwear, no lie."

"Never mind," she could imagine him making swatting motions. "I really don't need to know."

"JJ, honeybun, how is it your man can deal with those ugly murders but flinches when discussing unwashed undergarments?"

"Haven't the foggiest."

"Just checking. So, the nursery colors?"

A moment of silence, then Rossi spoke up. "Green with violet trim? Or the other way around?"

"Green with violet," JJ agreed. "Green is more unisex, and since we don't know yet…"

"Exactly."

She had found a mug that was glowingly orange and the size of her head. Perfect. "Just so you know, I expect to be named godmother for all this."

The reply was unanimous and simultaneous. "Absolutely."

Satisfied, she hung up and poured herself coffee.

And felt someone's hands around her waist.

"Derek!" she twisted and swatted, connecting with his chest. "You almost gave me a heart attack!"

He laughed. "I heard most of that conversation."

"I know Fran told you not to eavesdrop. I may have to tell on you."

"Not cool, Baby Girl."

"Very cool, actually."

"Where you want to go tonight? After dinner, since I know everyone wants to have you here for that."

"I want you to show me the places you were growing up," she told him simply.

The grin faded into something softer. "You're serious about this."

"Remember what I told you, about not being the girl who got songs dedicated to her in a smoky bar? Well, I didn't know until JJ called you last week that you kind of liked me, too, and it wasn't all a one-sided crush. So I want to try this, Derek. I want to make a go of this, if you're willing."

Here it was. Here was where he would laugh, make a joke, and blow the whole romance away. And she wouldn't try again.

He didn't move. He looked at her face. And then he reached up and touched her cheek.

"Penelope Garcia, will you marry me?"

She relaxed, but he didn't. He was waiting for her answer.

"Isn't this backwards? I mean, don't you go on the date first, then get married?"

"We've known each other six years, Penelope."

And she had to agree, she knew more about Derek Morgan then anyone, at least she hoped. He'd told her about Carl Buford once he'd come back, and no one else.

"So I'll ask you again. Penelope Garcia, will you marry me?"

Author's Note: I know. I'm evil for leaving you all with a cliffhanger. It was more dramatic that way.