The next few days passed by pretty uneventful. The whole family reveled and partied the best they could in the hospital. They celebrated the engagement of the long-awaited couple that were destined to be together. They were also thankful that Savannah was still in jail where she belonged and for the capture of Calvin Lynch. Everyone was grateful that everything turned out for the best.

Finally, after much pain and horror suffered at the hands of Savannah and both Lynch's, Derek was discharged and sent home. He would need constant care for a while dealing with his very serious burn. They needed to make sure that he remained infection free. It was decided that during the day, Fran would remain with him and tend to his wounds while she spoiled him rotten. The evenings of course after work, would be handled by Penelope and her expert hands. A few days after his discharge the team surprised the couple, by packing and moving both their belongings to Derek's spacious new home.

There was no way he would allow his future wife to move into the house he'd shared with his ex. Unbeknownst to his lady love or anyone else for that matter, he'd bought a house the year prior. He'd never inwardly gave up hope deep down and dreamt about spending the rest of his life with his Baby Girl in that house. It was an old Victorian home that he spent numerous hours restoring. It had a beautiful tree lined back yard, a wrap-around porch and was set back-a-ways from the street. There were six bedrooms, four bathrooms, three fireplaces, a spiral staircase, and a pool. It also contained, a huge chefs' kitchen, a large living room, dining room and family room. He'd setup an office for his girl and even added a hot tub in their master bath. The whole place screamed Penelope.

Needless to say, when he showed it to her she'd just about passed out, but it was everything she'd ever wanted. Her life was perfect, she was with her dream guy, in her dream home, with a dream job and of course, her dream family.

All he wanted was to make her happy, he lived to make her happy. So, when they both were all moved in and set-up they threw a huge housewarming party to show it off. She was so proud of all of his hard work and talent and needed to showcase it.

Within the first month of being home, he slowly began to build himself up in order to prepare for his long recovery and physical therapy. It was difficult and arduous, but with the help of his whole family and most especially his goddess he was able to regain his equilibrium and footing. The burn healed slowly, but surely. The threat of an infection passed, which they were all grateful for. However, the pain was still pretty excruciating at times while it tried to heal. There were times he still needed his pain medications.

Eight weeks home and he was finally able to begin his physical therapy for his chest, stomach muscles and his ribs. His hand was progressing very nicely and he would have full mobility and strength in that in no time. After much prodding from Penelope and Fran, Derek relented and agreed to see a therapist. He still had issues stemming from his torture, but most especially his self-esteem took quite a hit. He continued to struggle with the thoughts of his scar. He was definitely depressed about it and as much as Penelope tried to convince him otherwise he knew it would continue to bother him and was sure it made Penelope look different at him.

Penelope told him every day that it didn't bother her and that she still loved him all the same. As a matter fact, it made her love him even more. It showed the whole world that he was a fighter and never gave up. He was still the strongest and bravest man she'd ever known. At one point, she started to put Vitamin E and a couple of other natural products on it several times a day. She would massage it in slowly and gently. He definitely loved that and would fight off the growing sensations each time that the feel of her touch would invoke. The doctors still hadn't given the all clear when it came to sexual relations which continued to frustrate him. He would beg them and they told him he would have to wait at least one more month. Penelope was determined to remain strong for the both of them.

The next four weeks were busy for them between Derek's physical therapy, therapist appointments and both of them were subpoenaed to appear as witnesses in both the trials of Savannah and Calvin Lynch. All that took a toll on both of them. They hated to relive everything over and over. However, it paid off in the end when both of them were found guilty on numerous counts. They were both sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when the sentences were handed down. All except the convicts of course, they were dragged out of court kicking, screaming and cursing. They both vowed revenge someday. The family ended up having a huge celebratory party to end their reign of terror.

Things were looking up for Derek and Penelope after that was put to rest. Derek's physical therapy was hard and painful, but was completely paying off. His hand was back to normal, so much so, that Derek went every day to the shooting range. His requalification took place and he passed it with flying colors, which definitely boosted his morale and his self-esteem.

Penelope, whenever possible, with the help of Fran and the girls kept herself busy with their upcoming nuptials. All were excited at the prospect of the wedding of the century, for the couple that they thought would never pull the heads out of their butts. Penelope was completely ecstatic and nervous to be marrying her Hot Stuff, the man of her dreams. She'd asked JJ to be her matron of honor and Emily, Sarah and Desiree to be bridesmaids. Whereas, Derek asked Spencer to be his best man, and Hotch, Will and his high school best friend Jaden to be his groomsmen. Penelope asked Rossi to give her away, which he immediately agreed to with tears in his eyes. Fran was asked to read the gospel reading during the service, while Jackers and Henry were going to be co-ringbearers.

Derek and Dave insisted that Penelope get her dream wedding, there was no limit on anything. All that mattered, was that their girl received anything she wanted or needed to ensure she got her fairytale wedding and life. Derek also told Penelope he would be in charge of setting everything up for the grand honeymoon. Which, by the way Rossi gladly helped him with.

In the meantime, Derek's doctors finally gave him the all clear to have sexual relations with his goddess. But, much to his chagrin Penelope decided that they needed to wait until their wedding night to consummate their marriage and their relationship. She drove him crazy, but of course, what his Baby Girl wanted his Baby Girl got. Even if it killed him.

So, here we are now five months into Derek's long road of recovery. He was doing very well and itching to get back to full duty status at work. The doctors decided that after the newlyweds returned from their honeymoon that he would be ready for full duty. Derek, Penelope and team were excited. They were anxious to have the team back together as a whole unit again.

Everything was all in place for the wedding to take place in a week. Dave and Fran graciously offered and insisted that the ceremony and reception be held in the backyard of their mansion. The happy couple couldn't wait to accept. Penelope's heart was fixed on a sunset wedding.

It was the Saturday before and both the bachelor and bachelorette parties were scheduled at separate restaurants. Both Emily and Jaden arrived the night before, so everybody was all set for a night of partying. Derek and Penelope insisted and instructed both wedding parties, NO STRIPPERS! There was grumbling on both sides, but they capitulated to the requests of the happy couple. No one wanted any discord or discomfort for anyone. A fun time was had by all, especially Penelope, Derek and Spencer. The three of them were so drunk that they practically were carried out. They passed out on the way to their respective homes and everyone couldn't help but laugh and make fun of them for days.

The whole team made sure to hand in their requests for that whole week off to ensure that they would not be called away on a case. That week was extremely busy for all. They all had their last fittings for their gowns and tuxes, finalized their headcount for the caterers and made sure everything was setup for the rehearsal and the dinner that followed. Everything fell right into place very nicely, which both the bride and the groom were extremely grateful for.

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