Chapter 11:

Four Months Later

What the hell was I thinking? Planning a wedding in four months? I must be crazy. Penelope was losing it. The wedding was in three days and she still had so much to do! She still needed to double check with the florist, the photographer, the caterer, the justice of the peace, the bakery and she still had to get to the dress shop for her final fitting. So much to do…so little time, why hadn't Dave tried to convince her to take a little more time planning their wedding?

Penny was so lost in thought she almost didn't hear her phone ringing and by the time she found it there was a voice mail waiting for her. She quickly called and entered her password to retrieve the message. "Hey P it's JJ…just wondered if you needed anything, you know, help making phone calls, a ride to the jewelers…maybe a margarita…call me, I can be there in 10". "Oh bless your heart Jayje, you're a lifesaver." Penny mumbled as she dialed her best friend. When JJ answered Penny wasted no time, "Why aren't you here yet?" JJ chuckled, "Relax PG, I'm on my way!" Penelope hung up the phone and took a deep, cleansing breath. She would allow herself a few minutes to relax.

JJ found Penelope with her eyes closed, chanting "It will all be fine, everything will be perfect". "Uh, Pen? You ok?" Penelope jumped up and hugged JJ tight. "Oh my sunshine, I am now!" "Why don't we sit down and you can tell me what still needs to be done." JJ suggested and led Penelope to the couch. "I know I'm freaking out Jayje, but this wedding has to be perfect!" JJ just shook her head, "Hon, I hate to tell you this, but no wedding is ever perfect, something always happens!"

"Oh I know, but I just can't forget anything I mean, what if there is no cake? What if the justice of the peace doesn't show up? What if…" Penelope was cut off by JJ's laughter. "Oh PG, don't be silly, no one would dare not show up and risk the wrath of the All Knowing Oracle of Quantico!" "I suppose you're right, but I can't seem to turn the what ifs off." Penny sighed. "Ok then, tell me what you need me to do, I will take care of everything!" "You are too good to me J!" Penelope reached for a hug. "It's my job woman! I'm not the Maid of Honor for nothing!"

Penelope finally relaxed as JJ assured her that all the calls on her list would be taken care of by the time she returned from the dress shop. "And Pen… do not forget to stop at the jewelers or you will have no ring for your husband!" JJ called as Penelope slid into her car. Now it was Penelope's turn to laugh, like she would ever forget to pick up the 12mm platinum and diamond band that would adorn Dave's left ring finger. No sirree, that ring would serve to warn women to stay away from her man!

Dave on the other hand was faring much better. His responsibilities lie in signing the checks and that was something he was good at. He had already had his final tux fitting and it now hung in his closet. He only had to swing by the jewelers to pick up Penelope's ring and he was good to go.

The guys on the team insisted on having a bachelor party even though Dave had objected. He'd told them that after already having three, he didn't feel the need for a fourth but they were not to be deterred. He'd finally agreed to a night out for drinks at the bar they frequented. They would be going after work tomorrow then there would be the rehearsal and dinner on Friday night. Saturday would not be here soon enough…he couldn't wait to tell the world that Penelope Garcia was his wife.

"Crap! I need to call the hotel and make sure they still have our reservations!" Dave exclaimed. How pissed would Penelope be if they got to Virginia Beach and had nowhere to stay? He quickly dialed the phone and confirmed their party number and room reservations. "There, done!" Who would've thought that an old man like him would be getting married, barefoot, on the beach at sunset? Dave chuckled at the thought. "Ah Kitten, only because I love you." He whispered to the empty room.

Dave then grabbed his keys and headed for the jewelers. Penelope's ring was ready and he wanted it in his possession. The 2 carat diamond and platinum eternity band was to have been inscribed and it better be right. There would be no time to have it redone before the wedding if they had made any kind of mistake. He was sure it was perfect though, he'd used the same jeweler for 15 years and had yet to be disappointed. Pulling up outside the little shop Dave spotted Penelope's car. He decided to go across the street to Starbucks and grab a coffee. He and Penny had agreed to keep the other's ring a surprise until the wedding and Dave wanted to be sure Penelope had time to leave before he entered the shop.

Dave sat at one of the outside tables and waited, watching for Penny to leave the shop. Twenty minutes later he watched her pull away and he crossed the street to pick up the ring that would promise Penelope his forever. The jeweler was with another customer when Dave entered so he casually perused the necklaces in the case before him.

"Ah Mr. Rossi, you are here for your brides ring no?" "Joseph, my friend, you are correct! My wedding is in three days and I am anxious to have Penny's ring in my hands." "I will get it now. I'm sure you will be most pleased." Joseph ducked into the back room and returned far quicker than Dave expected him.

Joseph handed Dave the ring box, "Please, would you care to inspect my work?" he grinned. "Yes I would…not that I don't trust you, I just have to be sure." Dave said as he opened the box. He took the small ring out and held it between his fingers, turning it so he could read the inscription. 'Cuore, l'anima, per sempre' stared back at him.

"You have done it once again Joseph. This is perfect!" Dave smiled as he returned the ring to its box. "Are you coming to the wedding?" he asked as he pulled out his credit card to pay for the ring. "Unfortunately I cannot attend. I was hoping, but the missus is not well…" Joseph sighed. "If there is anything you need Joseph, you call me, and I do mean anything." "Thank you Mr. Rossi, I will keep that in mind." "Joseph, we've known each other for over 15 years, think you could manage to call me Dave?"

"Old habits die hard my friend, good luck with your wedding. I'll expect to see pictures young man!" Joseph instructed as he handed Dave the ring, his receipt and his credit card. "Young man…HA! That's a good one Joseph!" Dave laughed. "But you are young! To me anyway!" Joseph laughed with him. "Thanks again Joseph, I'm sure Penny will love it."

As Dave turned to leave his eyes once again fell to the glass case containing the necklaces. "Hey Joseph…There is one more thing I need" he called and motioned Joseph over to the counter. "My bride will be in need of that" he pointed. A smile crossed Josephs face as he unlocked the case and reached for the necklace Dave had pointed to. "Excellent choice Mr., I mean Dave. Let me just wrap this up for you." "How much do I owe you?" Dave asked reaching once again for his wallet. "Nothing Dave, this is my gift to you and your soon to be bride. And before you object, I insist!"

Joseph placed the necklace in a velvet box, then in a cardboard box and tied a pink ribbon around it. "Please, allow me to do this for you, you have been a valued customer for many years. Please accept this as my thanks to you." Joseph held out the box. "Thank you Joseph, I will be sure to tell Penny…" "No, no, no! Do not tell your bride! Let this be our little secret. May the two of you have many, many happy years together and maybe you will be back to buy anniversary and birthday gifts no?"

"You can count on that Joseph, you can definitely count on that!"

A/N:

Translation: cuore, l'anima, per sempre—heart, soul, forever

I am going to try to do a couple more chapters and possibly an epilogue. Once again, I apologize for taking so long to update…hope you enjoy!