Chapter 14- The Epilogue Chapter

AN: Thank you so much for reading and reviewing this story! I am so grateful to have all of you that care so much to leave me positive reinforcement. When life gets me down, I go back and read some of your stunning reviews, and it makes me smile.

Next story is coming soon. Some fluff, some angst... and a whole lotta sex. (I was in the mood... sorry!)

Love always, Kricket

"Pass the beef chow mein," Rossi said, sitting in the boardroom. They had ordered all sorts of their favorite take out from Chin's down the street. They ate everything family style there, from the multitude of Egg Rolls, to the moo shu pork with little pancakes.

"God, the lo mein is excellent tonight," Prentiss added. "Dave, did you try the lo mein?"

"No," he answered with a huff. "I don't want damned noodles; I want meat. Who is hogging the beef chow mein?"

Reid held up a container. "I have beef egg fu young?"

"The man wants beef chow mein," JJ answered, nudging Reid in warning to shut up.

"Well, the man can wait," Hotch replied, pouring some of the concoction on his plate. He didn't look up as he said, "Besides, Dave, didn't you order sweet and sour chicken?"

Rossi, who rarely ever ate anything sweet, much less sweet and sour, glared down at Hotch, who was smiling as he mixed his rice and meat.

"Sweet and sour is mine, boss man," Penelope replied with a grin. Penelope was the only one who ever ordered sweet and sour. "Who's got it?"

"I do, Baby Girl," Derek replied, carrying three containers. She knew he had kung pao chicken, extra spicy, in one of the containers. They mixed the two together to get the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

Penelope reached up for the containers as he took his seat next to her. She opened the rice first, pouring it out on the plate, like she always did, then added both concoctions. She took a bite and smiled at Derek. "Perfect."

He leaned forward, kissed her, then licked his lips. "Mmm hmm."

"Cut it with the mushy crap; people are trying to eat, here," Prentiss said, taking a bite of her eggroll, and dropping it partially on the front of her shirt.

The group giggled and continued to eat the delicious food. At the end, Rossi handed out the fortune cookies, as he always did. He tossed them from the end of the table, making each person catch theirs.

"Read them outloud," JJ said. "Mine is A thrilling time is in your future."

"You will succeed in business and love," Reid said, smiling with his lips closed.

"The one you love is closer than you think." Derek shook his head and smiled at Penelope. "No, I know she is right here."

Penelope squeezed his hand, and they shared a sweet glance.

"You will get the beef chow mein container first," Rossi quipped, pretending to read the slip, and effectively ended the moment.

"Look for new outlets for your creative abilities," Prentiss read, then added while wiggling her eyebrows, "in bed."

Everyone groaned, and she grinned, "What? I know, it's an old joke, but that one was begging for it."

"Success is the many friends you have," Hotch read and a small smile curved his lips.

Penelope opened hers last. She cracked it open and her eyes grew wide. "Will you marry me?"

She looked up at Derek, who was holding a glistening diamond ring that was sparkling almost as brightly as his eyes.

"I tried to put the ring in the cookie, but it didn't fit," he said, as he gathered her in his arms.

She giggled and sniffled, too, tears coming to her eyes as she looped her arms around his neck.

"Well?" he asked resting his forehead against hers.

"Yes," she whispered, kissing him lightly. "I love you."

"I love you, too," he replied, kissing her back, a little longer.

Then there was the clapping, which caused them to break apart and smile at the group. They received congratulations, hugs and best wishes from their team.

"That is one magic fortune cookie," she said with a smile after everyone left to give them a moment. She looped her arms around his neck. "Now I would like an equally magic kiss."

"I have to agree," he said, giving her the first of many more kisses in their happily ever after.