The letter!
Chapter 14 – Penelope's answer!
Penelope's eyes were wide as she listened to every word he said.
Derek stayed silent and so did she, thinking about what she was going to say.
She looked into his eyes and saw such love and truth in his eyes, making her smile.
Penelope stayed silent, she knew she loved him and wanted to be with him, but she wasn't ready, she had only just lost Kevin and that thought was still painful.
Derek sat there waiting nervously. Waiting for Penelope to give him an answer, it felt like a long time they were both silent and he held his breath when she finally said something to him.
'I do love you… I'm just not ready yet you know' Penelope told him quietly. 'I really do love you baby'
'I know, that's okay' Derek said understandingly. He stretched his arms out and Penelope put her head on his shoulder, Derek putting his arms around her, giving her a hug and a kiss on the head.
'Take as long as you need, there's no rush, and I'll wait forever' Derek said.
Penelope looked up at him and gave him a kiss on the cheek 'you're sweet' she said, smiling at him.
'You're sweeter' Derek winked, making her laugh and roll her eyes.
'Thank you' Penelope started 'I feel so much better because of you. You make me feel better' she told him.
Derek smiled and moved some hair out of her face 'I'm glad I made you feel better baby girl' he said to her. 'You make me feel better too' he told her.
'Good, I aim to please' she teased, making Derek laugh. 'I won't make you wait forever by the way, there's no need to worry about that' she told him seriously.
'That's good to hear' Derek smiled in return that was a relief although he knew she wouldn't make him wait for such a long time, at least he knows she loves him. That's all that matters to him.
Penelope was feeling really relaxed in Derek's arms and she sighed happily, closing her eyes. A few minutes later she managed to fall asleep, having a happy dream of the future.
Derek sat there, watching T.V. on the couch whilst Penelope was asleep, he sighed happily, he would gladly do this everyday,
Derek felt so much better that he had told her he loved her and wanted to be with her. JJ was right, she did love him and he felt so happy, he still needed to sort things out, in a way he was a broken man.
So part of him was happy that Penelope was making him wait. Whilst she was grieving for the man she loved he could sort himself out, he didn't want to put any of his insecurities on Penelope, that wasn't fair to her.
As much as he would love to be with her now, he knew it was the right thing to wait, until they had both sorted their problems out and Derek only wanted to have a good, healthy and loving relationship with Penelope, waiting would be the best thing for both of them.
Derek wanted Penelope to be comfortable so he stood up and bent down to pick up Penelope and put her to bed.