A/N: Hey there, all my wonderful readers and followers! I hope this finds all of you, happy, healthy and safe. Thank you to all of you that have taken the time to review my very first story. We are coming up on 100 reviews and I am completely excited. I can't wait to see who has the lucky number 100! Yayyyy, team.
I also want to send a special message to my friend Jenny Crum, who just lost her Daddy! God bless you girlie and may you stay strong and know that we are all out here praying for you and sending our love. He has traveled to a better place and is with his blessed Father being protected and his suffering has stopped. Love you, my friend!
Cynthia stared at her completely confused and baffled. "Everything alright, Penelope?"
Penelope again began to fidget, then stood up and began to pace around the room. "Yes we have plans. I just don't know what they are. He is very romantic and keeping it a secret, I do love that about him. He told me that he is taking me away and refuses to give me any hints. The only things he gave me were that we are leaving Friday and will be returning on Sunday evening. He also said it will be hot and that I will love it. Other than that I don't have a clue."
"So girl, what's wrong with that? It sounds amazing,"
Penelope tried to force a smile. "There is nothing wrong with that, he is unbelievably sweet and romantic. I am excited and scared at the same time. Does that make any sense, Cynthia?"
"Of course it makes total sense, Penelope! That is a huge step and you don't know if you are ready for it. What I can tell you is this. You will know in your heart when you are completely ready to give yourself freely to Derek. Only you will know this, trust yourself, trust your heart and trust in Derek. Don't rush into anything you aren't ready for, but don't let Kevin dictate your actions or your heart for the rest of your life."
Penelope flashed a genuine smile and bit down on her bottom lip. "Wow, you are sooo right! I promise to not let Kevin win forever. I will trust myself and my Noir Hero! I know he is being very patient with me, he is totally wonderful. I just don't want to let him down. It would kill me if I hurt him in any way!"
Cynthia walked over to her and stopped right in front of her. She placed a hand on her shoulder and stared right into her eyes. "He knows you would never hurt him. I know you're scared, but just pick the right time for yourself. He will wait and won't give up on you. He is probably just as scared and nervous as you are. He doesn't want to hurt you or pressure you in anyway. That gorgeous man of yours is true blue and a dying breed. He is a true gentleman, there aren't too many of those left."
Penelope giggled and was feeling a little better. "So true Cynthia, so very true, I want to thank you for listening to me and being here for me. You have taught me to trust in myself a little more. You continue to help me deal with this more and more without any judgements."
"That is what I am here for, I am here for you the whole way. I feel completely proud to see how much progress you have made so far. It fills me with great pride and a great feeling of accomplishment to watch you and help you to heal. That's what makes me truly happy."
Penelope hugged her. "You have made such a difference in my life with all of this. You are teaching me to work through the pain step by step. Thank you so much for all your help. I know I still have a lot more healing to do, but I have finally started looking forward to the future."
"You are so very welcome Penelope, but you are the one that has done all the hard work. Ohhh, if you want to skip Friday's session and wait until Monday that is fine. If you need me, you can always call me anytime. Also, I think if and when you are ready we could cut down your sessions to twice a week. What do you think?"
Penelope appeared totally surprised. "Wow, I think that would work. It's a deal! Mondays and Fridays alright with you?"
Cynthia replied. "I think that would be fine. If you need more just let me know at any time. I think, no I know you are going to be just fine! You are such a strong, confident and determined young woman, you will be fine. Have fun this weekend and keep an open mind. I will see you on Monday."
Penelope hugged her again with a huge smile on her face. "Thank you, thank you so much for everything and I promise to have a great time. I just hope my nerves don't get the better of me. Enjoy your weekend as well!"
They pulled out of their hug and Penelope giggled. Cynthia chuckled. "No problem, Penelope. Thank you, I will definitely try."
Penelope walked over to her chair, grabbed her coat and purse. Slid her coat on and walked to the door. She opened it and waved goodbye. She headed back home with a smile on her face and a new found confidence.
Casa Morgan-16:00hrs.-February 11, 2009
Upon her arrival to Casa Morgan, she entered excited and couldn't wait to see her Chocolate God of Thunder. She locked the door and took off her coat. She decided to head into the kitchen and make herself a cup of tea. She started her water and there was a knock at the door. She cautiously made her way to the door. She looked through the peephole and asked. "Who is it?"
"Delivery for a Ms. Penelope Garcia."
Penelope unlocked the door and slowly and cautiously opened the door. She noticed a young man holding a long white box with a large deep red bow on it and smiled. "That's me."
"I have a delivery here for you and I need to sign my board."
Penelope signed her name and the boy handed her the box. "Thank you, give me a sec and I will get you something."
"Oh don't worry about it mam, it was already taken care of." He stepped off the porch and said. "Have a nice day."
Penelope stepped back inside, closed and locked the door. She carried the box over to the kitchen counter and placed it down. She smiled as she excitedly slid the red bow off the box and took the top off. She gasped when she saw in front of her the most beautiful bouquet of all of her favorite flowers surrounding one single gorgeous pink rose. She searched for a card and finally found it. She picked it up and read out loud.
"Here are some earthly tokens for my ravishing Goddess! Enjoy their beauty as I enjoy the sight of my beautiful and favorite girl! Movie night tonight? See ya later, hot mama! My love always and forever! Love your mere mortal, D!"
She stood there momentarily looking dreamily down at the flowers. She was in deep thought, she realized how truly lucky she was. She had the perfect guy and hopefully someday the perfect life. She couldn't wait for her Hot Stuff to get home. She then reached down into her pocket for her phone and shot him a quick text.
"OMG, they are beautiful and quite the surprise. You are definitely no mere mortal my Chocolate God of Thunder. You are my heart and soul, thank you so so much. Can't wait for you to get home. Chinese or pizza, my love? Love, your BG! Xoxo"
She had just finished putting them into water and placed them on the coffee table when her phone went off.
Derek had a huge grin on his face as he read and replied to Penelope's text message "You are quite welcome Gorgeous! Glad you liked them. I just wanted to do something nice for my special and sexy woman to let you know I miss you and you were on my mind as always. Pizza sounds great, silly girl! Will be leaving here soon. Love ya, HS! Xoxo"
"Pizza and movies the perfect date with my perfect guy! Aww, I miss you too, my favorite Chocolate Hunk of Burning Love! I will have good news when you get home. Love ya, BG! Xoxo 3"
"Will do, baby! Will text when I leave here. Can't wait to see you, HS! Xoxo 3"
A couple of hours later Derek had arrived home and she ran right into his waiting arms. She was so excited to see him she threw her arms around his neck. Derek leaned in and gave her a sweet and tender kiss initially. The kiss then turned very passionate when Penelope thrust her tongue into his hot mouth. They battled for control before the need of oxygen became too great and they finally pulled apart gasping for air.
Derek grinned and panted out. "Wow that was amazing! What did I do to deserve that? "
Penelope blushed and squeaked out. "Wow is right you are the best kisser I have ever known. You deserve that because you an amazing man with an amazing heart. Thank you for the flowers and for being you! I am soooo glad you are home." She then giggled.
Derek raised his hand and caressed her cheek. "I am glad to be home, too. I love you sooo much! What is the good news, baby?" He then kissed the end of her nose.
Penelope reached for his hand and guided him over to the couch and they both sat down next to each other. He lovingly placed his arm around her shoulders. She gently placed her head on his chest as she softly rubbed her hand up and down his perfectly toned chest and abs.
"Well, you know I had my therapy today." Derek nodded his head in acknowledgment as he took his free hand and tenderly rubbed up and down her arm.
"Cynthia and I had a great session. She said because we are going away on Friday that I don't have to go back until Monday. She also told me that she thinks that since I am really making great progress that I can cut down my sessions. I will only have to go on Mondays and Fridays, now. If I need more all I have to is just call her. Isn't that great?"
"Ohh Baby Girl that is awesome! I am so proud of you! If you feel that is what is best for you, I am behind you one hundred percent. All I want for you is to be happy and safe. I love you, Princess!"
Penelope tilted her head up so she could look into his expressive, passionate obsidian eyes. He looked down into the beautiful face of the woman that he loved more than life itself.
"I am happy and safe, my love! I feel that way because of you. I just hope that I don't ever let you down, it would kill me."
"Whoa there, woman stop that! You could never let me down, never! We will get through all of this together and come out on top. I want you with me forever, nothing can or will ever change that. I won't let it! You are all that I want or need, sexy mama!"
Penelope grinned while one lone tear slid down her cheek. As they were leaning into each other to kiss there was a knock at the door.
Derek sighed and said. "Well, I guess that's dinner, I'll get it, baby. "
They both got up and Derek answered the door and paid the delivery boy, while he was doing that Penelope had walked into the kitchen to grab plates, napkins and a couple of beers. They met at the coffee table and sat back down. Derek served the pizza, leaned over and brushed his lips over hers. They both grinned at each other.
"What movie do you wanna watch, sexy?"
Penelope giggled. "You pick the first one, Sugar Shack."
"Whatever you say, mama." He raised up, walked over and picked out a movie. He placed it in the DVD player and walked back over to his hopefully future wife. Penelope picked up the remote and started the movie. They sat back, cuddled and enjoyed their meal as they laughed all the way through the movie.
The rest of their evening went wonderfully. They basked in each other's company as they snuggled in each other's loving arms content and secure.
TBC