Chapter 39

Approximately three weeks after Savannah's sentencing, Penelope found herself physically and mentally prepared to head to her apartment and check things out. After finding all the damage to her apartment, Dave made sure to pay the remainder of the time left on her current lease, which at that time was seven months. He wanted to make sure that Penelope wouldn't have to rush to go through everything.

Of course, she was devastated at the amount of destruction that Savannah caused. It took them two days to go through everything to see what could be salvaged. She was somewhat relieved to find out that her Super 8 projector and films were not as bad as they first thought. Derek had taken them to a specialist and they were able to restore most of them. There were some pictures, photographs and some knick-knacks that were spared as well. Savannah hadn't destroyed all of Penelope's wardrobe and a few pieces of furniture as well.

What was saved and in good shape were boxed up and sent to Dave's second garage and would be stored there until Penelope found a new place to live when she was well enough. Once Penelope's belongings were completely cleared out of her apartment, Penelope was able to return her keys to the manager. He'd been gracious enough to offer to clean up all the garbage that remained. A couple of weeks before, Derek packed up what was left of his belongings that could be salvaged, transported and stored them at one of his homes that he was restoring.

It'd been almost five months since Penelope's accident and her recovery was moving along very nicely. All the casts and bandages had been removed as her rehab continued. She didn't need the wheelchair anymore and mostly relied on a cane these days. Only occasionally, did she require the use of the walker mainly when she was completing her rehab sessions. Penelope still possessed a pronounced limp but every day that was improving as well. Her ribs were all about healed only causing mild discomfort at times. And the best news for Penelope was that she was able to work part-time from Casa Rossi. When the team would have to go out of town on a case, she was doing her thing as their all-knowing Oracle. Everyone couldn't have been happier to have the heart and soul of their team back where she belonged.

Derek had recently been very busy planning a huge surprise for Penelope with the help from the entire family. He was nervous as all hell. He wanted and needed everything to go perfectly. Tomorrow would be the big day and he barely got a wink of sleep that night from nerves.

The day started off normally for them, they enjoyed a nice hearty breakfast which was followed by Penelope's normal morning rehab session. While she was hard at work, Derek with the help of Fran were putting together a picnic fit for royalty. Their menu consisted of all Penelope's favorites. Fran's famous Chicken salad, pasta salad, deviled eggs, brownies, fresh strawberries, red grapes, French bread, a bottle of Penelope's favorite red wine.

Once Penelope was done with her rehab, she quickly showered and changed into a lovely yellow sundress and sandals. While Penelope readied herself, Derek packed up the Porsche which Dave gladly told him to use because Penelope loved the convertible top. Derek rechecked for the millionth time that he had everything he was going to need. He was practically climbing out of his skin with nerves. Fran and Dave, as well as the others, couldn't help but laugh at his predicament.

Penelope was excited at spending the day with only her sexy man by her side. Of course, Derek refused to give her any hints on what exactly he'd planned for the day. The only thing that he asked her to do was prepare an overnight bag just like he'd done. Penelope's mind was spinning and she tried her best to figure out what he was up to and why he was so nervous.

Everything was ready, and they were situated in the car. They waved goodbye to everyone and away they went with huge grins on their faces. The drive took about an hour and a half and they finally pulled up in front of the Rossi's cabin just before noon. She always loved it whenever she'd been there before. It was a gorgeous sunny warm day and she couldn't be more excited.

They made it inside after Derek helped her out the car and then carried their belongings inside. They each used the restroom and Derek invited her for a walk, so they could enjoy eating outdoors. Derek grabbed the picnic basket, reached out for his favorite girl's hand, and off they went to enjoy their day.

It took them a little while because Penelope needed to go slow as not to trip on anything. When they finally made to the lake she stopped and gasped out. "Ohh, Hot Stuff! Everything is just perfect. How did you get everything done?"

Derek grinned, "I had a little help from some birdies. Do you really like it, Sweetness?" He asked anxiously.

Penelope turned to face him and placed one hand on his chest, "Are you kidding? Do I like it? I love it! I feel like I'm in a fairy tale. Thank you, my love!"

In front of them was a blanket all spread out, soft romantic music playing from an iPod, and many deep red rose petals spread across the blanket. Also, in one corner of the blanket were two huge towels and suntan lotion.

Derek escorted her to the middle of the blanket and helped her to sit down. He then removed her sandals and before he sat down, he went and picked up the picnic basket and brought it over near her. He then removed his sneakers and plopped himself right next to her.

Derek gazed into her beautiful blue eyes all while trying to remain as calm as possible. "You alright over there, Gorgeous? You ready to eat because right here in this basket is a feast of all your favorite foods?"

Penelope couldn't keep her eyes off of him as she answered. "I'm wonderful, handsome! Not to mention, I'm starving. What ya got?" She ended her statement with a giggle as she rubbed her hands together.

Derek shook his head and chuckled as he opened the picnic basket, "Well, I brought all kinds of goodies. I even brought your favorite wine. As a matter of fact, let me pour you some, first."

"Oh goody, lay some on me."

Derek lifted the bottle out as well as a corkscrew opener. While he opened the bottle, Penelope leaned over and took out the two wine glasses. He poured some into both glasses and announced, "A toast!"

They each held up their glasses, "Goddess, here's to us! Here's to making new memories today, tomorrow and for the rest of our lives. I love you, Baby Girl!"

"Hear, hear! I love you too, Hot Stuff!" Their glasses clinked, they each took a sip and then kissed.

Once all the food was out and placed on their plates, they enjoyed their wonderful meal together. They enjoyed some small talk as they both enjoyed their lakeside feast. They were so full, that they decided to wait a bit for their dessert.

Once they tidied up from their meal, Derek decided it was time and he couldn't wait any longer. He gently took her hand into his and squeezed it. She studied him intensely and saw that he was extremely jittery and tense. "Is everything okay, Sug? You seem to be on edge. Do you have something on your mind?

Derek began to fidget. "You know me all too well, don't ya, Beautiful? Can't hide anything from you, can I?"

Penelope's look became serious, "You're making me worry a little. Spill it!"

Derek nodded at her, "No worries, mama! I have something to ask you."

As Penelope nodded, he made his move and released her hand as he positioned himself onto one knee. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small purple felt box and popped it open. Penelope gasped when she saw the contents of the box. It was the most gorgeous ring she'd ever seen and it screamed her completely. It was a one-karat pink diamond surrounded by little white diamonds and Amethysts on a platinum band. She began crying happy tears.

Derek reached for her hand again and began to speak, "Baby Girl, you are the most important person in my life. You fill my life with such hope and goodness. You are my God-given solace, my Goddess and you're the reason I get up every day. You completely changed my life the day we met. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known, both inside and out. You have the biggest heart I know and you are my guiding light when all the darkness tries to swallow me up. I don't exist without you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and only you. I want to have lots of babies and the white picket fence with you. You complete me in ways I don't even understand. I love you to the moon and back! Will you make me the happiest man on earth? Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, Ms. Penelope Grace Garcia?"

All she could do for the moment was sob and shake. Their eyes never left each other. She tried to verbalize herself but couldn't. The longer he waited for her reply the more he was worried that he'd screwed it up.

Plzzz Review