Chapter 42

The big day was now upon them. Both the bride and groom were practically having anxiety attacks they were so nervous. Initially, Derek ran out of Hotch's house without his shoes. When it was brought to his attention by Spencer, he looked down to confirm that he was indeed in his socks. He made a mad dash back to retrieve his shoes while the men were all in hysterics.

During that same period, the ladies were trying to calm down Penelope. She'd began to hyperventilate. Once they were able to help Penelope to collect herself and breathe normally, they continued to get the bride ready. JJ worked on her makeup while Emily fixed her hair into a beautiful updo with leaving just a few loose tendrils of hair to frame her face.

JJ and Emily finished getting her all dolled up and then went to ready themselves. It was then Sarah and Desiree's turn to help Penelope with her wedding dress and veil. Fran was able to help with Penelope's jewelry while keeping an eye out for the Derek and the guys.

When the guys arrived, Derek was still extremely nervous. The ceremony was due to start in fifteen minutes. All he could do was pace around outside, mumbling out that he hoped she hadn't changed her mind. He also kept playing with his bowtie. Dave couldn't stand it anymore and scolded him as he fixed Derek's bowtie for the very last time.

The girls were all together again after everyone got ready. They'd just finished up with the something new, old, borrowed, and blue tradition when there was a knock on the door. Desiree made her way to the door and when she opened it, Dave was looking all dapper and ready to walk his 'daughter' down the aisle.

He strolled in, glanced around at all the lovely ladies, and then he noticed Penelope. "Wow, Kitten! You are truly breathtaking and Derek is not going to be able to keep his eyes off you, that's for sure. You look like a princess."

He walked over and hugged her as she replied, "I love you! Thank you for everything, Dave. I feel like a princess and I can't wait to marry my prince."

All of the girls then hugged her and told her that they loved her. Fran left first, so she could be escorted down the aisle to her seat. The rest of the girls then told her they would meet her downstairs near the French doors.

Dave looked at her and smiled, "You ready, Kitten?"

Penelope checked herself one last time in the mirror and slid her arm through his crooked arm. "Ready, Papa Bear!"

The men were all lined up and ready as the music keyed up, one by one the ladies started down the aisle. The first one was Emily, followed by JJ. Then Jack and Henry headed their way up each carrying a pillow. Once, the boys made it to the front they each took their place next to Derek.

It was at this point, that the Wedding March began and everyone stood up from their seats and turned to watch as Penelope and Dave made their way slowly down the aisle. Derek couldn't take his eyes off his gorgeous bride. She truly looked a fairy tale princess. They each mouthed the words "I love you" to each other.

When they made it to the end of the aisle, Dave lifted her veil and kissed her cheek and then lowered her veil back over her face. He then placed her hand in Derek's and told them that he loved them both.

The priest then began, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to bear witness the joining of these two people. Derek Michael Morgan and Penelope Grace Garcia."

He glanced around and asked, "Who gives this woman to this man in the holy bonds of matrimony."

Dave stood up, "I do, sir."

Then he asked for the rings and Jack and Henry made their way over to stand in front of him. They held up their pillows and the priest reached for both rings and thanked the boys. The boys nodded and then made their way over to Dave and Fran and sat down.

The priest made a blessing over the rings and the bride and groom. He then exclaimed, "I understand that the two of you have chosen to write your own vows. Is that right?" They both nodded their assent.

He then spoke out, "Derek, please, take her ring and declare your vows."

Derek nervously reached for the ring and placed it on her finger. He took a deep breath and gazed into her baby blues, "I Derek, take you, Penelope Grace Garcia, to be my wedded wife. I promise to love and cherish you for all eternity. You are my Baby Girl, my Goddess, and the best thing that has ever happened to me. I will always be there for you, protect you, and honor you. I can't wait to spend forever with you and build a family with you. I love you, Sweetness."

The priest then looked at Penelope, "Penelope, please, take his ring and declare your vows."

Penelope picked up the ring and slowly slid it down Derek's finger. Her crying eyes never left Derek's. "I Penelope, take you, Derek Michael Morgan, to be my wedded husband. I promise to always be there for you and any children we will have in the future. One of the best days of my life was the day you first called me Baby Girl. I knew then we were destined to be together. You are my Hot Stuff, my Noir Hero, and my Sculpted Chocolate God of Thunder. I will love you to the day I die and thereafter. I promise to always love, cherish, honor, and keep you safe. I will never let you down. I love you, Handsome!"

When she was finished, they turned to face the priest. "Is there anyone here that objects to the union of these two souls? If there is, speak now or forever hold your peace."

After a minute of silence, the ceremony continued. "With the giving and receiving of the rings and the vows you both declared to God in front all these witnesses, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."

The priest stared at them for a few seconds and then conveyed, "Derek, you may kiss your bride now."

Derek grinned and the couple turned again to face each other. He slowly lifted the veil over her head and let it drift down the back of her head. He then cupped both his hands around her face and leaned his head to hers. They shared a wonderful and blissful long kiss.

When they pulled slightly apart and still never took their eyes off each other, Derek murmured, "I love you, Mrs. Morgan!"

Her response was a huge silly grin and, "I love you too, Mr. Morgan!"

The large group around them applauded and yelled out their congratulations.

The priest spoke up one last time, "It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Derek Morgan!"

It was followed by another round of applause and shout outs. Derek then crooked his arm, which she gladly looped hers through his and away they went up the aisle past everyone and their cheers.

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