Epilogue

Derek sat on the wooden stairs of his back porch. He didn't know how long he sat there, but he couldn't care less.

For the first time in a long while, Derek Morgan didn't feel the need to check his clock, phone, or anything else.

The world could wait sometimes.

Derek smiled and took a sip of his coffee when he heard the familiar steps of his Baby Girl approaching him from behind.

Sitting down beside him, Penelope placed her head on Derek's shoulder, who was fast to wrap the love of his life into his arms. Derek loved his Baby Girl like that. She was always beautiful, but without make-up and her hair undone, Penelope was perfect. It was a sight that was only granted to him. And Derek cherished every time he got to see his Goddess like that.

"Is everything alright, Handsome?" Penelope asked him quietly after a moment of silence between them.

"Yeah," Derek answered. He was sure that he was smiling like an idiot, but Derek couldn't help it. God, he was so entirely happy. Derek couldn't even remember when he felt that way for the last time.

And he relished every second of it.

"I was just wondering. You left the bed without a word and didn't come back," Penelope admitted, as she snuggled closer to Derek's body.

Derek bent his head to look at her. She wasn't looking in his direction, but it was evident that she felt unsure.

There was no need to.

The previous night had been the best night of his life. Derek had never felt something like that before during sex. No, it wasn't just sex what they'd done. They'd made love.

And he had to convince his Baby Girl that he wasn't regretting anything at all.

"Penelope...Goddess...I've never felt anything like that before. I just needed a moment to myself and just remembered all the things we did. And God, aren't you the sexiest and amazing woman i've ever met? I love you, Baby Girl. Don't you start doubting anything, okay?"

"Okay...thank you, Handsome. It's just...it felt so special to me...what we did. And when you left, I thought...well, I thought you might found out that you still weren't ready. That's all. But I'm glad now. Knowing that you feel the same way. God, I love you so much, Derek Morgan."

Her voice was full of emotions, and, if possible, Penelope snuggled even closer to him. Derek cradled her against his chest, holding her close.

"I don't doubt anything. Thanks to you, I finally feel whole again. All the things that kept my mind occupied...what happened in my past...I give all the credit to you that I finally was able to work through it. To become the man I always wanted to be. And the best thing out of all is that I've been gifted with you, my God-Given Solace. You, Penelope Grace Garcia, are without any doubt the love of my life. And I sure as hell enjoyed every minute last night and this morning. And I will enjoy every moment we'll get to spend together in the future. A future we hopefully spend together."

"Derek," Penelope started. She bent her head to look at him. Her eyes were filled with unshed tears, her lips trembling. God, Derek fell in love with her once again right here.

"Penelope." He only answered, waiting for Penelope to voice her feelings. Derek smiled at her, assuring her that it was okay. That they were okay.

"I...thank you, Derek. Thank you for saying the perfect things when I need them. Thank you for working so hard on yourself. I am so very proud of you; you can't even imagine. I love you so much, for such a long time. And it makes me so happy that you can finally see what a hero you are, Handsome."

A lone tear streamed down Penelope's face, but yet she smiled the most beautiful smile.

"I have to thank you, Baby Girl." Derek only answered. Without her, Derek would've never been able to fight his inner demons. Without Penelope, Derek wouldn't be the man he was now. "You made me a better man."

"You already were, Derek."

Derek only smiled at her words. He wouldn't argue about that. Not right now, when all he wanted was to kiss this gorgeous woman in his arms.

And that he did.

Two months later, Derek proposed to Penelope.

He didn't want to waste any more time.

And his Baby Girl?

She didn't even let Derek end his proposal as she screamed a tearful "Yes, I want to marry you!"

Derek chuckled in amusement, thinking back to this moment.

Penelope, indeed, was a special woman. And he wouldn't want her otherwise.

She'd planned the wedding at the speed of light, and another two months later, Derek and Penelope finally could call themselves husband and wife.

Derek was sure he couldn't be happier.

Well, until the day, it was their first wedding anniversary, when Penelope told him she was pregnant.

Eight months later, Penelope gave birth to their first child, a beautiful son. They called him Hank Emilio Morgan after both their dad's.

Two years later, a beautiful girl accompanied their family.

Naming their daughter wasn't as easy, but finally, Penelope and Derek agreed to call the girl Clara Morgan since their moms' names weren't an option.

Derek's mom had made clear that she wouldn't want her granddaughter to carry the name Fran.

Without further discussion, Derek and Penelope agreed that their family was complete with their second child.

Derek Morgan had never thought he would have a family. He'd always seen himself as a broken man, that he would spend his life alone, without a wife and kids.

But he'd taken the courage and fought for his life. For his love. And he'd been granted with a woman who he loved so deeply, and who loved him right back. He'd been granted with two adorable kids.

It had been a rough time, going through all these bad memories of his youth. But every time Derek thought about it, he knew every minute was worth it.

And he would never change it.

Derek Morgan finally could call himself a happy man.

The End