Home of Derek Morgan – Robins Nest Property – Afternoon – 3 Months later
Derek had completed the property on Robins Nest Way and moved his children and mother in. The last three months had been busy, and a lot had happened in his life; things that made him believe that he could really be happy in life and in love. His life was beginning to settle down and the routine of single fatherhood felt comfortable and less intimidating as it had shortly after Savannah's death.
His mother had been a great help and had gotten adjusted to living in Virginia finding love herself in the one and only, David Rossi. The two had both known failure and hardship in love and so they set aside the normal gameplaying that often was a part of new relationships. Dave loved Fran and she loved him as well and the two were shameless in revealing their feelings toward each other. Derek still wasn't sure about the man who'd once accused him of murder, but every time he saw the joy on his mother's face, he kept his opinions to himself.
Penelope had become a permanent part of his life and not surprising his children and the rest of his family loved her. She'd spent a lot of her free time at his new home slowly getting to grow her own special connection with DJ and Hannah. As close as she and Derek had become, her nights were still spent in her own small apartment.
Penelope had tried unsuccessfully, to make Derek a part of the BAU family. The sour taste of being accused of murder, not once but twice was still in his mouth. JJ and Reid were eager to get to know the new love in her life, especially with Dave now dating his mother. But much to her dismay, Derek kept his distance and she promised not to pressure him about it.
It had been a busy week and his nerves were frazzled. Fran convinced him to take a break away from the house, nearly pushing him out the door. After an hour of driving aimlessly around, he found himself at Penelope's front door unannounced.
Home of Penelope Garcia –
It was rare that she had an opportunity to sleep in and so Penelope forced herself to stay in bed an hour longer than usual. She'd been up long enough to set the coffee pot brewing when the doorbell rang. Looking through the peephole she was surprised to see him.
"Good morning; what a surprise." She greeted.
"Hey, I'm sorry; I didn't call...I just..."
She gently grabbed his hand and pulled him inside which silenced his ramblings. She saw the look in his eyes, and she thought it best to reserve her questions until he was settled.
"Coffee or tea?" She asked moving toward the kitchen.
"Coffee. Black. Thanks." He answered following behind her.
"Good I just put a pot on, and it will be ready in just a few minutes."
He sat at the island silently watching her moving around the small space.
"I want you to move in with me and the kids."
She nearly dropped the mugs. She wasn't expecting him to start his conversation this way.
"What?"
"I want you to move in... with us."
"Derek, what about your kids and your mom, your sisters when they visit."
"Mom has the casita out behind the house, but I think she's going to be moving soon."
Penelope poured the coffee in the mugs, setting one in front of him and keeping the other for herself. His eyes told her that he'd thought about this and he was serious.
"I don't know what to say. I mean, I have this place and I just renewed the lease and..."
"Damn your lease, Penelope. I'll pay off your lease. I want you with us, as soon as possible."
Penelope watched the emotions dancing in his eyes; she needed to know why it was so urgent that he had to drive to her place to deliver such an invitation.
"Derek, look at me." She waited. "What's going on?"
"Nothing is going on!"
"Derek, don't forget, I'm a profiler and there is something else going on here. Talk to me."
"I just don't want to wake up one morning and..."
Derek stood and walked into the front room and stared out the large window at nothing in particular. Penelope followed him.
"Derek." She whispered slowly wrapping her arms around his waist. "Talk to me, please."
"I don't want to wake up one morning and you've moved on and I didn't see it coming until it's too late."
Penelope exhaled leaning her forehead against his shoulder for a few minutes. Then, lifting her head she stepped in front of him and waited until she had his full attention.
"I told you, I'm not Savannah. She did that, Derek! Don't make me pay for her mistakes. I'm not her. What she did was rotten and awful, and you didn't deserve that. You're a good man, Derek Morgan and you deserve to be happy!"
Derek pulled her against his body remaining silent.
"I'm not Savannah." She repeated.
"I know you're not."
"Really?"
Derek nodded his head, yes.
"Before I can make a decision like this, I need to know why you want me to move in with you; and I need to know now."
Derek kissed the top of her head and pulled her tighter against him.
"I love you Penelope. I'm in love with you. I need you, all of you. I know you can do better; you know you can do better..."
"Shhh..." She placed her index finger against his lips. "I love you too, Derek. I need you to be sure because I've been in love with you for a while now."
"Really? He responded shocked to hear her words.
"Really!"
Derek lifted her chin as he bent down to reach her lips. He kissed her softly at first. Then he kissed her again and again each time deepening the kiss. After a few minutes, Penelope pulled away without breaking their connection and began looking around the room. With a wicked smile, she looked up at him.
"I'm going to need some boxes."
He smiled and kissed her again.
"I have plenty of boxes don't you worry." He kissed her. "So, when do you want to move in?" He asked.
Penelope smiled again; even more wickedly than before. Then suddenly, she grabbed his hand.
"Not today, Handsome...I have plans."
Penelope kissed him and then pulled him toward the bedroom. Derek smiled and willingly followed her through the beaded curtain.
"Ahhh...I think I'm going to love these plans, Baby Girl."
