Lorelai was busy setting up for the family to all be there. This was to be a family BBQ with a surprise. It had been a couple months and Kate and her family were definitely part of the family fully at this point. Emily was in town for it as well. Everyone who knew what was truly going on hoped that Emily being there didn't set off any flags for the recipient of the surprise. It had been just two weeks since Derek had come to her and asked her if she would be willing to host the surprise party for Penny. He was going to propose and wanted the whole family there. He knew the two of them would be nothing without the family and he knew Penny would want them there too.

Lorelai told Penny it was BBQ that the family needed to get together again and since Emily was going to be in town it was the perfect weekend for it. Penny had no idea what was truly about to happen. Derek had asked JJ to go with him to help him pick out the perfect ring for her. He knew that JJ was the best option and they had found the perfect ring. It was unique which was perfect for the person who would own it. Penny was unlike anyone one else in the world, so her ring needed to be just as unique and special.

The day of the party started early at the Hotchner residence. Every way up early and doing something. Whether it was cleaning or cooking they were all helping out. Emily, JJ & Kate came early to help out. David showed up early as well to argue with Aaron about who would be doing the cooking. The women all looked at each other and shook their head

"Boys do I need to separate you too?" Emily asked with a smirk. Which caused the ladies and to laughed.

Both men shook their heads "Well if Aaron would stop being so stubborn we wouldn't be arguing." Dave said

"I'm the stubborn one?" Aaron asked.

"If you two cant agree and I don't know maybe work together I will do all the BBQing." Lorelai said

The two men looked at each other.

"There are two BBQ's and lots of different foods to cook. How about you split the work up?" Lorelai suggested.

The men agreed under protest.

Spencer showed up at that moment with a box with the cake.

JJ took the cake from him, and Lorelai went and kissed him. "Hey. Thanks for getting it." She said

"Least I could do." He said kissing her back.

JJ checked to make sure the cake was correct before she hid it so Penny wouldn't accidently see it.

Slowly everyone else arrived and the party got under way. Everyone was excited to see Emily. Kate was happy to meet her. The kids were all playing outside in the back on a water slide jump house they had rented for the day. It was a beautiful summer day, so it was the perfect day. The food was cooked and ate.

Lorelai and JJ went inside to grab the cake. They came out and set the box on the table.

"Before we dig into the cake. I would like to propose a toast." Derek said.

Everyone grabbed their glasses of whatever they were drinking.

"To this family who without there is no way I would be about to do what I am about to do. He reached into his pocket and took out a small red box. He got down on one knee in front of Penny.

Penny gasped in surprise.

"Penelope. We have known each other for many years. The connection was instantaneously. Even though it took me a couple years before I finally came to my senses and asked you out I knew that I loved you from very early on. And I think its time we take the next step. I cant imagine not having you in my life for the rest of my life. Baby girl will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?" he asked.

Penny was stunned. She had not be expecting that. Happy tears streamed down her face as she listened to everything he had to say and there wasn't a doubt in her mind about her answer. "Yes." She said. She held her hand out to him. Derek slipped the ring on her finger and stood up. Penny stood up as well and Derek wrapped his arms around her pulling her in for a kiss. The two kissed and everyone cheered at screamed happily for their friends.

Penny looked around at everyone. "You all knew this was happening didn't you?" She asked

Everyone chuckled and nodded.

"I couldn't have imagined doing this without our family." Derek said

Penny smiled and nodded. "I'm glad they are all here."

Everyone hugged the two of them and the cake was cut up and passed around.

Lorelai flopped down next to Emily.

"You look like a weight has been lifted?" Emily said

"I was thrilled to do this for them, but it wasn't easy to keep this secret." Lorelai said with a smile

"I get that." Emily said

"I was the first person he told. I had to keep it a secret from everyone for several days

"Yeah. I imagine seeing everyone everyday made it harder. I knew pretty early on too so I could arrange to get here but I didn't have to see everyone and keep it a secret." Emily said

"But I'm so happy it was able to be kept a secret. Penny deserved the true surprise." Lorelai said

"Yes. She does." Emily said

Derek came over and sat down next to Lorelai. "Thank you. For making this possible."

"No thanks necessary. I was happy to do it. Isn't that what family does?" Lorelai asked

Derek nodded. Penny came and joined them.

"You know how many times I almost let it slip to you." Lorelai said to Penny

"Is that why you have been distant the last couple days?" Penny asked

Lorelai nodded. "Yup. I would have been so upset with myself if I let it slip. I'm sorry if you felt I was ignoring you though."

"I just wondered what the hell you were up to now." Penny said

Derek & Emily chuckled.

Lorelai smiled and shook her head. "I guess I cant even be angry about that assumption."

"But you were doing it for a good reason. Thank you. I'm glad I got the whole surprise." Penny said

Lorelai nodded. "I was happy to do it. You deserved it."

Penny smiled. "Did you help him pick out the ring?"

Lorelai shook her head. "I didn't even get to see it." She said.

Penny held her hand out and her and Emily looked at it closely

"That was JJ." Derek said. "I figured you're her kids godmother she was the perfect person for that."

Penny nodded and smiled.

"You both picked well. I think it fits Penny perfectly." Emily said

Lorelai nodded in agreement. "Its like no other ring I have seen before. Beautiful and unique. Just like the owner." She said with a smile

Penny smiled. "I do love it."

JJ joined them.

"I don't know how much help I actually was I was there, but he picked it out. I just agreed it was the perfect ring for you." JJ said

Derek shrugged. "You helped."

The party slowly died down after with everyone leaving. As he was leaving David looked at Rebecca. "I have a favor to ask of you."

"Okay." Becca said

"I'm going to visit Joy for a few days. The usual sitter is unavailable. I have already spoken to Aaron and if you don't mind adding an extra kid to your load? She could stay here for the few days" David asked

Becca smiled "Not a problem at all."

"Thank you." David said

Everyone left. The house was cleaned, and everyone went to bed.