Sam

He trusted her. More than he'd ever trusted a woman. She was more than he'd ever expected or thought he deserved. Penelope was who she was unashamedly, unapologetically and perfectly aware and comfortable with the fact that she was different and unique in every way. She was free with her emotions and cared without restraint for everyone around her. If Sam had a picture of near perfection, it would be Penelope Garcia.

There was one thing that had bothered him and that was her friendship with Derek Morgan. He wanted to believe that he was secure enough in himself and in his relationship with Penelope to not be threatened by the friendship the two shared. He was well acquainted with her former boyfriend's angst when it came to the friends and co-workers and he promised himself not to be so foolish. So her remained silent. But every time she called to cancel a date or announced that she was spending time with Morgan his heart fluttered and a sense of doom overcame him.

As happy as he was with Penelope he'd begun to feel desperate as if he was running out of time. It was nothing specific he could put his finger on but he felt less and less secure in them and their future. He had to do something to win her, truly win her. The two of them had never discussed marriage in the last two years but he assumed it was what every woman wanted even though she wasn't just any woman.

Here he was looking through the window of the mall's jewelry store pondering a move he wasn't sure he wanted. What he was sure of was that he wanted her forever he just wasn't sure how to make it happen not as long as Derek Morgan was in her life. Reluctantly, he stepped inside and with all the nerve and courage he could muster he returned the smile of the elderly woman behind the counter.

Derek

He loved her; he'd always loved her and nothing and no one would ever change that. He was fearless in the presence of danger and evil was a mere dragon to be slain. It was nothing to face down a killer, rapist or child molester; he'd done it countless of times without so much as a flinch. But she scared him; absolutely terrified him and he'd resigned himself to being a fake, a fraud a coward when it came to loving her.

The night they'd spent together was something he'd wanted for eleven years. The next morning the two of them had sworn it was a mistake and blamed it on the alcohol swearing to never talk about it again…ever! He still remembered the pain in his gut when he agreed to honor her request. It wasn't a mistake his heart had told him as much and in the moment he never considered the consequences…he never considered Savannah.

Savannah didn't deserve his betrayal. He'd been a fraud in her life too. He wanted to love her but his feelings for Penelope made that impossible. It should have been so easy. Savannah was gorgeous, smart, kind and patient. He knew she wanted more; more perhaps then he'd ever be able to give yet she remained hopeful. He pretended to not hear the desperation and desire in her voice when she talked about children and their future. He wanted it all too he even saw himself giving her the ring just like he'd given her the key to his home. The thought made him sad and hesitant…it made him think of Penelope.

Savannah

She still couldn't believe that Derek had actually invited her…pleaded actually…to live with him in one of the amazing homes he'd restored. Things had been rocky with him always gone and always more committed to his job than to her. When he was home his mind seemed so far away. But he tried to be the man she wanted and needed. She loved him for it even though she knew he could never fulfill half of the promises he'd made. It had taken her awhile to unpack still finding it hard to believe that he was serious and determined to make her feel as if this was their sanctuary. He wanted desperately to make their relationship work.

She wanted it all with him…marriage…babies, all of it. Her life had revolved around school then her career for so long that she'd missed a big chunk of living. Now, looking over her life, at her accomplishments she realized none of it meant anything if at the end of the day she went home alone.

Babies, she'd been thinking about that a lot lately. Rubbing circles over her stomach she admired her profile in the mirror. She'd been feeling under the weather for the last several days and she couldn't help but wonder how she would look, what he would say and what it would mean if she were pregnant? He'd been reluctant to talk about having a baby together. He always seemed to tense slightly whenever she broached the subject with him. Still, having his child growing inside her made her feel safe. Derek was an honorable man and he'd do right by her. A baby… yes, it would be the last thing she needed to make him stay.

Penelope

"How could she be so stupid?" She thought to herself. She knew better! She'd been in denial for the last several weeks knowing yet denying the early morning upset stomach and the aversion to smells and the taste of her favorite hot morning brew. Neither one of them were impulsive or reckless; their jobs had taught them the consequences of that. But she was pregnant; pregnant with her best friend's baby. She saw the wide-eyed look of panic on his face when she dropped the Pee-bomb on him.

Penelope knew Derek and he would do the right thing. He'd stick by her side and take care of his responsibilities…not because of any deep feelings…she knew he didn't love her that way. He'd do it because they were friends; best friends and nothing more.

But…she loved him…deep in the pit of her being she loved Derek Morgan. He was her hero and he'd be her hero again. The thought of him giving up everything, his life, and his love for Savannah made her sick to her stomach. So, it came back to the same old question, how could she be so stupid?

Absentmindedly, she rubbed circles around her stomach as she stared at her profile in the bathroom mirror. This had been her third trip there since the team had left and each time she found herself doing the same thing. Looking intently at her body, wondering and daydreaming about how it would feel…she knew how it would feel…amazing, glorious…to have his baby growing inside of her. Suddenly, she panicked and the woman who owned Derek's heart flashed before her eyes. They were friends and Savannah was a great lady. Damn! She thought to herself. Her hand froze and tears began to well up in her eyes. This could never be…she could never have Derek that way. He was already taken and he'd made his choice.

Then there was Sam. He had been hurt in the past yet he'd found the courage to trust her completely. He'd helped her pick up the pieces after Kevin and she was grateful. But gratefulness wasn't love and she wanted to love Sam; he deserved it. After all he had done for her it was the least she could do.

"How could I be so stupid?"