Derek Morgan knocked on Garcia's door, with loud, solid strokes.
"Shh." Penelope threw the door open. "Rich is sleeping, and if you wake him up, so help me-"
"I need to talk to you."
She stopped and let him in, concern clouding her face. "Sure. What's wrong?"
"On the jet, the girls played truth or dare and JJ said something that bothered me. She said that between this job and other women, I wouldn't have time for a family, and that I wouldn't be around for them. Is that what you think? That I wouldn't make time for you and Rich? To be there for you? That I would still go after other women?"
"Derek, no. Not at all." She grabbed his hand and pulled him onto the couch beside her. "I know you wouldn't. I know you l-" Her lips trembled at the phrase.
"Love you?"
She nodded. "I know you're better than that."
"Then why won't you take a chance, Baby Girl?"
"You asked me three weeks after Kevin died. I just needed a little more time than that."
"Needed?"
"I want to give us a try, Derek. I think I'm ready now. If the offer still stands?"
"Of course it does." Derek cupped her face in his hands. "It always has for you, Miss Penelope Anne Garcia, and it always will."
He was leaning in for a kiss when the wail of Penelope's two-month-old son, Rich, broke through the silence. Penelope smiled and they leaned away. She stood up and went to get her son. That was okay with him. It still felt right. So very long in coming, and so right.
Sorry it's so short, but I'm in a time crunch at the moment. Please reiview and take a look at my poll, which I will pay attention to this time. Thank you. :)