Hunted-Ch 16

About an hour later Penelope and Derek were sitting on the couch cuddled up when the rest of the team arrived, JJ and Emily practically ran to Penelopes side, Derek smiled and said, "I'll go and give you three some girl time". Penelope said, "I love you hotstuff", he winked at her and said, "I love you to baby girl" he then got up and headed into the kitchen to join his mom and the others.

JJ said, "ohhhh Garcie are you sure that you're alright"?, she said, "I'm fine but what about you girls, you should be home resting not here fussing over me", Emily said, "we figured that we could rest better together as a family". Penelope said, "we've certainly had a rough 24 hours haven't we"?, JJ rested against the back of the chair and said, "that's definitely an understatement" causing them all 3 to start laughing.

Fran grinned and said, "it seems that spending some time with JJ and Emily was what she needed", Derek said, "in the past 24 hours I've almost lost her twice momma and I don't know what I'd do if that ever happened". Reid said, "Garcia is fine, a little sore and bruised right now but in a few weeks she will be back as good as new, they all will".

Hotch nodded his head and said, "Reid's right", he ran his hand over his face and said, "yeah I know it's just", Dave said, "we completely understand son", Derek said,
"when I opened my eyes and saw Sam sitting there the first thing I thought was that I failed her again". Fran said, "you didn't fail anybody honey", he said, "how can you say that momma"? Dave said, "nothing that happened was your fault Derek, nothing".

Reid said, "you were there for her when she needed you most, that's what you need to focus on", Fran said, "honey he's right", he said, "I know it's just that what if something would have happened to her momma, what if she'd died"?, Fran put her hand on his and said, "but she didn't, she's in the other room with JJ and Emily right now and she's fine".

Hotch said, "it makes you realize what's important doesn't it"?, he said, "it really does", Dave said, "so what does it make you realize'?, he smiled and said, "that I need to marry that goddess of a woman and start showing her how much she means to me". Dave said, "now you're talking", Fran said, "how about you go in the other room and talk to Penelope about setting your wedding date"?, he kissed Fran on the cheek and said, "that's a great idea momma" before he practically ran out of the room.

The girls were laughing about something when Derek dropped down to his knees, she looked at him and said, "hotstuff are you alright"?, he put her hands in his and said, "marry me". She said, "I thought that was already settled", he said, "no, well yeah, I mean marry me now, as soon as possible", her mouth flew open and she said,
"are you serious"?, he claimed her lips with his.

when they pulled apart he said, "I've never been more sure of anything in my life", she smiled as she rested her forehead against his and said, "yes, yes, a thousand times yes". JJ said, "awwwww", Emily sniffed and said, "so when is this happening"?, Derek said, "as soon as we can get a marriage liscense and somebody to marry us as far as I'm concerned".

The others walked into the living room and Dave said, "I can get somebody to perform the ceremony" and Hotch said, "and I can pull a few strings and get your marriage liscense". Penelope said, "how am I going to get up the aisle to you"?, he said, "I'll carry you"?, she said, "you can't", he said, "why not"?, she laughed and said,
"because I'm walking up to you".

He said, "baby you have a broken foot", she said, "crutches handsome, I'll use crutches and then after we're married I'll stay off my feet and be a good girl", he winked and said, "well you don't have to be a good girl on our honeymoon". Hotch laughed and shook his head as he headed out of the room to make a few calls to help get the liscense.

Penelope took a deep breath and said, "this is really happening isn't it"?, Derek smiled and said, "it is sweetness, it is", he then cupped her face in his hand and gently brushed his lips against hers.