Karen was just setting the table for supper when they walked in. "So, what's the news on the twins?"
"They are coming home the day after tomorrow. That is, as long as they keep gaining weight."
"Wonderful. Do you know what time they'll be released?" Karen asked as she set glasses next to the plates.
"Most likely early afternoon, I'd assume. Obviously, we'll know more tomorrow. Why?"
"No reason in particular. I just want to make sure I'm here when they come home. Oh, and Aaron called. They'll be in the office tomorrow, the case wrapped up sooner than they thought it would." Karen bit her lip and looked down at the table. "There's also something you should know. Rossi's lawyer, Ms. Mohr? She called looking for one of you. I wasn't too nice to her I'm afraid."
"Did she say what she wanted?" Penelope asked, gripping Erin's hand tightly.
"No, which is why I was reticent to tell you about the call. I don't want him to hurt our family anymore."
"I'll see him in hell before he hurts Penelope or the babies, Karen." Erin hugged Penelope and then pushed her towards Karen gently. "I'll call her now and see what she wants."
Penelope nodded and sat down at the table, her heart suddenly heavy. Karen sat next to her, clasping her hand. "How are the twins?"
"Wonderful. They'll be Thursday." She knew Karen was asking her to take her mind off the Mohr woman, and was grateful to focus on the bright spot in her life. "And then, it's just us taking care of them. I hope I'm ready for this."
"After seeing you with them, I have no doubt you'll do fine. Look at what they've survived so far. It's the strength of you and Mother combined flowing in their blood." She pouted them each a glass of wine and then filled Paul and Jack's glasses with water from the carafe. "Would you go get the boys for supper? It should be ready now."
"Okay." Penelope took a sip of wine and stood, going to the den. Looking in, she saw Paul and Jack in the middle of a soccer game on the Wii, and couldn't help but smile. "Are you at a stopping point? Supper's ready."
Paul nodded and paused the game and they all left the room. Erin came out of the library, her face white. "Mom?"
"Penelope, we have to talk. Boys, go on ahead and eat." Penelope blanched and stepped forward, into Erin's open arms. The moment she was in them, Erin burst into tears. "I know how he knew about Fidelio."
"What?" she whispered, guiding Erin back into the library. She went over to the sofa and sat down, pulling her dove down next to her.
"It was Gracie. She told him everything about the packages I sent, when I had the tickets delivered to my office, all of that. I guess he slept with her once or twice and she became another of his groupies."
"And why did he make this confession?"
"She told him about the babies."
Penelope felt the blood drain from her face and she gripped Erin's hands tightly. "He knows about our family?"
"Yes. And…"
"There's more?"
"He's finally feeling remorse for what he did. That's why Ms. Mohr called. He's set up a trust fund for each baby that they'll have access to on their twenty-first birthday. We have to go sign the documents tomorrow at her office."
"No. I-I don't want this, Erin. I don't want him attached to our children in any way."
Erin stroked her face gently, wiping away the tears that were falling. "I don't really want this, either, love. But we have to find a way to forgive at some point. Not for him, but for us. Our hearts have to heal."
Penelope sighed. "I know you're right. I just can't accept it as easily as you are."
"You think this is easy for me? I wish it were. Especially since I want to see Gracie's blood right now."
"Director Shepperd might do that for us, you know. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than in seeing that little turncoat gone." She pulled her cell phone out of her purse and dialed his number, putting it on speaker. "Hello, Director Shepperd? This is Penelope Garcia."
"Ms. Garcia. How are the twins?"
"Fine, Sir. They're coming home Thursday. I have you on speaker, Erin's here with me. We have a favor to ask you."
"You're not coming off maternity leave early, if that's what you're asking. Agent Hotchner already told me you might ask for that."
"No, Sir, I fear it's something a little more serious than that." She took a deep breath. "Rossi found out about the twins."
"My god, how?" Penelope was thankful to hear the anxiousness in his voice and knew she might get her request.
"Through the mole in our midst. I'd always wondered how he knew where we were headed that night, since only Dr. Reid and myself knew about the opera. I'd totally forgotten that I off-handedly told Gracie about getting the tickets."
"And she kept asking questions about a series of packages I received," Penelope added.
"Look, I know this is pure conjecture, since there's only our word and that of a convicted felon to damn her, but she's put my family in a very difficult place. I want something done about her."
"Certainly, Erin. I'll have the problem taken care of by tomorrow. If she should bother your family in any way, just let me know. I will not have someone like that potentially harming the FBI through her loose lips and rash actions. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, ladies."
"And thank you for taking us seriously, Director. I appreciate the respect."
"You both earned it. Have a safe evening," he said before he hung up.
They stood, and Erin wrapped her arm around Penelope's waist. "You don't think she'll do something to us after Shepperd fires her, do you?" Penelope asked fearfully.
"I hope not. But I can protect you."
"I know you can, my dove, but I don't want to imagine losing you to some crazy woman." Penelope kissed her lover's cheek. Sighing, they made their way to the dining room. Karen was still there, clearing the last of the plates.
"Paul put your food in the oven to stay warm. What's going on? You both look as pale as sheets."
"The twins have their own trust funds, courtesy of one David Rossi," Penelope said tonelessly, staring at her hands. "We're meeting with Ms. Mohr tomorrow. I suddenly have no appetite for food. Will you go up and play for me?" she asked, looking at Erin, her eyes wet with unshed tears.
"Of course, Penelope. Honey, would you put our food in the fridge? I don't want it to go to waste." Karen nodded and Erin took Penelope's hand once more, leading her upstairs to the room they'd converted into a music room. Picking up her cello, she began to play the Bach piece that Penelope loved so much. Closing her eyes, Penelope hummed along with the song, letting her tears fall.
At the end of the song, Erin beckoned Penelope to her side. "Put your hand on the body as I play. I want you to feel this as I do," she whispered before beginning the next piece. Penelope did so, letting the vibrations soak into her heart.
"Why can't I forgive?" she asked quietly, the music almost drowning out her words.
"I haven't either, yet, my love." Erin finished the song and put the instrument away. "But we'll figure out how to navigate this road, I promise." She held out her hand and Penelope took it, standing up. She wrapped her arm around Erin's waist and they went into the bedroom. Slowly, they undressed each other, slipping into bed nude. Erin let her hands creep around Penelope's waist, cupping her breasts. "Your breasts are so heavy."
"Aren't they, though? I can't get used to how they feel now." Erin ran her thumbs over the nipples and Penelope moaned softly. "That feels even more amazing than normal, my dove. Please, don't stop."
Erin nuzzled her face into Penelope's shoulder, complying with the request. "My husband used to do something that felt marvelous when I was breastfeeding our children. Do you trust me?"
Penelope giggled lightly. "After everything we've gone through, I don't think you have to worry about my trust. I crave anything that will make me feel better tonight." Erin took a deep breath and turned Penelope onto her back, straddling her. As she kissed her lips, Erin once more cupped her breasts, kneading gently. Penelope restlessly moved beneath her, her nerves on fire. Erin bit her lip delicately and then began to kiss her way down Penelope's neck. Once she'd reached her breasts, Erin ran her tongue over the closest nipple. "Erin!" Penelope keened, arching up into her lover.
Erin looked up and grinned at her, a feral look in her eye. "Penelope…" She shivered at the raw desire evident in her lover's voice. And then all rational thought fled her mind as she drew one stiff, aching peak into her mouth, suckling delicately. Penelope buried her hands in Erin's hair, holding her close as she heard herself moan in pleasure. Her body arched, the orgasm coming hard and furious as Erin continued to suckle.
"Oh god, Erin, don't stop, don't stop," she murmured as she ran her hands down her lover's body, drawing her closer. Another orgasm swept over her and she moaned lowly. Finally, Erin released her breast and stretched out along Penelope breathing heavily. "You're amazing, my dove." She turned and kissed Erin, running her hands along Erin's curves, intent on giving her the same pleasure.