Penelope woke up the next morning to Erin's hands wandering over her body. "Mmm, do we have time for that right now?"
"Unfortunately, no. I laid out your clothes on the dresser. There's not enough time to shower now, I thought we could do that tonight once the twins are asleep."
"Sounds good to me." As Penelope dressed, she watched Erin put her hair up, the very act sensuous beyond belief to her. "While we're at the cabin, will you wear your hair down every day? I know it can be a hassle, but it looks so lovely."
"Anything for you, my sweet peacock."
There was a knock on their door. "Are you two decent yet?" Emily asked, her voice muffled slightly. Penelope giggled and went over to the door, letting her in. "I'm going to take care of everything here. You go down and get on your honeymoon. Jason's waiting with two cranky babies." She smiled and hugged the pair as they left the room.
Erin climbed in the passenger seat of the vehicle so Penelope could ride with the babies and feed them as Gideon drove to the airport. "I forgot to tell you, I may have a visitor when you're there. Kathryn Mayfield usually stops by at some point during the retreat. We've formed a close friendship over the years I've been in Michigan."
"Thanks for the heads up, Jason." He pulled into short term parking and helped them carry everything inside. Penelope hugged him tightly, kissing his cheek before he left. "Okay, after we get checked in, I'll have to talk to the TSA agent about our guns. Why don't you go find our gate and I'll join you when I'm done."
"Sounds like a plan, my dove." She checked in and handed Erin her boarding pass. "We're at Gate A7." Penelope kissed her cheek and went down the hallway carrying Elinor and the carry-on bag. The line for security wasn't very long and soon Penelope was through and going down to the gate. Thankfully, she didn't get chosen for extra screening, so she was able to hold on to Elinor the entire time.
About twenty minutes later, Erin joined her, adjusting her blouse. "Well, at least they know I'm not hiding anything under my clothes."
"You opted for the pat down?"
"Of course. I'm not going through the cancer machine and potentially cut my time short with you. Plus, little Alan's body shouldn't be bombarded with that. Should it, my little guy?" Erin kissed his cheek softly before setting him down next to his sister. "I suppose it wasn't as bad as it could have been."
"Way to think positive, my love." They fell into one of their easy silences as Penelope worked on a crossword puzzle and Erin rocked the car seats with her feet. The babies were soon asleep and Erin pulled out their Nook and started reading. "Erin?"
"Yes, Penelope?"
"I love you. I still can't believe this is real, that we're together and in love and have two beautiful children. Will you pinch me?" Erin leaned over and squeezed Penelope's earlobe tightly. "Yep, this is real, all right. Oh, how I love you. I don't think there will ever be time enough to tell you how much."
"I think we could describe it as being as infinite as the stars in the sky," Erin said lowly.
"Or as the grains of sand on the beach."
"Or as deep as the Marianas Trench. Great, now I'm all mushy this morning. This is all your fault, my beloved peacock."
Penelope just smiled as she leaned over to kiss Erin. "You wouldn't have me any other way."
Their flight was announced moments later and they took the babies out of their carriers, leaving them at the end of the jet way and then getting settled in first class. About halfway through the flight, Elinor started fussing and Erin pulled her blanket out, covering Penelope's shoulder as she fed their daughter. Alan slept contentedly the entire flight, which Penelope thought a minor miracle. Usually he was the fussy one.
When they landed in Grand Rapids, the car seats were waiting for them as they deplaned. They went to the boarding area and put the babies in them before heading to baggage claim. Penelope stayed back with the children while Erin grabbed their bags and then went to the Hertz counter. She was back in minutes with the keys to a vehicle.
"Jason has a funny sense of humor. We have a black Escalade for the next sixteen days."
"Once an FBI agent, always an FBI agent, I suppose. And it will be easier to get the twins in and out of." Penelope slung their carry-on bag over her shoulder and picked up the car seats, following Erin out to the rental lot. Erin put their bags in the back while Penelope got the babies situated and then they were underway. As Erin got on US 131 North, Penelope fed their address into the GPS device.
"Okay, Gideon said nothing about living on a two track," Penelope said as they turned down a poorly marked road. "Are we even going to get cell service here?"
"Seeing as how he managed to Skype us for the welcome home party, I don't think we'll have to worry about that. Besides, we're getting away from all that for two weeks, remember?"
Penelope sighed. "Yeah, I do. I just don't know what I'm going to do with myself for two weeks. I mean, we can't spend every waking moment in bed, can we?"
"Farmer's market, fresh apple cider, old fashioned doughnuts. Long walks in the woods along the paths Jason's carved out. I can think of so many things we can do together here, far from the noisome crowd." Erin parked and leaned over, kissing Penelope's cheek. "Plus, we'll probably have to entertain Kathryn one afternoon. The time here is going to fly by."
The next evening, as Erin was pouring them team, an insistent knocking came on their door. "Jason! Jason! Let me in! It's not safe in these woods right now!" Erin set the teapot down and grabbed her gun from on top of the refrigerator. She motioned with her head for Penelope to go into the living room. She grabbed the twins and set them down on the couch, listening for Erin.
"Who's there?" she called out, going to the door.
"It's Kathryn, where's Jason?" Erin yanked the door open, holding the gun up as she did so. "What have you done to Jason?" The young woman's face was stark white with terror, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. Erin pulled her inside, shutting and locking the door once more.
"Slowly make your way to that chair with your hands behind your head. No sudden moves. Once you're seated, you may tell us what's going on." Erin kept her gun trained on Kathryn as the young woman complied with the order.
"Beloved, she's frightened. I don't think you need to be so short with her."
"And Gracie looked innocent, too. Looks can be deceiving. Now, speak."
"My church is hosting the women's retreat this year at the camp, so we decided to come up and spend the week bonding before the other ladies came up for the weekend. I was feeding the horses, since the barn girl had to go into town for some things. While I was up in the hayloft, I heard gunshots. So, I buried myself in the hay bales, trying to make myself as inconspicuous as possible. I remembered that from Jason's books – you hide and you be silent as death.
"Then, I heard at least two men come into the barn. I assumed they were looking for me and tried not to even breathe as they tore apart the bottom of the barn. One climbed up into the loft and I could smell the stench of cigarettes on him as he came closer to where I was hiding. I think the dust got to him, because he started sneezing and told the others there was no one up there. I waited until nightfall before I even thought of moving and I came here as fast as I could."
"Were you followed?" Erin asked tightly.
"I don't think so. I used a path known only to Jason and myself, and didn't use my flashlight app. Jason's taught me well in the few years I've known him."
"It'll be okay. We're in the FBI and worked with Gideon. Don't worry," Penelope said kindly, kneeling in front of the crying woman and pulling her close to her.
"Okay, this is what we're going to do – Kathryn, you call 911 and report a hostage situation at the camp. Penelope, I want you to call Hotch and have him assemble the team and be ready to go at a moment's notice. If this is as bad as it sounds, they'll need the BAU here to handle it."
Penelope nodded and pulled out her cell phone, quickly dialing his number. "Hey, Boss Man."
"Penelope! Are you all right?"
"Yes. Why?"
"We're on our way to Tustin. Right near you, actually, if Gideon's map is correct. There's a hostage situation at the camp and we've been called in. Stay in the cabin. Reid and Gideon will be there almost as soon as we land. What did you need?"
"To tell you about the hostage situation. Gideon's friend, Kathryn, managed to sneak out and we have her here. What's your ETA?"
"Twenty minutes until we land at Wexford County Airport, and then another twenty minutes until we're at the camp. Just sit tight until they get there. Gideon says the password will be 'peacocks and doves'. If someone comes to the door and doesn't say that, it's not them."
"Okay. Thanks, Hotch. Stay safe out there."
"Will do, Penelope. You, too."
"They're on their way already?" Erin asked as Penelope put her phone in her pocket.
"I guess. Gideon and Reid will be here in about forty-five minutes. There's a safe word I need to listen for. Will you hand me my gun? You can watch the twins while I listen for them." Erin nodded sharply, going quietly to the kitchen and taking Penelope's gun down from the fridge as well.
"What should I do?" Kathryn asked, some color returning to her face.
"Nothing. I think we have this handled," Erin said as she gave Penelope her gun. She kissed Penelope sweetly and Penelope felt her eyes well up.
"Oh! You're Erin and Penelope, aren't you? Jason told me about the trial when he got back last year. I must admit, I looked up what I could find about what happened. The two of you are so courageous. I don't think I could have survived that ordeal like you did." They exchanged a look and Kathryn blushed. "Sorry, I'm a true crime geek. I'll shut up now."
The time passed slowly and Penelope felt the tension build up in her body as she anxiously watched the door and her watch. Finally, there was an insistent rapping against the heavy oak door. She moved closer, her gun ready to shoot if it were not their friends. "Yes?"
"It's us, Penny."
"And what's the password?"
"Peacocks and doves." Penelope relaxed, releasing the breath she'd been holding. She opened the door and smiled at Gideon's welcome face. "Are you all okay?"
"We're fine. Thank you for making it here so quickly."
"Reid will stay here with you until the crisis passes. I need to take Kathryn with me to the camp, since she knows how many people the unsubs have." Gideon kissed Penelope's temple sweetly and escorted the young woman out into the night. Reid shut and locked the door and then shoved his hands into his pockets.
"Some honeymoon, huh? Of all the people this had to happen to… You're just a trouble magnet, McQueen."
Penelope arched her eyebrow and smacked him lightly on the chest. "Just for that, you get twin duty tonight. If they start to cry, bring them to us. We are going to bed."
"But Penelope!"
"No, Reid. I don't think there's any changing her mind. Have fun." Erin took Penelope's outstretched hand and they went upstairs. Penelope could hear Reid talking to the twins as they turned into the bedroom. "Everything will be fine. The team is here now."
"Are you saying that for your benefit or mine?"
"Both." Erin kissed Penelope before sinking down on the large bed. "I just want to go to sleep and wake up to find this nightmare over. How do we attract this?"
"I don't know. I just want a peaceful life with you and our children." Penelope joined Erin on the bed, snuggling against her as she wrapped her arms around her waist. "Will we ever find that peace?"
"I hope so, my peacock." Erin nuzzled her face into Penelope's neck, sighing. There was a moment of silence, and then they heard Elinor begin to cry a little. Reid's voice came wafting up the stairs, singing a lullaby to their daughter, who soon calmed down. "He's so good with children." She yawned deeply and tightened her grip on Penelope's waist.
"He is. I feel safe falling asleep now. He'll look after them…" Penelope's voice faded as her eyes closed heavily, exhaustion finally winning out. A few hours later, she felt someone shaking her shoulder.
"McQueen. Queenie! They're hungry, I think. Their diapers are dry. I changed them not too long ago, so this can be the only option."
Her eyes cracked open and she blurrily looked at him. "Did you bring them with you?"
"Alan. He's the crankiest right now. I soothed Ellie with her stuffed bunny. Did you know she's teething already?"
"Oh yeah, Sugar. I figured that out the moment she bit down on my nipple." She smiled at how red Reid's face became and opened her blouse, bringing Alan to her breast. He latched on right away, suckling strongly. "Why don't you run down and get Ellie while I feed him? I don't think your face can get much redder."
He nodded and turned on his heel, fairly running back downstairs. "So, our boy genius doesn't like the sight of breasts?"
"He was creeped out by Henry moving inside of JJ, so this doesn't surprise me. I shouldn't tease him."
"No, you shouldn't tease me," he replied as he stepped into the room once more, holding a whimpering Elinor. "She's starting to look more like you as the days go by, Erin."
"Thanks, Spencer." Erin smiled gently up at him and took Elinor from his hands. "If you wait a few more minutes, you can put Alan back to sleep. Once he's sated, he goes down easily. Is that a trait he picked up from you?"
Reid coughed, his blush returning. "I wouldn't know what you're talking about."
"At least he's not rushing ahead in his development like his sister. Hopefully his teeth don't start coming in for another six months or so." Penelope pulled Alan away from her breast, handing him up to Reid. "He usually burps after the first six pats on his back. You don't have to be too gentle. He won't break. Erin taught me that."
She took Elinor and held her up to her breast. Her eyes closed heavily and she shook her head to wake herself back up. "Penny, what are we going to do with the rest of our time here?" Erin asked to help keep her stimulated.
"Nothing. I'm not moving an inch from this cabin and the surrounding woods. I think we have enough supplies to last us for two weeks. Unless you want to head back into town. I think we'll end up finding our peace here, among the trees."
A loud rapping came on the downstairs door. "I'll go check it out," Reid said, quickly handing Alan to Erin. "Do not come downstairs unless I say it's safe." He drew his gun out and crept down the stairs.
Penelope held Elinor a little more closely, starting to rock with her a little. Erin put a hand on her shoulder and she lay back against her wife. "I'm sure everything's fine, honey. If it were the unsubs, they would have burst in without knocking." Erin's hair fell around them, covering them, and Penelope breathed in the sweet scent of her shampoo.
"I know you're probably right, but my head and my heart don't always communicate well. You know that."
Erin kissed her cheek. "Ah, it's one of the things I love about you." Penelope giggled slightly as she turned her body to lean against Erin. "I also love that you have a tender heart." She kissed her again. "And that you sought me out, chose me when I was not ready to choose." This time, Penelope met her lips in a sweet kiss. "And that despite everything, you've remained with me."
Reid came racing up the stairs. "You guys are safe. SWAT moved in thirty minutes ago and took out the unsubs. Thankfully, Kathryn was able to give the team a plan of attack on how to get into the mess hall. If it hadn't been for her, this would have taken much longer. Hotch and Gideon are downstairs and want to see you." He took Elinor from Penelope's arms and they got up from the bed.
Hand in hand, they walked down the stairs. Hotch and Gideon were pacing the living room and looked up when they heard the bottom stair creak. "We got everyone out safe. I'm sorry we had to interrupt your honeymoon."
"At least you were able to get things done quickly. Are you going back with them, Gideon?"
"Yes. It's been nice getting caught up with old friends at the Smithsonian. The rest of your time here should be peaceful. Oh, and Kathryn wants to know if you'd like to climb Sunshine Mountain with her sometime later this week. She's grateful you offered her sanctuary in her time of need. One of the ladies from the church would watch the babies while you did so. If I were you, I'd take her up on the offer. It's gorgeous up there at night. This is her cell phone number so you can let her know either way."
"Thanks, Gideon. We might just take her up on that offer." Penelope took the slip of paper from his hand and let him hug her close. "Now get back to your vacation."
"Actually, we're crashing here for the night. There's not much time before dawn, so we'll head back home once everyone's gotten some rest," Aaron said.
"Head back upstairs, ladies. I'll grab blankets for us for down here."
"Does this mean we get a Gideon breakfast?"
"Of course, Penelope. The rest of the team will be here, too, for it."
Penelope smiled and they went back upstairs. Putting the babies in their crib, they crawled into bed, falling quickly asleep.
"How much further to the top?" Penelope gasped out, taking a short rest on her way up the hillside.
"We're just about there. The view is so worth it, trust me." Kathryn smiled at them. "Thank you for joining me."
"We needed to find some peace once more. That was our point in coming out here."
"This is the best place for that. Let's get moving again. Duane said he'd have the tents set up and fire going for us when we made it to the top."
Penelope took a deep breath and followed after Erin and Kathryn. After about another twelve minutes of climbing, the land evened out ad Penelope could make out the warm glow of a fire. Erin fell back and took hold of her hand, walking with her the rest of the way.
"I spread out some blankets on the ground near the fire. It's a clear night, so you can see the stars for miles." Penelope whirled around to face the voice. "I'm Duane, I run the camp. I'll be spending the night in my truck, keeping watch over everything here. After our scare Tuesday evening, I don't want anything happening to you."
"Thank you, Duane." Erin shook his hand and then they went over to the fire. Kathryn was pouring them mugs of hot chocolate and they sat on the low benches, letting the fire warm them. Once their drinks were gone, Penelope got up and laid down on one of the blankets, looking up at the night sky.
"Come join me, my dove. The sight is so beautiful." Erin curled up next to Penelope, staring up as well. "It was these very same stars that brought us together almost two years ago."
"And they'll always shine down on us." Erin splayed out her hand over Penelope's chest. "It's so quiet here. I can feel it settle in my soul."
"I can, too." They watched the stars until Erin started shivering too much. "We're going to turn in now, Kathryn. Have a good night."
"You, too, Penelope."
They stepped inside the tent and found the sleeping bags were joined to make a pallet large enough for both of them. Penelope crawled in first, holding up the sleeping bag so Erin could easily join her. Erin zipped them in, making it tight and cozy. Somehow, Erin contorted her body to turn and face Penelope. Delicately, she kissed Penelope over and over as their eyes fluttered closed. Penelope fell asleep with Erin's lips on hers.
In the morning, they watched the sun come up over the hillside before riding back down to the camp. Penelope ached to see her children again. "It's always hard, the first night away from them," Erin whispered in her ear as they pulled up next to their Escalade. They got out and went into the dining hall. A few women were in line getting food, while others were crowded around one of the couches near the fireplace, cooing over the twins.
"Penelope, Erin, your babies are so darling. Ellie slept through the night, I didn't hear a peep out of her until I woke her up to feed her after Alan." Evelyn smiled up at them, Elinor in her arms. "Marsha helped me with them this morning. I think Alan's starting to get hungry, though. He's a wiggle worm right now."
Marsha handed the baby up to Penelope, scooting over so she could sit on the couch, One of the older women pulled out a blanket, draping it over Penelope to give her some privacy. Erin went up and got them food as Penelope fed Elinor. Other women took Alan and Elinor so that they could eat as well.
"Thanks again for coming with me last night. I hope you enjoyed it."
"We did, Kathryn. Here's our contact info, if you want to keep in touch with us." Penelope smiled at the young woman. "It's okay to be a true crime geek. The more aware you are, the better you can protect yourself."
"Thanks, Penelope." The young woman hugged Penelope quickly before stepping away. "Enjoy the rest of your honeymoon. I pray God smiles on your marriage."
Penelope got in the Escalade and Erin started it up. As she backed out, Penelope waved to Kathryn until she was out of sight. "Do you think Gideon has a pen and paper at the cabin?"
"He should. Why?"
"I know what I want to write to Rossi."
"I see." Penelope watched Erin's jaw tighten just a little.
"Erin, my love, my dove, trust me. I'm not opening a line of communication with him. I just know what I need to tell him. To let him know we've moved on and any absolution he needs to find is between him and God."
A tiny smile flickered across Erin's face. "I have you. I need to keep that in mind. He's where he can't hurt us any longer and we'll let him know that, too."
"Exactly." Erin pulled into the driveway and parked next to the cabin. She took Elinor out of the vehicle while Penelope grabbed Alan. Once inside, Erin took both babies upstairs while Penelope searched for a pen and paper. Finally, she found some and went into the kitchen to write.
Dear David, It never would have happened had Spencer not told me about his favorite constellation. With my head up in the stars, I ran smack-dab into her and set off a chain of events that brought us to this moment… As she continued to write, she smiled when Erin set a mug of tea down in front of her. Her wife was right. He couldn't hurt them any longer. The peacock and dove had come home to roost together, never to be parted again.