Morgan and Garcia sat next each other in the horse-drawn carriage, passing lovers sitting under trees, children playing and joggers running. Garcia scrunched up her nose for the umpteenth time.
"It was a good idea in theory, huh?" Morgan said, laughing.
"It's OK, Hotstuff", Garcia said, exhaling. "It's the beautiful thought that counts."
"They never tell you how stank horses are, do they?" Morgan said, chuckling.
"Or that you get a crook in your neck trying to look sideways instead of at a horse's butt!"
"Aww, c'mere", Morgan said. Garcia backed up to him in the seat as his hands started to expertly massage her neck. "Better?"
"Loads. Thank you Sweetie", she said, snuggling into him. The carriage slowed and Morgan helped Garcia exit.
"Where to now?" Garcia said.
"Tell me you're hungry", Morgan said.
"Starving!"
"Then Joe's it is! Unless you don't want Italian…" Morgan smiled as Garcia's face lit up like a thousand watt bulb.
"Mmm, Alfredo. Let's go!" A leisurely 3 hours later, they started to pack up when Morgan felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Derek? Is that you?"
"Melanie!" Derek said, hugging the woman tightly. "Goodness girl, it's been forever! How the hell are you?"
"I've been good! Really good!" She said, letting go from the hug. "Still profiling?"
"Now why would I ever leave the BAU?" Morgan said. Garcia sat still with a totally look of terror on her face. This woman was gorgeous. Tall as Morgan, and Barbie had nothing on her. Caramel skin and chocolate curls. She looked down, and grabbed her purse.
"Oh my gosh, is this her?" Melanie asked.
"Damn", Morgan said. "I was so excited, I…I'm so sorry Goddess." He reached for her and she reluctantly gave it.
"Melanie, this is…"
"No, let me guess. The beautiful, talented, and totally genius Penelope Garcia!"
"Huh?" Garcia said, completely dumbfounded.
"I'm so sorry. I'm Melanie. Melanie Morgan-Hall. I'm Derek's cousin on his dad's side."
"Omigosh! I had no idea! Hi!" Garcia stammered as she pulled the pretty woman into a hug. "It's wonderful to meet you!"
"Likewise! My cousin speaks so highly of you. Almost as if he's totally in…" Morgan spun Garcia closer to him and surprised her by kissing her sweetly on the lips.
"Finally!" Melanie said. "I was wondering!"
After saying goodbye to Melanie, Morgan and Garcia went walking towards the downtown area.
"Did I detect a hint of jealousy back there?" Morgan said, grinning.
"No…" Garcia said, unconvincingly.
"Uh huh." Morgan brought them face to face. "There will never be another woman for me. No woman can do for me what you do for me."
"And what do I do for you?" Garcia asked in a small voice. Morgan kissed her deeply and held her face in his hands for a moment.
"You, Baby Girl, you keep me alive. Without you, I can't breathe."
"Derek", Garcia breathed as they kissed again.
"And why, Bees Knees", Garcia said walking towards the back garden door, "are we at Rossi's again?"
"Well, you know he loves a good party", Morgan said. He stopped close to the pink rose bush in full bloom. He grabbed his phone and took a picture of them together and then one of her by herself.
"What's with the pictures, Hon?" Garcia said, smelling the roses. He went to put his phone back in his pocket and it fell to the ground. Kneeling to pick it up he said, "I want to remember the moment you said yes."
"Derek?" Garcia looked down and Morgan was on knee in front of her. In his hand was a small velvet box containing the prettiest pink and white diamond ring.
"Penelope", Morgan started but didn't finish. Garcia dropped to her knees.
"Yes!" Garcia screamed and muffled laughter could be heard on the other side of the gate.
"But Baby I didn't ask you yet…"
"I'm sorry", she said, bouncing excitedly in front of him still on her knees.
"Penelope, you are my reason for living. The air I breathe is you, and I never want to be without you. Will you marry me, Baby Girl?"
Garcia stood up and dusted her skirt off. She put her finger to her lips and pretended to think.
"What are you doing?" Morgan said, getting to his feet.
"Weighing my options", Garcia said, with a mischievous smile.
"Woman…"
"Yes!" she screamed. Morgan hugged her tightly and after a sweet and tender kiss, he placed the ring on her finger.
They walked to the gate and open the door to the party screaming. "Congratulations!"
"Hotstuff..."