A/N This chapter is for Jennifer who requested this episode be written. I hope you like it :)
The Company
Derek was stressed. This case was getting to him. He was too involved, and he knew it. When it came to his family, though, Derek couldn't just sit back. After lying to his aunt, he owed it to her to bring her daughter home. To be honest, Derek had thought Cindi was dead. If he had believed she was alive, he never would have told his aunt she was dead. He just wanted her to be at peace, but now everything was screwed up.
When Derek felt like the world was imploding on him. Only one person could make him feel better: his solace. Talking to Penelope made him feel better. She knew him and understood him a way that no one else in the world did.
"Penelope, can you just talk to me?" He requested when she'd called to talk about the case file she'd sent him.
"Uh huh." She replied. She'd do anything for him. "Yeah, what about?"
"I don't care. Just-just talk." He said, his voice sounded tired and a little broken.
"Okay...uhm…" She began. Suddenly she was at a loss for words. "God, this is the first time in my life I don't have anything to say except that I'm-I'm here for you. Okay, Derek? I'm right here."
"Yeah, I know you are." He assured her.
Penelope was always there for him. She was his best friend. Whenever he had a bad day, she'd show up with Cookies and Cream ice cream, a bad action movie, and jalapeno popcorn to cheer him up. He was looking forward to that when he got him. But first, he had to deal with this case.
"Look baby, I gotta go, but uhm, I'll call you later, okay?" He said.
"Okay, honey love." She said. "You be safe."
"Always, pretty girl."
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Derek was fuming. Malcolm Ford was a smug son of a bitch, and Derek couldn't wait to put him in prison with a life sentence. He knew why Rossi made him stay back to process the scene, but still, the anger was building inside. Derek wanted to be the one to interrogate the man he knew was responsible for his cousin's disappearance. He felt like being stuck at the crime scene was a waste of his skills.
The longer Derek had to spend in the market, looking for clues like some rookie, the more pissed off he got. He just wanted to find Cindi and make things right. When his phone rang with Penelope's number, he considered sending it to voicemail. He wasn't sure he could tell her ever present optimism right now. He didn't want her to calm him down, he wanted to remain angry. Still, he answered the call.
"Yeah." He grumbled into the phone.
"Wow." She replied, surprised at his tone.
"Baby, I'm sorry." He sighed, though his anger didn't disappear. "It's been a long night."
"Okay, Mr. Snappy. I was just letting you know that I sent the grocery store security camera footage to your tablet." She informed him. He knew she was hoping for a witty remark, but he couldn't right now. "You're welcome." More silence. "Okay, out with it. Where's your head at presently?"
"Honestly, I'm trying to figure out why I'm not back at the station trying to break this son of bitch." He snapped. He knew he was being a dick, and he really didn't want to take it out on her. She just had the unfortunate pleasure of being the one on the other line.
"Ohhhh…."
"What are you doing?" Derek asked her, growing more irritated. "What was that for?"
"For thinking this is about you." She said.
"Penelope, it is about me." Derek said in a frustrated tone. "He called me out by name."
"Ohhhhhhhh!" She groaned back, loudly. He had to pull the phone from his ear for a moment.
"Will you stop doing that?" He demanded.
"Well- Seriously? Derek, seriously?" He could tell she was annoyed with him now. "You, know in the entire time I have known you, you are like the glistening hero in the movie of life. And now, just because some guy, some ass-hat guy, decides to call you out by name you think you have the right to get all weird? And decide 'this is personal?' Really? Derek, did you ever stop to think that said ass-hat is exhibiting this behavior just to get under your skin?"
"As a matter of fact, I have." He replied in a snippy voice.
"Okay, you know, well a real hero would roll with that instead of tripping over his gigantic ego." Penelope was mad at him now. She was calling him out, and he knew he deserved it. "And as a wise black man once told me, 'baby girl, you be trippin'', so I'll tell you what, why don't you call me back once you've gotten off the self-absorption train and decide to be a real hero. The kind that Cindi is waiting for. I am hanging up on you."
As soon as Penelope hung up Derek knew he'd screwed up. There had been no need for him to snap at her that way. He deserved her being upset with him. Penelope was his safe person. She was the one person in his life he could always be real with. Sometimes that meant she'd see him when he was angry, or sad, or just in a bad mood. She always dealt with it, and he knew when he was calm, they'd talk it over.
Derek loved Penelope more than anything. He had recently admitted it to himself when she finally broke up with Kevin Lynch, but he hadn't been able to say it to her yet. He knew he needed to get it together and win over his girl. He promised himself that as soon as this case was over, he'd do just that. But for now, he had to be the hero Penelope thought he was.
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Derek was relieved that the case was finally over. It had been a long few days, and all he wanted was to go home and see his baby girl. He was supposed to stay in Chicago for the weekend to spend time with his family, Hotch's orders. He loved his family, he really did, but he wanted to be back where he belonged. Plus, he was pretty sure Penelope was still upset with him. He'd sent her a text to let her know how things were going, and she didn't respond. He had been a real ass to her, so he couldn't blame her. He owed her a red velvet cupcake and vegan thai food to apologize for how he'd talked to her.
As he watched his aunt reunite with her daughter, he knew this was why he did his job. It made all the bad cases and horrible things they saw everyday worth it. Reunions like this, while rare, were the reason why he went into this field. He felt, though, like an outsider watching his family walk away. Even though his Aunt Yvonne had forgiven him, and he had brought Cindi home, he felt off. He felt lonely.
He sat there feeling down, when suddenly there was a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see the light of his life standing there. Penelope handed him a coffee before she came around and sat beside him, smiling. He knew that everything was going to be okay.
"There's my hero." She said softly, rubbing the nape of his neck and laying her head on his shoulder.
He couldn't speak at that moment. He was so happy and thankful that she was there, all words were lost. He kissed the top of her head, hoping it would get the message across. When she didn't move or speak, he knew she understood, just like always. They sat there for a while in a comfortable silence. Her presence alone was enough to bring him out of his funk. It was reaffirming to him that they were meant to be together.
"How are you here?" He asked her after a few minutes.
"Pulled some strings." She said vaguely. He looked at her suspiciously. She chuckled. "Okay, so I may have called Hotch and begged him to send the jet. I told him it was an emergency and reminded him of the picture of him from that night out not too long ago. It turns out, black mail works wonders on boss man."
"Penelope." Derek chuckled. "Well, I'm glad you're here. Thank you for being there for me always."
"Hot stuff, nothing in the world could stop me from taking care of you." She smiled.
"Listen, I'm gonna be here for the weekend, you wanna see the city with me?"
"I'd love to."
He began putting his plan to confess his love in action.
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Penelope tried to protest the, obviously extremely pricy, hotel suite Derek got for them. He insisted that it was his way to makeup for being a jerk earlier, and told her to just let him spoil her. She knew that arguing wouldn't get them anywhere, so she thanked him and decided to enjoy the beautiful room they had.
There were two queen beds, and Penelope was a little disappointed. She had hoped there would be one bed so that she had an excuse to cuddle up with her love bug. Still, she had him for the whole weekend, and she was excited. The last few weeks had been different for them. They had grown even closer since she turned down Kevin's proposal. They spent all their free time together, practically. She had been waiting for things to shift from friends to lovers, but had accepted that this was never going to happen. She was his bud, his best friend. That was it, and she was glad to at least be that. But she still couldn't stop her heart from escalating when he was near, or the butterflies in her stomach when he called her 'baby girl'.
"What do you want to do tomorrow, sweetness?" He asked her once they were settled. "My ma is looking forward to seeing you, so I was thinking we could meet up with her and my sisters for dinner."
"That sounds wonderful." Penelope smiled. Derek's family had welcomed her with open arms years ago, and she loved them like they were her own. "Oh, can we hit some shops tomorrow? Momma needs a new pair of shoes!"
"And a matching purse and necklace?" Derek teased. Playfully, she tossed a pillow at him. "We can shop tomorrow, princess."
"Yippee!" She grinned in excitement.
"Okay, crazy girl. It's been a long day, and this guy is beat. What would you say to ordering room service and watching a movie?" He suggested, glancing at the clock. It was past 11:00 now, he hadn't even realized how late it was.
"That sounds perfect." She agreed.
They looked over the menu before deciding on their meals. He got a steak, and she got a veggie burger. They also got some cheesecake for dessert, deciding they deserved it after the last few days. After they got their dinner, they set it up on Derek's bed so they could watch their movie while they ate. They found a Harry Potter movie playing, and put it on. After they ate, they snuggled up together. This was normal for them, but something was different now. Neither of them had the nerve to point it out, but the comfort they felt in each other's arms was stronger than ever. The way they naturally gravitated towards each other wasn't something platonic. This was more, but for now, they pretended they didn't notice.
By the time the movie wrapped up, Penelope was breathing evenly next to him. He smiled down at the way a few curls had fallen into her face. He gently pushed them aside, wondering if he should wake her up. She looked so peaceful and content. He considered moving to the other bed, but decided they'd shared a bed before, and she was using him partly as a pillow. Tonight, he would enjoy holding her, and tomorrow he would work on winning over her heart.
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Penelope woke up to the hotel alarm beeping. She instinctively reached over and turned it off. It took her a moment to remember where she was. The heaviness on her waist surprised her, but when she saw that it was Derek's arm, she smiled. They must have passed out finishing the movie. It was almost 9:00, and she knew that he wanted to spend the day in the city. She gently shook his arm to wake him up.
"No." He grumbled, pulling her close. She laughed. "Five more minutes."
"Derek Morgan, you're impossible." She teased.
"Shhh, don't talk, just snuggle me for two minutes, woman." He requested with a smile, his eyes still closed.
"Fine." She gave in. What was two minutes more?
As Derek held her close, and she breathed in his familiar scent, her heart began to race. This was dangerous for her heart. She had to stop thinking that Derek loved her back. Well, of course he loved her, but not the way she desperately craved. Being in his arms like this, however, she let herself pretend. For a moment, she just gave herself a moment, to think that this was how things were. They were a pair of people in love, cuddling up in the morning before starting their day. It was a lovely thought, but she couldn't ponder on it too long.
"Alright, love bug. Two minutes are up." She said, moving from under him. "I can make coffee if you want the shower first."
"No breakfast in bed?" He grinned. She raised a brow at him. "Okay, okay I'm going."
He leaned over, and for a moment, she thought he was going to kiss her lips. She froze, waiting for it to happen, but at the last minute, his lips met her forehead. She sighed as he rose from the bed. She belittled for herself for getting hopeful. She would never get over him if she kept waiting for him like this. Penelope's hands were a little shaky as she made them a pot of coffee, being sure to make it extra strong the way Derek liked. She had to get it together.
Derek's shower lasted under five minutes before he emerged with just a hotel towel on. She envied how quickly men could get ready. She also envied how good he looked standing there in just a towel. Obviously she'd seen him in a towel before. That was when she had thought they'd slept together. She had realized then that, despite how often she told herself otherwise, her feelings for Derek were still there.
"Baby? You gonna shower?" He asked, pulling her from her thoughts.
"Right! Yes!" She replied. "Uh, coffee, it's brewing."
Derek gave her a knowing smile. He could clearly tell she'd been checking him out. Penelope's cheeks turned a rosey red color. She dashed past him to the bathroom, but could hear him chuckle when she closed the door. She sighed. Derek Morgan was going to be the death of her.
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Derek and Penelope took advantage of being in the city. They shopped until lunch time. Penelope got not one, but two new pairs of shoes. And as Derek guessed, she also found matching bags. As much as he teased her, Derek didn't mind shopping with her. She was always so guidy when she was picking out new clothes and accessories. She would try things on and model them for him. Sometimes she'd ask him to pick between two items for her, and he always convinced her to buy both.
Penelope was done shopping by lunch time, which surprised Derek. He had expected her to go for much longer, but she insisted she was set. He requested they get Chicago deep dish pizza for lunch, and she agreed. He took her to his favorite pizza place, and they got pizza by the slice. He insisted it was better that way.
"So, what's next on the agenda?" She asked, eating her pizza as they walked.
"The aquarium." He smiled.
"Really!?" She squealed in excitement.
"Only the best for my favorite girl." He replied, putting an arm around her.
The aquarium was a few blocks away so they walked instead of calling a cab. Penelope had wanted to go to the aquarium for a while, and Derek had promised that if she was ever in the city, they'd go. Derek was determined to make this the best two day ever for her. He was building up the courage to confess his feelings to her. He just had to do it right.
Penelope and Derek walked through the aquarium. Her favorites were the sea turtles and the octopus display. They spent a few hours looking around before it was almost time to meet his family for dinner already. Before they left, they had to look around the gift shop though. While Penelope was distracted, Derek grabbed her a surprise gift. She begged him the entire way to the restaurant to tell her what it was.
"Come on, what's in the bag?" She asked once again while they waited for his family. This time, she made a grab for it.
"Uh uh, nosey!" He replied, holding the bag from her reach. "What makes you think it's for you?"
"Ohhhh, please tell me it's for me!" She pouted. "It is for me, right?"
"Fine, it's for you." He caved. He handed her the bag. "You're the most impatient person I think I've ever met."
"And you love me for it!" She grinned, reaching in the bag. She pulled out a pink stuffed octopus.
"It's to match your favorite mug." He said with a smile. "And so you'll always remember this day with me."
"Cupcake, that's so sweet." She smiled softly at him.
"Look, uh, Pen I-"
"There you are!" Derek was interrupted by his sister running up to them. Desi passed him and hugged Penelope. "Come on, we already got a table."
"I'm so glad you're feeling better!" Penelope said as Desi pulled out of the hug. "I bet you're glad to be home."
"Uh, you have no idea." Desi replied. "I don't think I could have handled one more hospital meal."
"Are you sure you're up to dinner?" Derek asked her. The concerned older brother in him was coming out. "You shouldn't over do it too much, kiddo."
"I'm fine, Derek." She rolled her eyes. "We're going to be sitting at a table, not running a marathon." Derek threw his hands up in surrender. There was no use arguing with a Morgan woman.
They headed into the restaurant and made their way to the table where Fran and Sarah were waiting. Fran and Sarah both stood to give the pair hugs before they all sat down. The waiter took their orders right away, so they were able to chat for a bit while they waited for dinner.
"It's so nice to have you around, son." Fran said, smiling warmly at Derek. "You need to visit home more often."
"I know, momma." Derek replied. "It's just been a busy few months. But I promise to come home for your birthday, deal?"
"Deal." She grinned. "Penelope, darling, you should come too."
"Oh, I wouldn't want to impose." The blonde replied, waving her hand.
"Uh oh." Derek sighed. "Here we go."
"Penelope, you are family, young lady. You would never be imposing." Fran scolded. "After all, Derek only talks about his baby girl when he's home. It's about time you meet the rest of the family."
"Okay, I'll try and join him." Penelope smiled.
"So, when are you guys going to admit you're together?" Desi asked. Penelope nearly choked on the wine she'd just taken a sip of. "What? It's been how many years now?"
"Really, uh we're just friends." Penelope replied.
Derek shot his sister a look, warning her silently to drop it. Desi sighed, but eventually changed the topic to Cindi. Derek noticed the awkward shift in Penelope after Des had brought up the idea of them dating. He reached down and placed a reassuring hand on her leg. She gave him a thankful smile.
Dinner came out a few minutes later. The rest of the conversation was pretty light. Everyone talked about work, his sisters told embarrassing stories from when he was kid, and they just enjoyed the company. When they were waiting for dessert, Sarah excused herself to the bathroom, and Penelope volunteered to go with her.
"So, now that Penelope is gone for a second, are you going to tell her you're in love with her?" Desi asked her brother.
"Momma, tell her to can it." Derek replied, playfully throwing a napkin at his younger sister.
"I can't, Derek." Fran chuckled. "Because I'd also like to know. I mean, honey, she's perfect. And they way you two look at each other… it's amazing the whole world doesn't know you're in love."
"Well, since you both insist on knowing all about my love life, I am planning to tell her this weekend." Derek admitted. "I just...I keep waiting for the perfect moment."
"No wonder it's taken 8 years!" Desi exclaimed with a groan. "There's no such thing as a perfect moment. You take the moment and make it perfect."
"Is that a quote?" Derek asked with a smirk.
"Probably. The point is, just do it."
Before Derek could reply, his sister and Penelope returned. He realized his mom and Desi were right. He had wasted enough time. He was going to tell her. Tonight.
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They said their goodbyes to Derek's mom and sisters and headed back to their hotel. They were going to see them before they left, and it was getting late. They were both tired, but Derek was also anxious. He was worried about what she would say. All of the insecurities he felt were rising. He had felt like he was never good enough for her. She was so optimistic and sweet, and he carried a lot of baggage. He just hoped what they had was enough for her to take a chance on him.
Penelope and Derek walked into their hotel room. She gasped at the sight in front of them. There were red roses on the table with a bottle of champagne, and some chocolate covered strawberries. She sat her bags down and walked over to the flowers, picking up the note.
Baby Girl, I've been trying to figure out how to say, but there's no word invented yet for how I feel about you. So I'll keep it simple; I love you.
She looked up at him, tears filling her brown eyes. She waited for an explanation. He crossed the room, gently setting the note from her hand on the bed. He took both her hands in his and looked in her eyes.
"I didn't know how to say it." He said. "I just know, I had to tell you. I love you, Penelope. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone. I don't want to pretend anymore. I want us to be together."
"Oh, hot stuff." She cried, throwing her arms around his neck. "I love you too."
She pulled back and smiled at him. He leaned in, and after years of anticipation, he finally kissed her. It was the most perfect kiss either of them had ever experienced. Neither of them could believe it was finally happening, but they were both so happy to finally have their feelings out in the open.
"How did you do all of this?" She asked when they finally pulled back.
"Magic." He replied. "And hotel room service."
She chuckled. They kissed again, this time with more passion. There was no hesitation or slowness to this kiss. This was the eight years of sexual tension in a kiss.
"What do you say, chocolate thunder, ready to put the flirting to a test?" She asked, pulling him toward the bed.
"Are you sure, sweetheart, I don't want to rush you."
"I'm sure, baby." She smiled. "I want to make love to you."
She pulled him top of her onto the bed. They began to explore each other's mouths. She ran her hands up and down his back. He slipped his hand up her bare leg. He had never been more thankful that Penelope loved wearing dresses. He took her panties and pushed them aside to explore the wetness waiting for him. She let out a moan as he explored her. He slipped two fingers inside her.
"Oh God." She panted. "Derek!"
"Are you going to come for me, baby girl?" He asked into her ear.
"N-not like this." She managed to get out. She pushed his shoulder, and he allowed her to flip them over.
"My turn." She grinned.
She reached for Derek's belt buckle. She got his jeans off to see his tented green boxers. She slid her fingers around the waistband and pushed them off his body. He kicked off when they pooled around his ankles.
"Mmmmm, is this for me?"
Derek couldn't think enough to reply. He nearly leapt from the bed when Penelope rubbed her finger over the tip of his member. She smiled proudly as she teased him. Finally he had enough.
"I think that's enough teasing." He said kissing her passionately. Helped her remove her dress, and took off her panties before he laid her gently back on the bed so that he was once again hovering over her. He gently moved a piece of hair from her face. "God you're beautiful."
"Oh, Derek." She sighed, her heart pounding.
"Are you ready, baby?" He asked her. She nodded
He took his member in his hand and gently slid it into her warmth. They both gasped as he filled her completely. Derek was larger than average so he gave her a few moments to adjust. She grinded her hips up to tell him she was ready. He set a slow pace. It was a wonderful feeling, being this connected. There was no barriers between them. Nothing would ever top this feeling. After a few moments, she needed more.
"Please, please, Derek." She begged incoherently. "Faster baby. I'm getting close."
He granted her wishes and sped up his movements. He was hitting all the right places, and she could feel that familiar pleasure in her belly grow stronger. He knew it was only a matter of seconds before she went over the edge.
"Come for me, my love." Derek coaxed.
"Tog-together." She replied.
"I'm right there with you, baby." He promised.
He hit her sweet spot one more time before they both toppled over the edge. Penelope let out a scream of pleasure. Derek emptied himself inside her, and nearly screamed himself. Sex had never been this good before for either of them. Finally, they collapsed in exhaustion.
They lied in each other's arms, still coming down from their highs, breathing heavily. When she stopped clenching around him Derek pulled out of her warmth carefully and rolled them over so she's laying on top of him. He kissed her head lovingly.
"That was perfect." She breathed. "I love you, cupcake. I love you, so much."
"I love you too, my silly girl." He said, rubbing her back lovingly. "This was everything to me."
Tears crept into her eyes again. She buried her face in her chest. The emotions of the day were taking over, and she was hit with happiness and so much love. She couldn't contain it anymore. He understood, and squeezed her close to him.
"I'm so happy." She managed to get out.
"Me too, baby." He said, tears nearly escaping his eyes too. "We're finally where we belong, and that's never going to change, Penelope. I promise, this is it for me. I don't want one night, or a few months, or a few years. I want the rest of my life with you."
"I want that too." She sniffled. "I've wanted it for so long, I just can't believe it's happening."
"I know how you feel." He said. He tilted her head up and kissed her deeply. "Does that help?"
"Maybe. But let's try again, you know just to be safe."
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They told his mom and sisters when they saw them the following day. Of course, they had all been thrilled to find out that the two were finally together. Desi had jokingly asked when they were getting married, and though he didn't say it then, Derek had a feeling it wouldn't be long. They enjoyed their last day with his family. It was nice to be with them, and they vowed to be back for his mom's birthday. Now, Penelope definitely had to come. As Fran reminded her, her future daughter in law had to be there. When they got home, they told the team right away. Everyone was happy for them, and no one was surprised. It was only a matter of time. Derek had even heard some of them talking about who won the bet. Apparently Emily had just won a lot of money. They were glad the team was so accepting.
It was a pretty easy transition for them. They spent their free time together, and Penelope was at his house most of the time. They still went out with the team, and Derek even managed to get her out on the dance floor occasionally. Being with one another was so easy. It was obvious that this was how things were meant to be. Penelope officially moved in with Derek after a few months. Her lease was up and they decided it was pointless for her to pay rent when she was never there anyway. To convince her to move in, Derek bought her a little gray kitten. She hadn't needed a reason, but she fell in love with Chicago (as Derek had named him).
Much like Derek had expected, he began thinking about marriage pretty quickly after they got together. It didn't feel like they were rushing things when they had known each other for so long. He didn't want her, though, to feel pressured. When he found a beautiful diamond ring shaped like a rose, he decided he had to buy it. He'd give it to her when they were ready. That plan backfired when he got home one day and Penelope was holding the box in her hand.
"I was looking for tape in your desk, and I found this." She explained quickly. "I wasn't trying to snoop. Is this what I think it is?"
"Penelope, I promise I am not trying to rush you." He assured her. "I know when Kevin asked, it ended your relationship. I won't ask until you're ready."
"Derek, baby, I said no to Kevin because I didn't want to marry him." She explained. "I'd marry you tomorrow if you asked."
"Really?" He smiled. She nodded. "Well, give me the ring back. I have to plan the perfect proposal."
"No!" She replied. "It wants me to wear it now! It told me! Look how pretty it is."
"But, you deserve an amazing proposal." He argued.
"So do it now." She replied. "Please."
"Fine." He sighed, knowing he couldn't deny her of anything. She handed him the box. "Penelope Grace Garcia, you once said I loved you despite how impatient you are, and that proves to be true tonight. I love you, every single part of you. I want us to grow old together, and to have kids and grandkids. I know that no matter what happens, as long as you're by my side, nothing else matters. I can't believe it took us this long to get here, but all that matters is we're together now. I'll never waste another moment of our life together. So, my baby girl, will you marry me?"
"Yes, Derek. I'll marry you." She said tearfully.
He slipped the ring onto her finger. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He lifted her off the ground, spinning her around. She squealed in delight. He placed her back to the ground and kissed her again.
"Wow this is such a surprise." She teased.
"Okay, I'm gonna spank you, crazy!" He joked, pulling her to the ground and tickling her. They were both in a fit of laughter. "Are you sure you want the rest of your life to be like this?"
"I can't imagine anything better." She grinned.
They got married six months later. It was a pretty small ceremony, neither of them wanted anything too huge. They just wanted to be married. But it was perfect. His family and the whole team were present which was all that they cared about. Being surrounded by everyone they loved was the perfect way to celebrate their union.
A year after they got married, they found out she was pregnant. It was during a busy time for the team and Derek felt like he was missing too much of the experience with her. He took a family leave until after the baby was born. It ended up being a good thing, because six weeks before her due date, they found out she was having twins. The second baby had been hiding, and surprised them. They hurried to get everything they needed for another baby. The boys were born at the end of the summer. Jason Andrew Morgan and Reid Franklin Morgan were bound to keep their parents on their toes. Penelope was a natural mother, and she loved her boys more than anything in the world. Derek took to fatherhood easily, and was thankful to be there for his sons.
When the twins were four, Penelope got a call that one of her step brothers had died. He and his wife had been in an accident and left behind a six week old little girl. They had wanted Penelope to take her if something ever happened to them. Derek and Penelope, of course, took the infant in. It was love at first sight. Abigail Isabelle was the perfect addition to their little family. The family made sure she never felt out of place or like she was any different.
They loved their life with their family. They learned a harmony between work and home life. Derek was able to stay home more often now that the unit had expanded over the years. He still loved being on cases, but being home with his family was where he really wanted to be.
"Alright, the twins are in bed. Video games are turned off, I checked twice." Derek stated, crawling into bed next to his wife. "Abigail is finally out too, after bargaining for two bedtime stories instead of one."
"They missed you after this past week." Penelope replied, she set her book down. "I did too. That case was awful. I'm glad you're home."
"Me too." He said. He learned over and kissed her head. "I'll tell you what, since you had the kids up for school this past week, I'll get them around tomorrow. You sleep in and take your time getting ready tomorrow."
"That's my hero." She smiled, hugging her pink octopus to her chest as he leaned over and kissed her goodnight.
A/N 2: I'm gonna try to update My Girl and Be Still soon!