The BAU conference room buzzed with activity, tension hanging in the air like a storm cloud. Emily Prentiss, now Unit Chief, stood at the head of the table, her commanding presence filling the room. Her team—family, really—was intently focused on the task at hand. Their unsub, a cunning bomber dubbed "The Architect," had created a web of deadly traps in a small Midwestern town. The stakes couldn't be higher.
"We've identified his likely location," Spencer Reid began, gesturing to the map on the screen. "An abandoned industrial complex on the outskirts of town. The devices he's planted suggest meticulous planning and a need for control. This is his stronghold."
Emily nodded, her gaze steady. "SWAT's on their way. We'll need their expertise to handle this safely."
The room shifted as the team prepared to move out. JJ gave Emily a quick update. "SWAT will be here in fifteen. Derek's leading the team."
Emily's heart gave a small jolt at the mention of his name, but she kept her face neutral. Moments later, Derek Morgan entered, exuding the same confident energy that had made him indispensable to the BAU. Now the head of SWAT, he still had that magnetic presence—and a particular effect on Emily.
"Unit Chief Prentiss," he greeted with a smirk that only she could decode.
"Commander Morgan," she replied, her tone professional but her eyes betraying a flicker of something deeper.
Together, they briefed the combined teams, laying out every detail. Maps, profiles, and assignments were distributed, and the plan was clear.
"The Architect thrives on chaos," Emily warned. "Stay focused, stay safe. We're bringing him in today."
Derek met her gaze across the room, his unspoken promise clear: I've got your back.
The operation unfolded at dusk. The industrial complex loomed ahead, its broken windows and rusted beams adding to the tension. BAU and SWAT teams moved in tandem, clearing the building with precision. On the fourth floor, the unsub's lair came into view. Monitors displayed live feeds from his planted bombs, wires snaking across the room like a deadly puzzle.
"Trap," Derek muttered, spotting a blinking device on the desk. The bomb's timer was ticking down. Without hesitation, Derek lunged for it, his instincts driving him to protect his team.
"Derek, no!" Emily screamed into her comms.
He hurled the device as far as he could, but the explosion erupted mid-air, the force throwing him against a concrete pillar. Smoke and debris filled the space as chaos erupted.
"Man down!" someone yelled.
Emily's heart stopped. She pushed through the chaos, reaching Derek just as paramedics arrived. Blood seeped through his SWAT vest, and his breathing was shallow.
"Stay with me, Derek," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Hours later, with the unsub in custody, their BAU family rushed to the hospital. The waiting room was silent, each member lost in their thoughts. Emily sat apart, her hands clenched tightly. When a surgeon and nurse entered, scanning the room, Emily's heart dropped.
"Mrs. Morgan?" the surgeon called.
Time seemed to stop. The BAU exchanged wide-eyed glances, their collective brilliance piecing it together instantly. Emily rose, her focus solely on the doctor.
"We need your consent for a high-risk operation," the surgeon explained. "There's a forty percent chance of survival."
Emily's voice was barely audible. "Do whatever it takes."
Four agonizing hours passed. The surgeon returned with cautious optimism. "The operation was a success. The next 48 hours are critical, but he's stable for now."
Emily exhaled shakily, relief washing over her. She relayed the news to Derek's SWAT family, then returned to her team. Garcia was the first to break the silence.
"Mrs. Morgan, huh?" she teased gently, her voice a balm against the tension.
Emily gave a soft laugh, her exhaustion evident. "Guess the cat's out of the bag."
The room erupted into light-hearted teasing.
"I knew it!" Garcia declared triumphantly. "There was always something between you two! The way you looked at each other… I'm a profiler too, you know."
"You knew nothing," Rossi said, though he smirked. "I just want to know how you kept it a secret this long. Impressive."
JJ grinned. "This explains why you've been flying under the radar for the last few years. Any other surprises we should know about?"
"Like a secret island wedding?" Reid added, looking genuinely curious.
Emily held up her hands, laughing despite the tension still lingering in her chest. "All right, enough! You've had your fun."
"Not even close," Garcia quipped, winking. "But we'll let it slide. For now."
Flashback
Emily had agonized over the details for days. Should she choose a fancy restaurant or something more casual? Would Derek prefer elegance or a place with more character? Finally, she settled on a cozy, tucked-away pub in central London—authentic, warm, and unpretentious, just like Derek. She arrived early, her nerves tingling as she chose a corner booth where they could talk without interruptions.
When Derek walked in, every thought she'd rehearsed disappeared. His broad smile, the way his eyes lit up when they found hers, melted her worries. He strode over, wrapping her in a hug that felt like coming home.
"This place is perfect," he said, his deep voice sending a thrill through her. "It's so... you."
Emily chuckled nervously. "I hoped you'd like it."
As they settled in, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Derek told stories about his SWAT training, sharing moments of humor and camaraderie. Emily countered with tales of her Interpol escapades, painting vivid pictures of international intrigue. They laughed until their sides hurt, and when the conversation turned serious, they leaned in, their voices dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"What made you pick this place?" Derek asked, his gaze warm.
"It felt right," Emily admitted. "Like a place where... things could begin."
Derek smiled, his hand brushing hers on the table. "So, what do you think? Too late to start something now?"
Her heart skipped a beat, but she kept her voice steady. "Never too late."
As the night wore on, the pub grew quieter, the crowd thinning. Derek ordered dessert—a sticky toffee pudding that they shared, their spoons clinking in the small dish. When they stepped outside, the chill of the London night wrapped around them, but Emily hardly noticed.
"Can I walk you home?" Derek asked, his voice soft.
Emily hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding. "I'd like that."
They strolled through the cobblestone streets, the city's lights casting a golden glow. When they reached her doorstep, they paused, the air between them charged. Derek reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"I've wanted to do this for years," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Before she could reply, his lips met hers in a kiss that was tender, tentative, and perfect. When they pulled apart, Emily's cheeks were flushed, and Derek's smile was brighter than ever.
"Definitely worth the wait," he said.
Emily laughed softly. "Goodnight, Derek."
"Goodnight, Emily," he replied, his eyes lingering on her as she disappeared inside.
She closed the door, leaning against it with a dreamy smile. For the first time in years, Emily Prentiss allowed herself to believe in the possibility of something more.
Their relationship was built on effort and resilience. One weekend, Derek would hop on a plane to London, surprising her with flowers and stolen moments. The next, Emily would fly to D.C., slipping into his arms as if no time had passed. Every reunion felt like a quiet victory, a testament to their commitment.
One of her favorite memories was from a particularly long stretch between visits when the loneliness felt heavier than usual. One evening, as the London skyline twinkled from her flat, her phone buzzed with an incoming video call. Derek's smiling face appeared on the screen, his eyes lighting up as soon as he saw her.
"You're up late," he teased, already knowing her habit of late-night work.
Emily smiled, relieved to see him. "I missed you," she admitted, her voice softer than usual. The distance between them always made moments like these feel more profound.
"Missed you more," Derek replied, his voice warm, comforting. "I've got a surprise for you next weekend. Start packing your bags."
Emily arched an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "A surprise, huh? Does this mean you're flying me to some tropical paradise?"
Derek's grin was wide, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Not exactly. But trust me, it'll be worth it."
A few days later, Emily found herself in D.C., not entirely sure what to expect. Derek had picked her up from the airport with a grin and a promise of "something special," but wouldn't reveal any more details. They drove in comfortable silence, the city lights flickering past. When they arrived at a quaint, hidden-away restaurant in the city, Derek led her inside.
"It's a place I've always wanted to bring you," Derek said as they stepped into the candle-lit interior, filled with quiet laughter and clinking glasses. It wasn't a grand gesture. But to Emily, it was everything. A reminder that the love they shared didn't need extravagance to feel monumental. It was in the moments that only they understood.
After a quiet dinner, Derek insisted they take a walk. The crisp air felt refreshing as they strolled down the streets, their steps in sync. At a small park near the water, Derek stopped, turning to face her.
"Sometimes I wonder how long we can keep this up," he said, his voice quiet. "But then I see you, and I know I'd fly a thousand miles just for this."
Emily's eyes softened, her heart swelling with affection. She pulled him into a brief embrace. "I know what you mean," she whispered, the weight of the words settling between them.
Derek kissed her forehead, his hands resting gently on her shoulders. They stood there, content in their silence, knowing they would always make the effort, no matter the distance between them.
Later, they took a drive through the countryside, just outside D.C. One of the rare weekends when they had no agenda, no case to handle. Emily had always been fond of the quiet moments, and this was one of the best. When they stopped by a lake, they sat on the dock, their fingers intertwined as they watched the sun dip below the horizon. The peacefulness of it all mirrored the calm that settled between them.
"You know," Derek started, his voice reflective, "this is perfect. You and me. Doesn't matter where we are."
Emily smiled, her head resting against his shoulder. "It really doesn't."
In another quiet moment, Emily recalled the week Derek had shown up unannounced at her London flat. She had been working long hours, exhaustion clinging to her, when the doorbell rang. She opened it to find him standing there, his familiar grin spreading across his face.
"I had to see you," he said simply, as if that was all that needed to be said. They spent the night talking about everything and nothing, the long-distance routine temporarily suspended in favor of being together, sharing in the small, everyday moments.
As time went on, their visits became more frequent, their bond deepened, and each goodbye was never quite as painful. They had found a rhythm, a routine that worked despite the distance. They knew the time would come when they wouldn't need to say goodbye at all. For now, though, they treasured these stolen moments, knowing that no matter how far apart they were, their connection was unbreakable.
The promise of their future together was always just beyond the horizon, waiting for them both.
After years of long-distance, Derek and Emily decided it was time to make things official. They planned a small, private ceremony in the French countryside, away from prying eyes. Only the closest family members were invited: Fran, Derek's mother, his sisters Desiree and Sarah, and Emily's parents, Elizabeth and Joseph Prentiss. Even their families didn't know all the details until they arrived.
The ceremony was held in a secluded vineyard at sunset. Emily wore a simple, elegant dress, and Derek looked dashing in a tailored suit. As they exchanged vows, their voices trembled with emotion.
"I never thought I'd find someone who understands me the way you do," Derek said, his voice steady despite the tears glistening in his eyes. "You're my partner, my best friend, my everything."
Emily smiled, her own tears falling. "You've shown me what it means to love and be loved unconditionally. I promise to stand by you, through every challenge and every joy."
Their kiss sealed their vows, the vineyard bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. Later, over wine and laughter, their families toasted to their love, though Derek's sisters teased them mercilessly for keeping it a secret for so long.
"Classic you," Sarah said, shaking her head with a grin. "Always keeping us on our toes."
Emily laughed. "We just wanted it to be ours for a little while."
"And now it's forever," Derek added, pulling Emily close.
The evening was filled with warm, intimate moments—stories shared, jokes exchanged, and more than one heartfelt toast. Emily found herself laughing alongside Derek's sisters, who seemed just as delighted as she was by the surprise.
"I swear," Sarah said, sipping her wine, "you two are the most sneaky people I know. But this... this was perfect."
Derek chuckled. "What can I say? We've been practicing being undercover."
"Undercover, indeed," Emily teased, glancing at Derek.
As the evening unfolded, Emily had quiet, private moments with her parents. Elizabeth, always the elegant matriarch, took Emily's hand in hers, her voice soft with emotion.
"I'm so proud of you, sweetheart," Elizabeth said, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at her daughter. "You've found someone who truly understands you. I've never seen you like this before."
Emily's heart swelled, the weight of her mother's words settling deep within her. "I've never been this sure of anything, Mom. It feels right. Derek... he's everything I never knew I needed."
Elizabeth pulled her daughter into a tight hug. "I can see that. He's a good man, Emily. You're lucky."
"I know," Emily whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Across the table, Joseph, Emily's father, was speaking to Derek. His gruff exterior softened in the quiet of the vineyard, and there was an earnestness in his eyes that Derek appreciated more than words could say.
"I wasn't sure about you at first, Derek," Joseph admitted, his voice low. "But seeing you with Emily... seeing how happy you make her... I know she's in good hands."
Derek met his father-in-law's gaze, his respect for the man deepening. "I'll always do my best to take care of her, sir. That's a promise."
Joseph gave him a firm nod, his hand resting on Derek's shoulder. "I know you will."
Later in the evening, Derek had a quiet moment with his mother, Fran. She had been his rock through so many challenges, and now, seeing her son marry the woman he loved, she could hardly contain her joy.
"Derek, you did good," Fran said, her voice trembling slightly as she wiped away a tear. "I've never seen you so happy. I always wanted you to find someone who could love you the way you deserve, and Emily—she's perfect for you."
Derek smiled, his arm around her shoulders as they stood together under the stars. "I didn't think it was possible to feel this way, Mom. I'm just... so grateful."
Fran kissed him on the cheek, her love for him evident in every word. "You deserve every happiness, Derek. I can see the love between you two. It's a beautiful thing."
Desiree and Sarah, ever the playful duo, pulled Derek away for a quick round of teasing. "Alright, we'll let you have your moment, Mom," Sarah said with a wink. "But don't get too sentimental, Derek. You've still got to survive the family dinner next week!"
Derek laughed, shaking his head. "You two are impossible."
As the night wore on, the conversation shifted to more memories. Derek's sisters shared stories of their childhood, and Emily's parents reminisced about the first time they had met Derek, how he had instantly won them over with his warmth and humor. They all laughed at the recollections, basking in the joy of the day.
When the evening wound down and the last of the guests began to depart, Emily and Derek found themselves alone, standing on the steps of the vineyard, the soft glow of the lanterns casting shadows over them.
"I can't believe we did it," Emily whispered, her voice a mixture of awe and contentment.
Derek pulled her into his arms, his chin resting on the top of her head. "We did," he said softly. "And now... it's just the beginning."
The quiet of the night wrapped around them like a blanket, and Emily felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in years. There was no more distance, no more secrets. They had finally found their way to this moment, and the future was wide open before them.
With a smile, Derek whispered, "I love you, Emily. More than you'll ever know."
"I love you too," she replied, her voice full of certainty. "And we're just getting started."
As the stars twinkled above and the sounds of the vineyard settled into silence, Emily and Derek knew their journey had only just begun. Together, surrounded by the love of their families, they were ready for whatever came next.
Twelve hours after Derek's surgery, Fran and his sisters, Desiree and Sarah, arrived at the hospital. The moment the doors opened, Emily stirred in her seat, where she had been quietly dozing, her hand still firmly intertwined with Derek's. The sterile scent of the hospital mixed with the warm, familiar presence of his family, and for a brief moment, Emily closed her eyes, feeling a sense of comfort she hadn't realized she'd been craving.
Fran's soft footsteps reached Emily's side. She didn't say anything at first, just stood there for a moment, observing her son's wife. Emily had always been a strong, confident woman, but in this moment, the vulnerability was undeniable. Her face was drawn from lack of sleep, and her eyes were rimmed with red from the stress, but there was something else—something in the way she looked at Derek that told Fran she had never been more certain of her feelings.
With a gentle touch, Fran placed a hand on Emily's shoulder, rousing her from her slumber.
"You need rest, Emily," Fran said softly, her voice full of warmth, concern, and motherly affection.
Emily blinked, her eyes slow to focus as she sat up. The tension in her shoulders was still present, and she took a deep, steadying breath. She hadn't left Derek's side in hours. She hadn't even realized she'd fallen asleep.
"I'm fine," Emily whispered, her voice hoarse. She glanced down at their joined hands and smiled softly. "I just... I didn't want to leave him alone."
Fran smiled, her eyes softening with understanding. She gently helped Emily to her feet, her movements tender, as though she knew how much Emily's body and heart had been through. "I know, sweetheart," she said quietly, her gaze lingering on Derek. "But you need to take care of yourself too."
Emily hesitated for a moment, her gaze never leaving Derek. She had been so focused on him, on his survival, that she had barely allowed herself to think about anything else. Slowly, she nodded, knowing that Fran was right. As she stood, Fran's eyes caught something she hadn't noticed before. A faint, almost imperceptible glow about Emily, something that wasn't there the last time they'd spoken.
Fran raised an eyebrow knowingly, her lips curling into a smile. She spoke softly, but there was a gleam of excitement in her eyes. "You're glowing," she said, a teasing, knowing tone to her voice. "Is there something you want to share?"
Emily froze, her breath catching for a moment, and her hand instinctively drifted to her stomach. She hadn't intended to keep this to herself, but it still felt surreal, especially in the middle of such a difficult time. The news had come at an unexpected moment, but the more she thought about it, the more she realized it felt right.
"I'm eight weeks," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Fran's face lit up instantly, her expression a mix of surprise, joy, and complete understanding. "Eight weeks?" she repeated, her voice trembling with emotion. "Derek's going to be thrilled."
Emily looked down at Derek again, her heart swelling with love. He was still unconscious, his face pale, but the machines were steady, and his chest rose and fell with the rhythm of life. She squeezed his hand tightly, as if trying to reassure herself that it wasn't just the shock of everything happening that made her feel this way.
"We've been talking about starting a family," Emily murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "Now, he just has to wake up to see it."
Fran placed a hand over Emily's, her gaze tender as she shared in the quiet moment. "He'll wake up, sweetheart. He's strong, and he's got a reason now to fight even harder. A little one to look forward to... I couldn't think of a better reason."
Emily nodded, her chest tightening with a mixture of fear and hope. She hadn't fully allowed herself to believe it until now, until Fran's words gave her the permission to feel joy instead of just worry. She thought of the little life growing inside her, of the future they could now build—together, as a family.
She would take each moment, each day, one step at a time. But for the first time in a long while, she wasn't walking alone.
Derek Morgan stirred awake, the sterile scent of the hospital room meeting his senses before his eyes fully opened. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor confirmed he was alive, albeit with aches he felt deep in his bones. His first coherent thought was gratitude—he had made it through whatever had landed him here. His second was Emily. He turned his head slowly and found her sitting by his side, her hand lightly resting on his.
"Hey, Sleeping Beauty," Emily said softly, her voice laced with relief and a tinge of humor. She leaned forward, her dark eyes glimmering with unshed tears. "You gave us quite the scare."
Derek attempted a small smile. "You know me, princess. Always trying to keep things interesting." His voice was hoarse, and he winced slightly at the effort. "How long was I out?"
"Two days," she replied, her hand tightening on his. "You've had us all on edge. But the doctors say you're going to be fine. You just need rest."
He studied her face, noticing something different in her expression. There was a warmth there, an added layer of softness he couldn't quite put his finger on. Then it hit him.
"Emily," he said, narrowing his eyes playfully. "You've got that glow."
She blinked in surprise, her cheeks coloring faintly. "What are you talking about?"
"I may be half-drugged and lying in a hospital bed, but I'm still a profiler," he said, his smile growing wider despite his exhaustion. "We're pregnant, aren't we?"
Emily's lips parted, and for a moment, she couldn't speak. Then, a slow smile spread across her face, her free hand instinctively moving to rest on her abdomen. "How do you always know?" she whispered.
Derek's laugh was weak but genuine. "It's what I do, princess. It's what I do."
Tears spilled down Emily's cheeks as she leaned in to press a kiss to his lips. "You're insufferable," she said fondly. "But yes. We're finally going to be parents, Derek. So, please, promise me that you will not put yourself in dangerous situations anymore! You've got a team with you, a very capable one."
Before they could delve further into the moment, the door burst open, and in walked Garcia and Reid. Garcia's bright outfit was almost blinding compared to the muted tones of the hospital room, and her arms were laden with balloons and flowers.
"Derek Morgan, you do not get to scare us like that ever again!" Garcia declared, setting the gifts down with a flourish. She marched over to his bedside and poked him lightly in the arm. "Do you hear me?"
Derek chuckled. "Loud and clear, Baby Girl."
Reid followed, holding a stack of books and a card. "We're glad you're okay, Derek. Though I have to say, statistically speaking, you've defied the odds quite a few times now. It's almost—"
"Reid," Emily interrupted, "this isn't the time for statistics."
Garcia's eyes darted between Derek and Emily, her suspicion piqued. "Wait a minute," she said, her hands on her hips. "Why do I feel like there's a secret I'm not in on?"
Reid perked up, his curiosity evident. "Oh, are we addressing the elephant in the room now?"
"What elephant?" Derek asked innocently, though his grin betrayed him.
"The one where you two got secretly married and didn't tell us!" Garcia exclaimed, pointing an accusatory finger at them. "Why do we have to find out about this union from a nurse calling Emily 'Mrs. Morgan'?"
Emily sighed, exchanging a glance with Derek. "We were going to tell you," she began.
"But?" Garcia pressed, leaning closer.
"But we wanted to keep it just ours for a little while," Derek finished. "It wasn't about keeping secrets. It was about enjoying something special without distractions."
Garcia looked between them, her expression softening. "You two are impossible," she said, tears brimming in her eyes. Then she broke into a wide smile. "But I'm so happy for you both. And you," she added, wagging a finger at Derek, "are officially forbidden from pulling any more stunts like this. You have a family to think about now."
Derek nodded solemnly, his eyes meeting Emily's. "I hear you, Baby Girl. Loud and clear."
Reid tilted his head. "Wait, does this mean… is there going to be a baby too?"
Emily laughed, covering her face with her hands, while Derek grinned proudly. "Way to ruin the surprise, Genius."
Garcia squealed, clapping her hands together. "Oh, this is the best news ever! We're planning a party the moment you're out of this hospital, Derek. And you have no say in it!"
Derek's laughter filled the room, joined by Emily's and even Reid's awkward chuckle. For a moment, the heaviness of the past few days lifted, replaced by warmth, love, and the promise of brighter days ahead.