Previous part of Regarding Penelope.

***

Derek looked around him, taking in the beauty of the peaceful spring day. The park they were standing in was lovely. In all honesty, Derek was surprised at how J.J. had transformed the area into an outdoor wedding chapel, making nature's beauty even more striking.

Taking a deep breath, Derek could smell the orange blossoms in the air. The notes from the string ensemble danced across the wind giving the area an even more peaceful feeling. Smiling, Derek slipped his hand into his pocket to feel the ring residing there. Penelope would love it.

Seeing Reid fidget nervously, Derek leaned forward and whispered, "Never thought you'd see this day, did you?"

Reid shook his head, but any further conversation was put on hold as the music changed and the familiar strains of the wedding march filled the air. Reid and his attendants gave the coming women their attention.

Everyone smiled as J.J.'s niece happily tossed flowers all around the aisle with absolutely no rhyme or reason other than having a grand time. The flower girl was then followed by her sulking brother who marched up the aisle with the rings on a lacy pillow. It was obvious he thought he looked like a dork.

Next, came Emily. Already she was sniffling and it was obvious she'd never make it through the wedding without dissolving into tears. Derek's world dissolved, however, when Penelope started walking down the aisle. The two of them exchanged flirtatious grins before Penelope turned her attention back to the wedding. In spite of this, Derek never took his eyes off her and probably wouldn't have remembered to hand over the rings if Hotch hadn't elbowed him in the side.

Once the bride and groom exchanged vows and were pronounced man and wife, Penelope turned her attention back to her adoring chocolate Adonis. The couple kept their eyes on each other as the music for the recessional started and they came together to walk back down the aisle.

Leaning down, Derek whispered, "I have to talk to you."

"Do you, love bunny?" she teased back.

"I have a question to ask you."

Derek felt Penelope's body give a slight shiver as his breath tickled her ear.

"I'll have an answer for you," she promised.

"Think I'll like the answer?"

Stopping at the end of the aisle, Penelope looked up at him, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Depends on what kind of ring you got me, angelfish."

Derek laughed and pressed a quick kiss to her carefully styled curls. Starting forward once again, Derek was stopped as Penelope's body stiffened and she started to collapse. At the same time, he noticed that something wet had sprayed him in the face.

Turning to look at the goddess of his heart, it barely registered in the back of his mind that there was lots of screaming all around him. As time slowed, Derek saw the red round spot in the center of Penelope's forehead. It was the lifeless, glazed eyes, however, that held his attention.

Stumbling to his knees, Derek cradled Penelope's lifeless body begging her to look him in the eyes, to stay with him. Eventually, Derek was never sure how much time had passed, Hotch tried to pull her body out of his arms. Derek just tightened his grip and told Hotch to go to hell. No one could make him let her go.

"Derek," a beloved familiar voice said as a cool hand stroked his brow.

It was a cold, wet nose and a rough tough licking his chin, however, that brought Derek's eyes open.

"Clooney," Penelope admonished, pushing the dog back.

Turning back to find Derek's eyes upon her, Penelope leaned down and kissed his forehead.

"Derek, what's going on?"

"I had a nightmare," he replied, struggling to sit up.

Dropping back onto her heels, Penelope gave him a stern look. "You've been having nightmares for months now, hot stuff." Leaning forward, she took his face in her hands and added, "Derek, I'm worried about you."

Tilting his head, Derek kissed the palm of her hand before removing her hands from his face. Holding them tight in his hands, Derek bent forward and captured her lips with his.

"I'm fine, baby girl. I promise."

Detangling one of her hands from his, Penelope reached up and ran her thumb under his tired looking eyes.

"Even superheroes, like yourself need to sleep occasionally, sugar. If this keeps up, promise me you'll see a doctor."

"Pen…"

Placing her fingers over his lips, Penelope interrupted, "No, Derek. Promise! Maybe a doctor can give you some sleeping pills or something. Not sleeping isn't healthy."

Pulling her into his arms, Derek cradled her close to his chest. Kissing the top of her head, he conceded. "Alright, mama, you win. If I'm not getting more sleep by the end of the week, I'll make an appointment."

Hugging him tight, Penelope softly replied, "Thank you."

"This is your office," Derek said. Only because she knew him so well did Penelope know that there was worry mixed equally in his tone with excitement and happiness at having her back at work.

Taking a deep breath, she nodded. "Let's go meet Kevin Lynch."

Derek reached out and grasped her hand before leading Penelope into her office.

As soon as the couple walked in Kevin jumped up. He was beyond excited to finally meet Penelope Garcia. The instant he saw her, Kevin started to grin like an idiot. She was even prettier than he had imagined.

Derek saw the look and sent a glare Kevin's way. A glare that Kevin never saw being so enamored with staring at Penelope.

Not about to let Kevin get away with that, Derek dropped her hand and wrapped his arm around Penelope's waist pulling her closer to him.

"Baby girl, this is Kevin Lynch. Lynch, this is Penelope Garcia. You'll be working together for awhile until you're approved to work full-time. Which, the way you're going, it shouldn't be too long now," Derek added with a significant look at Kevin. This time, Kevin didn't miss it.

Turning, Penelope gave Derek grin. "Thank you, Handsome." Pulling away, she added, "I think we'll be fine."

Smiling back, Derek said, "Okay, Mama, I can take a hint." Pulling her back against him, Derek gave Penelope a short, yet lingering kiss. "I'll see you tonight, Baby girl."

As soon as Derek headed out the door, Penelope turned to Kevin with grin.

"Well, let's get started."

"Okay," Kevin agreed excitedly, ushering her towards the bank of computers.

Looking around the courtyard, Reid said, "What are we looking for exactly?"

"I don't know," Derek answered distractedly. "Something. Anything."

"This late the probability of finding any…"

"Damn it, Reid," Derek barked. "Put yourself in my position…"

"Garcia's my friend, too, Morgan. I want to see the man…"

"No! Reid. Penelope is not my friend. If J.J. was the one who was shot, would you care about probability?"

Reid nodded in understanding. "We won't work on any other case until we find the unsub."

"Thanks," Derek quickly replied before going back to his fruitless search.

"I need…" Derek came to a stop and looked around the small office. "Where's Garcia?"

"She's done for the day," Kevin replied, backing up into his chair. Despite Penelope telling him how wonderful Agent Morgan was, Kevin still had a healthy fear of the muscular agent.

"Oh, right. Well, I need you to compile me a list of every person who has bought a revolver in the area within the last year."

"Everyone?"

Crossing his arms across his chest, Derek narrowed his eyes and snapped, "Will that be a problem?"

"No," Kevin hurried to assure him. "It just might take me a while."

"Ask Garcia to help you tomorrow. She'll be able to get it done."

After making that pronouncement, Derek turned on his heels and left. Now alone, Kevin rolled his eyes and turned back to Penelope's babies to get the search started.

"Like I don't know how to run a search," Kevin muttered under his breath.

Unlocking the door, Derek stepped into his home, surprised at how silent it was.

"Hello," he called as he hung up his jacket.

When he got no answer, Derek pulled his gun out of its holster and started to make a check of the apartment. It didn't take him long to realize that the place was clear. Still worried, Derek replaced his gun and made another walk though the house looking for a note of some kind. Not finding any, Derek grabbed his jacket and headed out the door, determined to start a search for Penelope and his mother.

He hadn't even made it to his truck when he heard a familiar barking soon followed by a beloved voice calling, "Hey, Sugar! Did you just get home?"

Relief filled Derek as he flipped around to make sure his ears weren't deceiving him.

"Penelope!" he called, running over and crushing her against his chest.

Wrapping her arms around his waist, Penelope said, "Hot Stuff, what's wrong?"

Pulling back to look into her eyes, Derek said, "You weren't home."

"Fran and I took Clooney for a walk."

"You didn't leave a note."

"Derek, you're home early."

Pulling her back against him, Derek replied, "I didn't know where you were. Anything could have happened to you."

This time, Penelope pulled back to look into Derek's eyes. Placing a hand on each side of his face, she said, "Handsome, I'm an adult. For my own sake, I have to be able to go about without being scared."

"Pen…baby…I love you," Derek said slowly and firmly trying to make her understand his panic.

"Sweetness, I love you, too."

"Not just as a friend."

"I know," Penelope said with a smile before giving him a quick kiss. "I feel the same way about you. I worry about you on the job, Derek, but I don't want you to stop being you to make me feel better."

Understanding what she was saying to him, Derek nodded and pulled her into a close hug. Penelope didn't say anything, but just stood there holding him.

By the front door stood Fran holding firmly on to Clooney's leash trying to give the couple some privacy. Looking down at the dog next to her, Fran grinned and whispered, "It's about time. Huh, boy?"

Clooney seemed to realize the importance of keeping quiet because he only wagged his tail in response.

Derek woke, sweaty and panicked to find to large, brown eyes staring at him. This was quickly followed by Clooney licking the side of his face. Looking around, Derek realized they were alone. This time, his nightmare hadn't woken his mother or Penelope.

Reaching out Derek started to scratch Clooney behind his ear. Whispering, he said, "Were you worried about me, Cloon?"

Almost as if Clooney knew what he was talking about, the dog reached forward and pressed his cold, wet nose to Derek's cheek as if to confirm his master's suspicions.

"I'm starting to get worried about myself," Derek finally acknowledged.

***

Dr. Wesley McKnight was a man of habit. It came, he supposed, from having fifty-minute appointments that he had to watch the clock for and during the entire day. Once a day, however, he left his watch on his desk, set an alarm on his phone—so he could be back on time for his next appointment, and briefly left the world behind.

It was during this fleeting bit of normalcy that Derek found Dr. Wes sitting next to a small pond in the park, absentmindedly feeding the ducks pieces of stale bread while reading a book. Not allowing himself to back out, Derek hurried his steps so that he soon reached Dr. Wes' bench.

Not looking up from his book, Dr. Wes said, "Have a seat."

"I hope I'm not bothering you. Your secretary told me you usually eat lunch out here."

Hearing Derek's voice, Dr. Wes immediately bookmarked his place and sat his book down.

"This isn't about Penelope, is it?" Dr. Wes asked warily. He knew Derek worried about her but doctor/patient confidentiality kept him from being able to say anything.

"No…Yes," Derek corrected with a shake of his head. "But, not the way you think."

"Okay," Dr. Wes agreed. "Talk to me."

As Derek hesitated, Dr. Wes pulled his phone out of his pocket and said, "I still have twenty minutes of my lunch hour left. If you talk fast, they're all yours."

Since Derek was watching the ducks waddling around them instead of looking at Dr. Wes, he never noticed the other man turn off his alarm before shoving the phone back into his pocket.

"I've been having nightmares lately."

"When did they start?" Dr. Wes asked as he took a couple chips from a sandwich baggie.

Hearing the loud crunching, Derek turned his head to see what the psychiatrist was doing. Seeing Derek's inquisitive look, Dr. Wes handed over his bag of chips, offering to share. Derek just shook his head and went back to watching the ducks.

"Agent Morgan, when did you start having these nightmares?"

"The same week Penelope starting visiting you."

"Ah." After taking a swallow from his water bottle, Dr. Wes added, "When Penelope left your protective enclosure and started heading back to her potentially dangerous life at the Bureau."

"No! That's not…"

Dr. Wes just raised his eyebrows and waited.

Stuttering to a stop, Derek tried again.

"I worry about her. She's not trained to defend herself. Penelope…Penelope is supposed to be safe."

"But she wasn't."

"No. No, she wasn't. It was my fault," Derek added, looking over at the doctor. "She wouldn't have gone out with that guy if she wasn't trying to prove a point to me."

Dr. Wes nodded and popped a chip into his mouth.

Surprised by the silence, Derek asked, "You aren't going to ask me if I pulled the trigger?"

"No," he answered, shaking his head. "From what Penelope's told me and from what I've observed, you're a smart man, Agent Morgan. I don't need to tell you something you already know."

"So, it's not misplaced guilt that's causing my nightmares?"

"No, but you already knew that."

"Then what is it?"

"Fear."

Hearing the doctor answer with such certainty, Derek straightened up in surprise.

"Fear?"

"Yes." After shoving his now empty chip bag back into his brown paper lunch bag, Dr. Wes pulled out a bag of cookies. "Want one?"

"No…thank you. What do you mean fear?"

Sighing, Dr. Wes sat his cookie bag aside. "You're a man of action—of doing. I'm sure you don't like thinking of yourself as fearful, especially as that would impede your job."

"But…"

"But, Penelope's different. For you, she's all the classic clichés—the other half of your heart, the woman who settles you…you know what I mean. The idea of losing her, to you, is worse than dying yourself. In consequence, you try to protect her. At the moment, Penelope's as safe as she's going to get. But, as soon as she's cleared to go back to work, Agent Hotchner is going to make you start traveling with the team again. You won't be there to protect her."

"What do I do?" Derek whispered, looking back down at the ducks.

"Well, from where I sit, you have two options." Once Derek looked back at him, Dr. Wes continued. "You can keep going as you are or…have you ever used soap while bathing or are you more of a body gel kind of guy?"

"Excuse me?"

"It will make sense, I promise. Well, only if you've used soap."

"I've bathed with a bar of soap before," Derek reluctantly informed him.

"Oh, good." Turning to better meet Derek's eyes, Dr. Wes said, "Have you noticed that when wet, soap gets slippery?" As the question was rhetorical, Derek didn't try to answer and Dr. Wes didn't wait for him to do so. "But, the harder you try to hang onto it, the harder time you have doing so. It just keeps slipping out of your hands no matter how hard you try to keep a hold of it."

"The harder I hang onto Penelope, the more likely I am to lose her."

Dr. Wes nodded. "Having her leave would be worse that seeing her die, wouldn't it?"

Shoulders slumping in defeat, Derek asked, "So what's my other option?"

"Let go of the fear."

"And how do I do that?"

Dr. Wes laughed at the ironic tone.

"Yes, I know. It sounds easier than it is. The key, however, is to be free with your happiness. Don't horde it. Act as if it will last forever, but appreciate it as if it will be gone tomorrow."

Looking up into the clouds, Dr. Wes continued, "Henry Van Dyke once said…just a second. My wife's an English teacher and she's told me this quote a thousand times. Oh, I've got it. 'Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.' Keep that in mind Agent Morgan and I think you should be fine."

"That's all?" Derek asked with a grin.

"Well, that and capture the bastard who shot Penelope. That will definitely let you sleep easier at night."

"I've come to a dead end."

Looking back down at Derek, Dr. Wes said, "There is someone who knows what happened that night. Have you ever tried to ask her about it?"

"She would tell me if she could remember. I don't want to pressure her."

"I'm not suggesting you do." Taking a cookie out of his bag, he went on. "The mind is like this organic computer. The loss of blood corrupted Penelope's memory files. If she could find the right…key, she might be able to access some or even part of those memories."

"How would we do that?" Derek asked, genuinely interested.

"Memories are retrieved not just by words and phrases, but sight, sounds, tastes, touches, and even smells. If Penelope went back to the crime scene…"

Shaking his head no, Derek said, "We've already been to her place. Penelope didn't remember anything."

"Where did you take her? Did you walk by where she was shoot?"

"We went to the parking garage. Besides, maybe it's best that she doesn't remember. Penelope doesn't need those memories haunting her."

"They already haunt her, Agent Morgan. Remembering isn't going to make that much of a difference."

"Hey beautiful," Derek said with a grin as he walked into Penelope's office.

"Hello, handsome," she returned with a grin of her own.

Leaning down, Derek gave her a quick peck before asking, "Where's Lynch?"

"Kevin went to lunch. I stayed here and finished up that search you wanted."

This time, he gave her a lingering kiss.

"I knew you could do it, baby girl."

Smiling back, Penelope said, "I'm not sure what help it will be. There aren't a lot of buyers for revolvers and the ones I found are clean. Not a hair out of place."

Looking at the list she had brought up, Derek muttered, "Jason Battle. Now why does that name sound familiar?"

"Don't know, sugar. I've never heard of him."

That comment brought his attention back to his girl.

"So, what do you say to a date tonight? Just the two of us."

"Oh," Penelope groaned. "I would love to, but tonight's group therapy. I'm required to go to at least six weeks of those meetings."

"What? Why?"

"Evidently they're cracking down on mental health for our unit after what happened to Agent Greenaway."

"You remember that?"

"No," Penelope admitted. "I was just told that Agent Greenaway got shot and then had some problems dealing with it that led her to resign from the Bureau."

Derek gave her another kiss, glad that no one had told her everything surrounding Elle's departure. That was another thing he didn't think his goddess needed to remember.

"So, can I at least steal you for lunch?"

"Sorry, hot stuff. I have plans with your mom. We're having a girls' afternoon out."

"Be easy on my credit card, baby."

Penelope just winked and gave him another kiss.

Derek wasn't exactly sure where he was, but it looked like a police station. Looking around, he noticed a smarmy looking Sergeant staring right at him and cleaning a revolver. Walking closer, Derek tried to get a look at his name tag, but all he could see what that the Sergeant's last name started with a B. Before he could get any closer, however, the Sergeant lifted another gun, and shot Derek straight in the chest.
"Derek, are you alright?"

Blinking sleepily, Derek realized he was in his living room and had been watching the news with his mother before falling asleep.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he mumbled, rubbing a hand over his head. "I just had a weird dream."

"Well, you must be tired because we were watching the six o'clock news. It's not that late."

"I'm fine, Mom. I promise."

Fran just continued to stare, waiting for him to continue.

Smiling, Derek assured her once again that he was fine. "I could use your help though."

"Oh?"

"Tomorrow I'd like to try and access some memories."

"I'll be there," Fran assured her son. "I'll always be there."

"I know. Thanks."

Penelope tightened her grip on Derek's hand as they walked up the sidewalk to her apartment. She had readily agreed to this experiment when Derek had suggested it, but now that they were her at the sight of where she was shot—well, it was a little more unsettling than she thought it would be.

Derek squeezed her hand in reassurance before stopping them in front of the bloodstained stairs.

"Here we are," Derek announced. "Anything?"

Penelope looked around the courtyard, not quite comfortable with staring at the stairs just yet.

Sensing her unease, Clooney nudged away from Fran's side and slipped his head under Penelope's hand. Feeling the soft fur of the lab's head, Penelope smiled. Her courage now reinforced, Penelope looked down at the sidewalk.

Nothing.

Shaking her head in disappointment, Penelope looked up at Derek.

"I'm sorry…"

"Hey," Derek interrupted, pulling her close. "Baby girl, there is nothing for you to be sorry about. We'll figure this out. With or without your memories, okay."

"Okay."

Fran looking down at the stain said, "I just can't believe that some man stood there and shot you after taking you to dinner. Why go to that length of a deception?"

Anything else Fran might have said or Derek might have said in reply was instantly cut off as Penelope suddenly went pale and started to sway.

Holding her close, Derek said, "Goddess, what's wrong?"

"JCB."

"What?"

"JCB! It suddenly came to me," Penelope explained. "The man who shot me. His initials are JCB!"

Repeated the initials over and over in his mind, everything suddenly clicked.

"Son of a bitch!"

"Derek!" Fran reprimanded.

"I know who did it!"

"What?" Penelope and Fran exclaimed together.

"I'll explain later. In the mean time," Derek said, pulling Penelope's keys out of his pocket. "Both of you go into the house." Handing his gun to his mother, he then asked, "Mom, you remember how to use this, right?"

"Yes, but…"

"I want you two to take Clooney and lock yourselves in Pen's apartment. Just to be safe. Do not open the door for anyone but me. Okay?"

Both women nodded as Derek turned to hurry back to his car.

"Derek," Fran called, stopping him in his tracks. "What should we do while you're gone?"

Smiling, he said, "Pack."

"Pack?" Penelope asked.

Running back, Derek pulled Penelope into a heart stopping kiss.

"Pack," he affirmed.

"Why?"

"Because I'm going to ask you to marry me when I get back."

And with that, Derek was gone.

Turning to each other, the women shared a grin.

"Let's go see if I have any boxes," Penelope replied, leading the way inside.

***

"Thanks for coming," Derek said as he put the vehicle into drive, not even waiting for Reid to finish buckling his seatbelt.

"No problem," Reid replied as latched his seatbelt. "Where are we going?"

"I figured out who shot Penelope."

"What? How?"

"I took Pen to her apartment. When she saw the bloodstain, she remembered the initials 'JCB.' Those are the same initials of a cop who came by asking for his files that Penelope flagged. Lynch gave me a copy of the files. I looked over them, but it never really sank in until she remembered her shooter's initials."

"JCB…"

"Jason Clark Battle."

"Battle thought Garcia knew something," Reid said thoughtfully.

"Right," Derek agreed. "I thought about it all the way over to your place. Battle shot the victims in his cases."

"An Angel of Death"

"Right," Derek answered tersely.

"He thought Garcia was on to him because she flagged the cases." Glancing at Derek out of the corner of his eye, Reid cautiously asked, "Do we know why she flagged the cases?"

Derek shook his head. "Pen doesn't have any memory of that."

Reid nodded, but he wondered if Morgan had actually asked Garcia. Not that it really mattered either way.

"She probably thought she was helping," Reid offered.

Derek just grunted in acknowledgment. He didn't feel the need for any further conversation. They had arrived at Battle's station.

"Did you bring your gun?" Derek asked as he climbed out of the cab.

"Yes," Reid replied, hurrying to catch up with his friend.

"Good. We might need it."

Reid was not feeling good about this.

"So, this is my apartment," Penelope muttered as she looked around the room. "Quirky."

Fran burst into laughter.

Turning, Penelope looked at her friend and mother figure in surprised.

Fran shook her head to show she meant no offense. Once she got control of her laughter, she said, "That's exactly what I said when I saw it the first time."

"What did Derek say?"

"He loves it. He said it was completely you."

Penelope grinned.

"Clooney, what are you doing?" Penelope asked the curious dog.

Clooney, who usually responded immediately to her voice, just kept wandering around sniffing various things.

Shaking her head at the dog, Penelope added, "Just don't mark anything, Cloon."

Clooney wagged his tail, but neither woman took that as an agreement. Instead, it seemed as if the dog was just humoring his people.

The desk sergeant on duty looked up in surprise at the two men making their way towards her with grim looks on their faces. The larger, dark skinned man spoke for him and his partner both as he raised his badge and quickly glanced around the area.

"We're looking for Jason Clark Battle."

"He just got back from patrol."

Derek didn't wait to hear anything else the girl might say. Instead he followed her pointing finger and headed off.

"Thanks," Reid threw over his shoulder as he hurried after his angry partner.

As they went after Sergeant Battle, it occurred to the girl on duty that she was very glad she wasn't Battle.

"What's this?" Penelope asked as she rubbed a hand along the small, metal box.

Flipping the switch on, Fran replied, "A Super 8 movie projector. I haven't seen one of these in a long time."

Staring intently at the home movie being projected before her eyes, Penelope muttered, "That's my dad."

"It looks like you two were close," Fran said as she put a comforting arm around Penelope's shoulder.

"Do you know where my parents are?"

"No. From what Derek said, I believe they died several years ago."

"I remember…something about my parents."

"What?" Fran asked quietly, trying not to interrupt Penelope's concentration.

"I-I wanted to fight crime. That worried my parents. I don't know why though."

Giving her daughter a hug, Fran replied, "As the mother of a crime fighter, I think I know why."

Then, for the first time since losing her memory, Penelope cried for the loss of her family. Fran just pulled her close and rocked her lightly as Penelope let her feelings out.

While he had no telekinetic ability, everyone in Derek's path immediately jumped back as if his glare alone shoved them out of the way. Reid quickly followed in his friend's wake and hoped against hope that he wouldn't have to use his gun.

Whereas everyone else in the station seemed to know that Derek was on a rampage, the object of his anger didn't seem to have any idea or didn't care. Either way, Jason Clark Battle was rather surprised when his conversation with a fellow officer was quickly cut off by Derek picking him up and slamming him into a nearby wall.

"What the…" Battle started to exclaim. Derek's arm slamming against his windpipe, however, made it harder for him to finish.

Keeping Battle against the wall, Derek pulled a picture out of his pocket and held it up for Battle to see. The picture itself was of Penelope trying to give Clooney a bath. Fran had taken the picture just last week and Derek kept a copy in his wallet.

In a tone that was a mix between a menacing growl and dangerous whisper, Derek snapped, "You recognize her, don't you?"

"I…" Battle tried to squawk.

"Of course you do, you bastard. And just so you know, I have proof and you're going away for a long time."

"Morgan," Reid worriedly pointed out. "He's turning blue."

Pulling back, Battle slipped down the wall panting heavily.

Watching Battle pulling himself to his feet, Derek glared at the other man and fought with himself.

Giving in to his feelings, Derek shrugged and said, "What the hell." With that, Derek brought back his fist and slammed it into Battle's face. As Battle's head banged back against the wall, everyone in the area could hear the crunch of bone breaking and saw blood start to flow from Battle's nose.

Deciding that Battle was incapacitated and having anymore contact with the former officer might further urge him to beat the crap out of Battle, Derek turned around to his partner.

"Arrest him, Reid. I'm going to go get some air."

Reid started to nod, but stopped, eyes going wide.

"Morgan! Gun!" Reid shouted as he pulled out his own weapon.

Battle, despite a room full of witnesses, pulled out his gun and aimed it at Derek's back.

Reid's warning startled him and Derek started to flip around in a defensive motion when a gunshot stopped him cold.

***

"Oh, my…" Penelope cut herself off coughing as she slammed her refrigerator door shut. "What was that smell?"

Fran moved around her and pulled the fridge door open only to quickly shut it once again.

"I forgot about your perishables."

"Huh?" Penelope asked, turning to look at the other woman.

"I've come by every week to dust and pick up your apartment, but I forgot all about your perishable food."

Laughing, Penelope replied, "I'm probably growing penicillin on the bread."

Pulling Penelope into a sideways hug, Fran asked, "Should we even bother trying to save the fridge?"

"Well, except for the smell, it's a lot nicer that Derek's."

"We'll open all the windows."

"I'll go see if I have any scarves to tie around our faces."

Being shot was a surreal experience, Derek decided. It hurt like hell, yet he was still standing upright so he knew it couldn't be that bad. Looking down at his arm, Derek realized that he now had an odd channel running along his upper arm. Absently, he wondered if that would scar and if it did, what Penelope would think.

The other officers running around and shouting brought Derek out of his reverie. Grasping his wound in an attempt to staunch the blood, Derek finally looked around.

It didn't take his eyes long to find Battle, slumped against the wall, eyes glazed with pain, but alive and well. That is, except for the bloody nose and the bullet hole through his forearm that had been holding the gun.

Turning to a shaken Reid, Derek quipped, "You missed."

Looking at his friend with large, disbelieving eyes, "You're alive!"

"So is he," Derek replied, gesturing with his head towards Battle.

Reid couldn't think of an appropriate answer to that.

"Penelope, what's taking you so long?" Fran asked as she walked into the bedroom.

Not replying, Penelope stayed where she was sitting on the floor next to her dresser. The bottom drawer was open with a few scarves hanging out. Penelope, on the other hand, was staring intently at an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper.

Curious, Fran leaned over future daughter-in-law's shoulder only to find her son smiling up at her without a shirt on and wearing chaps.

Fran burst into laughter.

"I can't believe you actually did it!"

Surprised, Penelope gave Fran a questioning look.

"Derek said you threatened to use Photoshop to put chaps on a picture of him. I am kind of surprised that he's wearing pants, however," Fran added.

Looking back down at the picture, Penelope replied, "I probably couldn't find a picture of him naked."

Realizing she just said that to Derek's mother, Penelope blushed bright red while Fran used the dresser to hold herself up while she laughed uncontrollably.

Reid sat in a nearby chair watching as the paramedic stitched up Derek's arm.

"I really think you should go to the hospital," the paramedic suggested once again.

"I'm fine," Derek roughly replied. "I have some errands I need to run before I go home."

"Should I get a cab?" Reid asked.

"No. You're coming with me."

"What are we doing?" Reid asked, both surprised and curious at his friend's demanding, slightly panicky tone.

"I sort of asked Pen to marry me. I need a ring."

"How can you 'sort of' ask someone to marry you?" the paramedic asked, confusion overriding his tone, as he wrapped Derek's wound.

"Are you almost done," Derek replied snappily.

Reid started to grin. Finally he had something to tease Morgan about. While Garcia was sick, Reid didn't think teasing Morgan was appropriated. But now, now that Morgan was evidently dragging him on a ring finding expedition; well, he was going to have fun with this!

"He has a point, Morgan. How did you sort of ask Garcia to marry you?"

Glaring, Derek tried to stare the younger man down. When Reid didn't cave, Derek sighed and finally answered.

"I told her I'd ask her when I got back."

"There goes the surprise value," the paramedic teased.

Turning his head, Derek leveled a full glare at the paramedic while he growled, "Are you done yet?"

Smiling, despite the threat of loss of life and limb, the paramedic placed a final piece of tape and stepped back.

"All done."

"Good."

"Watermelon?" Fran guessed as she pulled the top off a dish full of pinkish looking lumps.

Squinting at the molding mess, Penelope replied, "I don't know. Watermelon wasn't in season when I would have stored that."

"I don't want to know," Fran said as she dropped the entire thing into the trash can.

With as moldy as the dishes were in the refrigerator, both Penelope and Fran agreed to not even bother trying to clean them. Besides, Penelope had pointed out, with Derek's dishes they wouldn't need the moldy ones.

Peeling off her dish-washing gloves, Penelope said, "Let's take a break."

"Sounds good," Fran agreed as she too took off her gloves. "The news should be starting soon."

"There might be a story about the arrest," Penelope said hopefully.

"That's what I'm hoping."

"Do you think we should call Garcia?" Reid asked. "Let her know you're going to be awhile?"

"Damn, you're right," Derek replied, fidgeting nervously. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he quickly dialed her number. It wasn't long before he heard his baby girl's voice over the line.

"Hello," she answered distractedly.

"Penelope, what's wrong?"

"Huh? Oh, nothing. Fran and I were watching the news." Derek could then hear his mother's voice saying something to Penelope, but he couldn't make out the words. Whatever it was, however, didn't stop their conversation.

"Were you able to arrest, JCB?"

"Yes," Derek offhandedly replied. "What's going on over there?"

"I told you, handsome. We're watching the news."

As the playful tone was back in her voice, Derek relaxed a little, but he didn't relent.

"Baby girl…"

"My brother, Senator Garcia, is the subject of a federal investigation."

"What?"

"You didn't know?" Penelope asked, surprised at his response.

"No! Why should I have?"

"You were angry. Fran and I thought you might have called in some favors."

"That's what you were talking about."

"Um hum."

"Makes me wish I had done something now."

"Well, sexy, you can make it up to me when you get home," Penelope purred.

Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, Derek replied, "I'm going to be awhile."

"Are you okay?" she asked, instantly worried.

"I'm fine," Derek quickly assured her. "I just have to run some errands with Reid."

"Reid's with you?" Penelope was pleasantly surprised by that. She had thought Derek had gone all maverick agent on her and ran off to confront JCB alone.

Teasing, Derek replied, "I didn't think you'd find a honeymoon in lockup as very romantic."

"No, I wouldn't," she teased back. Turning serious, Penelope added, "I'm glad you took backup, Derek. I love you."

"I love you too, goddess."

Jay McCabe had been in the jewelry business for years. Seeing the two men walk into his store he knew instantly who was there to buy and who was there for moral support. Many women would be surprised at how many men bring along their friends when picking out the most important piece of jewelry they would ever buy!

Instantly going into salesman mode, Jay oozed over to the soon to be engaged man and said, "Can be of service to you today?"

Derek fidgeted and rubbed one hand over his head. Reid grinned delightedly. This was more fun that he had previously anticipated.

"I…ah…I'm looking for a ring."

"Anything in particular?"

"Something shiny," Derek quickly replied.

Jay stood stalk still. Usually, the groom-to-be specified what gem stone, metal, or price value. "Shiny" was not one of the standard answers.

Feeling like he needed to explain, Derek added, "Pen…she would just…she should have a ring on her finger that sparkles. Like her," he added with a goofy grin.

Jay inwardly sighed. "One of those," he thought to himself. The man who gets a ring to "match" his love. Usually it was in relation to the girl's eyes, but this was the same idea. These men never knew anything about quality jewelry.

"Princess cut," Derek said thoughtfully. "The main diamond needs to be princess cut."

"Because there is no 'goddess cut'?" Reid teased.

"That's right," Derek answered with a grin.

Jay looked at the man before him thoughtful before nodding. "I think I know what you're looking for."

Derek and Reid followed Jay over to a case which he then unlocked before pulling out a tray of diamond rings.

"This is an antique style ring. The main diamond is over 2 carets with no visible inclusions."

Derek stared at the ring before him with a frown.

"I don't know. That…that just isn't her."

"Okay," Jay stiffly replied as he put the ring back.

Leaning on the counter Reid quoted with a grin, "The heart has reasons that reason does not understand."

Ignoring his friend, Derek replied, "Let's see something else."

Fifteen minutes later, after going through three different cases, and listening to Reid recite more quotes and poems on love than Derek thought there could possibly be, Derek finally found The Ring

"This one," Derek breathed as he picked up a ring.

"It's a princess cut and with all those diamonds it is shiny," Reid teased.

"With the side diamonds in a channel setting they won't catch on anything," Derek added.

Jay was surprised that a man who asked for a shiny ring knew what a channel setting was. Deciding that these men might know more than he originally thought, Jay's respect rose for them a notch.

Taking the ring from Derek, he said, "It's called an eternity ring. The solitaire is 1.52 carets, putting the entire weight of the diamonds at almost three carets."

"I don't need to know more," Derek said, interrupting Jay's obvious, soon to be long, diatribe. "This is it. This is my baby girl's ring."

"Cash or credit?" Jay asked, all business.

"Different flowers have different meanings," Reid said absently as he perused the various cold cases in the florist shop.

"That's right!" a perky florist said as she came in from the back. "Flowers can give all sorts of messages. An entire sentence can be captured in one bouquet. What is it you want to say?"

"I'm finally asking the woman I love to marry me," Derek replied with a grin.

"Well, you could go with red roses. They do represent the love of the sender."

"No, I want something different."

"How about tulips?" Reid suggested, pointing to a vase of variegated deep red and white tulips.

The flower girl, excitedly hurried to Reid's side. "Variegated tulips represent beautiful eyes."

"Pen does have gorgeous eyes," Derek informed her.

"Tulips themselves mean love and beauty or 'You have captured my heart with your beauty.'"

"I want some of those maroon and white variegated tulips with some of those purple tulips, too," Derek said as he pointed to another cooler with some deep plum tulips.

Smiling, the girl said, "The color of royalty."

"The ring he got is a princess cut," Reid teased.

Penelope glanced at the clock wondering where Derek could be. She and Fran had come back home several hours before and Derek still wasn't back. Sitting on the couch with Clooney curled up next her, Penelope scratched the dog's ears and worried that Derek was more hurt than he claimed.

Clooney, however, didn't seem the least bit worried.

The two of them had been sitting quietly on the couch for twenty minutes when Clooney suddenly jumped off the couch. Penelope followed him to the back door where Clooney started to whimper and scratch at the door like he did when he needed a bathroom break.

Penelope opened the door and Clooney hurriedly scurried out. Following him, Penelope stopped suddenly in the doorway upon seeing the deck.

Hearing the door open, Derek flipped around, startled, holding a lit match. Seeing Penelope standing there in her pajamas and heavy robe, Derek started to grin. Until the match burnt down to his fingers.

Quickly, he blew the flame out and dropped the spent match on the deck table. Walking forward, Derek wrapped his arms around Penelope and pulled her to him.

Reaching up on her tip toes, Penelope wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed Derek deeply.

"Where have you been?" she asked when the kiss ended.

"Buying you flowers."

Keeping an arm around his waist Penelope leaned over and fingered a tulip.

"They're beautiful."

Turning her around in his arms so that Penelope was snuggled with her back against his chest, Derek faced her towards her flowers. Leaning down so that his breath tickled her ear, Derek told her what why he picked tulips and what the tulips were saying.

Rotating around in Derek's arms, Penelope wrapped her arms around his neck. Snuggling into his chest she said, "Don't you have a question to ask me?"

Smiling, Derek kissed the top of her head.

"Baby, you have captured me heart and soul. You have captured me with your beauty, both inside and out. I can't imagine my life without you. And, I don't ever want to try. Will you marry me?"

"You bet ya, hot stuff," Penelope replied with a grin before pulling Derek into a kiss.

***

"I wish you didn't have to go," Penelope said as she pulled Fran into a fierce hug.

Returning the pressure, Fran replied, "You and Derek don't need me anymore. Moreover," she added as she pulled back with a smile, "I think you and my son would like some time alone without a parent looking over your shoulders."

Penelope blushed, but she didn't correct Fran. Instead she just hugged her again before stepping back to let Derek say good-bye to his mother.

Hugging Fran, Derek asked, "Are you sure you don't want us to drive you to the airport? It wouldn't be a problem."

Laughing, Fran stepped back. "Derek, the taxi is already here. I'll be fine. Anyway, you two have to get to work."

"Call me when you get in?"

"Of course, sweetie. Besides, I'll be back before you know it for the wedding."

"Be careful," Derek admonished as he helped Fran into the taxi.

Laughing, she pulled her son's face down to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I love you. Both of you," Fran added, meeting Penelope's eyes.

"We both love you, too, Fran," Penelope assured her with a grin.

Derek then shut the door. Walking back to his fiancée, Derek wrapped an arm around Penelope's waist and pulled her close as they watched Fran's taxi drive off.

"I'm going to miss her. I hadn't realized how much I missed seeing Mom until she stayed with us these past few months."

Giving him a comforting squeeze, Penelope replied, "Then we'll just have to visit Chicago more often."

Giving her a teasing grin, Derek added, "And once we give her grandkids, we won't be able to keep her away."

Laughing, Penelope retorted, "So that's why you want to marry me. You need a grandbaby making machine."

"You know it, baby girl," Derek teased before pulling her into a deep kiss.

"Oh…ah…hi, Penelope," Kevin said nervously as Penelope walked into the office.

"Hello, Kevin," she said with a smile, careful to show off her recently acquired jewelry.

"Agent Morgan finally asked you to marry him, huh?"

"Yes," Penelope agreed with a large smile.

"Congratulations," Kevin sighed.

Inwardly, he wondered why all the good ones were always already taken.

"Oh…ah…your mother-in-law…well, I guess soon to be mother-in-law…"

"Yes, Kevin," Penelope prompted with a grin.

"Well, Mrs. Morgan called and asked me to find where your parents were buried." Handing over a sheet of paper, he added, "That's the address of the cemetery. They're in California."

Looking down at the scrawling handwriting, the words started to blur before Penelope's eyes and she realized she was crying.

Blinking the tears away, she looked up at Kevin and whispered, "Thank you."

"Hotch, can I talk to you for a minute?" Derek asked as he poked his head into his boss's office.

Looking up from the endless paperwork he was working on, Hotch nodded. "Come on in. What can I do for you?" he asked as Derek settled down in a chair across from his desk.

"I asked Garcia to marry me this weekend."

"Have you decided on a date?"

"Not yet."

Leaning back in his chair, Hotch said, "I assume you didn't come in here to share the good news."

"Hotch, I know about the fraternization rules."

"Are you asking for an exemption?"

"I'm volunteering to move to another unit if that isn't possible."

Hotch didn't say anything for sometime, he just nodded. Finally, he replied, "I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you," Derek replied, standing up.

As he started to leave Hotch's office, Hotch said, "Oh, Morgan."

"Yes, sir?"

"Congratulations. I know you and Garcia will be very happy together."

"Thanks, Hotch," Derek said with a grin.

"Time for me to go," Penelope said, surprised, as she glanced at the clock.

"Starting next week, you'll get to stay here for a full eight hours," Kevin teased. "Think you'll be able to handle it?"

"I'll be fine, but Clooney's gotten used to having people around. I don't think he'll like being alone during the day once again."

Kevin laughed. "That dog's more like your baby than your pet."

"That's because Clooney doesn't seem to realize he's a dog," Penelope volleyed back with a grin.

"Are you still sort of engaged?" Reid asked with a grin.

"She said yes," Derek proudly informed his friend.

His grin widening, Reid quickly quoted Francis Bacon, "There was never proud man thought so absurdly well of himself, as the lover doth of the person loved; and therefore it was well said, That it is impossible to love, and to be wise."

Rolling his eyes, Derek replied, "Shut up."

Reid just laughed.

Penelope felt uncomfortable as the rather beautiful woman stood giving her a rather evaluating stare. Just as Penelope was about to take the stairs instead of continuing to wait for the elevator with the odd woman, she spoke.

"Are you Penelope Garcia?"

"Y-es," Penelope answered cautiously.

"I'm Agent Amber Bell."

"Nice to meet you."

Despite the words, both women knew Penelope wasn't thrilled with this meeting.

"That's a pretty ring." Before Penelope could say thank you, Amber went on. "Derek must feel really guilty."

"Excuse me." Penelope's tone was cold enough to flash freeze alcohol.

Sensing that her window of opportunity was evaporating, Amber grabbed Penelope's arm and pulled her to the side in an attempt to make their conversation more private.

"Derek feels guilty about you getting shot. In a way, it was his fault. If hadn't told you that a handsome man like Battle would never actually want to date you, you never would have gone on that date to prove him wrong."

Penelope wanted to argue or at the very least walk away, but she could seem to move her body.

"Obviously he was right and that only makes him feel even guiltier. You're the team's Technical Analysis. You never would have been in the line of fire if you weren't trying to prove Derek wrong."

Narrowing her eyes, Penelope dryly replied, "Did he tell you this?"

Giving her a look full of pity, Amber countered, "Look at you and then look at me. Really Garcia, do you honestly think a man like Derek Morgan would look twice at you under normal circumstances. People like Derek and I would never settle down, let alone with a person like you."

Penelope backed up, trying not to let this small woman's words get to her. But, like a poison, the words wormed their way into her brain and let doubts take up residence.

Placing what she evidently thought was a comforting hand on Penelope's arm, Amber went on. "I don't mean to be mean. I'm only doing this for your own good. It may hurt now, but imagine how much worse it would be later."

Not able to stand the sound of the other woman's voice any longer, Penelope pulled back and headed for the stairs. As she hurried away, Penelope tried to hold back her emotions as she didn't want that woman to see her cry.

Looking after the retreating figure, Amber called, "There's a lot of other fish in sea. Try to find someone in your own league. Like another Technical Analysis. I heard Kevin Lynch has a crush on you!"

Anything else Agent Amber Bell might have said was cut off as the door to the stairs slammed shut. Grabbing the railing, Penelope rushed down the stairs, tears streaming down her face.

Derek never thought he would be the type of guy who would be excited to come home to a woman, but as he parked his motorcycle, Derek decided coming home to Penelope was something he should have tried years ago.

"Baby girl, I'm home," he called as he pushed an upset Clooney away from him.

Not hearing an answering reply, Derek headed down the hall to the master bedroom to see if his girl was taking a nap. Upon entering the room, however, Derek stopped cold. All of her things were gone.

Rushing around the apartment, he soon found that was the case in every room. Pulling out his cell phone, Derek's eye caught a shiny reflection. Turning his head, Derek's heart dropped along with his phone.

Dropping on to the couch, Derek reached forward and gently picked up Penelope's engagement ring. Underneath it was a note that he was hesitant to read.

"Dear Derek," the note read in Penelope's distinctive hand. "I can never thank you enough for all you've done for me. I don't know what I would have done without you these last few months. It's time for me to take care of myself now. Penelope Garcia."

The note slipped from Derek's nerveless fingers and onto the floor.

Clooney, sensing his master's anguish, nuzzled Derek's hand with his nose.

That sympathy was enough to do in Derek's self-control. Penelope's ring grasped tightly in his hand, Derek broke down sobbing.

Penelope was sure how long she had been sitting in the café, she just knew it had been awhile. She couldn't go to her apartment, not after leaving Derek that note. He might track her down there. And going home…well, that was no longer an option.

Staring into her rapidly cooling coffee, she never noticed when someone joined her at the table until a hand lightly clasped one of hers.

Startled, she looked up into Spencer Reid's compassionate eyes.

Trying not to starting crying once again, Penelope sniffled and asked, "How did you find me?"

"You used to come here all the time before you were shot."

"Oh." Silence stretched for some minutes before she added, "What are you doing here?"

"Morgan's frantic. J.J. convinced him that we couldn't start a statewide search for you, but I thought you might need someone to talk to."

"Thanks," Penelope whispered, afraid that if she said anymore she'd lose her barely held control.

"What happened?" Reid asked after she didn't say anything else.

Instead of answering, Penelope asked, "Why did Derek ask me to marry him? I mean, look at me Reid. I'm not the kind of woman a guy like Derek Morgan falls for."

"Garcia, you're exactly the type of woman Morgan would fall for. You balance him. You challenge him. You make him laugh. No one makes him laugh like you do. I promise," Reid added as further proof.

Shaking her head, tears now leaking out her eyes, Penelope argued, "But before I got shot…"

"Things were different," Reid interrupted. "You both were hiding your feeling for each other. It was obvious to the rest of us. We are profilers and I am a genius."

Penelope grinned at that before once again looking sadly down at her coffee.

"Then why did I go on that date with Battle? Why did Derek and I argue over it?"

"Because Morgan was jealous and too scared to admit how he felt, and you were scared too. Garcia, your getting shot was a wake up call for Morgan. While you were in a coma, he wouldn't leave your side. It wasn't because he felt guilty," Reid quickly added, cutting off her protest.

"Morgan stayed because he loved you and he was trying to will you back to him."

Looking up at her friend, teary-eyed, Penelope asked, "Really?"

"Yeah." With a grin, Reid added, "You should have seen him at the jewelry store. He drove the jeweler nuts trying to find the perfect ring for you. In all the years I've known Morgan, I have never seen him so happy since you two started dating. You were made for each other."

Wiping away her tears, Penelope said, "Thank you, you sweet boy."

Squeezing her hand, Reid replied, "Anytime."

Derek lay on the sofa, staring at a blank TV while Clooney worriedly watched his master. Since he had found her apartment empty and J.J. assured him they could not start looking for her, Derek just felt numb. All the anger, all the worry was gone. At the moment, he was fairly certain he could never feel happy again.

As Derek wallowed in his misery, he heard a knock on the door. Deciding it was Reid or another member of the team whose pity he did not want to deal with, Derek didn't move.

Clooney, on the other hand, raced towards the door and started barking. Between the knocking and the barking, Derek pulled himself up and went to the door.

Standing on the other side was the last person he ever expected to see. Sure that it was some kind of dream, Derek stood still, just staring.

"Hey, sexy. I'm the team's new technical analysis. How can I help you?"

"By telling me you name, baby girl," Derek replied, tears pooling in his eyes as he remembered the first time they said that to each other.

Not waiting any longer, Penelope launched herself into Derek's waiting arms. Holding her tightly to him as if to prevent her from ever leaving him again, Derek rested his cheek on her head as he felt Penelope's tears soak the front of his shirt.

"Oh, Derek! I'm so sorry. I ran into Agent Bell and she started telling me all these awful things about you only wanting to be with me out of pity. I didn't believe her…but I was too scared not too."

Hugging her even closer to him, Derek said, "Oh, baby girl, that woman is a piranha. She poisons everything she touches. I dumped her and she didn't like that."

Looking up into his chocolate eyes, Penelope replied, "Baby, it's alright. I believe you. I'm sorry I ever doubted you for a second."

"No, baby, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I have such a past that would give you cause to doubt me."

Laughing through her tears, Penelope said, "Shut up and kiss me, gorgeous."

"Only if you'll marry me," Derek answered with a grin.

"I want nothing more in this world, sugar."

Letting go of her only long enough to put her ring back on her finger, Derek then scooped up his bride-to-be and carried her inside. She wasn't leaving his side for quite some time.

"Where are your things?" he asked as he kicked the door shut.

"In Esther."

"We'll get them tomorrow," Derek replied before crashing his lips against Penelope's in a long awaited kiss.

***

Section Chief Erin Strauss and Hotch exchanged stares, neither one willing to break eye contact. Strauss was surprised and yet at the same time impressed, with Hotch's backbone. She knew he wouldn't put his neck on the line like this if it were just for himself. She should give him credit for that, but she wouldn't.

Finally, leaning back in her chair, Strauss said, "How long has this been going on?"

"Not long. It seems that they didn't realize how important they were to each other until Agent Garcia was shot."

"I'm not sure I like the idea of those two getting married."

Hotch didn't even have to think, but quickly replied, "Their relationship has never caused any problems to the team. Except for their verbal banter, we wouldn't know anything was going on between Agents Morgan and Garcia."

"And yet, Agent Garcia asked me to 'talk dirty' to her," Strauss said with a raised eyebrow.

Hotch was glad he was so good at repressing his emotions. What he wouldn't give to have seen his team's reactions when that had happened. Morgan's face would have been priceless.

"I do not believe that she impeded the investigation in anyway. In fact…"

"Yes, I know Agent Hotchner," Strauss said, interrupting. "Agent Garcia has been invaluable to your team."

Hotch said nothing, but continued to look at her, waiting.

Finally, Strauss added, "There are no available transfers at the moment."

"None that wouldn't require a promotion," Hotch countered.

"Neither of them will get promoted," Strauss firmly argued.

"But, neither of them deserves to be demoted."

"And you would have all sorts of groups after me if I dared go after Agent Garcia with her recent memory loss."

"There would also be many groups upset if you went after Agent Morgan. He is a minority."

Strauss glared, but she knew she had been maneuvered into a corner.

"You win, Agent Hotchner. Agents Morgan and Garcia will be given an exception." Before Hotch could reply, Strauss added, "On one condition."

"That is?"

"Agent Garcia will now answer her phone professionally, no matter who is the caller."

"I'll have them sign the paperwork," Hotch quickly agreed, before hot footing it out of Strauss' office.

Fran walked along the grave stones carefully reading the inscriptions as she carried two small bouquets of flowers. It didn't take her long to get to the graves she was looking for. Kevin Lynch's directions were very good.

After setting the flowers on the respective graves, Fran took a step back, her eyes tracing the letters on the tombstones.

"I'm Fran Morgan. Your daughter is engaged to my son, Derek. I just wanted to stop by and say thank you. You both did a marvelous job with her. Penelope has been a gift. I don't know where my son would be without her."

Pausing, Fran wiped away the tears that had started running down her face.

"I want you to know that Penelope is in good hands. We will all take care of her. But, Derek and Penelope will take care of each other, so I know they'll be fine. I'm sorry I never got to meet either of you. Having met and come to love Penelope like I do, I'm sure we would have gotten along fine."

Hotch stepped out of his office and looked down at the bullpen at his team. Prentiss and J.J. were hanging onto Garcia's hand and gushing about the ring while asking for wedding details. Reid looked like he was teasing Morgan, but Morgan didn't look like he minded. Instead, Morgan had his arm wrapped around Garcia's waist and had her snuggled next to him. Garcia had a large smile across her face. Hotch had never seen either of them so happy before.

"Morgan, Garcia," he called, getting all the younger agents attention. "In my office."

With that, Hotch walked back into his office, leaving Morgan and Garcia to follow.

After exchanging a look with their friends, Derek grasped Penelope's hand in his before leading her up to Hotch's office.

Once they had shut the door and settled in to chair across from him, Hotch finally spoke.

"I just got an update on Battle."

Derek squeezed Penelope's hand, hoping to give her comfort. Really, she was more worried about him. Derek had just barely started sleeping through the night without nightmares.

"He was beaten to death by another inmate. He won't be hurting anyone else ever again."

Penelope breathed a sigh of relief. Derek felt like he was finally able to breathe.

"Thanks, Hotch," Derek gratefully replied.

"One more thing," Hotch said before they could leave. "I spoke with Section Chief Erin Strauss about your upcoming wedding."

Once again, Derek tensed. This time, Penelope leaned into Derek in an effort to allow her touch to bring him comfort.

"She has agreed to give you an exemption and allow both of you to continue on the team if Garcia will now always answer the phone 'F.B.I. Technical Analysis Penelope Garcia.' Or Morgan, if you take his name," Hotch added to Penelope.

Blinking Derek asked, "That's it?"

"Will that be too difficult, Agent Morgan?"

"No sir!" Derek quickly replied.

"Agent Garcia?"

"I will now answer the phone correctly, sir," Penelope seriously agreed.

Hotch nodded and brought out the paperwork.

It didn't take Derek and Penelope long to sign the exemption and they soon found themselves outside of Hotch's office while Hotch went to get the paperwork processed before Strauss could change her mind.

Wrapping his arms around her waist, Derek said, "You know, baby girl, I'm going to miss our phone flirting."

Smiling, Penelope looped her arms around his neck.

"Hot stuff, I never said I wouldn't flirt with you anymore. I just agreed to say 'F.B.I. Technical Analysis Penelope Garcia' when answering the phone."

Slowly a grin spread across Derek's face. Just before leaning down to kiss her, Derek said, "Goddess, you are brilliant."

As her lips were then occupied, Penelope was unable to answer. But if she could have, she would have said, "I know!"

***

Epologue

"Alright everybody!" the DJ hollered over the noise of the reception hall. As the crowd started to quiet down, he added, "It's time for Mr. and Mrs. Morgan's first dance as husband and wife!"

That got everyone to cheer as grinning Derek led a smiling Penelope onto the dance floor.

As everyone quieted, waiting for the music, the DJ grinned mischievously. "Mr. and Mrs. Morgan picked a song, but I was paid hundred dollars by…" he paused, looking down at a piece of paper to make sure he got everybody. "J.J., Emily, Sarah, Desiree, and Fran to play this song instead."

As the music came on Penelope collapsed against Derek's chest laughing. She was joined in her laughter by many of their guests. There were also quite a few shouts for the couple to get dancing.

Derek, on the other hand, turned to look at the guilty parties. Giving them his best glare, he said, "I will get you for this."

Laughing, Fran shouted, "Derek, just dance with your beautiful wife!"

Looking down at the still giggling Penelope, Derek silently asked her what they should do.

Straightening up, Penelope replied, "Let's show them how it's done, handsome."

I like big buts and I cannot lie

You other brother's can't deny

Hotch, despite his absolute desire to not react, couldn't help but crack a smile—though he did keep from laughing—when Derek smacked Penelope's rear during the lyrics, "Baby got back!"

Rossi tried to keep a stony look upon his face, but eventually lost control and started to shake with laughter sometime around "Shake it!"

Reid, J.J., and Emily were standing next to Fran and Derek's sisters. Not a one of them even tried to hold in their laughter, but were leaning on each other trying to stay up right.

Just when Derek and Penelope were starting to get into a rhythm, and were really quite enjoying themselves, the music suddenly changed. Looking at each other, Derek smiled and pulled his bride to him. Penelope snuggled against him as they now danced to their actual wedding song.

Tell the repo man

And the stars above

That you're the one I love

You're the one I love

The one I love

Positioning himself behind her, Derek kissed Penelope's cheek before resting his hand on top of hers to cut the cake. Once they had a slice cut on a plate, Derek held it up letting Penelope feed him first.

Predictably, Penelope smudged it across his chin. Looking at him innocently, she replied, "Whoops!"

Grinning, Derek leaned forward saying, "You made the mess, you clean it up!"

With a cheeky grin, Penelope leaned forward and licked the icing away.

"Better, handsome?"

Instead of answering, Derek smeared cake and icing across her lips.

Laughing, Penelope started to lick it off when Derek leaned forward and caught her lips with his. When they finally broke apart, her lips were clean.

"I like this cake," Derek whispered. "It tastes like Penelope."

"Really, because I thought for certain that it tasted like Derek," she teased back.

"I guess we'll need to further experiment."

With that, Derek spread more icing across Penelope's lips before leaning in for another kiss.

"Single ladies, gather around," the DJ announced. "It's time for the bride to toss the bouquet!"

Sarah and Desiree dragged Emily and J.J. up to the gathered crowed of women, not about to let them "miss out" on this fun tradition.

Derek stood next to Penelope on the dais, and laughed as he watched the women before him. Some were elbowing each other out of the way, trying to get a good position. And then there was Emily and J.J. who almost looked embarrassed to be standing in the mist of the horde of desperate women.

As her back was turned to the women waiting, Penelope looked at Derek with a grin.

"Ready?"

"Do it, baby girl!"

With that, Penelope tossed her bouquet of deep red and purple tulips over her shoulder.

The single women waited crowded each other and jumped and shouted as they tried to grab the elusive item.

Emily's eyes widened as she saw it heading straight for her. Panicking, she raised her hands and knocked the bouquet away, causing it to land in J.J.'s hands. J.J., on the other hand, just stood there blankly staring at the flowers—that was until a woman tried to snatch them out of her hands. After slapping the greedy woman's hands away, J.J. looked up at the couple and grinned.

"Thanks, Penelope! Maybe they'll bring me some good luck!"

"I hope so," Penelope replied as she happily cuddled further into Derek's arms.

Smiling from his position behind the mike, the DJ said, "Come on bachelors! We can't leave you out. Gather around. The groom is going to toss the garter!"

Emily and J.J. immediately turned to Reid.

"Go on up, Spence," J.J. teased as she and Emily pulled him out of his chair.

"Oh…I don't think…"

"We had to do it," Emily sternly informed him. "Now it's your turn."

In a last ditch desperate attempt to not have to go up, Reid argued, "But, what about Rossi? He's single and he doesn't have to go up."

Letting go of Reid, Emily left J.J. to herd the reluctant genius towards the group and turned to grab Rossi's wrist.

Jumping back, Rossi shook his head no. "Agent Prentiss, I'm going to stay right here."

"It is tradition," Fran replied, leaning over the table. "Be a good sport."

Rossi turned to Fran Morgan and tried to stare her down. He found, however, where Derek got his stubbornness from. Feeling like a little boy being reprimanded by his mother, Rossi reluctantly stood up.

Emily, not about to let him change his mind, grabbed Rossi's arm and pulled him after a slowly moving J.J. and Reid.

The newly married couple, on the other hand, wasn't paying the least bit of attention to the crowd. Penelope was seated on a chair with Derek at her feet, waiting to retrieve the garter.

Rubbing her ankle, Derek said, "The reception's almost done."

Grinning, Penelope grabbed Derek's free hand and squeezed it.

"I can't wait," she whispered back sensually.

Any further banter was interrupted by the DJ announcing, "We've finally got all the bachelors gathered. Let's throw that garter!"

Grinning, Derek slipped his hands slowly up Penelope leg. His smile widened as she shivered at his touch.

Leaning forward, he kissed her knee.

"Enjoying yourself, baby girl?"

"Hot stuff, the quicker you remove that garter, the quicker this reception will be over, and the quicker we can get started on our honeymoon."

Hurrying up, Derek slipped the garter off. As he started to stand up, Derek whispered, "Eager?"

"You ain't seen nothin' yet, handsome!"

Grinning at his bride, Derek casually tossed the garter which flew across the crowd and landed on Rossi's head. As none of the men were as eager to get the garter as the women were to get the bouquet, they left the little piece of red elastic and lace on the older profiler's head.

While Rossi pulled the garter off his head with a horrified expression on his face, Reid hurried back to the table so the older man wouldn't see him laugh. As everyone else at the table wasn't bothering to hide their mirth, Reid soon had to give into his laughter.

Derek cradled Penelope close to him as they ran through the crowd of well-wishers happily throwing rice. Laughing, Derek pulled open the door to the limo and let Penelope in before quickly climbing in after her.

Cuddling his bride close to him as the driver pulled into the traffic, Derek sighed, "Finally, alone. No Clooney, no family, no friends, and no interruptions for an entire week!"

Looking up at her husband with big eyes, Penelope asked with practiced innocence, "Gorgeous, isn't there something better you could be doing with those beautiful lips of yours than yakking at me?"

Grinning, Derek pulled Penelope into a fierce and lingering kiss.

And they lived happily ever after!

Songs included were: Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-A-Lot, The One I Love by David Gray, and a reference to Bachnan Turner Overdrive's song You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet.

***