122AN: Thank you all for the kind, continued support. I am so sorry it took me so long for this update. But as you can see I'm really trying to get them out. I love you all.
PolHop
Penelope sat on the floor of the bathroom. She didn't know if it was the past few days catching up with her, or if the stress of the wedding was the cause of her recent stomach problems. If she had to guess it was probably Annabelle being taken by her crazy ex. Nonetheless, here she was two days later, sicker than she ever thought should could be.
Thankfully all the family was there to really pitch in. At this point, there was nothing left to do. All she and Derek needed was show up at the ceremony.
Leaning her head back to rest on the side of the tub, she closed her eyes and thought about how her and Derek's family meshed together so perfectly. After Annabelle was giving the okay from the paramedics they all made their way back to the house. Fran, and everyone, that stayed behind was there with open arms to welcome them back. Fran ran to Annabelle as if she were he own daughter, just to make sure she was truly okay. At this point it was hard to tell where one family ended and the other began.
Shaking her head, she thought of Payton. Stella was still pretty pissed at him, but, for all intents and purposes, she had forgiven him. In the end, all that mattered was Annabelle being safe, and Mike finally getting the help he needed.
There was no getting around it this time. Even if Annabelle didn't want to press charges, the fact Mike had kidnaped her and held her against her will, was enough for charges to be brought against him. Rossi really stepped up, though. Even though Mike had caused so many problems, Penelope couldn't see him be locked away, when what he really needed was help. Plus, Mike did have mental problems, no one denied that, but Payton, played a huge role in his final mental break. For that reason alone, Rossi pulled strings to get him the actual help he needed.
Opening her eyes, she felt her stomach curl and jerk. She jumped onto her knees, just making it to the toilet before the contents of her stomach made a reappearance.
"Pen, baby girl?"
Penelope looked to the door and then back to the toilet. There was no use in telling him to go away. Derek would be coming in in 3…2…1…
"Baby!" He rushed to her side, getting onto his knees next to her. "Why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling good?"
She turned to face him and with all the energy she could, she glared. Well at least she hoped it was a glare, but seeing the smirk on Derek's face, she imagined she looked more amusing than a dangerous person that anyone should think twice about before annoying, "I guess it slipped my mind," she said.
Derek sat back on his butt pulling Penelope into his lap. He then rested her head on his shoulder. All she could do was snuggle into him, and at this point it was all she even wanted to do. "How long have you been sick?" he asked.
"Just yesterday and today," she admitted closing her eyes as she listened to his breathing. "I think it's just an unloading of everything that has happened." She felt Derek nod.
"Maybe," he said. "Do you want me to get Sarah?"
"No, Handsome. I'll be okay."
"I know she is just started her practice, but I'm sure she's pretty good at what she's doing. I mean I personally would never want her to treat me but-"
She slapped his chest. "Sarah is a fine doctor, Derek. I'm just saying I don't need to see anyone. It's just all the stress from Mike, Bella, and the wedding. I'll be fine by tomorrow." She lifted her head to look at him. Here was the man she loved. They had been through so much together from ups and downs, from stringless to strings – so, so many strings. "I love you, Derek Morgan."
His eyes shone, as his smile widened. "I love you, too, Penelope Morgan."
"Not yet." She laughed.
"You only get to say that for one more day," he countered.
Penelope sat upright in his lap. "And for that one day I am going to proudly hold onto that Garcia namesake."
Derek cupped her cheeks. Looking in his eyes, she saw so much love there. "You never have to lose your Garcia namesake," he said. "Changing your last name will never change your honor of your family. Hell. I'm even proud that they have welcomed me into the Garcia clan. I should be the one changing my last name to yours."
Penelope laughed. "Nah," she said. "If I change my last name, it'll make it easier to deny we know them."
"Plausible deniability." He threw his head back in laughter. "I like the way you think."
She settled into his body as he held her tight. This was all she needed to feel better. See she knew it wasn't anything more than simple stress.
"Penelope!"
They turned toward the door. "They're calling," Derek said.
"It'll never stop," she answered.
"You feeling better?" he asked, concern for her clearly being shown.
"I am, handsome. Thank you."
"Penelope! Derek! The twins are demanding you audience as they show us how they are gonna walk the rings down the aisle tomorrow," Preston yelled.
"Show time," Penelope said with a smile.
Derek stared at her. "You sure you're feeling up to it?"
She nodded. "Yeah, I actually feel one hundred present better. Clearly all I needed was a little Hot Stuff time."
"I'll give you a Hot Stuff," he said as he helped her stand.
"Damn right you will. Mama needs some lovin'."
He growled. "Don't start something we can't finish right now," he warned.
She leaned into his body rubbing against him. "What are you gonna do about it?" she teased.
Derek leaned down to kissed her, but she pushed herself off of him and ran to the bathroom door. "Too slow," she said as she walked out of the room laughing.
AN: I hope you all enjoyed it. We are finally getting to the good stuff.
