Home Again

Sunlight filtered through the hospital windows, casting a soft glow over Makayla’s face as she sat on the edge of the bed. Emily was recovering in the room next door, the team had arrested the last of Travis Denton’s accomplices, and the storm had finally passed.

But something still lingered—an ache she couldn’t quite shake.

Derek entered quietly, holding two cups of coffee. “Hey, babygirl.”

She smiled, a real one this time. “You’re still calling me that?”

He shrugged, setting the coffee down. “It just fits. Besides, you never told me to stop.”

“I never will,” she said, her voice softer now.

He sat beside her, careful but close. “You were incredible back there. Brave. Strong.”

Makayla looked at him, eyes glistening. “I was terrified, Derek. But I wasn’t alone.”

“No,” he said, reaching for her hand. “You never will be again.”

For a moment, the world slowed. All the years, the distance, the pain—they all brought them here.

“I’ve loved you since we were kids,” Makayla whispered. “And I never stopped.”

Derek leaned in, eyes searching hers. “Took us long enough.”

Their lips met in a kiss that was tender but full of everything they hadn’t said for years—grief, hope, healing, love.

When they pulled apart, she leaned into his chest, his arms wrapping around her like home.

Outside the window, the sun rose a little higher.

Epilogue — One Year Later

Makayla laughed as she set a bowl of popcorn on the coffee table. Derek plopped down beside her, arm instinctively wrapping around her waist.

On the screen, Garcia and JJ waved from a Zoom call, the rest of the BAU chiming in with smiles, teasing remarks, and congratulations.

Makayla rested her head on Derek’s shoulder. “You ever think we’d end up here?”

He kissed the top of her head. “I didn’t know where I’d end up. But I knew I wanted it to be with you.”

The camera on the laptop flashed as Garcia snapped a virtual photo of them.

In the end, it wasn’t the bullets or the danger that changed them—it was love, stubborn and steady, waiting through the years to finally be claimed.

And now, they had it.

Together.

Forever.