You Are My Sunshine (Marcus Pike)

The Way Back Home

Summary: Marcus and Willow are traveling to Las Vegas to see Willow's mother before she becomes a mother herself.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Marcus asked Willow.

Willow kissed her husband. "Yes, Marcus. I want to see my mother one last time before the baby's born."

Marcus placed one of his hands on her bump and said, "I just don't want you to be uncomfortable."

"Marcus, I'm seven months pregnant. Either way, I'm going to be uncomfortable. At least this way we can stop when I need."

Marcus kissed her forehead. "If you're sure..."

Willow grabbed Marcus by his leather jacket and yanked him towards her. "Ask me again and I'll kick your ass, pregnant or not."

Marcus gulped and nodded.

Willow kissed him on the cheek and got in the car.

Since learning Willow was pregnant, Marcus had traded in his Mazda for a Range Rover. Willow was insistent that they not buy a soccer van and Marcus would do anything to make Willow happy, especially since she was carrying his child. He'd give her the moon if she asked him for it.

Marcus readjusted his leather jacket.

Since becoming pregnant, Willow was a force to be reckoned with. She was scary when she wasn't pregnant, but with the added hormones, she was terrifying.

He made sure the house was locked up before getting in the car. "Ready for a 36 hour car ride?" Marcus asked Willow.

Willow looked at him.

"We're breaking up the drive into five days."

"Oh thank god."

"Sweetheart, do you honestly think I'd subject you to 36 hours in a car? You're pregnant."

Willow leaned over and kissed him. "I love you."

Marcus smiled. "I love you too."

"Hope you like audiobooks," Willow said, grabbing the USB cord.

A few hours into the drive, Willow started to feel queasy. "Marcus, pull over."

Marcus pulled into a rest stop and Willow barely got out of the car before she threw up. Marcus rushed to her side and held her hair back.

Once Willow had emptied her stomach of everything in it, Marcus helped her sit down at a picnic bench. He ran back to the car and grabbed a cold water and some saltines he kept on hand at all times.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Marcus asked, "I don't want to put you through this if I don't have to. We can go home. Your mother will understand."

Diana's memory was deteriorating, so she wouldn't even remember they were coming to visit.

"I want to see her. I'll be okay. Just give me a few minutes." Willow drank her water and nibbled on the saltines. Marcus was saint for putting up with her. She couldn't have asked for a more understanding husband and father of her unborn child.

The closer they got to Las Vegas, the more introspective Willow became.

Las Vegas hadn't felt like home in a long time. The last time she considered it home was before her mother went into care.

As they drove to the hotel, memories hit her from her childhood.

Spending time with Spencer, the day her father left, the sweet moments she shared with her mother.

Back before everything was so complicated.

Before Willow had met the most amazing man who would love her despite all her issues.

Maybe it was the precious life in her stomach making her feel these things. Willow stroked her bump, feeling the baby move under her hand.

This child would be loved more than anything in the universe. They already had the best father they could ask for and countless aunts and uncles because of the BAU.

Willow and Marcus had asked Penelope and Rossi to be the godmother and godfather. Of course Morgan had teased Rossi about being a godfather since he had contacts in the mob. But Willow wouldn't trust her child with anyone else.

"Do you wanna go see your mom now? Or get some rest and see her tomorrow?" Marcus asked, snapping Willow out of her thoughts.

"Are you really asking your pregnant wife that question?"

Marcus laughed. "Hotel it is, then."