A/N; I consider this more a continuation than a sequel, if that's any real distinction. It picks up pretty much right after The Motorcycle Misadventure Recuperation. It should be evident early on that I've decided to go with the second ending. Just a short chapter to get the ball rolling. My thanks to everyone who read MMR. I hope you find this one as enjoyable. I own nothing from TBBT.
Leonard and Penny lay in bed together. She was cuddled up to him, with her head on his shoulder and her hand resting on his chest. Leonard had his arm around her shoulder, holding her close. The "We Just Got Engaged" sex had been incredible, Leonard thought to himself as he caught his breath. He looked down at Penny to see her looking back with a thoughtful expression on her face. "S'up?" Leonard said to his new fiancé.
"Hmm, just thinking about how and when we're going to tell our friends about the engagement," Penny said.
"Looking forward to all the gushing and crying when you tell the girls?"
"No! Well, yeah," Penny replied. "It was all I could do to keep from texting Amy on the drive home. But I'd rather tell them in person to see the looks on their faces."
"You could wait until Girl's Night, and tell Amy and Bernadette together," Leonard suggested. "The only problem is someone would notice the rings before that, and it would spoil your moment. Unless you want us to take them off until then?"
Penny lifted her hand from his chest to admire the heart-shaped diamond on her third finger. "No way am I taking this off, Hofstadter!"
In the end, Leonard and Penny decided to invite all their friends out for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory the next day. Getting a table reserved was no problem as Penny had gained some celebrity at her former place of employment. Penny spent Sunday afternoon skyping with her parents and family to let them in on the news. Leonard thought she looked a little pensive after ending the call to her sister.
"Everything okay?" he asked her.
"What? yeah it's fine," Penny replied. "When are you going to tell your family?" she asked him, to deflect further questions.
"I think I'll wait a couple days," Leonard said. Penny gave him an icy stare. "I will tell them," he assured her, "But I was thinking maybe you should tell my mother. You two seem to have a good rapport." Although he was thinking uncomfortably about the last time Penny had skyped with Beverly.
The newly engaged couple made sure to arrive ahead of their guests. Leonard had placed his ring on a chain around his neck while Penny sat with her right hand carefully clasped over her left to conceal her ring. Once they were all seated and had placed their orders, a glass of wine was provided for each of them, except Sheldon, who preferred some sparkling grape juice. Given Sheldon's history of lowered inhibitions while under the influence, Leonard and Penny thought this was a good idea.
Leonard stood up with his glass in one hand and the fingers of his other rubbing his ring on its chain beneath his shirt, the very picture of Frodo and the One Ring. "Guys," he said, nervously clearing his throat, "Penny and I have something to tell you."
"Your pregnant!" Amy and Bernadette cried in unison, looking at Penny with shock.
"Your breaking up again!" said Sheldon at the same time.
"Ever the optimist," Leonard thought sarcastically, staring at his former roommate. Out loud he said, "Please, wait to hear what we have to say before jumping to conclusions. he turned to his fiancé. "Penny?"
Penny smiled broadly and held up her left hand, fingers spread and palm facing her. At the site of the engagement ring the girls, and Raj, let out a joyful squeal, almost drowning out Penny's announcement, "We're getting married!"
"Yes," Amy said excitedly. "I get to be maid of honor twice in one lifetime!"
"Um..." Penny stammered.
"I've got some great ideas to make your wedding unforgettable!" Raj gushed
"Um..." Penny said again.