A/N: This is my last chapter for this story. I might be writing a stand alone Shenny story, but it's a little "bit up in the air" at the moment. Watch out for "The Faizal Factor."

"Penny, no." Sheldon's voice rang through the house. "It is an absurd notion that I would want Leonard and Amy's child to run amok through the house. I have valuable documents and equipment in my study. One false move, and my career may be irreparably damaged."

"Sheldon! You're a Nobel-winning Laureate. Keep your study locked while Lucy is here. We haven't seen Leonard or Amy in months. It would be good to see them again. Plus, with Howard, Bernadette and Jacob coming over, it will be just like old times."

"How is having a barbeque like old times?" His voice was indignant.

"Sheldon!" Her voice was filling with irritation. "The gang is coming over, and they're bringing over their kids. It will be nice for Rose to play with Lucy and Jacob. Just think you guys can have a chat, and so can us girls. C'mon Sheldon, it'll be fun!"

Sheldon sighed, and rubbed his forehead.

"Fine," he relented.

"Good," Penny grinned. She leant up and kissed him on the cheek. ""They'll be here in an hour."

Sheldon sighed.

XXXXXXX

"Sheldon!" Penny's voice wasn't panicked, but it was urgent. Sheldon rushed into the kitchen. Penny was leaning atop the side next to the sink. She was breathing heavily, and holding her swollen midsection. Sheldon hurried over and placed himself under her arm. Together, they hobbled to the front door. Penny sat down on the stairs, as Sheldon rushed around gathering their things. He was talking on the phone as he rushed, his voice hysterical.

Sheldon eventually returned to Penny, and set the bags on floor.

"Leonard will be here in a couple of minutes to look after Rose. I'll pack the car."

Moments later, a hurried stampede of feet filled their ears.

"Ah, Leonard," Sheldon greeted as his rounded the staircase and faced them.

"Is it time?" Lenard asked earnestly.

"Oh, I do hope so," Sheldon looked down, longingly at the direction of his wife. "I don't think I can take any more of this."

Leonard stifled a laugh and picked up and onrushing Rose.

"Hey there," Leonard grinned.

"Hey," Rose squeaked back.

"Well, I'll leave you two to do whatever you do," Sheldon flustered. "We have to go."

Leonard carried Rose over to Penny. Rose slipped onto the step next to her mother, and squeezed Penny tightly. Penny hugged her back, and slowly got to her feet. Sheldon was waiting, bags loaded into his hands and onto his arms. Penny waved a silent goodbye, and Sheldon gave Leonard one final look of sheer terror, and then they were gone.

Rose's questions started immediately. Leonard tried to answer them, but avoided the more detailed answers he knew he could supply. Her questions became incessant, and Leonard soon found himself texting Amy for help.

Together, Amy and Leonard looked on as their daughter, Lucy, played with Rose. Settling down on the couch, they rested, as eager for news as the girls were.

XXXXXXX

The house felt a little empty now that it was just the two of them. Their, now three, children had all left for college, leaving Penny and Sheldon almost aimless. Sheldon had continued to dazzle the scientific community over the years, but his hours became increasingly devoted to his children. In his own words, they seemed to give him inspiration.

Penny wore a bittersweet expression, as tears started to form in her eyes. Sheldon wrapped his long, thin arms around her, as she started to sob. Still, even after all these years, unsure of how to comfort her, he awkwardly patted her on the back.

"One would have assumed that I would be able to comfort you by now," Sheldon remarked dryly. Penny choked out a laugh, and nodded, soddening his shirt even more. "Just remember that they are going off on their own adventures, and will return in a few months."

"What do you want to do until then?" Penny asked, extracting herself from his embrace, and wiping away the tears.

Sheldon rubbed his forehead. Grey had started to set in, but the years hadn't dulled his intellect.

"Battlestar marathon with commentary?" A small grin had started in the corner of his mouth, his tone a little more hopeful than normal.

"Battlestar?" Penny replied, incredulously.

"Fine. What banal reality show would you like to watch now?"

"Sheldon, I would have thought you knew by now."

"What?" Sheldon's tone belied his wariness.

"I'm a Star Trek girl, sweetie," Penny grinned, and walked inside, as Sheldon stood there, confused.