Holiday

Chapter 7

The hospital peace garden was quite large, and now as the weather was mild. Penny and Leonard would often walk or sit on a bench enjoying the tranquility of the place. And although Leonard was recovered sufficiently to return to work. Professor Siebert felt that with Penny still recovering, it would be nigh on impossible for Leonard to be able to concentrate on his work so they allowed him some time off until Leonard was ready to return. At first the dedicated couple hardly spoke at all, but their closeness, just holding each other tightly were all the words that needed to be said. Sitting there quietly, Penny for the umpteenth time admired her engagement ring, and made a firm vow to herself that as soon as she was allowed to go home, she was going to marry her soul mate, her Leonard, and thence discovered deep inside her that she felt no longer any fear of commitment, but only immense happiness at the thought.

Leonard was still on cloud nine at being reunited with Penny again but sadly when the time would come for him to leave her there and go home, he would feel a nagging aching emptiness that would not cease, until he could see her again the next day.
And as the days passed by, Penny gradually became stronger, and more like her old self.
Penny's Mother, Sheldon & Amy, Howard & Bernadette, Raj and even Emily, came to visit her more often. One day Leonard, and Penny (Or Romeo and Juliet as the Hospital staff had named them) were just discussing if the Hospital had given any indication of the likely date that Penny would be discharged. When her Mother entered Penny's room. Penny then turned to Leonard and pleaded with him if he would go and get her some chocolate and a banana shake and how she would absolutely die if she didn't get them. Which Leonard thought to be rather odd for Penny, but then again she had been through quite an ordeal I guess, he told himself. "Will you be OK then while I'm gone Honey?", Leonard asked her. his concern written all over his face.
" I will be fine, anyway Mom's here now", Penny reassured him.
Then Leonard left to look for a store.
When he returned later with Penny's oh so crucial chocolate & shake. Penny and her Mom suddenly stopped talking as soon as Leonard had reappeared, and Mom and Daughter exchanged, it seemed, secret knowing looks with each other. It was similar to the looks the bad guys would exchange when Leonard was at school and they usually led to something quite unpleasant for Leonard Hofstadter. But then again, this was Penny, and Leonard trusted her implicitly.

Shortly after that Penny's Mom left and bore the biggest smile Leonard had ever seen on her face. "What were you two talking about?, Leonard puzzled, quite certain that their talk involved him.
"Well Honey I was just thinking we really need a holiday when I get out of here so Mom said we could stay for a while at the farm, is that OK with you.
This idea pleased Leonard immensely as he felt Penny really needed somewhere quiet and relaxing for her but he could not think of the best place to take her. But Wyatt's farm was an excellent idea as Penny could relax in familiar and pleasant surroundings and really find the peace she needs.

Penny's illness had certainly changed her, she was a lot more subdued now and when with Leonard, she was always touching him, holding him tightly, as if terrified someone would take him away from her, and when Leonard went home, she too felt the same nagging empty void inside her, and only improving in her demeanour when Leonard returned in the morning.

she thought long and often about Bernadette's description of Leonard's reaction when he heard about her illness. It utterly amazed her, that it took the whole gang and a strong sedative from a Doctor to calm him down to prevent Leonard from breaking his way out of there to get to her. And she herself even in her dream like state could not fail to hear his anguished crying and his pain at being unable to reach her, so disturbed by it was she, that it was that that had brought her back from the isolated world in her mind.

When Bernadette visited Penny, she would always find Leonard was already with Penny, and it always amazed Bernadette to see the level of adoration that they had for each other

Soon the day arrived for Penny to be discharged. And two days later they were on their way to Nebraska. the following days were magical for Penny, not only was she back in the place she loved, with the family she loved, but best of all she was also with the man she absolutely adored, Her Leonard.

Three days later while Penny went riding and Leonard was for the while happily content just to lean over the rail watching her, when Wyatt came out Leading another saddled horse.

"Here Son , Why don't you two ride together?", he suggested to Leonard.

Leonard had never been on a horse before but thought it would be OK riding round the corral, and he did want to please Penny. Things started OK just walking round but then the horse broke into a trot and at the turn Leonard fell off. Penny, in a state of blind panic leaped off her horse as fast as she could, nearly stumbling herself in the process and crying hysterically as she ran to help Leonard.

"It's alright honey, it's only my pride that was injured this time. Leonard reassured her, but Penny still clung to him tightly, sobbing into his shoulder and positively shaking with fear, while Leonard gently rubbed her back and reassured her over and over again that he was OK and that perhaps she ought to give him some lessons..

Wyatt turned away to hide his tears. It seemed Penny wasn't quite there yet. But would she ever recover fully?, Wyatt so wished he knew but was, oh so thankful that she had Leonard.


Knotting

The following morning, Penny showed Leonard around the farm, while Penny explained to him all the different tasks that would be carried out in a year on the farm. When suddenly Leonard became aware of the hubbub of activity coming from a large barn 100 yards away
and began to walk towards it to see what they were doing.
"Leonard Honey, let's go inside now the sun's getting a little strong OK", Penny advised him.
Though he was feeling absolutely fine, Leonard acquiesced. And felt the warm glow of love inside him at Penny's concern for him.
On the Friday Morning Leonard was awakened by the sun streaming through a gap in the blinds
and was surprised to find that Penny was already up. So he rose, donned his robe and entered the bathroom. Whereupon Penny entered the bedroom carrying a tray on which resided his breakfast and coffee. Seeing the bed empty she called his name.
I'm in the shower, Leonard called to her. "Are you going to join me?", he asked hopefully.
"Sorry sweetie no time, I have to help Mom in the kitchen today. "Here eat your breakfast before it gets cold",she said indicating the tray on a small table.
"Oh", said Leonard, feeling rather disappointed, "I guess I was kinda hoping we could go out for a ride this morning", he said looking at her with that raised eyebrow pleading look that always gave her butterflies.
"Leonard Hofstadter, you very nearly gave me heart failure the other day, look why don't I suggest that you go through those papers from Cal Tech, you don't want to get too far behind in your work do you?".

Leonard sighed, "I'd rather you didn't suggest for me to work", he said just a little down. he felt so much more interested in going riding with Penny, But then again, she was right of course. Dr Gabelhauser would be none too pleased at the increasing delay to his report on his findings. So a little while after breakfast, found Romeo seated at a desk and catching up on his work.

That evening, Penny and Leonard were sitting as always, close together on the sofa engaging in idle chit chat and kisses, lots of them. When Penny's Mother called Penny if she would return to the kitchen by asking if she could give her a hand. Leonard began to rise, ever the gentleman and said "let me go", when Penny suddenly pushed him back down on to the sofa and after kissing him with a rather secretive smile on her face, she left to go to the kitchen and closed the
lounge door behind her.

After a few minutes the lounge door opened and Wyatt entered the room.
"How about we find ourselves a bar and get to know each other better", He asked Leonard. Wyatt pleased to note the look of concern on Leonard's face at leaving Penny, thought to himself, 'this one sure matches the blueprint'. But Leonard deemed it wiser not to upset his future Father in law so agreed telling him, " I'll just go and let Penny know".

"it's OK Son, she already knows", Wyatt replied.

"You know this is a good idea", Leonard observed as they drove,"I've hardly seen you, your wife or Penny's brother much come to that, I guess that's the nature of a busy farm".
"Yeah that's it", Wyatt replied concealing a smile.
Wyatt then pulled to a stop at a small quiet bar and on entering it Leonard saw Howard Sheldon, Raj, and Penny's brother all waiting for him.
Howard stood up "Hi Buddy, Penny asked if I would give this to you, he then handed Leonard a purple envelope . "Howard!?", Leonard spluttered in shock, "What are you all doing here?".

Howard shrugged, "Open the envelope and perhaps you'll find out", he replied.

Leonard opened the envelope and pulled out a card, on the front was a picture of him and Penny on their prom night and inside he read

To my darling Leonard
I won't wait any longer
Happy wedding day tomorrow
Now you and I both know,
I 'd go crazy without you in my life
With all the love in my heart
Mrs Penny Hofstadter (to be)

Leonard stood there, Stunned and overcome with emotion, he cried, but this time happy tears, This was his dream from the day he first set eyes on Penny, and tomorrow the dream will become a joyful reality.
No wonder Wyatt called him son.

Congratulations Dude, it couldn't happen to a nicer couple", Raj said, shaking his hand.
Sheldon followed suit but a much shorter handshake, before using some alcohol hand cleaner to kill off any germs Leonard might have picked up from the farm.

"is everyone here then?, asked Leonard
"Yes, Buddy, all the guys are here as you see, while Amy, Bernadette, and Emily are with Penny Tonight".
"So that's why Penny didn't want me in the kitchen", Lenny suddenly realized.

As Leonard was still convalescing after his illness Wyatt took careful control on all their drinking, Though the only dissenter to this was Penny's Brother.
Sheldon's drinks that night were for him a recent discovery of tomato juice and Worcester sauce, and with no Penny around to spike it with vodka either so all in all he enjoyed himself immensely. Leonard to his delight was then led to a back room Sheldon, Howard and Raj had set up an Xbox for a night playing Halo. And though Wyatt was not interested in playing he was still content to watch the guy's enjoying themselves while he drank a few beers.

Penny, Amy, Bernadette, Emily, Penny's Mom and Penny's sister sat in the lounge drinking wine and enjoyed each others company. Her Mom like her Dad, was also keeping a close eye on the alcohol consumption she knew her Penny well after all. Penny though was not disappointed at her Mother's action She wanted to see Her Groom tomorrow with a clear head. Not missing any detail on his face, when he turns to look at her, so she can carefully file it away in her memory, and a hangover would certainly hinder her plan.

Later Bernadette asked quietly to Penny, "are you OK now?". "Well I've still got a way to go yet", Penny replied, "in fact I nearly lost it when Leonard fell off of his horse", she told her, Feeling the tears start to flow again as she remembered the event. But I am so much happier now, In fact I feel I'm the the luckiest girl in the whole wide world, "and I'm getting all I ever wanted, "My Leonard". At that point Amy revealed she had brought along her game of twister and though Marcia declined to take part she still laughed uproariously at the girls antics, especially Jan who was by now three sheets to the wind, despite Marcia's vigilance on the alcohol.

Leonard tossed and turned, it just felt so strongly that something was missing lying here without Penny beside him, and Leonard found had a devil of a job to get to sleep

Penny too could not get comfortable either, in fact she was sorely tempted to go to Leonard, it was only the fact her Mom's room was between hers and Leonard's and that her Mom would hit the roof if she attempted to join him in his bed, As Marcia considered it bad luck for the Groom to see the Bride before the wedding. She thought of her evening with the girls. It was great, Even Emily had finally made her peace with her, Penny recalled Emily's words to her, " I'm so sorry Penny, But I felt so threatened by the fact that you had hooked up with Raj some time ago, but now I feel a lot more secure when I see the enormous love you have towards Leonard, and I hope that some day, I will see that same look of love in Rajesh's eyes that I see in Leonard's eyes for you, And I'd really like us to be friends", and Penny in reply gave Emily a warm hug.

Howard, Raj, Stuart and Sheldon entered the House at midday to take Leonard to the wedding venue They got in the car and drove the few hundred yards to the big barn on the farm.

Howard explained "Apparently Penny was in such a hurry to get married to you that they were unable to book a venue anywhere else, So a Minister has agreed to marry you in the barn.
So that's why Penny wanted me back inside the house, Leonard thought to himself.

The five guys entered the barn, And the sight simply took Leonard's breath away, it had all been spruced up for the Wedding, With bunches of flowers tied to the supporting posts, And candles everywhere standing in small water filled dishes (to lower the fire risk, Penny's Brother had told him). Leonard could not help himself shedding tears. It all looked so much better than perfect for Leonard and Penny's big day.

Leonard, took his seat at the front with Howard, With Sheldon sitting behind him, When Sheldon then leaned forward and whispered into his ear, I told you day she moved into 4B you should not have made friends with Penny. Now see what she has done. Leonard looked round startled at him, Bazinga Sheldon said to him smiling.

Soon the barn began to fill with people and the time came for the Bride to make her appearance. At the sound of the Music which Penny had chosen herself, the very apt Bacharach song The Look of love, sung by Gladys Knight and the Pips a Proud Wyatt With Penny on his arm walked down the aisle towards Leonard.
Penny beamed when she saw the look on her Bridegrooms face as he turned to look at her. With a look of wondrous disbelief that this vision of perfection taking her place at his side was Leonard's very own bride. Leonard just could not stop the tears flowing. "just let me be the woman in this please Honey", Penny whispered, smiling at him.
Then Leonard noticed Amy, wearing her tiara and Bernadette as Bridesmaids while Penny's Sister (in spite of her hangover), took on the role of matron of honour

The new Dr & Mrs Hofstadter entered into the reception hall and took their seats. And then the entire party sat down to eat.
After came the speeches, With Howard as best man (it would have been Sheldon if he did not firmly insist on giving his speech in Klingon) stood and said "When Leonard told me he liked Penny I told him he had no chance with her, I just could not believe that a stunningly beautiful girl like Penny could ever have fallen for a quiet short, studious, asthmatic, short sighted Nerd, But Penny, I am pleased has proved me totally wrong. that it is more important what is in a man's heart rather than the appearance. Leonard too has taught me the importance of never giving up on your dreams. So if you would like to raise your glasses in a toast To Penny and Leonard may they be happy forever. Yes I say forever because of the so strong love between them I am certain that that love will never die at all.

Then Wyatt stood and thanked his wife and everyone for their hard work throughout the week in getting the Barn and the food ready and said "when you have a beautiful daughter and I have been blessed with two, you want the best for them, even in the matter of husbands and I am overjoyed to say Penny has chosen one I approve of wholeheartedly. To Leonard I say, I am proud to call you my son in law glad to have you in the family Son, to Penny and Leonard.

Then it was Leonard's turn. It was difficult at first, him being overcome with emotion like he was, but to everyone it just reinforced how much Leonard loved Penny as he gave his speech. He thanked Mom and Dad and everyone who helped, for their hard work in getting the barn and the food ready. Wyatt and his Wife beamed when he told them that he was totally blown away by the wonderful sight of the barn it was so much better than perfect. Then turning to Penny, he thanked her from the bottom of his heart for agreeing to be his wife. In his wildest dreams he could never have imagined himself being married to the most prettiest, kindest Girl in the world who would not only be his Wife but also his closest dearest friend.

Penny, By now in floods of tears herself, stood and hugged him tightly and kissed him soundly, To resounding applause.

Afterwards He got a tear filled bear hug from Penny's Mom. And was then cornered by Penny's sister, "I was going to threaten to shoot you if you ever hurt our Penny, but I saw the look in your eyes as you looked at her and then I plumb filled up, so I guess I won't be needing my gun". "Welcome to the family Leonard", and she kissed him soundly, to Leonard's trepidation as he looked over at Penny, but she was just laughing at them.

At Penny and Leonard's first dance as a couple Penny whispered ", Were you shocked at my surprise, Was it OK I mean". "My darling Penny you have just helped me realize my dream of being married to you, I'm over the moon, Mrs Penny Hofstadter I love you so much".
"I love you so much too Dr Leonard Hofstadter. And then she kissed him soundly.