Penny's birthday was coming up and Maybelle just couldn't wait. She had rented the town hall and they were going to have a massive party, to make up for all the times that she hadn't celebrated her birthday.

She was glad that the Stubbs family hadn't mentioned her birthday. Penny had never had a big celebration, and she was unsure if she would truly want one. But when Seaweed said he was going to take her out for dinner, she almost burst with glee.

Tracy had gotten Penny a bright blue dress for her birthday.
"I couldn't wait to give it to you!" She beamed. "I want you to wear it on your birthday!" She said and Penny felt so special, receiving such a wonderful gift.

Maybelle had sat down with her son and they had discussed Penny's party.
"I need to ask you, what are you gonna get her?" She asked and Seaweed looked down at his hands.
"You know what I wanna do, Momma." He told her and Maybelle nodded, before standing.

Seaweed felt himself choke up when his Mother gave him the diamond engagement ring that his grandmother had worn.
"She told me to give it to whichever of you needed it first." She told him.
"You think I'm being foolish, Momma?" He asked and she chuckled.
"All great life choices are a little foolish, baby. But this is one you're not going to regret." She told him. "It's going to be a long engagement, but you will know where you are headed." She told him.
"I love you so much baby, and I am so proud. Penny is a lucky woman." She kissed him on the forehead.
"Thank you, Momma. You don't know how much this means to me."

Penny had been secretly waiting for her birthday. She couldn't wait to go out on a date with Seaweed. It had been so long since they had just been together, out on the town. She primped and preened and when Seaweed saw her, he just shook his head and smiled.
"You get prettier everyday, baby." He told her and she blushed and shook her head.

It had gotten to the point where Penny could hold Seaweed's hand in public without a fight starting. People glared and tutted, but no one ever said anything. They had a table booked at the finest restaurant in town. Maybelle had gone in and gotten it sorted out that they would be sat amongst the first class tables. They hadn't wanted it at first, with Penny and Seaweed being interracial, but Maybelle had her ways.

People looked, but Penny didn't care. She was with her boyfriend, who she loved dearly, and they had a wonderful dinner. She couldn't imagine anything that could make her more happy.

Watching Penny smile and be genuinely care free made Seaweed even more sure that he was making the right decision. Before the dessert came, he placed his hand on hers. Much to the shock of many of the ladies around.
"Penny, when I met you that day in detention, my whole world changed. I wish I had had some silly romantic thought, but my mind, it just went blank. I felt this strange emptiness when you weren't around. When I see you with Inez, and with the people in my community, I know that you are the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with." Penny smiled, touched by Seaweed's words. She had no idea what was coming. So when he pulled out the box and opened it in front of her, her jaw dropped.
"Miss Penny Pingleton, will you do me the honour, the privilege of one day being my wife?" He asked her and she clamped a hand over her mouth. She had never imagined this would happen, but when it did, she realised it was what she truly wanted.
"Yes." Was all she could say. That was when the tears began to fall.

Seaweed couldn't believe it. He slid the ring onto her finger and brought her hand to his lips. He kissed her fingers time and time again.
"I promise I will work to deserve you, baby." He told her and she pulled his face to hers, much to the outcry of the women in the restaurant.

As they walked along after dinner, Penny felt so blissful, she feared she might cry again.
"I have one more surprise for you, baby." He told her and she looked over at him suspiciously.
"Did you really think that the Stubbs weren't going to throw you a party?" He asked, as the doors to the town hall swung open.

Penny cried out as everyone cheered for her. The music began and she playfully hit Seaweed.
"Why didn't you tell me?!" She cried out.
"Well, that is the idea of a surprise, baby." He whispered and she turned and pouted, shaking her head and laughing.

Inez ran up to Penny and held her.
"Happy birthday, Penny!" She squeezed her and Penny chuckled and thanked her. Maybelle took her hand and looked down at the ring.
"Oh baby." She choked up and Inez followed her line of sight.
"What?! You?!" She was pointing at Seaweed, who burst out laughing. Maybelle pulled her into the tightest embrace.
"Welcome to the family, baby." She whispered.
"Thank you so much." Penny whispered back. Then, Inez practically pounced on her.
"We're going to be sisters!" She cried out and Penny chuckled, nodding.

No one noticed this exchange, as the dancing had begun. But then, Maybelle took to the microphone.
"Tonight is for our Penny. She is a daughter to me and tonight she made a promise to my baby, and to my family. Congratulations Penny, and happy birthday, baby. We love you!" She ended the speech and Penny felt a tear roll down her cheek once again.
"Let's go dance, baby." Seaweed, swept her off of her feet before she could say no.

Tracy beamed, hearing the news of Penny's engagement. She had been hiding the ring that Link had given her for weeks, not wanting to make Penny feel left out. But now that she had one too, she could wear it with pride.

Seaweed twisted and turned Penny on the dancefloor, before pulling her tight.
"I told you baby."
"Told me what?" She asked.
"I was going to marry you." He kissed her on the cheek. It only then sunk in that she was going to marry Seaweed. They were going to be together for their lives.
"You're sure?" She asked and he chuckled, loving her level headed self.
"More sure than I have ever been, baby. You're the love of my life." He told her and watched as her lower lip quivered.
"What is it, sugar?" He asked and she shook her head, pulling him closer.
"I love you." Was all that she replied with.
"I love you too baby."

Link stood with Seaweed as Tracy and Penny danced with Inez and her friend.
"We are lucky men." Link stated and Seaweed nodded.
"Indeed we are." Link shook his hand firmly.
"Congratulations, man. I know you'll have a happy time of it." He told him and Seaweed pulled him in for a hug.
"I know you will too." He smiled and they stood back and watched on with pride.

Penny danced the night away, and when it came to going home, Seaweed picked her up in his arms and carried her to the car. He pushed a lock of hair away from her face and watched as her eyes fluttered open.
"Hello." She smiled and he stroked her face with the tips of his fingers.
"Hi." He smiled down at her.
"Are we going home?" She asked and he nodded.
"We sure are, baby." He told her. She interlocked her hand in his and rubbed the back of his hand with her thumb.
"Thank you." She said quietly.
"What for?" He asked, confused.
"Everything. The dinner, the party. This was the best birthday of my life." She told him and he pulled her out of the car.
"They'll keep getting better every year, baby. So long as we're together." He told her and she beamed, knowing that he was right.