A/N: I apologize for taking so long for this update. There has been a lot of things to divert my attention, but I have been thinking about this story constantly. A few things here, I gave Penny a middle name toward the end, using the name of a favorite cousin. I also used the name Lael, which was my mom's. Send me a pm if any of you know a Lael.
Thank everyone who has taken the time to read, review, favor and follow this story. It is so, so much appreciate it. I always look forward to them! As always, I own nothing to do with The Big Bang Theory.
Chapter 11: A heartfelt conversation & Sonoma County; an oasis of bliss
Leonard sat at the kitchen table, doing one of the things he did best. Thinking. In this case, over thinking a subject may be a good thing. The telephone call to Penny's parents had gone reasonably well. Penny's mother was tearful and asked all the right questions. Wyatt was more subdued. Penny had told her parents she had asked Leonard to marry him and he agreed. She fibbed in that she told them they were not in a hurry, but would let them know when they had made a decision.
They had both wanted to come to California as soon as possible. Penny convinced them to wait until she had her first chemotherapy treatment scheduled and they could arrive in time for that. They both had begrudgingly agreed.
As they were signing off from the call, both parents gave their love. Wyatt concluded with "and we'll talk to you soon, son." Leonard knew exactly what he meant.
It was now close to midnight. He had gotten Penny into bed just after 11:00. Checking in on her a few minutes ago, he knew she was sleeping. As he now surfed the web for medical and cancer awareness sites, he waited for the call.
It didn't take long. The phone, set on vibrate, jittered on the table. The caller i.d. said "Wyatt".
"Hey" he said quietly.
"Are you alone?" her father asked.
"I am. She's sound asleep. I checked on her just a little bit ago."
"I have to tell you, this is devastating news for a parent Leonard."
"It truly is sir" the younger man replied sadly.
"Were there any warning signs? Was there anything you noticed?"
"She had been loosing weight recently. She gave the excuse of eating better. She also had been complaining about back pain, but seemed to shrug it off. Other than that, nothing really sir. I hadn't been back long from the expedition and we had-well, we had a bit of a falling out to be honest sir."
Surprised, Wyatt said "I'm sorry. I didn't know that. What happened"?
"Let me say that I wasn't as much of a gentleman as you would have liked, sir." Leonard replied quietly.
"Well it appears that you've patched that up, so I'm not going to ask further, right now anyway."
"Thank you sir" came back his reply. This was followed by silence for a few moments.
"And this marriage thing, you're on board with that?" the older man asked.
Pausing again and thinking about his own hesitance as to why Penny wanted it so quickly, he replied "I want you and your wife to know that I love Penny. I love her more than life itself. To me anyway, she is life." Silence again before he continued.
"I suppose that I'm more than a little concerned that she may want this because of what she is going through. Out of her fear. I don't want her regretting this decision when she gets past all of this."
Just then she said softly behind him "baby, put it on speaker."
Leonard turned in a flash. "I'm-I'm sorry. I didn't know you were there-"
"I know. Put it on speaker." Her tone was even and her voice was still quite soft.
Leonard complied, putting the phone at the center of the table.
She stepped a little closer to the phone, she was still in the center of the room. "I love him daddy. Yes. I'm a little afraid. But so much less, I think, than if I didn't have him. If I didn't love him so much. This man Daddy, this man has my heart like no one else has ever before. He knows me body, mind and soul. Sometimes I know I just infuriate him, but that doesn't mater. He loves me. I know the depth of his love. I just want him to-I need him to know that he is the love of my life. When I'm well again-" the entire time she was speaking her eyes never left his. Now she walked across the room and took both of his hands in hers. "When I'm well again, the only place I'm going is into his arms. Never to leave."
It was silent again for a few moments. The couple stood looking at each other. Penny smiled slowly. Her father then cleared his throat.
"Son. I know my daughter pretty well, I think. I'm sure you know that there isn't anyone, including herself, by the way, that is going to make her or force her to do something that she doesn't absolutely want to do."
"Thank you daddy" she said, still softly. She then walked toward the table and picking up his phone "we'll give you and momma a call as soon as we know about scheduling." All three then signed off and Penny hit the 'end call' button and placed the phone back on the table.
"Leonard" she said turning back toward him and walking to where he had moved; to the center of the room, closing the distance between them.
"You've got to stop doubting me. I've meant every word I've said to you over the last few days."
He nodded his head, but remained silent.
"C'mon. Take me to bed. It's late." She took him by the hand and led up the stairs to the bedroom.
Afterward, as it neared 1:45, they lay in each other's arms. His left arm around her neck; his hand playing with her long blond hair. Curled into him with her right arm under his body, her left hand drew circles on his bare chest.
"I've read about the side effects." He hugged her tighter as she spoke.
"There's the hair thing. I'll probably start to loose it slowly as soon as the first treatment."
She pulled her arm out from under him and used it to prop up her head. Her fist rested against her jaw. He did the same. They were facing each other. He took a strand of the hair and tucked it behind her other ear. She took that hand to hold and brought it against her chest.
"There is also a chance of me having a lower fertility rate. It is unusual, but not unheard of for chemo patients to have problems conceiving later."
Removing his hand from hers, he cupped her face. "Dr. Gray said it himself. You are young and otherwise healthy. We have no reason to expect that you will recover fully."
She nodded her head in agreement and said "another thing that will happen soon enough is a loss of libido.-I'm sorry Leonard." A tear escaped from her eye and dropped onto his arm. He retrieved it with his lips.
He pulled her closer and whispered "It's alright. Who knows maybe you'll be the exception there-even if you're not, our relationship is about more than sex."
"I know" she replied. "I just can't imagine not wanting to fu-sorry-hump your brains out. Daily."
He laughed and replied "well you've been doing a pretty good job of that lately."
"I have, haven't I"? And I'm ready again when you are!" Before he could answer, she covered his mouth with hers. His tongue accepting hers as they once again explored the familiar recesses of each other.
He woke the next morning, once again alone in the bed. Reaching for his glasses and phone, he checked the time. 7:55. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he got up and made his way to the bathroom. Trotting down the stairs five minutes later, he walked to the living room and seeing her pink lap-top on the coffee table, proceeded to the kitchen.
"Good morning!" She welcomed him enthusiastically, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I heard you get up and go into the bathroom, so I started your coffee. It should be done in a sec."
He came up behind her as she worked at the counter and wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned back into him, her head on his shoulder. She turned and started kissing him on the jaw.
"Mmmmmmm. I think I Like it when you don't shave. A little rugged there. You're my scientist/lumberjack." She turned so she was in his arms and wrapped her hands around his neck, then began kissing him, hungrily, on the lips.
She pulled back and smiled at him. Breaking away, she handed him his coffee and taking him by the hand pulled him toward the living room. "I want to show you something."
Sitting down on the couch, yanking on his arm until he sat beside her, she turned her lap-top so it was facing them. The screen revealed a page for the Sonoma County website. She had it opened to "Getting Married in Sonoma County".
"Look" she said excitedly. "It's really easy. We can apply and get married the same day if we wanted. We don't need blood tests, there is no waiting period. All we need is our driver's licenses for identification and $83.00."
She turned to him with a huge smile, which he returned. "What did you have in mind?" he asked warily.
"I say we drive up there today and do this tomorrow. What do you say?" Her eyes were bright and dancing with excitement.
Looking into those bright green eyes, he responded "Well alright. Let's do it!"
She squealed and once again threw her arms around his neck. "By tomorrow night, I'll be Mrs. Leonard Hofstadter!"
And I'll be married to the most beautiful woman in the world."
"Dr. Hofstadter, you are such a sweet talker." He smiled back at her beaming face.
"Okay. We can fill out the license on line right now." As Penny maneuvered through the prompts on the site, Leonard could not help but smile at how happy and enthusiastic she was. This isn't going to be so bad a thing he thought to himself. We love each other plain and simple. His apprehension of the night before was gone.
The first set of questions pertained to the groom. Penny pushed the lap-top his way. He went through and answered all the questions and hit the "next" button. Penny completed her portion and hit "submit".
"It suggests that we call for an appointment" she said.
"Give me the number. I'll see when they can fit us in tomorrow."
After speaking for a few moments, Leonard disconnected from the call. "We are going to be married tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in the County Clerk's office in Santa Rosa. What do you think of that?"
"I can't believe it. I am so happy Leonard. Thank you." Tears were running down her face. They embraced.
Drying her eyes as they broke apart, she said "well we better decide what we're doing. We should probably leave today. We'll need to find somewhere to stay."
Its 8:30 now" he replied. "Why don't you go take a shower and get yourself ready? I'll go online to find a place."
"I'll be quick and then pack!" she said excitedly running up the stairs.
Leonard returned to the lap-top and began to search for accommodations in and around Santa Rosa. He found what he thought would be perfect. He called to see what they had available, keeping his fingers crossed.
Twenty minutes later he walked into the bedroom. Penny was done with her shower and had her suitcase out, beginning to pack. Stopping she looked up at him. "Well, did you have any luck?"
Smiling from ear to ear he replied "We've got three nights at a nice place right in Sonoma."
Squealing once again, she ran and jumped into his arms and once again began to kiss him passionately.
"Hey!" he said disengaging himself from her grasp. "We don't have time for that, we need to pack and get on the road. We have a six and a half hour ride ahead of us."
"Dammit" she said playfully. "Sometimes your being a genius is just so inconvenient." Then she kissed him quickly and continued packing. Leonard left the bedroom to get his suit case stored in the closet in the second bedroom.
They finished their packing quickly. A large suitcase for Penny, a smaller one for Leonard. Each also had a garment bag.
Leonard had taken the suitcases and put them in his trunk. The garment bags he hung on the hooks next to the windows in the back seat. Coming back into the house, Penny was putting on a blazer, smoothing out the lapels, she flipped her hair out from under the collar. "Are we ready?" She asked with a smile.
"We are" he answered back. "I sent a group email to everyone, letting them know we were going out of town for a few days and we would be back late Friday."
She nodded her agreement, still smiling. She took the arm that he offered, and they walked out the door, locked it, then made their way to the waiting car.
He got into the driver's seat and started the car. "It is now 10:15. We have one stop to make then we need to get going."
"Okay, but where do we need to stop?"
"You'll see. I'm surprised you didn't think of it yet." He was smiling from ear to ear.
Her brow was furrowed, but she just shrugged her shoulders and reached over placing her hand on his thigh as he drove.
Ten minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of a small jewelry store that Howard and Bernadette had used often. Penny squeezed Leonard's thigh, but did not say a word.
"Shall we go inside?" He asked, smiling at her.
"Can we?" she returned, shyly. Laughing, He said "let's go." They both exited the car, Penny running to his side and once again taking his arm. She leaned in and whispered in his ear "I love you".
Forty minutes later, they left the jewelers with two wedding bands and had ordered an engagement ring for Penny. Leonard had also purchased two gold chains, one for each of them.
They were on the road, headed for Santa Rosa by 11:10.
During the ride they talked. A lot. Not only about what they faced within the next few weeks, but about their extended future. They talked about children. They talked about where they would live. They also spoke about college level courses Penny could take toward a library science degree.
Underlying any plans that they made was what would be happening over the next several months. Penny was going to speak to Amy about the list of oncologists Dr. Gray had provided her. She knew that Amy would have familiarity with some, as they worked out of the UCLA medical center. Penny would make her decision by the end of the week, meaning she would be on the phone a bit while they were away.
After about two and a half hours, Penny fell asleep. Her seat was reclined, but she still held Leonard's hand, her life line.
Her slumber occasioned Leonard to once again retreat into his thoughts. He thought of what they spoke of. He thought of her working in a library. Her natural curiosity would be an advantage there. So would her outgoing personality. He could picture her working in information services, or even better, with children. He thought of their own children. The beautiful and smart babies he had predicted to Sheldon so long ago. But would there be children? She was right. It was not uncommon for cancer patients to have fertility issues. Sighing deeply, he thought to himself that they would bear that crises if and when it occurred. What was most important was Penny's getting better, her health returning. That and that they had each other. As much as Penny needed him, he needed her as much, if not more.
He needed to control his thoughts. He was on the verge of tears, both tears fear of what he chanced to lose and tears of happiness of what he had. The beautiful woman next to him.
He glanced over at her and was surprised to see two emerald eyes staring back at him. She smiled sweetly at him and said "hey you".
"Hello sleeping beauty" he said, smiling back at her.
"How long have I been asleep?" she asked as she put her seat back up. She flipped the mirror down and looking at her reflection, she let out an "ugggghhhh" and reached down for her bag.
"You were asleep for about two and a half hours."
"Cool. So we have another hour and a half to go?" she asked as she re-applied her make-up.
"More or less" he replied.
She flipped the visor with the mirror attached up, closed the lipstick she just finished with and put her bag back on the floor. "How do I look?" She asked.
"Fantastic" he answered.
"Another brilliant answer from Dr. Hofstadter" she teased.
They stopped for a bathroom break and a quick fast-food dinner and were back on the road for the last leg of their trip.
This last part passed quickly. They talked and joked. Penny sang along with the satellite radio making Leonard laugh at her exuberance.
They were off the highway now, passing through downtown Santa Rosa.
"You never told me where we were staying" she said suddenly.
"You'll see. Soon."
She beamed in her expectation.
He slowed the car, signaled a left-hand turn and pulled into a parking lot in front of an older well maintained, large home. A grey building. The sign outside said "The Gables Wine Country Inn".
"Oh Leonard, it's a bed and breakfast! You really are the romance ninja!" She through her arms around him even though he had not stopped the car yet.
Pulling into a spot, he turned off the engine and turned to her and gave her a proper hug. "Are you happy?"
"So, so happy."
Grabbing their bags, they made their way to the door. They were welcomed by a young woman "welcome to the Gables Inn" she said cheerfully. "Right this way and we will get you all checked in."
At the desk Leonard gave her their names.
"Okay" the cheerful woman said. Jeffrey here will show you to your room." A tall slender young man appeared behind them. "I'll take your bags sir" he said politely.
"Unfortunately, we are done with dinner this evening." the woman continued. "We serve breakfast from 6:30 to 11:00, so we will see you then."
"Thank you so much" Leonard answered. "We picked up something to eat earlier, so we're all set."
"Enjoy your stay. Don't hesitate to let us know if you need anything."
"Thank you again" Leonard said, turning to follow Jeffrey up the stairs. Penny fell in behind him, grabbing the hand that he reached back for her.
They got to the second floor and passed several rooms before reaching the one meant for them. Jeffrey unlocked the door and stepped to the side to let them enter.
"Oh Leonard" was all Penny could manage.
The room was spacious with a large bed taking up most of one wall. A small end table was found on either side, each with a lamp, the one closer to the door featured the telephone and a clock radio.
On the opposite wall was a desk with a chair. A card on the desk said there was wi-fi internet connection. On the other side of the desk was a small table that held a television set. On the same wall as the entry door was a large bureau that had a mirror over the center.
Finally on the opposite wall, there was a large window with a window seat and two doors, one for a small closet, the other led to the bathroom.
"I hope this is satisfactory Jeffrey said.
"This is perfect Jeffrey" Leonard answered as he reached into his pocket and handed Jeffrey a tip.
Looking down Jeffrey said "thank you very much Mr. Hofstadter. If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to contact the desk. Ask for me and I'll do whatever I can for you." Jeffrey was obviously pleased with the gratuity. He turned and closed the door silently behind him.
"Is there any-" before he could get the complete sentence out, she mashed her mouth into his.
She pulled back from the kiss "you were saying?"
"I just wanted to know if you wanted me to get you anything to eat or drink. We're not too far from downtown."
"The only thing I want for you to get…" she began backing away from him and started to remove her clothing "….is naked."
Smiling wickedly, he answered "that, I can do."
The next morning they were up early and were among the first people in the dining room for breakfast. They had decided to tour one of the local wineries and wanted to get an early start to make sure they were back in time for the most important appointment of their lives.
They each had a bagel, Penny with cream cheese, Leonard with jelly. Penny added some fruit and juice, Leonard coffee. Finishing, they each asked for a coffee to go along with the bill. Paying on the way out, each with a "The Gable Wine Country Inn" travel mug, they made their way to Leonard's car in the parking lot. They held hands swinging their arms.
The trip to Paradise Ridge Winery was not long, maybe twenty minutes away. They arrived to a secluded area, with discreet signs showing the way to the parking lot and the main entrance gate.
"Hello you two!" they were greeted by a bight and chipper woman dressed in khaki shorts and a bright blue Paradise Ridge t-shirt. "Are you here for a tour?"
"We are" he answered trying to sound as excited as the woman.
"Great! We've got one starting in about five minutes. My name is Sally, come on this way and we'll get you set up."
The couple followed Sally into the building, which served as a gift shop and restaurant.
Leonard paid for two tickets for the tour and reserved them a place for an early lunch at noon. Returning to Penny, he put his arm around her and they made their way to a group waiting by another side door. Sally was right behind them.
Both of them found the tour extremely interesting. The grape growing process was explained in length as well as the harvesting and bottling methods used once the grapes were harvested. They were able to view the bottling process and attended a wine tasting. Penny had a blast.
Finally the tour was done, just in time for their noon lunch reservation. They ate a sumptuous lunch, then made purchases at the gift store, which included three cases of assorted wines, some for gifts, some for their own enjoyment.
When all was said and done, it was 1:15. Smiling sweetly at each other, they made their way back to their vehicle and drove back to the inn.
Trotting up the stairs to their room Leonard let Penny use the shower first. Finishing quickly, they traded places. Leonard finished quickly as well and vacated the bathroom to let Penny finish getting dressed and putting on her make-up. Carrying her garment bag, she winked at him and said "see you soon."
After the door shut behind her, Leonard finished drying off and began to get dressed. He had purchased a new suit, charcoal grey, along with a white shirt with thin stripes that matched the suit and a similarly colored tie. Completely dressed now, as he was putting on the finishing touches, he heard the bathroom door. He turned and let out a gasp.
Penny wore a sleeveless cream colored dress that came to her ankles. He knew it was what was called a "tea length dress". Part of her hair was up on the sides, but the remainder fell over her shoulders. Her shoes had no heels and matched the color of her dress.
"You look-you look beautiful; stunning." She smiled at him shyly.
"You look pretty damn fantastic as well. New suit?"
Leonard was having trouble forming words that made sense. He could only stutter "Yyyyeah."
"Smooth" she teased him. "C'mon. Let's go get married" she said, taking his arm.
Nearly out the door, he said "wait!" and ran back to the desk, picking up the velvet box containing the rings.
"All set." They made their way out the door, down the stairs and through the lobby to the main entrance. All eyes were on the beautiful couple. Leonard was too nervous to notice, but Penny took it all in, smiling harder than she ever had in her life.
They arrived at the City Clerk's Office in plenty of time. They gave their names and were asked to wait. They found two chairs together next to several other people waiting.
They were called and approached he counter. Leonard again gave the person behind the counter their names and the reason why they were there. "Did you make an appointment?"
"We did. We were to be here for 3:30?" Leonard answered.
"Yes. Here you are. Hofstadter. " Leonard breathed easier. "Everything seems to be in order." Penny gripped his arm and leaned into him.
"You can pay the fee now, by either cash, check or a major credit card."
Leonard handed the clerk his credit card. It was swiped and the charge went through.
"Alright. If you will come this way" the clerk came around the counter and led them through a side door. They entered a formal room that was clear except for a mahogany desk pushed up against the wall. Toward the front was a podium with the state and county flags as well as the U.S. flag. They didn't tell each other, but they both at that moment thought of Sheldon and "Fun with Flags".
The assistant clerk made her way to a side door that neither of them had noticed. She knocked softly and opened the door a crack and said "the Hofstadter party is ready sir."
Turning back to Leonard and Penny, she said "The chief clerk will be right out. Now it looks like you do not have a witness. We need one by statute. I'll be happy to act in that capacity for you."
"That would be wonderful if you would" Leonard answered.
"Good" she said in return. "My name is Lael Keith."
Pleased to meet you Ms. Keith. I'm Leonard and this is Penny".
"Yes I know. I processed your license application" she said laughing taking Penny's hand.
"Don't mind him Ms. Keith. He's just a little nervous."
"To be expected and please, call me Lael."
"Thank you Lael" Leonard said, shaking her hand and feeling a little more at ease.
Then the clerk entered. "This is Judge Anderson. He is the Chief County Clerk and will be officiating this afternoon. Judge, I'm going to act as witness."
"Very good, very good." the judge returned, shaking hands with both Leonard and Penny.
"Are we ready?" Judge Anderson asked.
"We are" they said it together. Lael smiled. After years of seeing literally thousands of couples, she could sense which ones had a special relationship. This pair surely was among them.
"If you will face each other and join hands?"
They turned in unison and took each other by their hands. Each softly caressed the other with their thumbs. Tears had formed in Penny's eyes. And in Leonard's.
"Leonard, if you'll repeat after me: I Leonard Leaky take you Penelope Marie…..". Leonard did, in a sure and steady voice, gripping the hands of his beloved.
"And Penny, repeat after me: I Penelope Marie take you, Leonard Leaky to be my lawfully wedded husband…." She repeated the words in a soft, steady voice, but still heard by all three in attendance. She looked deeply into his eyes. They were the eyes of the most perfect person she had ever met. They were the eyes that would look back at her in complete adoration for the rest of their lives. She smiled even harder than she did earlier.
"By the power invested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Dr. Hofstadter, you may kiss your bride."
In a matter of milliseconds, they were in each other's arms.
Lael and Judge Anderson looked on in silence. Smiling broadly.
