A/N Still not making any money.

As Leonard sipped his coffee the next morning, he thought back over the previous day. The movie and supper afterwards had been fun. It was nice to just do something simple. To take their mind off everything for a while. The good night kiss had been nice too.

But now he thought back to the meeting. Although he had been cheered by what Henry had said, Penny's remarks had brought home to him what she was going through. He also realized he wished he had followed up with Henry on exactly what the current status of the contract was, although he did believe he understood. Perhaps he should discuss it with Penny to get her take, and then if they still had questions, they could get back to Henry.

When he had heard that the trial was likely to occur in January, it had made his mind up about something he had been contemplating. He wished now he would have done it when he decided to settle for staying until the end of the year, but knew it would probably really upset Sheldon. But now he knew there was no way he was going to leave before the trial. And he also admitted to the fact that even without the lawsuit, he needed to do whatever he could to be sure he gave his relationship with Penny a full chance to develop. Besides, he thought ruefully, he just enjoyed being with Penny and Sara.

With just over a week to Christmas, he also needed to find a place that would enable him to get two laptops set up to his specifications. If he was in California, he would have several options, but wasn't sure what was available in Omaha. He could get Sheldon to do it, but wasn't sure there was time to get it done and get them shipped even with paying an arm and a leg.

In any case, between talking with Sheldon and Dr. Siebert, and obtaining the laptops, he was not going to have time to go to the farm. And although Penny would quickly figure out what he had done when he brought the presents at Christmas, he wanted to at least try to keep it as a surprise as long as he could.

He quickly dialed and heard Penny answer, "Hello,"

"Hey, Penny, this is Leonard."

"I know, Leonard. Are you on your way?"

"That's why I'm calling. I have some things I have let go that I need to work on. I'm afraid I won't be out today. Please tell Sara I'm sorry to miss time with the horses, but I will be there tomorrow."

"Okay, Hofstadter, how did you find out?"

Leonard, confused, "Find out about what?"

"Don't give me that. Who told you? I'll bet it was Dad."

"Penny, I don't have any idea what you are talking about."

"Right. It's just a coincidence that the first day you don't come to the farm is the day we officially start getting ready for Christmas week by cleaning the whole house."

Trying not to sound happy, "Believe me Penny, it is just a coincidence. No one told me. Do you really think any of you would warn me?"

Mollified, "I suppose not." Then, slyly, "Sure you can't wait to do your stuff tomorrow. Wouldn't want you to miss a Prentis family tradition."

"As bad as I feel about it, I really need to get this stuff done today."

"Yeah, right. Okay, but you owe me one." Then, quietly, "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, Penny. Tell everybody Hi and I'll see you tomorrow."

"I will. Goodbye Leonard."

"Goodbye, Penny."

Leonard's brief good feeling after his talk with Penny faded as he prepared to call Sheldon, especially as he knew he was in the wrong and was making it difficult for Sheldon. But, there was no way he was leaving Penny alone in the current situation with Sara and with the status of his relationship with Penny.

Sheldon answered on the second ring, "Ah, Leonard, why do I feel I will not be pleased by this conversation."

"Because you won't, I have decided I need to stay in Nebraska until at least the end of January and perhaps longer."

"No, Leonard, that is not satisfactory. We both agreed we would get back to our research last week. You have already disrupted the schedule once. While I was willing to postpone for a short time, this is not acceptable."

"I'm sorry Sheldon, but I am not ready to leave Penny and Sara at this time. I'm just getting to know Sara and renew my friendship with Penny. I have spent the last couple years working constantly. I'm now going to take some time for myself."

"It's always you, isn't it Leonard? How about me? What about our research? I am fully prepared to move forward. Have you forgotten we have arranged with Dr. Siebert to make use of resources at Caltech? No, Leonard, I have humored you long enough. You need to end this nonsense and return at the end of the year."

Leonard took a deep breath and counted to ten. He really couldn't fault Sheldon. He more than anyone, knew how Sheldon hated to have his plans disrupted; especially those dealing with his research. He wished now they had told Sheldon and the others about the lawsuit, but wanted to be sure Penny agreed before he did so. But he could tell Sheldon part of the truth of why he was staying.

"Everything you say is true, Sheldon, but what I haven't told you is that Penny and I realize we still have feelings for each other. I'm not sure where it will end up, but I have to do everything I can to try to make it work. Besides, I am also getting to know Sara. Perhaps we can compromise. You can start on the next stage and when you have something done, send it to me and I will work on it with you. Please, Sheldon, try to understand how important this is to me."

After a long hesitation, "All right, Leonard. My feelings for Amy have made me realize how necessary they are to me. I must say I doubt if it will work any more this time than it has in the past, but I believe I understand what Penny means to you. Do you wish me to let Dr. Siebert know?"

"No. I am the one causing the problem, I'll talk to him." Then quietly and with feeling, "Thank you, Buddy, I know this was hard for you."

"Your welcome, Leonard. I do believe though, I will take you up on your offer. I will try to get some data to you soon."

"Okay, Sheldon. Say Hi to Amy and Isaac for me."

"I will, Goodbye," slight hesitation, "and Leonard, good luck."

"Goodbye, Sheldon."

Leonard hung up, thinking again how much in some ways Sheldon had changed. But then he mused that for the most part, if you got past his being obnoxious, he had always been a decent friend.

The discussion with Dr. Siebert turned out to be anticlimactic. It was apparent he was taking no chances on jeopardizing the prestige of having two Nobel winners associated with the University.

Leonard spend the greater part of the rest of the day finding someone to build the two laptops. When he had everything arranged to his satisfaction, and a guaranteed ready date of no later than Tuesday of the next week, it was almost four o'clock. Deciding it was too late to try to arrange to see Penny before work, and remembering how she had spent her day; he decided to just have supper at the hotel and watch some TV.

Leonard arrived at the farm at ten o'clock the next morning. After getting some heat from the others for missing the previous day, he was told he had been picked for the next tradition. He would be the one to accompany Wyatt to cut down their Christmas tree. When they assured him he would not be handling the axe, he agreed to take part.

They had barely left the farm when Wyatt turned to Leonard and said, "Okay, Leonard, what's going on between you and Penny?"

Caught a little off guard at how quick and blunt the question had come, Leonard hesitated for a time and then said, "We both realized we still have feelings for each other. We are trying to figure out exactly what they mean."

"I am glad to hear that, but I have to say, you two drive me nuts. Why don't you just admit you were made for each other?"

"I wish I could be sure of that, Wyatt. More than you know. But we just have to work it out on our own."

"I suppose. But I just see how she looks at you when you are with Sara. I don't have any doubts how happy that makes her."

Leonard felt a smile form and wondered if he should just accept what Wyatt said. Were they making it too difficult? But then he remembered how he felt when Penny said she couldn't love him and knew they needed to proceed as they were.

After that, the conversation turned to more mundane topics.

Back at the farm, Penny and Susan were having their own discussion at the kitchen table.

Taking a sip of her coffee, Susan asked, Okay, Penny, what's going on with you and Leonard?"

Luckily, Penny was not taking a drink of her coffee or she might have spit it up. Stalling by taking a big gulp from her mug, she finally answered.

"From the moment I saw Leonard at the mall, I realized I still had feelings for him. When I got the courage to tell him, he told me he still had feelings for me as well."

Just then Bridget came in and interrupted them asking. "Is there any coffee left?"

Susan answered, 'On the counter. Where are the kid's?"

"There in there watching Sponge Bob. As she sat down with a cup, she asked, "What are you two talking about?"

Susan smiled, "Penny just told me she and Leonard still have feelings for each other."

Pretending to look surprised, "Really, never would have guessed from the way they make goo goo eyes at each other."

She then continued, "So, how serious is it?

Penny took another sip and said, quietly, "We really don't know. We're just kind of feeling our way."

Susan spoke back up. "is there something wrong, Penny?"

"No. Actually, things are going great. It's just, I have messed up so many times, I don't want to screw this up. I just don't want to hurt him again."

Susan looked at Bridget sadly and continued, "Oh Penny, you won't. Don't let your fears stop you if you know what you want."

"I just don't know if I can be what he needs, what he deserves."

Bridgette reached out and took her hand. "We all believe you are, Penny, but I guess you're right, you guys have to figure it out on your own. Just remember, we're here for you."

Tearing up, Penny answered, "Thank you, guys."

Then they all stood up and had a group hug.

It was hours later when Wyatt and Leonard returned. They parked as close as they could get to the front door and hauled their prize into the living room. As the others all came in, they were shocked to see that Leonard looked like he had just been through a war.

Penny rushed over to him and carefully put her arms around his shoulders. "Leonard, are you all right, what happened?"

Wyatt spoke up, "Well it turned out we had to walk quite a distance this year to find a good tree. The snow had drifted pretty deep in spots. After we cut down the tree, it was quite a struggle dragging it back to the truck. Leonard was a real trooper but between the tree and the snow, he fell down a few times and once the tree kind of slid back on him."

Penny saying "Poor baby," gave Leonard a quick kiss on the mouth, which was noticed by everyone, including Sara. Then she said, "You better get out of those clothes, there all wet; and take a warm shower. You can use my room. Mom, I think some of Randall's stuff would fit him."

Two hours later, everyone was back in the living room, admiring the tree that Wyatt had got set up. Leonard was nursing a hot mug of coffee, sitting close to Penny, wearing some sweats that Penny's brother had worn, which were only slightly too big for him. His clothes were in the dryer.

Susan spoke up, "It's a beautiful tree, you guys did good." Seeing Leonard kind of roll his eyes, she continued, "Don't feel bad, Leonard, it's not your fault you had to walk so far this year. It's not an easy job, especially when you're not used to the snow."

Bridget added, "She's right, we're all proud of you, Leonard."

Obviously still not completely convinced, Leonard muttered, "Thank you."

Penny spoke up, "I'm probably not going to be able to help much decorating the tree before I have to go to work, but you guys can go ahead."

Wyatt said, "No, we want you involved, we can wait until tomorrow."

Then Leonard spoke up, 'Not sure if this is a good time, but I want to let you all know that I have decided to stay at least through the end of January."

Everyone was stunned, then smiled broadly. While Penny hugged him excitedly, Wyatt said, "That's great news, son."

After Penny let him go, Susan added her hug.

Leonard then turned to Sara, "Now you'll have plenty of time to get me on a horse."

Sara giggled and said, "We're going to need it."

As it quieted down and everyone started to move around, Leonard said quietly to Penny, "Can we talk?"

Penny nodded and spoke up, "Can you guys excuse us, Leonard and I are going up to my room, we have something we need to discuss."

A chorus of "Okay, sure."

After they were seated on the bed, Leonard started, "I just wanted to clarify something in my mind about the meeting with Henry yesterday. Wanted to see if you got the same indications I did."

Penny felt herself feel a little disappointed. She knew there was no reason she should've been expecting something more personal, but still felt a little sad. But she quickly recovered and answered, "Okay."

"From what I understood, the contract is still in effect. But I think that some things you were nervous about doing are now not a problem. I think you still can't sue him for child support or other financial help. Although, it might be worth testing that after you get custody of Sara. For now, though, since he has revealed he is the father, I see no problem in us having normal communications with the gang, and thus no problem having them coming down to see you."

Penny perked up, "Oh, that would be great. I would just love to see them. Especially Bernadette and Amy." Then, after a moment, "I think we need to tell them everything when we do tell them they can come down. But I still would like to wait till after New Year's."

"I agree." Then Leonard had to smirk, "How about Howard and the Gentlemen's Club?"

Penny smiled back, "I think I can assure you Bernadette will see to it that won't happen!"

Then, as Leonard made a motion to get up, Penny said "Not so fast." Then she slid over and putting her arms around him, gave him a big kiss, moaning as he responded and his tongue intermingled with hers.

After a time, they moved back, Penny, refocusing, "That was nice." But then quickly rising, "But I think we better go."

Leonard, still a little lost in the moment, "I think your right."

But, then he leaned back in and gave her a small kiss. "You are so beautiful."

Blushing a little, Penny said, "I missed you, yesterday."

"I missed you, too."

Then realizing they were still very close together, they both pulled away and straightened themselves up.

As they were leaving the room, Penny said, "Oh, I wanted to tell you. I want you to come with me to the Club Christmas Party next week."

Seeing the look on his face, she got a little angry and said, "Strippers can't have a Christmas Party?"

Leonard, hurriedly, stammering, "Of course, I just…"

Penny smiling, "I guess it does seem a little strange." Then she smirked, "Of course, we have a company picnic in the summer too."

She went on, "They invite families to the picnic, but just employees and a plus one to the Christmas Party. Actually, it's really pretty dull as parties go. We all have to work afterwards so no one can get too drunk. The big event is the handing out of the Christmas bonuses."

The next day Leonard arrived at his usual time. He was immediately called into the living room to help with the decorating of the tree.

When they finished, he went with Sara and Penny to work with the horses. Although he was much more comfortable with them, he still did not feel ready to ride one. In truth, he was afraid of embarrassing himself. But he did take part in every other task, including saddling Dallas on his own. For their part, the horses seemed more comfortable with Leonard as well.

When they returned to the house, they found everyone was bundled up and ready to go sledding. Seems one of the nearby farms had a couple of slopes that the owners opened up to their neighbors. Wyatt had already loaded several what are called Flying Saucer sleds in the back of the pickup. Usually they also had to put blankets in the back so some of them could ride back there, but since Leonard had his car, everyone could ride in comfort this year.

While Susan and Wyatt took the pickup, the rest rode with Leonard. Penny sat in the front seat while Bridget sat in the back with the two kids in their booster seats.

As they arrived and everyone piled out, Leonard felt his usual nervousness at trying anything physical. Noticing there was quite a crowd and that it seemed there was a wait for your chance to go down, he thought maybe he could beg off, giving his spot to someone else. But Penny had other ideas. When their time came, she told him to sit on the sled and then she sat behind him putting her legs around him and hugging him from behind. Then before he knew it, they were hurtling down the slope. Unfortunately, no one had bothered telling him how to control the sled to stop or even slow down and Penny had to tip them over to prevent them from crashing into the piles of snow below. They tumbled together, ending up in a jumble of arms and legs. As soon as Penny determined they were both all right, she had to laugh as they struggled to untangle.

As their second turn came around, Sara saved Leonard from deciding whether to try it again by asking him to go down the children's slope with her.

When they returned home, while the women made a late lunch, Leonard, Wyatt, and the kids went into the living room. Leonard had brought his computer and found a children's movie on YouTube. As she was working, Penny snuck a look into the living room and saw Leonard and her dad engrossed in a conversation while the kids watched the movie. She couldn't help but smile as she felt how normal and natural this seemed.

After everyone had eaten and the men had cleaned up, Penny, Leonard, and her parents sat in the kitchen while Bridget and the kids played with the computer in the living room.

Penny explained her work schedule for the Holidays. Christmas being on a Sunday was not exactly great for the club since Saturday was usually their big night. Since Penny usually got both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off and this year Christmas fell on her normal day off, she was going to be paid an extra day pay based on an average day in December including tips and percentages.

Since New Year's was on a Sunday, she would again get the extra day pay. But with New Year's Eve falling on a Saturday, that was expected to be one wild night. Doug was already planning on hiring extra security.

The Christmas Party was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at the club.

They finished off Sunday by singing Christmas Carols. Leonard was relieved to find out that Penny's voice was not indicative of the rest of the family. In fact, he was surprised to find that Bridget could sing very well.

After putting Sara to bed, Leonard and Penny walked out in the yard and looked up at the stars. Then Leonard turned to Penny, "This was wonderful, Penny. As you know, my family never celebrated Christmas." Then shyly, "You all made me feel that I belonged."

Penny felt her heart beat faster, she wanted to say, "You do belong with us," but wasn't exactly sure how he would interpret it. Instead she said, "I'm glad, Leonard, we all enjoyed you being with us."

They engaged in a long, gentle kiss until Penny finally pulled away, waved goodbye, watched until he was out of sight, and then returned slowly to the house.

A/N Hope that I really do let you know how enjoyable this all is, due to your interest and input.