Epilogue (five years later)
"Daddy, daddy! Look, mama's on TV!"
Stuart chuckled and obeyed the three-year old's instructions. Sure enough, his wife was on television doing yet another interview with a talk show host.
"Violet, you've gone from prime time television to movie star in just a few short years. We all would like to know what keeps you so motivated?"
"Well, Lindsey, it would have to be my loving husband Stuart and our beautiful baby girl Victoria."
"It must be hard having to work away from home so often."
"Yeah, but when I finally get to go home it's all worth it."
He smiled sadly, a pang of longing going through his heart. She was currently away for a film, but was scheduled to finish in a few days. Then she would be able to stay home for a year's vacation. Even with her return imminent, he missed his wife dearly. Not that he would trade staying home with Victoria for anything; every smile from that little girl was worth a moment away from Violet. There was the sound of a car pulling into the driveway and he looked to see his friend turned business partner, Sheldon. Tori was on him as soon as he came through the door.
"Uncle Shelly!" she squealed as he caught her.
"Hey moonpie!"
The physicist hugged the little girl before turning to Stuart.
"I have a box in the car I need help with."
"More stuff for the shop?"
"What else?"
Rolling his eyes, Stu followed him out to the car. In the front passenger seat was a large box with a folded-shut top. He carefully pulled it out of the car and set it on the ground.
"What do you got in there? Rocks?"
"No…Velvet Hammer memorabilia."
The box popped open as Violet sprang up like a cartoon character, grabbing his face and kissing him. Stuart froze in shock, not sure if this was real of not.
"Miss me?" she giggled, allowing Sheldon to help her out.
"Bunny? What are you doing here?"
"Duh, I finished filming early. But I guess it wasn't a good thing."
Smirking wolfishly, he swung her into a deep kiss. She returned it with much vigor. The physicist looked away with red cheeks. He let go of her begrudgingly.
"Sorry to let you go so soon, but there's a little girl inside who is going to freak when she sees you."
Her eyes widened and she took off towards the house. Both men smiled at the ear-splitting cry of "Mommy!" Sheldon shrugged, packing the box back into his car. He finally gained the courage to get his driver's license when bribed with Violet's KITT. It was definitely a fair price for learning how to drive.
"How long did you know about this?"
"About nine hours."
"That's since three a.m."
"Yeah, she called me begging to help her with a surprise and I couldn't say no. She came into my apartment at eleven thirty with that box telling me to pack her up. Completely worth the lack of sleep, though I am feeling a bit fatigued."
"Your futon is always set up in the guest room."
"Thank you."
Yawning, he sauntered inside. Stuart followed him in, finding his wife holding their daughter in the living room. They both had obviously been crying. Victoria resembled her mother more, but her hair was curly like his. Her black curls framed her face like a baby doll. He joined them, engulfing them in a hug. Bunny rested her head against his chest gently. For what seemed like a while, the room was silent. Even the cats' joyous mewling had quieted. The silence was finally broken by Tori yawning. Both parents chuckled softly in amusement.
"Wanna go lay with Uncle Shelly? He'll protect you from bad dreams."
Nodding, the tot wandered off down the hall. This mean the couple was left alone to cuddle and catch up. They laid on the couch together like they used to, just talking about things that had occurred when they were apart. Thankfully nothing major had happened while she was gone, but there was still the guilt that gnawed at her heart. Stu always tried to reassure her that she was a good mother despite the fact that her job cut into family time.
"I can't help it though. I just feel so bad whenever I hear you talk about what I've missed and see how big she's gotten from the last time I saw her."
"Do you enjoy being an actress?"
"Of course."
"Then don't beat yourself up. You're making money doing what you enjoy, which is more than most people can say. That money goes towards making things better for her."
"True…"
Sighing, she got up and walked down the hall to check on the nappers. Stuart hugged her gently from behind, looking over her shoulder. Victoria was curled up on Sheldon's chest with his arms around her. They looked so peaceful that it was almost unreal. She took a picture quietly. Violet led him away so they could actually talk.
"That was too cute."
"Yeah, I'll have to show him later."
"How would you feel about having another one?"
"One Sheldon Cooper is enough, thank you."
"I meant another baby!"
"Oh, I don't know. I would love more kids and I know Victoria would enjoy having a sibling."
Smiling, she took his hand and placed it on her stomach. He could feel a slight lump beneath his palm. His jaw dropped as the numbers went through his head. She had come home for a break in filming four months prior, which would explain a lot. It was still extremely hard for him to process what was happening.
"Are you- Is it-really?"
"Yes really. I'm pregnant."
"That's amazing! You don't know how happy I am right now."
"Remember that when I gain all that baby weight."
"You'll still be as beautiful as the day you walked into the shop and saved my life."
Blushing, she kissed him firmly.
"I love you Hero."
"I love you too, Bunny."
Wasn't really sure how to end this, but I hope you were all satisfied. I want to thank you all for reading this 'til the end and for all of your support. A special thanks to Leanne for keeping me motivated even when I felt like quitting. I love you all and hope you enjoyed reading "A Light In The Dark".