Chapter 37

Knotting Two

Three years later,

And Wyatt's acting career had quickly rocketed him to stardom, Penny His Mother was now his agent, and had become so busy with this new aspect, that she sold her interior design company to Sandra and Kelly, Penny, had also been fortunate enough to appear with Wyatt in one of his movies, though not due to Wyatt's influence, but to the director, W. G, Gerrard, who immediately saw in Penny that she was so right for the part of one of the main characters in the movie, and as soon as he found out that Penny had acting experience, he immediately signed her up.

One Day, while Kay and her Daughter Chloe were at the stables, and unusually for Chloe that day, She seemed to totally lack any enthusiasm for jumps exercises, and so Kay decided that perhaps they could just go for a gentle ride together.

After some time of trying to engage Chloe in general conversation without success, Kay asked her Daughter outright if there was anything wrong?.

Chloe raised her head and as Kay noticed the pain on her Daughter's face, she waited with some dread as to the reason why.

"Well the other day when I entered the studio canteen, I noticed Wyatt was in deep conversation with Deanna, but as soon as they saw me they suddenly stopped, and Wyatt looked as though he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar, and Deanna suddenly left, greeting me briefly as she passed,

I asked Wyatt what were they talking about, and he just told me 'Oh this and that, nothing to worry about'. You don't suppose he's bored with Me?", Chloe asked.

"Was that Deanna Carlton?", Kay asked, as she struggled to think of an answer to Chloe's question.

"Yes that's right, she is playing the female lead opposite Wyatt in this movie", Chloe answered.

"I'm sure I read somewhere that she had just got engaged?, which seems very strange as she seems to be a steady character and has never been involved in any scandal like that at all, I didn't think she was the type to cheat?", Kay surmised, trying to make sense of this development.

"Perhaps She decided She loves Wyatt more, after all She is an award winning actress while I am only Wyatt's PA", Chloe pointed out gloomily.

"I was so hoping he would ask me to marry him, And now I don't think he will at all now, he'll probably tell me it's all over instead now", and Chloe collapsed in a flood of tears.

Later after Chloe had recovered a little, "it's a little bit soon though isn't it?, you marrying I mean. After all you're only nineteen", Kay pointed out.

"It seems that way, but I have been in love with him since I was Eleven, It was when Penny and her team were decorating your dressing room, Penny had to bring Wyatt along with her and you told me to show him my new pet rabbit, I remember that I was a little afraid that Wyatt would be too rough with Lucky, but Wow!, he was so gentle that Lucky fell asleep in his arms, and I remember thinking to myself how much I would like to be in Wyatt's arms, and I have felt that way ever since. I mean, I know that Eleven is far too young to fall in love, but as the years have passed by, my love for him has only grown stronger the more I learn about him, till now", Chloe explained, then added, "You see I have seen the love you and Dad have and also how so cute Wyatt's mum and Dad are together, and I want that too, But only with Wyatt

"Look Chloe, there is no simple answer, you will just have to ask Wyatt what was going on and tell him how insecure it is making you feel", Kay advised.

"But what if he ends things between us, I can't be without him now", Chloe explained brokenly.

"When are you seeing him next?", Kay asked.

"Tonight, He's taking me out to dinner", Chloe replied.

"OK, ask him tonight, and if it goes badly, well, you know I will be here for you", Kay told her.

And they rode silently back to the stables together.

XXXXXXX

Chloe despite her grim foreboding pulled out all the stops as she got ready, as though to convince Wyatt that Deanna Carlton could not hold a candle to Chloe in just who was more beautiful.

And when Wyatt arrived he gasped as he saw her and complimented her on how pretty she looked tonight, which made Chloe a little more confident that the night might not end so badly.

But all through dinner Wyatt seemed a little distracted, as though he was thinking of something else, (or Someone else?).

The dinner was soon at an end and already they were walking back to the car, and Chloe had still not gathered the required level of courage to broach the subject of their future together,nor did she have any inkling as to what Wyatt's intentions were.

And with a feeling of dread in the pit of her stomach, Chloe looked at Wyatt as he started the engine, to make for home.

But to Chloe's surprise, Wyatt headed instead for the beach, their favourite place, and on arrival he asked Chloe if she would like to walk along the shore with him. Chloe acquiesced and convinced herself that Wyatt was not a cruel man therefore the termination of their relationship seemed unlikely, but Chloe puzzled as to exactly why had Wyatt brought them here? . As they walked along, Wyatt pointed out the stars, and how bright and clear they seemed tonight.

"Keep your lousy stars". Chloe thought sourly, then she declared how cold she was feeling and began to turn back towards the car when Wyatt stopped her, He turned towards her and to her utter surprise got down on one knee and holding out a ring he had surreptitiously retrieved from his pocket and asked Chloe for her hand in Marriage.

"What about Deanna?", Chloe asked him, now utterly puzzled by how unexpected this proposal was after convincing herself that things were on the downward turn between them.

"Deanna?, Oh, I suppose you mean that day when you came in when I was talking with her. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause you to be upset, But you see Deanna got engaged two weeks ago and I asked for her advice on proposing to you, I'm sorry, I was so afraid that you would not like anything that I would think up, so I simply got a woman's viewpoint on what she considered to be the most romantic proposal, and she told me that her fiance had taken her to their favourite place when he proposed.

So, as this place not only being where we first met, but has also given us so many very happy times together, I thought I would propose to you here?, I hope that I have done OK?", Wyatt explained, then when Chloe saw the love and concern for her so evident in his beautiful brown eyes, And now, with her emotions already in turmoil, Chloe threw her arms around him and wept , while at the same time telling him in a loud voice, "Oh-yes, Yes please".

XXXXXXX

All that evening, Kay and J.G. had been nervously sitting in the lounge, without even being aware as to what program was playing on T.V. at all, and dreading how this rejection might affect their Daughter.

And both were then utterly surprised to hear her Daughter's happy excited laughter, along with Wyatt's as they returned,

and upon entering the lounge Kay was suddenly aware that Chloe had extended her left hand towards her Mother, a hand now adorned with the most beautiful diamond engagement ring on the third finger of said left hand.

An ecstatic J.G immediately opened a bottle of Jack Daniels, and while Chloe and her Mother made do with a glass of Chardonnay each, Wyatt and her father busily saw to the "unpleasant" task of emptying the Whisky bottle together.

As the newly engaged couple sat together in the kitchen while Wyatt sipped at a now much needed black coffee, Chloe confessed, "you took me quite by surprise, I thought I would have to wait a bit longer before you asked me?".

"Yeah, I guess a lot of folks might think we're a bit young", Wyatt admitted.

"So, why now?, not that I'm complaining, in fact I'm on cloud nine, but just out of interest?", Chloe asked.

"Well, it was a week or so ago, My Mom along with me in tow, dropped in to see Aunt Bernadette, and while they chatted together, I helped Howard move some stuff in his garage, when he let slip something about my Father. I knew Dad had a bad accident years ago, but apparently it affected my Mom very badly, Please don't let on I told you, But the shock to her system was so great that she had to spend some time in a psychiatric hospital.", Wyatt began.

"I didn't know that, Oh how awful, how did your dad cope?", Chloe gasped at the revelation.

"Well, it seems Dad was in a coma at first, and when he came out of it, of course they had to tell him about Mom, which was what started uncle Howard to reveal the secret, we were talking about how best we could lift a very heavy cabinet, when Uncle Howard remarked, "how he could have let Dad move it with his super Human strength, and that's when I asked what he meant by that, then he told me the whole story", Wyatt elucidated.

"So how is this to do with your proposing to me?", Chloe asked.

"It seemed that Dad went bat crap crazy over the news of Mom's mental state, so much so that it took all of them to stop Him from busting right out of there and going to her. It was only after the Doctor in attendance gave him a powerful sedative that they could calm him down at all. And I got to thinking, what would I do if I was in Dad's position. Then I knew, I'd do exactly the same for you. I love you so much Chloe, Like my Dad, with my Mom, you are the most important person in my life, and when Mom found out what Dad did, in spite of his injuries. It moved her to want to make their relationship more permanent. And I realized in that moment, that I wanted the same thing for us. I know it's easy to say Chloe, but I know I would've done exactly the same.

You know, I've often wondered what made my Mom and Dad such an extraordinarily close couple, I guess now, I know. And I firmly believe that we could be as close as that too", Wyatt finished, as he looked intensely into her eyes.

"Oh yes My Darling, I so want that too", Chloe revealed fervently.

XXXXXXX

The couple had planned to tell Wyatt's parents the next day. But Kay was adamant, "I know Penny, and if I didn't make you two tell her now, then I know for certain that I would be losing one of my dearest friends ever, and now we are to be related by marriage, it is even more important that you two go over there now and tell them personally, NOW!".

"But Mom, it's gone midnight. And neither Wyatt or I, are in a fit state to drive", Chloe reasoned.

Kay's answer was to reach for her car keys, "OK you two lovebirds, Move!".

XXXXXXX

The excitement in the Hofstadter household rivaled that of Kay's family's, and Wyatt instead of Whisky, joined his Father in a celebratory cup of coffee, while Penny had no such qualms, as she immediately opened a bottle of peach schnapps and soon Chloe was as sloshed as Wyatt.

And Wyatt and Leonard was soon startled at the sight of Penny and Chloe excitedly dancing together in ecstasy at this wonderful event.

Chloe, in spite of her tiredness as well as the half bottle of peach schnapps sitting in her stomach, mulled for a while over the past events of the day, as she caressed the diamond of her ring in ecstasy.

Soon after she began her friendship with Wyatt, she had been a little surprised one day, when she visited Wyatt at his house, only to see Penny get very stressed, when Leonard was late home one day.

At the time Chloe thought that Penny was one of those people that lived on their nerves, always on edge constantly, but now after hearing about Leonard's accident, and Penny's reaction to, suddenly everything made sense, the reason for Penny's stress that day and even up to now she would still be the same if Leonard was even a little late, it certainly made sense of the reason why Penny seemed to always touch her husband. Now Chloe knew why, For Penny needed to reassure herself that Leonard was there and was absolutely fine,

In fact Leonard too would smile lovingly at Penny, knowing it would help her relax.

Chloe herself had been blessed with loving parents, but having two sets of loving Parents was an absolute bonus, she smiled at remembering earlier as Penny insisted despite it being one O'clock in the Morning, standing them in front of the Jacaranda tree and taking the happy couple's picture, (With some difficulty, as Penny, suffered both from the effects of the schnapps and also the happy tears that she had to keep wiping away in order to see through the viewfinder. and on that final memory. Chloe surrendered to the effects of the schnapps and tiredness, and feeling much more secure for their future lives together.

XXXXXXX

At the studios on Monday, Chloe was overwhelmed by an excited Deanna who caught Chloe in a tight hug, and said, "Congratulations, I'm so happy for you, I'm sorry if my talking with Wyatt gave you the wrong idea, but I swear to you, that I am totally in love with my own fiance, and I tell you girl, you should see Wyatt's eyes shine when he talks about you, perhaps you can talk to my Beau about me then you can tell me if his eyes shine as much. Seriously though, you must realize, as Wyatt is so famous now, he will be very attractive to hundred's of the most beautiful women, so please be assured that he is totally and absolutely without reservation in love with you", Deanna told her earnestly.

"Thank you Deanna, not only for your congratulations. But more importantly, for telling me something I really needed to hear", Chloe told her gratefully.

"My pleasure girl, now promise me, we can look for wedding dresses together, Oh my I am so excited, this next scene I'm doing is such a sad one, boy I am going to be in so much trouble with the director now as I don't think I can stop smiling", Deanna joked.

And true to Chloe's word for the next few months, Chloe, Kay and Deanna would set aside time to search for wedding dresses together.

Chloe and Wyatt did have a little disagreement, as Chloe was determined to plan and organize her wedding herself, while Wyatt was worried over the enormous amount of work that Chloe would be snowed under with. But finally after Chloe pointed out that a professional wedding planner might tip off the press that there is something big going on, and Wyatt finally agreed after convincing Chloe to please let family members help.

The search for a wedding venue, posed quite a few problems. For the couple had their hearts set on a quiet family affair, with some close friends only, and any public venue would again, be likely to be invaded by fans as well as paparazzi, in fact Kay and J.G's own wedding was almost spoilt by some of the more determined paparazzi, if it was not for the vigilance of the staff on security, there was no telling what might have happened.

But a solution was found as Chloe looked through the album of Penny and Leonard's album and Chloe like Penny decided to have her own wedding in the barn. And by sending photographs of the wedding later to some of the more popular magazines, it would ensure that both Chloe and the press were satisfied.

For the Honeymoon Venue too, Chloe decided to take advantage of Leonard's offer of the cabin at Lake McConaughy as 1) it was in an isolated spot by the lake, and 2) it was unlikely for the Paparazzi to suddenly descend on them en masse.

However as soon as they had heard of Chloe's plans for their honeymoon, both Penny and Kay were really hoping very much, that as Kay had fallen pregnant with Chloe at the cabin, and Penny had fallen for Honey Marie at the same location, that perhaps Chloe too might follow in the family tradition., in fact at the thought of her first grandchild, Kay immediately began daydreaming of proudly pushing her grandchild along in it's stroller.

However that may or not be the near future. But for now Penny's Brother Kenny and the hands were now busily preparing the barn for another wedding, Wyatt, Penny's Father being now at an advanced age. Was contented with just making the odd suggestion to help. Meanwhile Penny's Mom, Marcia, was in daily contact with Penny discussing the fare for the wedding and making sure all her preparations were done on time, with the help of the younger female members of Penny's family.

so the weeks passed, all the friends would be staying in local hotels while Kay, J.G., Penny, Leonard, Chloe and Wyatt would be staying at the farm.

Finally a couple of days before the wedding Penny, hand in hand with Leonard went to check on the barn, "Oh my God it's beautiful", Penny gasped in awe, as she looked around at the now decorated barn.

"Kind of reminds you of ours doesn't it", Leonard said, as he thought back to the most wonderful day of his life.

"Yes Honey, it certainly does", Penny agreed as she moved to that same spot where she stood as a bride.

"I can still see your face, as you walked towards me.

You know if you had never told me before, you loved me, I would have known simply by the look on your face back then", Penny informed him as she felt the first happy tears start to run down her cheeks.

"It's funny, but if I could have anything I wanted to experience again, I would choose every minute that I have had you in my life", Leonard told her truthfully, as he remembered the face of his beautiful bride.

Penny was so touched by his words that all she could say was "Leonard", from the heart.

Then the couple repeated their dance at their prom do-over,accompanied only by the music in their minds. As the happy images of their lives together, drifted through their shared memories.

"I can't believe that the day I moved into apartment 4b, that I would meet the very special guy who would make my life so happy, I mean I was really at such a low point then, having just been cheated on by Kurt, and stuck in a job as a waitress, and to think I would have you, and our four wonderful children, and three lovely Grandchildren, that I would not only have that, but also to have success in interior design, and also as an actress on TV,. It's so unbelievable that I could have achieved so much now, I mean it's like 'Wow'", Penny revealed as she thought back.

"Well much of that success was only due to your hard work and talent for design, Honey", Leonard reminded her.

"Yes true, but think Leonard, would I have enjoyed the same whole hearted support from anyone else but you?, You have helped greatly in making my success possible, frankly I am totally convinced that I have the best Husband in the whole wide world, I tell you the truth, I could not have done any of it without you my Darling", and holding each other even closer they continued their dance.

XXXXXXX

Soon the special day had arrived, and thanks to the hard work of all the family members on both sides, and Chloe's own organizational skills everything was ready, Deanna Carlton was thrilled to be Chloe's Matron of honour while Wyatt, who had no real close friends, delighted his father, as well as Bernadette, by asking his father's old friend, Howard to be best man.

So with Honey Marie's little girl as bridesmaid, holding a small basket of freesias, she held Deanna's hand as they began walking down the aisle behind Chloe, who, just as Penny did on her wedding day, was concentrating very hard to store away carefully, the look on Wyatt's face as he turned to look at his Bride.

Both Kay and Penny were in tears at the sheer happiness of seeing their respective offspring taking this life changing step, with Penny tightly holding Leonard's hand, which was later mirrored by Kay who lovingly took J.G's hand as soon as he had sat down. Everyone had bated breath as the minister declared them man and wife, which signalled the release, as all clapped and cheered as Wyatt and Chloe shared their first kiss as Husband and Wife, partners for life.

At the reception as Penny danced closely with Leonard, she gazed around at the other couples, Elizabeth was staring into her husband peregrine's eyes, Bernadette was in a close embrace with Howard as they danced, Kay was smiling as she shared some observations with her Husband , J.G., even Sheldon, Penny noted would often check to see where Amy was, if she was away from him for a little while, he had certainly changed, Amy was now his rock, and it seemed Sheldon was being very careful to keep his wife by his side constantly Honey Marie, held her little sleeping bridesmaid Daughter on her lap as she leant against her Husband, while the twins were busily discussing some latest physics paper with Samuel Wolowitz, and Isaac Cooper, the only sad part was that Mike had been taken ill shortly before the wedding and Leonard's Mother Beverley though she was eager to attend the wedding felt unable to leave her sick husband behind. Though Penny was pleased with Wyatt and Chloe's plan to go round and personally show the movie and photographs of the wedding, "After all, Mike helped me enormously in not only my first performance in the school play, but also it got Chloe to notice me", Wyatt surmised.

Penny had nodded, deciding to let Chloe herself reveal to Wyatt that she had noticed him a lot earlier than Wyatt thought.

That night as Penny lay snuggled up in Leonard's arms, she thought of all the people, family dear friends, how important they had become to her, she certainly could not do without any of them now.

Her girls nights, indeed were such a delight, all of her friends would defend her to their last breath,yes quite often her girls nights were the highlight of the week, The guys, Howard, how he had changed form that creepy guy, to a loving husband and father, Raj who had a few months ago had taken up a post as professor of astrophysics in Mumbai, but had sent his congratulations, as well as a beautiful pink sari for Chloe.

Yes Penny had come a long way from being a miserable and depressed young woman, to the incredible state of happiness she was in now, "I've been so blessed, thanks mostly to this wonderful guy laying beside me, and then happy and satisfied, she went to sleep.