A/N Thanks again to all my reviewers, I never cease to be amazed at your ideas and comments. I know I have three stories going. I have decided I will work on one at a time, finishing it up; this one first. There will be one more chapter after this.
I still own nothing.
Penny sat in her apartment, sipping a glass of wine, thinking back on the night before. She hadn't said anything to Leonard, but leaving him knowing it could be the last time they would make love had torn her apart. Taking a bigger gulp, she thought of the four years she had caused them to lose when they could have been together.
Oh, she knew that if she had stayed, she probably would not have had her career. She contemplated that for a moment. She remembered about what Leonard had said that maybe that was a reason they had not made it, that she was destined to be an actress.
Well, she was one now, but she also knew there was something missing out of her life. No matter what she achieved she would not be happy without Leonard in her life.
She knew that, with all that she had done and would do, she had not shown him that when the time came, she would be there for him. The trouble was she had no idea of how to do that. Any scenario she tried to create would of in and of itself be just that, a scenario.
She had to face the fact that there was nothing she could do to definitively prove to him she would not fail him again. All she could do was finish her plan and hope her actions would allow him to believe she had changed, that she would be there for him.
She smiled ruefully, the reality was, neither of them could definitely say how she would react. But she believed she had changed and hoped they would give themselves a chance.
Well, in any case, it would soon be over. She had one last shot.
She had to smile, maybe fate would be on their side one more time. It had certainly done all it could to throw them back together. What were the odds of him being a science advisor on her picture? That they would meet again at the airport in Los Angeles? That her visit home would give her the information she needed? That she would think she was pregnant and find out she wanted to have a child with him?
She finished her glass and walked over to the window. She thought back over the sixteen years since he had seen her that day in her apartment. She had screwed up so many times, but she now realized that, from that first day, there had been something between them, something that kept them coming back to each other.
She could only hope it could happen again and this time she had grown enough to make it the last time.
Suddenly, she decided that before she played it out, she wanted to do one more thing she had always enjoyed, having a girl's night. She immediately called Amy and Bernadette and they were excited and agreed to meet that night.
Leonard had made it to work, but was not getting much done. His thoughts kept going back to the night before. It had been wonderful to be with Penny but it also had forced him to face the truth. That it might soon be over for him and Penny. Fate had given them one more chance, but he knew this was it.
He was amazed and humbled by what she had done to try to prove she had changed, that they belonged together. But the sad part was, the original question still remained, would she be there when he needed her?
But then he realized, how could she possibly prove that? Unless something comparable would happen, there was no way she could assure him beyond any doubt that she would not fail again. She could not create a situation because by definition it would be fake. The truth was, no one really knew what she would do if and when the time would come.
So, the question was whether he believed she had changed. He did believe she had. But was that enough to risk them breaking up again?
One thing he was pretty sure of, he was going to have to make a decision soon. He could tell they were nearing the end.
Penny looked over at Bernadette and Amy. If she and Leonard did not get back together, she hoped she could continue to be friends with them. She hadn't realized how much she had missed them all. She wondered if somehow she could be friends with Leonard as well. She knew it would be difficult to be with him, knowing they would not be together.
Then she chided herself, she was not going to fail. They were going to get back together and live happily ever after.
Bernadette spoke first, "I am so glad you thought of doing this, Penny, I have really missed us talking like this."
Penny smiled, "I have too." She paused and took a sip, "I didn't realize how much I have missed you both. I should have tried to make it right earlier."
Amy broke in, "Don't think that way, Penny, maybe we needed the time."
She went on, "But I do hope we don't lose you again."
Penny looked at her, "I hope that too. Whatever happens, I want us to stay friends."
Bernadette hesitated but then said, "How is it going between you and Leonard?"
"It's been great." She paused and took a gulp, "We made love last night. I had recreated the scenario when we broke up because I couldn't tell him I loved him. This time I told him I did."
Amy spoke up, "I admit I had come to believe that you two should give up being together. But after what has happened, what you have done, how great it has been to have you back, I really hope you two can make it work."
Before Penny could answer, Bernadette interrupted, "I am sure she speaks for all of us. We love you and Leonard and think you belong together."
Penny teared up, "Thank you, guys, that means everything to me. I love you all."
Bernadette found herself tearing up a little as well, "After all you have done, Leonard has to know how much you love him and want you guys to be together."
Penny smiled sadly, "I hope your right, but we both have known we love each other. The question is does he believe I have changed, that I won't run out on him again."
Amy looked at Bernadette, "Your right, I suppose. But if it matters at all, we believe you have changed."
Penny smiled, "I am glad you feel that way, now if Leonard…"
Deciding it was time to change the subject, Bernadette started to talk about how Howard had messed up again.
Penny looked gratefully at her and they spent the rest of the night talking about more mundane things like the kids and what went on behind the scenes in making movies.
Then Penny found herself talking about how Leonard had impressed everyone when he was science advisor. Seeing they were getting back on dangerous grounds, they decided to call it a night.
At the door, Bernadette and Amy gave Penny a hug and Bernadette said, "I just know it will work out between you and Leonard. You love each other too much for it not to."
Penny didn't say anything, but returned the hug and told them goodnight.
Knowing it was her last shot, Penny returned to putting off her final scenario and once again spent time with everyone as friends.
Two weeks after they made love, Leonard was watching TV when there was a knock on his door. He opened it to find a distraught Penny. For a moment, he wondered if this was another planned action but then saw she was really upset.
She rushed up to him and gave him a big hug as tears poured down her face.
Leonard hugged her back and after a few moments, Penny pulled back. She struggled for a moment and the then finally got out, "She's dead, Leonard. I just got a call."
Before he could ask, she went on, "Of course, I knew it was going to happen, but I guess I wanted to believe she would somehow survive. God, she was so young, so beautiful. She was so happy."
Leonard finally got out, "Who died, Penny?"
She stared at him then said, "Margie, Margie died."
Leonard was puzzled for a minute and then remembered that was the name of the little girl with the wish to be on a movie set with Penny.
"I am so sorry, Penny, I know how much you were moved by being with her."
Penny nodded, "They said she died in her sleep." She managed a small smile, "I know I don't act very religious, but I want to believe she is in heaven."
Leonard was surprised but said, "I'd like to believe that there is a special place for children."
Penny smiled. Then she said, "Could I stay for a while? I don't want to be alone just now."
"Of course, Penny. Can I get you anything?"
"No." She went over to the couch and sat down. When Leonard sat down beside her, she asked quietly, "Could you hold me?"
He moved over and she leaned into him as he put his arm around her shoulder. They stayed like that for a long time. Then Leonard noticed the time and that his arm was going to sleep. Reluctantly he pulled it back.
Penny sat up and realized how late it was. She was about to say goodnight when she realized she wasn't yet ready to be alone. She realized how comforting it had been to be with Leonard.
Hesitantly, she asked, "I know it is a lot to ask, but could I stay here tonight? I don't want to be alone."
"I understand, I can sleep on the couch."
"Could you stay with me?"
Before he could answer, she hurried on, "I promise I won't do anything. I just want to be with you, to have you hold me. Can we do that, Leonard?"
Leonard reached out and took her hand. He led her into the bedroom. After he had done his nightly duties, he took out something for her to sleep in and she went into the bathroom. When she came out, he was in bed waiting for her, holding the covers back.
She crawled in next to him and snuggled up to him. Soon, they were both fast asleep.
In the morning, there was a brief awkward moment but then they both took their times in the bathroom and sat down for breakfast. Penny told Leonard everything about the time she had spent with Margie.
When she was leaving, she stopped at the door. Leonard asked, "Are you going to be all right?"
She smiled back, "I think so, now." She paused, "Thank you, Leonard, for being there for me."
He smiled back, "Anytime, Penny. I am glad I could help."
Penny leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the mouth and left.
A week after she had stayed overnight, Penny decided it was time. She knocked on the door of 4A and was admitted to see everyone was there.
"As you know, it is Valentine's day this Friday. To prove that I can do romance, I have made reservations at a fancy restaurant. She turned to Bernadette, "I hope you and Howard can join Leonard and I."
Since it was July, it was obvious this was another scenario. When Bernadette and Howard said they would be glad to come, she nodded and left.
Bernadette and Amy had thought long and hard about what had happened at the girl's night with Penny. They struggled whether they should say anything to Leonard. But everyone seemed to sense that things were coming to a head.
They finally decided to talk to him.
Leonard had been surprised when Bernadette called but now they were together in 4B.
Bernadette started, "We weren't sure if we should say anything, but we finally decided we needed to."
She went on, "We just wanted to tell you that we think you should give your and Penny's relationship another chance. Two people that love each other as much as you two do, belong together."
Amy broke in, "We know that it's your decision but we just felt we needed to let you know how we feel." She hesitated, "I know none of us know if she will let you down again, but we believe she has changed and deserves another chance."
Leonard thought over what they were saying, "I really appreciate you telling me how you feel. I really respect your feelings." He sighed, "But, you're right, it's my decision and in the end it's how I feel."
They got up, "We understand. We'll support you in whatever you decide. We just felt we needed to let you know how we feel."
"I know and I am glad you shared it with me."
Bernadette impulsively gave him a hug. "Just know we are all here for you."
Leonard returned her hug and then shocked Amy by kissing her softly on the cheek. "I know and it means everything to me."
That Friday, Leonard picked Penny up. He wasn't sure if it was the same dress, but she looked gorgeous.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Bernadette and Howard were waiting for them, hoping their being there first didn't affect anything.
Penny didn't seem to mind and soon everyone was fortified with a glass of wine. Feeling a little silly, Bernadette and Howard made an effort to have their argument. Penny had to smile as she watched them. Once again, she was amazed at what wonderful friends she had.
After the food was served, Penny exclaimed, "Oh, Son of a bitch."
Leonard looked at her, "What?"
"It's just this guy I used to date."
After a moment, she went on, "Until he cheated with my friend Gretchen, who is with him now."
"Really?"
"It looks like she lost a lot of weight, damn it."
"I know it bugs you, but don't let it ruin the night for us."
"You're right, she could be skinny because she could be dying."
"That's the spirit."
"You know, to hell with them, our night is going to be much more special."
Bernadette remembered her line, "Oh, oh."
Penny looked over at the couple, "What?" The man was proposing to the woman. "You've got to be kidding me."
The girl answers, "Oh, my God, of course I'll marry you."
Leonard started to kneel, "Two can play this game."
Suddenly he realized Penny wasn't stopping him.
Getting down, he knew this was the moment. This is what Penny had been aiming for.
He looked up at her face, he could see the love, the anticipation, the fear.
Everything that had happened rushed over him. All the years, all that had happened between them. The last few months, what Penny had gone through to show him how much she wanted to get back together. At how his friends had joined in. As he knelt, he was sure of two things, he loved her, maybe he had always loved her. He also knew that he was never as happy as he was when he was with her. He thought of how she had reconnected with everyone.
He loved her, she made him happy, what was holding him back? Of course, he knew; nothing that had happened meant she wouldn't fail him again, that she would be there when he needed her. But he also knew there was no way she could prove that to him, that neither of them could completely be sure.
It came down to, did he believe she had changed, changed enough to be there for him, to stay with him. He wanted to believe it.
He thought about what Bernadette and Amy had said.
But then he suddenly realized that, in the end, none of that really mattered. It all became clear to him. There was a realization of complete clarity.
Now confident in what he needed to do, he looked up at her. The doubts were all gone. All he knew was that if he let her go, if he didn't take this chance; he would never forgive himself, he would regret it the rest of his life.
He smiled, completely at peace, "Penny Lawrence, will you remarry me?"
Penny was overwhelmed with joy, but then a doubt crept in. She leaned down, "You do know this is for real, right?"
He smiled happily, "As real as a Las Vegas Chapel."
As he saw the look of absolute joy on her face, he knew he had made the right decision.
She quickly said, "YES, Leonard Hofstadter, YES, I will remarry you."
He rose and pulled her to him as their lips met in a passionate kiss.
All of the patrons clapped and cheered (only two being actors), including Howard and Bernadette.
Just then, they were joined by Sheldon, Amy, and Raj. Penny had them come to either share in the celebration or be there for Leonard.
With the women all tearing up, hugs were exchanged, with everyone expressing their joy at what happened. Then Raj stunned them when he announced to the room, "Champagne for everyone!"
When he saw the looks on their faces, he shrugged, "I have always wanted to do that."
A woman had recorded it all and when she realized who the woman was, posted it on You Tube.
As everyone celebrated, Penny pulled Leonard aside, "You know, I am worth over sixty million dollars."
"Really."