A/N Oops. It appears I lied to you; in a big way. This is not the last chapter. In fact, there will be at least three more. I originally planned to have something like an epilogue, but as I started, I discovered I had more I wanted to say. I hope you won't be too hard on me.
Thanks again for the wonderful reviews. Maybe I just wanted to get more :)
I still own nothing.
They had gone back and forth what to do about the wedding. At first, they thought of just going to the courthouse or back to Vegas, but then they decided they would finally have a real wedding.
Then ended up planning to have it on the farm. They hired a security firm to keep reporters and paparazzi away; including having a helicopter in the air. They hired a real pastor since all the guys were in the wedding.
Penny was especially thrilled when Lisa agreed to be her Matron of Honor. It turned out that Lisa had wanted to join her parents and Randall at Penny's second wedding, but Bob told her she was not going all the way to California. Her Bridesmaids were of course Bernadette and Amy.
Leonard naturally chose Sheldon as his best man with Howard and Raj as his groomsmen.
Michael and Halley were the ring bearer and flower girl.
Penny decided to wear her mother's wedding dress and everyone agreed she made a beautiful bride.
Penny was pleased when Leonard's Mother and Father agreed to attend again. Everyone was relieved that time had evidently took the edge off their contempt for each other. Penny was a little bummed, but not surprised when Leonard's brother and sister sent their regrets, saying they had something important to do.
This time Penny and Leonard made sure to invite Sheldon's mother themselves. They happily agreed when Mary asked if Missy and her kids could accompany her.
Everyone was asked to try to arrive three days before the wedding. Penny had arranged rooms for everyone at the nicest hotel in Omaha. There was also a limousine service that would take anyone wherever they wanted to go.
Sheldon and Amy picked up the Coopers with a limousine at the airport. Missy's kids were Roger and Samuel. Missy and her husband had never reconciled and they were divorced soon after Samuel was born. Missy had found a good job as a receptionist at a doctor's office and Mary often babysat.
Roger and Samuel were a little in awe of Sheldon. Their mother had told them how he had won a Nobel Prize. Missy was proud that Roger showed an interest in science and was quite intelligent. Evidently, in her case, the Cooper brains had jumped a generation.
After letting Roger pelt Sheldon with questions for a while, Mary finally spoke up.
"Roger, give your uncle a break. We will be here for a few days; you will get a chance to talk to him."
"Okay, Grandma."
She went on, "I was surprised when I got the invitation. I never thought Leonard and Penny would get back together, her being a big movie star and all. But then they always were a strange couple."
Amy answered, "I know what you mean, we were all surprised." She paused, "But when you see them together, you can tell how much they love each other."
Mary continued, "It was so sad about them losing their baby. It's ironic, isn't it, Missy, they lost the baby they wanted so bad, but you had no trouble getting pregnant."
"Don't start on me, Mom." She looked at her kids, "You know you love them as much as I do."
"Your right, Missy, but when I think of that man…"
"Ixnay on that. Not now."
Amy broke in, "So, Missy, I understand you are working in a doctor's office. Do you like it?"
"Yeah, I like the people there and the pay is pretty good."
Sheldon sat quietly watching. He loved his sister, even after the way she had treated him growing up, but he was amazed they could be related, let alone twins. No two people could be more different. He had to admit he was surprised how intelligent Roger seemed to be, but reminded himself that neither his mother nor his father had been that intelligent either. He decided he would do his best to help Roger as much as he could.
Missy had continued, "I can't wait to see Steven again. I haven't seen him since soon after he was born, what is he now, three?"
"He will be three next month."
Mary spoke up, "I can't wait to see Penny again. Although it will be a little different now that she is a movie star."
Leonard and Penny had picked up both Beverly and Alfred at the airport. They had coincidentally arrived at about the same time. Penny had wondered if they should send two cars, but Beverly assured them she and Alfred would be on their best behavior.
After picking them up and exchanging greetings, they headed for the hotel. Beverly sat in the back and looked over at Penny. Before they broke up, she had gotten quite close with Penny. She was surprised to find that she was glad that she seemed to make Leonard happy.
As for she and Leonard, after their confrontation that day, they had found a way to be comfortable with each other. It had even survived when she published her latest book about him and his siblings.
Alfred turned to her, "I suppose I should congratulate you on your success with your new book." He smirked, "It does have quite a title, How They Turned Out, the story of Needy Baby, Greedy Baby."
Then he looked embarrassed, "Sorry Leonard, I…"
Leonard smiled at Penny, "Don't worry, Dad, Mother and I have found a way to deal with each other."
He added, "It's not your normal mother/son love story, but it works for us."
With everyone except Lisa arriving on time, they had a quick rehearsal at the farm that night.
This time (third times the charm), Penny and Leonard had decided everyone would have a chance to get to know each other better and had arranged a couple of get-togethers at the hotel.
Two nights before the wedding, they had arranged with the hotel to have the pool area to themselves. Some guests were not thrilled but were mollified a little when they learned who was there. Although the security guards kept them back, they were able to catch a glimpse of everyone attending.
The tabloids were filled with the story of the movie star who gave up a movie to get back with her scientist ex-husband, a true love story. It appeared that Penny had enhanced her career rather than harming it.
Penny sat with Leonard by the pool. Like most of the others, she had a swimsuit under her clothes but the only ones who had gone in the pool were the kids and their parents.
She felt a little sadness, but quickly put it behind her, as she watched them. She had to smile. Missy and Bernadette were not wearing bikinis but both were still sexy as hell. Amy's new dress code evidently did not extend to swim wear as she was wearing about as conservative a suit as she could.
She smiled as she saw Sheldon sitting with Raj. It had become apparent he had no intention of 'frolicking in the pool'.
She turned to talk with Leonard when she noticed that Raj did not seem to be paying attention to what Sheldon was saying. She followed his eyes and smirked when she saw he was looking at Missy. She also noticed he had a rapt look on his face.
Poor Raj. Then she thought again. Missy and Raj? Why not? She remembered how Missy had seemed to be disappointed when Raj had lost his voice when she had visited so long ago.
She watched Missy, but she didn't seem aware of the attention she was getting, concentrating on her kids.
Suddenly, Penny had an idea. She knew she shouldn't interfere but she was so happy to be back with Leonard, she wanted others to be happy as well. Besides, she had got Howard and Bernadette together.
She got up and went over to the edge of the pool. She got Bernadette's attention and signaled for her to join her. When Bernadette reached her, she had her get out of the pool and they moved a little distance away.
"What's so important, Penny?"
"I want you and Howard to tell Raj that you have to do something and ask him if he would stay with Halley and Michael."
"Why do you want me to do that? What are you up to?"
"Haven't you noticed how he has been looking at Missy? I thought it might be interesting to have them kind of thrown together."
Bernadette stared at her, "Don't you ever give up? Look how many times we have tried to set him up. You know how that turned out."
"I know, but I just have a good feeling about this. You know how crazy Raj is about kids. I think they would be good together."
"I can't believe I am saying this, but okay. I don't know what excuse we can give to leave, though."
"Don't worry, if I am right about him, he will jump at the chance. We can always make up something later."
Penny watched as Bernadette went back to Howard. She saw the look of surprise on his face. He then turned to look at Penny and she had to smile at the look of incredulity on his face. But then he shrugged and Penny watched as he went over to Raj.
She knew she had been right when she saw the smile on Raj's face. He about fell down in his hurry to strip down to his swim suit and join the kids.
When she saw how he and Missy started to interact, she had to confide in Leonard. Ignoring his look of I love you, but don't you ever give up, she turned back and watched happily.
She felt justified the next day when Raj joined Missy and her kids on a trip to a local amusement park.
The night before the wedding, there was a huge buffet in a private dining room in the hotel. They had gone all out and offerings included everything from steak and lobster to Cheesecake Factory hamburgers and spaghetti with hot dogs in it.
Every one had a good time and it seemed to be working getting them to know each other. Penny had to smile triumphantly when others began to notice how close Raj and Missy were getting. She was disappointed though when it seemed the attraction between Mary and Alfred had been a one-time thing. They had never followed up on seeing each other.
She had been a little upset that Bob had not allowed Lisa to come early, but was gratified to see them at the buffet. The two teenagers soon snuck away and spent most of the night at the pool. She was proud of her Dad as he kept Bob occupied, allowing Lisa to relax and have a good time.
The next morning, Lisa and Penny went out for an early ride. As they rode, Lisa turned to Penny, "I am so happy for you and Leonard." She hesitated, "It is obvious how much you love each other, how passionate you are for each other." They rode for a time, "It's made me think about me and Bob. How it is between us."
Penny was shocked, was she thinking about breaking up? A little apprehensively she said, "You aren't planning on leaving him?"
Lisa stared at her in shock, "God, no. I do love him and he is a wonderful father."
"I have just realized I haven't really made an effort for a long time." She stopped her horse, "Maybe all we need is something different. Get us out of our rut."
She smiled at Penny, "Do we have time to go shopping? I need to find some new night clothes. Something that will knock his socks off."
Penny smiled, "There's always time for shopping, there is a Victoria Secret at the Mall."
They hurried back and taking the limousine service, bought some items that Penny used to show off for Leonard. When she saw Lisa in them, she figured that unless Bob was dead, he was going to get the shock of his life.
Leonard and the rest of the men, including Wyatt, had spent the night at the hotel while the women took over the farm house. Missy turned out to be a great help, keeping the kids occupied and helping out whenever she could.
She happily confided to them that although Raj had to go back to work, he planned to visit her in Texas as soon as he could. With everyone telling her how excited and happy they were for them, she smirked and said that apparently Roger had turned his hero worship from Sheldon to Raj.
When Raj told the guys about Missy, Sheldon was surprised and a little perturbed at first, and Howard started to give him a bit of a hard time, but when they saw how happy he was, they all congratulated him and wished him luck.
The last hurdle had been completed with the weather more than cooperating. It was a beautiful fall day. Although it wasn't the normal thing, Penny and Leonard had shown their feelings for Mary by having her seated with the other parents. Missy had agreed to sit with the kids.
Except for Leonard, the rest of the wedding party was waiting in the house. Penny was getting a little antsy, just wanting to get going.
Wyatt came up to her, "Well, Slugger, are you ready?"
Penny smiled at him, "More than ready. Let's get this show on the road."
Wyatt hesitated a moment, "I just want to say how happy your mother and I are that you and Leonard have gotten back together. We really love you both."
Penny felt herself tearing up, "Thank you, Dad." She smirked, "But don't get me crying."
Lisa came up to them, "Are you all right, Penny? It's time to go."
Penny smiled, "I'm fine. In fact, I'm perfect."
They all moved out to where they would start down the aisle.
Sheldon and Lisa went first. Leonard remembered again that first moment he and Sheldon had met Penny. How different she had made their lives.
Leonard watched as they reached him. Although this was his and Penny's third try at this, he felt deeply this was much different than the others. He had loved Penny for a long time, but it was much deeper now. They had gone through a lot, but he felt it had made them stronger.
Bernadette and Howard went next. Leonard had to smile as he thought about when he had first met them both. Who would have ever believed how they had turned out?
Raj and Amy came last. Again Leonard marveled how Amy had changed, how she had blossomed from that introverted woman she had been. He also had to smile as he noticed Raj smile at Missy as he went by her. It appeared Penny may have put two people together again.
Then Halley and Michael came down the aisle. It was apparent Halley was enjoying this immensely while Michael looked like he would rather be anywhere else.
Then, the bride's music began and everyone stood. When Leonard saw her, he felt at if his heart would burst. God, she was so beautiful and he loved her so much.
Penny smiled happily, she couldn't believe how excited and happy she was. After all, this was their third time. But it felt like the first, like something new and wonderful. She saw Leonard and she realized how much she really loved him. She was again so grateful fate had given them one more chance.
Wyatt took her hand and placed it in Leonard's, "No Father has ever been so happy to give up his daughter."
As Wyatt set down next to Susan, she took his hand.
As Mary Cooper watched the ceremony, she could not help but think about the tie between Sheldon and Leonard. She would never have thought she would see the day when they would both be married. She had always been afraid Sheldon would be alone most of his life. She was so pleased that Leonard and Penny seemed to think of her as a parent because the loved them both.
Beverly Hofstadter watched quietly. All her life she had been proud she had never needed anybody. Her husband, her children, were to be part of an orderly and planned life. She had to smile, it had seemed to work for her other children and for a long time, with Alfred.
But then there was Leonard. He just never understood how it worked. No matter how she tried, he never stopped seeking her love. She felt a little sad when she realized how her rejection had finally made him stop trying.
But know they had finally found a way to relate to each other. She felt a lot of it was due to Penny. She had changed Leonard in many ways. But she knew Leonard had done the same for Penny.
She found herself almost envying them, almost.
When it was done and the Pastor had introduced Dr and Mrs. Leonard Hofstadter, everyone rushed to congratulate them and head back to the hotel for the reception.
Everyone wondered exactly what he would say when Sheldon rose to give the first toast.
"For all of you who heard my speech at the Nobel presentation, and shame on you if you haven't, I expressed how I feel about Leonard and Penny. At the second wedding, Bernadette introduced me as the husband who came with the apartment. Although I am sure she was in a way being facetious, it was actually close to the truth.
I love my wife and my child but I also will always love these two. It is they who taught me how to love, to understand what it means to love another.
He smirked, "But, Leonard and Penny, for all our sakes, let this be the last time we go through this."
Everyone laughed, but also marveled at what Sheldon had said.
Leonard rose, "Thank you, Sheldon, we do love you too."
"It seems like a lifetime, but also just a moment ago, when Sheldon and I first met Penny. From the first time I saw her, I somehow knew my life would never be the same again. Of course, a lot of that was a crush on her, but there was something more. As all of you are aware, it has not been exactly an easy journey to where we are today. But through all that happened, one thing remained constant, our friendship."
He looked down at Penny, "I love you, Penny. Because not only are you beautiful but because of how beautiful you are inside. A lot of people will wonder how a big movie star is with a guy like me, but I know the real miracle is how I found my soulmate."
Penny stood up, "And I found mine."
They kissed passionately as everyone cheered.
Penny and Leonard danced the first dance, while Sheldon danced with Lisa, Bernadette with Howard, and Raj and Amy.
After that, Penny danced with her father, while Leonard danced with Susan. Sheldon danced with Mary while Alfred danced with Amy.
Beverly even danced one dance, with Sheldon.
Leonard danced with Mary, while Penny danced with Alfred.
All the time, Raj danced with Missy.
Finally, everyone retired to their rooms with Penny and Leonard headed for the Honeymoon suite.
They undressed and made long, languid love, enjoying being together. After they had recovered, Penny suddenly had a crazy idea. She got out of bed and said, "Hurry up and get dressed."
"What, why?"
"Just trust me."
Shaking his head, Leonard got dressed. Penny contacted the limousine service and took a still bewildered Leonard down to the car.
When they entered the road that led to the farm, Penny had the also confused driver stop the car and told him to wait for them.
As they walked down the road to the house, Leonard finally said, "Okay, Penny, what is this all about?"
"Were going to sneak in and have sex in my bed."
Leonard stared and then smirked, "What if your Dad catches us?"
Penny smiled, "I'll get grounded and won't be able to see you anymore. Now be quiet."
Penny carefully opened the back door, whispering, "I know we should lock it."
As they went through the kitchen and crept down the hall, passing her parent's room; Leonard had to admit he was enjoying it.
They then slipped into Penny's room, each of them stifling a giggle. As they undressed, Leonard whispered, "Won't they hear us?"
"Nah. There's a room between us and them. They crawled into bed and discovered that doing it there with her parents just down the hall definitely added something to it.
Susan sat up in bed, wondering what had awakened her. She realized Wyatt wasn't with her. Just then, he came through the door, signaling for her to be quiet.
As he climbed back in bed, she whispered, "Where were you? Why do we need to whisper?"
"I heard a noise, so I checked it out. I didn't see anyone, so I checked outside. There is a limousine parked up the road."
Susan smiled, "You don't mean?"
"Yeah, Penny snuck Leonard into her bedroom."
"Are you going to catch them when they leave?'
"I thought about it, but I think I'll let her think she got away with it."
After they finished Leonard and Penny made their way back to the limousine and went back to the hotel.
"