Chapter 20

Like their flight to Nebraska, their flight to New York was uneventful. Penny slept along the way, waking up from time to time to use the restroom. Leonard too had a few naps along the way. He felt relaxed and at ease as he felt Penny snuggle at his side while always touching her face or smelling her hair from time to time.

It took no time for them to get their luggage from the baggage claim. Leonard decided to rent a car for their entire stay so they won't have to take a cab every time they needed to go somewhere. Penny was so excited since it was her first time to visit New York as she wanted to see all the best tourist spots. She insisted that they spend one whole day at Central Park which Leonard has no problem with. They got their rental car, put their luggage in the trunk and drove off to Alfred's place.

While driving, he called his father to let him know they arrived and already on their way. An hour later, Leonard pulled off on the side and parked the car. They got off and took out their luggage and pressed the intercom by the building entrance. The speaker buzzed and they heard Alfred's voice. They got in the building and into the elevator, pressed the third floor button. They got out the third floor and went to knock on Alfred's door. Alfred opened it and welcomed the couple inside.

"Hey!...welcome you two...come in, come in!...here Penny let me take that." Alfred greeted them as he took Penny's luggage. He gave his son a hug.

"Thanks for having us dad." Leonard said as he hugged his father back.

Alfred turned to Penny and gave her a hug. "Penny! Nice to see you again and welcome to New York!"

"Awww Alfred...thanks for having us...we're so excited to be here." Penny said as she gave Alfred a tight hug.

Leonard and Penny settled in the extra bedroom in Alfred's apartment. Alfred told them to rest for a while as he made a reservation in a nearby restaurant so they could have dinner later. Leonard started to unpack their bags as Penny laid on the bed and stretched her arms and legs after removing her shoes. After unpacking most of their stuff, Leonard saw that Penny was already asleep. He then removed his shoes and jacket and decided to cuddle up to Penny. Penny slightly stirred and felt her fiancee's warm embrace. She hugged him back and went back to sleep.

They heard Alfred knock on their door telling them that his restaurant reservation is in an hour and they should probably start getting ready. Penny jumped off the bed and started to look into her stuff to pick out the dress she is going to wear. She went to the bathroom to take a quick shower while Leonard started to prepare. After ten minutes, Penny was done showering and went straight to getting dressed. Leonard also took a quick shower and when he was finished, he found that Penny completely changed the clothes that he prepared on the bed. He sighed but didn't say anything as Penny gave her the look.

They arrived at the restaurant and was shown to their table and served some of the house wine. Penny was relieved after sipping her wine, it somehow calmed her nerves and eased her jet lag.

"Well Leonard, I'm glad that you've finally found someone that makes you happy…" Alfred said to his son. "You'll always have my blessing." he said as he tapped his son's shoulder.

"Thanks dad. It means a lot to us." Leonard said. "We'll let you know as soon as we have a time and place for the wedding."

"Thank you Alfred!" Penny said as she put her hand on his arm.

They continued to talk about Leonard's expedition and Alfred's research trips overseas. They finished dinner after an hour and decided to call it a night. They got home and Alfred bid them good night. They changed into their night clothes and decided to watch TV in the living room. Leonard found some wine in the kitchen cupboard and poured two glasses.

"Ugh...thank you honey.." Penny took the glass and sipped her wine. She then snuggled onto Leonard.

"So...what do you want to do tomorrow? Statue of Liberty….Central Park...Empire State Building?" Leonard asked her.

Penny suddenly got excited. "Honey I want to go to the Statue of Liberty first…" she looked up to him.

"Ok honey...whatever you want." he kissed her. "I love you Penny."

"Awww….I love you too honey." She leaned back on her fiancee.

Leonard felt that life couldn't get any better as long as Penny is with her.

The next day Leonard called his mother and told her about their engagement and upcoming wedding. He asked her if they could visit her in New Jersey for a day. Unfortunately, Beverly was in a conference for a few days and had no time to meet up with them. Leonard told her that they will inform her of their wedding plans once all details are ironed out. It was fine by them as this gave them more time for sight-seeing. They spent the next few days going to all the best tourist spots in New York – The Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Empire State Building, Times Square...They also went and tried all the famous food spots in New York.

They were on the top deck of the cruise boat going to the Statue of Liberty. Leonard's arm was draped over Penny as they leaned on the railings looking out into the scenery of New York City, the cold breeze of the river gently blowing over them.

"I'm glad you're having a great time honey!" Leonard said as he kissed her on the cheek.

"Are you kidding me?...I'm having the best time ever!" she kissed him on the lips. She took out her phone and took selfies with Leonard as she kissed him on the cheek. "That's for my stud!" she whispered.

They continued like this for the rest of their travels – hugging, kissing, taking wacky photos of each other and just taking in all the sights and sounds New York has to offer. Leonard remembered to pass by a souvenir shop so they could get souvenirs for their friends back in California. They got several 'I Love NY' t-shirts, mugs, pins and refrigerator magnets for themselves and their friends as well.

The time for them to go back to California arrived and they made sure they have all their stuff packed in their luggage. Leonard told his father that it was not necessary for him to go to the airport as they will just drop off the rental car there.

"I'm glad that you got to visit me here son….just let me know when the wedding is and I'll be there." Alfred said as he gave his son a hug.

"Thank for having us dad...I'll let you know when we arrive at home." Leonard said.

"Alfred thank you so much for having us! We really had a great time." Penny said as she hugged her future father-in-law.

Alfred accompanied them up to the front of the building while Leonard put their luggage in the trunk of the rental car. He shook his father's hand and got in the car. Alfred waved goodbye to them as they drove away to the airport.