A/N This is the final chapter. I want to thank all of you who reviewed and thank those in advance who review this one. I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I am now returning these characters to their rightful owners.
Penny felt her heart threaten to burst when she saw the look of complete joy on Leonard's face. He embraced her and kissed her softly. Then stepped back, "I love you, Penny."
Penny smiled, "I love you, too."
Leonard was surprised but overjoyed when she told him she planned to put her career on hold until the baby's first birthday. She also indicated it could be longer than that.
As much as they were bursting to let everyone know, they decided to wait until after the wedding, not wanting to take anything from Raj and Missy's moment.
In the time between Raj asking her to marry him and Penny returning, Raj had purchased a house near where Howard and Bernadette lived. Although Missy had not be able to take time to go back to Pasadena, he had kept her informed as to what he was doing and she was in on the final decision.
For wedding gifts, everyone had bought something to furnish the house.
The wedding of course was being held in Mary's church.
While she, Missy, and the kids waited at the airport for Raj and the others to arrive, Mary thought of what a remarkable group of people they were. It was strange that, even though the church and her religion was so much a part of her life, she felt so close to a group of people who were hardly religious. My God, there was even a Jew and whatever heathen gods Raj believed in. The only one who was religious was a rosary… Catholic.
Six of them were highly intelligent and the other was a movie star. She sighed, she hoped Missy would find a way to fit in. She loved her with all her heart, but intelligence was not her strong suit.
She did have to admit that Missy and Raj did seem to deeply love each other.
Just then she saw them come through the Gate. As she followed after Missy and the kids who were rushing to meet Raj, someone behind her called out, "Look, it's Penny Lawrence and what's his name."
Mary had to smile as she watched how Penny dealt with the group of people who approached her wanting an autograph. She smiled and waved but kept moving. She smiled more broadly as she saw Leonard and the others try to form a protective shield around her.
When they reached Mary, Penny gave her a quick hug but said, "Maybe we should do our greetings later and get to the limousine before Howard and Sheldon start telling them about their exploits." She then snickered, "On the other hand, that might be fun to watch."
Mary nodded and led the way.
Once safely in the limousine, everyone exchanged greetings. Mary and Missy immediately asked about Penny's latest picture. Leaving out the problems and the rape scene, she told them about how much she had enjoyed being in Africa.
When they got to the hotel and all the gang disembarked including Raj. No one had even thought of suggesting that Raj and Missy have some time alone before the ceremony.
They told Mary they would be at the church that night for the groom's dinner and a rehearsal. Raj the party planner would have preferred something more elaborate but knew this is what Mary wanted.
After everyone had settled in, they all met in Raj's room.
Howard spoke up, "Sheldon, Is it always this hot and humid?"
"Actually, it can get quite chilly in the winter and it could easily be raining. But in general, yes."
Leonard spoke to a quiet Raj, "Relax, Raj, you'll see her tonight. By this time tomorrow, you two will be man and wife."
"I know, but I have really missed her. But you're right, I need to be patient. We both know how great Mary is being about this. I am sure I would not be her first choice for a son-in-law."
Sheldon broke in, "On the contrary, compared to her first husband, you are a real catch."
Raj smiled, "Thank you, Sheldon. But you must admit, you weren't always thrilled about me being with Missy either."
"I wasn't thrilled about any of you."
Amy spoke up, "Penny, Bernadette, why don't the three of us go back to my room?"
Sheldon looked offended, "Why would you do that?"
"It's just that us girls want to talk about the wedding from a woman's point of view. I am sure you would find it boring."
Sheldon nodded, "You are probably right." He turned to the others, "I noticed that the hotel has an Arcade. Perhaps we could spend some time there."
The others quickly agreed and the three women found themselves alone. Amy quickly said, "Now that they are gone, I was thinking we should call up Missy and see if she would like to get together for a while."
Penny smiled, "I think that's a great idea. She probably has some things she would like to talk about."
When they contacted her, Missy quickly agreed but said they would have to come out to the house. There was no way Mary would let her go.
When they arrived they found that Missy had convinced Mary that she should take the boys and get them something appropriate to wear for the wedding.
When they were all comfortable, Penny asked, "Well, Missy, how are you holding up?"
"I have to admit, I can't help worrying a little. I know Raj is a great guy and I love him, but I felt that way once about Matt too and we all know how that turned out."
She hesitated and then went on, "And I just don't know if I will fit in. You guys are all so smart and Penny's a movie star. What if Raj gets bored with me?"
Penny couldn't believe what she was hearing, "Missy, I can assure you, Raj is crazy about you and the kids. Believe me, he is much more worried you will get bored with him."
She went on, "You know, in a way, you are in the same place I once was. When I met Sheldon and Leonard, I was a waitress making minimum wage with my acting career in the dumps."
"When I first started going with Leonard, I was worried about him being too smart for me too."
She smirked, "Then, I went the other way and started to take him for granted. I shudder to think now how easily I could have lost him for good."
She looked at Missy, "Raj loves you and I know you love him and he'll make a great dad."
Missy was surprised but then smiled, "Thank you, Penny. I know you're right."
Amy spoke up, "Okay, enough of that. Why don't you tell us about your matron of honor and when can we meet her?"
"Her name is Natalie Hastings and she has been a friend of mine since High School. She's been married for ten years and has an eight-year-old girl. Stacy will be the flower girl. I think you'll like Natalie; she is a great person. She'll be at the dinner and rehearsal tonight."
She turned to Penny, "But I have to warn you, she maybe be a little strange around you, she's really excited about meeting a movie star."
Penny cringed inside but said, "I'll keep that in mind but I think it will be all right."
Bernadette spoke up, "Where's your brother George? Is he going to be there tonight?
"He'll be there. He is really busy. This is the time of year he has his big sale."
Amy broke in, "How is he doing? Is he seeing anyone?"
"Businesswise, he is doing great. I have tried to set him up but he is really set in his ways. He never stays with anyone for very long."
She turned to Penny, "I know you were the one that threw Raj and I together. I just wanted to thank you."
"You don't need to thank me. I just gave you a little push. The rest was all you and Raj."
Then Missy smirked, "On the other hand, maybe I should be worried about you. I understand you and Raj once spent a night together."
Penny was startled for a moment but seeing Missy's smirk, "Yeah, it was so special I didn't remember it the next morning and he still couldn't even talk to me. And of course, we were both so drunk, we didn't really do anything." Penny didn't know if Missy knew the whole story and did not want to embarrass Raj.
Missy smiled, "I guess I should be flattered. My fiancée once got it on with a movie star."
Bernadette decided it was time to change the subject, "Have you decided what you are going to wear for your wedding night." She smirked, "Assuming you are going to wear something."
Missy smiled, "You have got to see it. Let's go in the bedroom."
They followed her and she pulled something out of a bag and went into the bathroom. When she came out the others just stared. There wasn't much to the outfit and it was sexy as hell.
Penny spoke up, "God, Missy, you look unbelievable. I just hope poor Raj doesn't have a heart attack."
Just then, they heard Mary's voice. "We're back. Wait 'til you see what we got."
Missy panicked and telling them to stall her, raced back into the bathroom.
Penny and the others stalled Mary by having her show them what she had bought until Missy joined them. They then took their leave and returned to the hotel.
Missy and Raj had both agreed with Mary to keep it a small wedding. Raj had picked Howard as his best man while Missy had Natalie as her Matron of honor.
Everyone was surprised but pleased that Missy had asked both her brothers to escort her down the aisle.
After the wedding, they had a reception at the church.
Missy and Raj spent their wedding night at the Hotel and Missy confided to the others that she had not worn her outfit very long.
Raj had taken off a lot of time traveling to Texas and working on getting the house ready so he had to get back to work. They decided they would take a honeymoon later.
When everyone, including Mary, got together before leaving for the airport, Leonard and Penny told them the big news about them having a baby. Penny was overwhelmed by the excitement and joy that everyone showed. They also made sure to have Missy join in the celebration and the girls' group hug.
Penny shocked them all when she told them of her plans to take a least two years off from her career, until the baby's first birthday.
The next three months passed quickly with everyone getting settled in. Missy decided she would be a stay at home mom at least for the foreseeable future. She and Raj were relieved when Roger and Samuel had no troubles with their new home or their new school.
Penny was relieved when she found how much she enjoyed being at home. Of course, a lot of that was due to how happy Leonard was and how much he enjoyed pampering her.
When they had returned home, Penny finally made a call she had been putting off. She knew Sally was not going to be happy with her decision.
"Hey, Sally, this is Penny."
"Hi, Penny. I just want you to know. I got a call from David Forster. He said everyone was thrilled with how your picture turned out. Have you looked at any of the other scripts? I think we got a shot at you getting top dollar for another picture."
Penny took a deep breath, "That's what I want to talk to you about. I have great news; I am going to have a baby."
There was a long silence, "Congratulations, Penny." Another hesitation, "I have to admit, I wish you could have waited, but I still think we can put something together later in the year."
"I have decided that I am not going to hurry back. I plan to take off until the baby is at least a year old, maybe longer."
"I'm sorry, Penny, but as your agent I need to say I think you are making a big mistake. I am sure once the baby is born, we can find something that you could work with. Two years is just too long to sit out. Besides, have you forgotten that you owe Sam Towers a pair of movies. I am pretty sure he will not be pleased."
Penny took a deep breath and fought to control herself. She knew that Sally was probably right and was looking out for her interests. Calming herself down, "Sally, I know you are trying to look out for me, but I am not going to change my mind. If it turns out to hurt my career, that is just too bad. As for Towers, he will just have to wait. If he has a problem with that; well, that's what those expensive lawyers are for." She hesitated, "I will understand if you want to let me go, but my mind is made up."
Sally was shocked. She wanted to tell Penny to go to hell, but they really had raved about her last performance. She was likely to be nominated for another Oscar. She really didn't want to lose her as a client. Taking a deep breath, "I never considered that. I just wanted to let you know what I felt. I will of course honor your wishes. I don't think we should tell anyone that though. I will just tell them you are not interested for now." She hesitated again, "I really am happy for you, Penny."
"Thanks, Sally. I know you are only looking out for my best interests. When I am ready to return or should change my mind, I will let you know."
"I appreciate that Penny. Goodbye."
"Goodbye, Sally."
The next day Penny got a call from Warren Fredericks. He told her that the final name of the movie was A Dangerous Collision and that the Premier would be at a theater in Los Angeles in a week. He also said he had been thrilled to hear about her and Leonard getting back together and hoped they both could attend.
Leonard was actually excited and looked forward to seeing Warren and the others again. So, a week later Penny and Leonard walked down the Red Carpet. Although she was not showing much, the dress she purposely wore did show her baby bump because she was proud to be pregnant.
The movie received a good response and although Penny still wasn't too thrilled to see herself, she did enjoy it seeing it with Leonard.
Although everything continued to go well, Penny could not help feeling some fear. But this time she knew she and Leonard would be there for each other, whatever would happen.
As it turned out, the baby was one week late. Penny and Leonard became the proud parents of a little girl they named Margie Sue Hofstadter. Penny and Leonard knew that whatever success they may have, nothing would match the joy they felt when Penny held her for the first time.
Amy and Sheldon were thrilled when they were asked to be Margie's Godparents.
Leonard came home from work. When he entered the living room, he saw Penny nursing Margie. Each time he saw them he was overwhelmed with love and joy. Never had he imagined as he grew up that something so wonderful would happen to him.
Margie was three months old when the Oscar nominations came out. Penny's big movie release had been held back because they did not want to release it too close to the nominations.
None of the cast of A Dangerous Collision were nominated but Leonard and Penny were thrilled when it did receive a nomination for Special Effects. That was nothing compared to the feelings they had when they found out Leonard's name was included in the group being considered for the award. Ben Samuels and the others had wanted his contribution to be recognized.
So, Penny and Leonard found themselves in the audience at the Oscars. Leonard couldn't conceive that he would win but was determined to enjoy the experience. Penny on the other hand, was as nervous as she had been in her whole life. She wanted Leonard to win so bad.
When the time came, she gripped his hand and said a small prayer to herself.
"The Oscar for Special Effects goes to Ben Samuels, Harry Porter, and Dr. Leonard Hofstadter…" The presenter was interrupted by a huge shriek and everyone looked at Penny, who could care less. He smiled and continued, "For A Dangerous Collision."
Penny pulled up a stunned Leonard and gave him a passionate kiss. Still in shock, Leonard made his way to the stage where Ben and Harry were smiling broadly.
They let him go last and he had finally recovered enough to say, "To say I am shocked would be an understatement. I want to thank Ben and Harry for honoring me by adding my name. They are the real artists."
"I want to thank Warren Fredericks who gave me the opportunity to work on a movie."
He then smiled broadly, "And I want to say to my loving wife Penny." He held up the Oscar, "Now I have one too."
He received a huge laugh and applause. When he got backstage, he thanked Ben and Harry again, but they just smiled and told him he deserved it. They would not have done what they did without him.
Then Penny was there. She put her arms around her and kissed him softly. "I am so proud of you. You really are amazing." Then she smirked, "But don't ever think this is equal to an Oscar for best Actress."
Leonard looked at it, "I don't know, looks the same to me."
Ben and Harry then joined them as Penny congratulated them as well. They spent the rest of the night traveling from party to party. Penny continued to marvel at how far Leonard had come. But she still was glad he was still the Leonard Hofstadter she had come to love.
When Margie was fifteen months old, Penny decided she needed to start fulfilling her promise to the producer of the movie she had dropped out of. She contacted Sally but made it clear she would only work on a movie shot mostly in California, preferably in Los Angeles.
It turned out that her last movie, A Woman's Journey. had just come out to rave reviews, especially for her performance. That gave her leverage and they agreed to her terms. It took four months to shoot but she was able to spend a lot of nights at home.
Leonard and Penny attended the Premier. Leonard was surprised that although it was difficult for him to watch, the rape scene was powerful and moving.
After she finished the movie, she and Leonard were sitting in the living room, having just put Margie down for the night. Penny moved over and sat next to him on the couch, intertwining her hands with his.
She looked into his eyes, "Now that the movie is out of the way, I was thinking. Maybe it would be a good time for baby number two."
Leonard stared at her and then smiled fondly, "Are you sure? I think it is a wonderful idea but I don't want you to think…"
She leaned forward and kissed him softly, "Shh. Leonard Hofstadter, I want you to knock me up."
His eyes widened and then he smiled broadly, "How can I resist when you speak so eloquently."
She smiled, "So, are you going to screw me or not?"
"Oh, I definitely am."
Eight months later, when Penny was four months pregnant, she was nominated for best actress for her role in A Woman's Journey.
So once again they found themselves at the Oscars. This time it was Leonard who wanted it so much for Penny.
"The Oscar for Best Actress goes to Penny Lawrence for her role in A Woman's Journey.
Leonard gave her a passionate kiss and clapped wildly as she made her way to the stage.
Taking a deep breath, "I do want to thank the Academy for honoring me with their selection. I want to thank Morton Heddings for giving me the chance and to David Browning whose wonderful book was the inspiration for the movie."
"But as much as this Oscar means to me, I still reserve my true thanks for the loves of my life, my husband, Dr. Leonard Hofstadter and my daughter Margie." Touching her belly, she smiled fondly, "And this one too."
Then she smiled broadly, "Well, Leonard, now I have two!"
Mercy Ann Hofstadter was born on Sheldon's birthday. He told them that would bode well for her future.
When Mercy was two years old, Penny made her last picture in a starring role, fulfilling her agreement. After that she was very selective and did parts that she felt were challenging and interesting. They consisted mostly of character roles. She was proud she retained her reputation as a true professional.
When Margie was eight years old, Dr. Leonard Hofstadter won the Nobel Prize for Physics. The entire group and their children were there to see it.
He thus became the only the third person to ever win both an Oscar and a Nobel Prize. Penny still maintained that two best actress Oscars were more impressive.
On Penny's fiftieth birthday the women all got together after the party. After all being fortified with the obligatory wine, Bernadette began, "Penny, do you ever regret giving up your movie career?"
"Well, actually, I didn't completely give it up. Although I am picky about the roles I accept, I have kept reasonably involved." She hesitated and went on, "If you mean, do I miss being a star and all that went with it, No. These character roles are actually just as much or more satisfying and I would never change all the time I got to spend with Leonard and the kids."
Missy spoke up, "Well, I do have to say you still look great. You still have a great figure. I don't know how you do it." Although Missy was still attractive, she had put on a little weight.
Penny smiled, "It takes a lot more work than it used to. But I guess I am lucky, I have always enjoyed doing Yoga and exercise." She smirked, "And all the sex with Leonard doesn't hurt."
Amy broke in, "Are you two ever going to let up? You're not teenagers."
Penny smiled broader, "God, I hope not." Even as she said it, she thought how it had always been between them, Hell, she was getting horny just thinking about it.
Deciding to change the subject, Penny turned to Missy, "Have you heard from Roger lately? How's college going?"
"He called yesterday. Sounds like things are going good." She took a sip, "It sounds like he and Adele are getting serious."
Bernadette smiled, "Better be careful, you'll be a grandma before you know it."
Missy sighed, "I know. It doesn't seem so long ago when he was just starting school."
Amy added, "They grow up so fast. It's hard to believe Steven is fifteen."
Penny asked, "Are you guys still glad you didn't let him follow in Sheldon's footsteps? That you didn't have him jump grades and go off to college when he was twelve?"
"I think even Sheldon agrees now that it was best to let him stay with kids his own age. He knows how difficult it was for him growing up like he did."
Missy turned to Bernadette, "Speaking of college, has Halley decided where she is going to apply to?"
"She is still waiting. She knows Howard wants her to go to MIT but she is not sure she wants to be an engineer. I told her that it was her decision and that we both would support whatever choice she made, but she still hates to disappoint him."
She went on, "I just wish that was the problem with Michael. The way he is going, he'll probably have to marry someone before he even graduates. That boy is just plain girl crazy."
Penny smiled, "You can't blame them. He is about the hottest teenager I ever saw."
Bernadette sighed, "I agree but the problem is he knows it too." She smirked, "Howie still gives me a hard time. I know he is kidding but sometimes I think he really wonders if Michael is his."
She went on, "The last time he brought it up, I wanted to tell him that I ran into George Clooney at the grocery store and it just happened."
The others laughed and Amy said, "You didn't, did you?"
They laughed again and Bernadette said ruefully, "No, he's Howard's."
Just then they were interrupted by Margie, who came through the door. Penny was surprised, was it that late already?"
"Hi, Honey, how was school?"
"It was okay. Can I go over to Patti's for a while?"
"I guess. But be sure you're back by five-thirty. Your Dad is going to pick up Mercy and bring pizza home."
"Okay."
Not even acknowledging the others, she turned a little awkwardly and headed back out the door.
It was apparent that Margie Hofstadter would mature into a beautiful young woman but now she was all gangly and awkward. Her large glasses made her look a little like an owl.
Bernadette smiled, "Someday that girl is going to break a lot of men's hearts."
Penny agreed but smiled ruefully, "But right now she's more likely to fall down and break a bone."
Amy asked, "How is Mercy doing with her piano lessons?"
"She's doing great. Her teacher says she has real potential if she stays at it. She still seems to really enjoy it but who knows if that will last."
They talked for a while and then broke up. Penny sat sipping her wine, thinking of that girl from Nebraska who had come to California with her dreams of Hollywood and success. Was it really over thirty years ago? Where had the time gone?
Those thoughts were driven from her mind as Leonard and Mercy came through the door with Margie just behind them.
As Mercy excitedly told her about her lesson, Penny looked into the eyes of the man she loved.
The four couples remained close for the rest of their lives.
None of the group's children ever won a Nobel or an Oscar, but they married people who loved them and like their parents, lived happily ever after.
A/N Well, that's it. I hope the ending wasn't disappointing. I want to thank all of you who stayed with me. I am so humbled by your honoring me with your reading. FYI – the other two people who won both and Oscar and a Nobel were George Bernard Shaw and Bob Dylan.