Chapter 15
It was now the middle of December, and Penelope was just finishing up with reading the financial reports of her charity, the Pitstop Foundation, when she heard a knock on her door.
"Be right there, sugar!" She called out, walking to her front door. She opened it and gasped in disbelief.
Damien was standing there, smiling. "Penny," he whispered gently.
Penelope clung onto him as though he was the only real thing in the world, breathing heavily. "I… I thought you were…!" she gasped, quite forgetting the telegram.
Damien rocked Penelope gently, stroking her long soft hair. "I missed you," he said gently. "And I found two people who miss you more." He smiled. "Alright… come in!" He called.
Two people entered the house. "Penny," said a woman's gentle voice, "It's been years…"
"Do you remember us?" said the other voice.
Penelope's jaw dropped. "You… found them…"
That was when she fainted.
When she woke up, about ten minutes had passed. She was in bed, surrounded by Damien and her parents.
"I'm dreaming'," she said softly.
"We're as real as you," said Damien gently.
"And we love you," said Mary.
"I suppose you want the fortune back?" Said Penelope.
"You need it more than we do," said Peter, waving his hand. "You and Damien are getting married! Consider it your dowry."
"Well you need some money," said Damien. "Will you accept ten million from me?"
"Sure," said Peter. "Now we can retire like we wanted. Thank you!"
"The wedding's going to take place at the new movie palace I'm building. I wanted to surprise you, but it's my wedding gift to you. The Penelope Thorndyke Grand Opera. I know how much you love a good moving picture, so I…"
He was interrupted by a passionate kiss from Penelope. He returned the kiss deeply and hummed into it, holding her close.
"No one… has ever made me this happy. Damien, you found my parents! I thought they were dead!"
Damien smiled. "I love you," he said softly. "Because you're mine, and you're special."
"You're so kind," she replied, "and handsome, and brave. And so gentle."
Damien stroked Penelope's hair. "I think," he said, "you should give your house to your parents, and live with me."
Penny nodded against his chest. "M-hm," she hummed, cuddling into him.
Her parents left, smiling, and Penelope pulled Damien with her as she kicked off her boots and lay down.
Damien smiled gently. "Think old Sneekly might miss you?"
"Shhh…" Penelope whispered. "Hold me… just hold me."
Damien held her closer, kissing her forehead, and a few moments later, all he could hear was her soft, slow breathing.
Penelope had fallen asleep.