Chapter 17

"Damien…?"

He opened his eyes and noticed it was the middle of the night. "What happened?" he asked groggily.

Penelope cuddled into him. "I… I keep havin' nightmares. The Hooded Claw is in every one, and he hurts or kills one or both of us."

"He's nothin'" Damien said gently, kissing her forehead. "And if I die, you know you're dreamin'."

"I keep having flashbacks too… I… I get jumpy and…"

"Sounds like you have what I have," he said, stroking her hair. "We can work through it."

Penny hummed softly. "I know," she said tiredly, yawning. "Good night, sugar."

The next morning was the wedding day. Penelope, of course, was at her parents' house getting ready. The festivities would start at ten, and Damien had just pulled up to the newly built movie palace in his Rolls Royce. He walked into the foyer, admiring the red carpets and huge Baccarat chandelier. Penelope would be in for a surprise when she arrived… that was certain. He was in full dress, so some people were in turn admiring him. A huge Wurlitzer organ played ragtime as people started showing up.

The food and the cake would be here soon. Damien smiled as he looked around the theater, making minor adjustments. The reception would be in the large ballroom on the second floor. He inspected it, smiling as he saw another Baccarat chandelier hanging from the ceiling. "To think it only costs a quarter to get in," he muttered. He got back into his car and headed to the Pitstop house.

When he got there, Penny ran out to the car. "Oh I can't wait to see the new movie palace! Isn't it thrilling?"

Damien smiled. "I'm only interested in you, honey."

When they got to the movie palace, Penelope gasped in surprise. Her name was literally in lights. The sign was huge! They walked in together and Penelope smiled. "Why, didn't you go all out?"

Damien chuckled as he lead her into the theater itself, to their box seats. A variety show soon started, with vaudeville acts aplenty, and soon after, the movie came on. It was a western romance, and when it was over, everyone took their places as the wedding started.

Penelope smiled as she walked down the aisle. Her wedding dress was sleeveless, and ornately decorated with real cloth of gold.

Damien's heart momentarily stopped as he took her dainty hands.

After the typical wedding vows and a long, sweet kiss, they walked down the aisle and to the main entrance of the palace, and were greeted with an arch of swords. They walked through it, pausing at the last pair, who lowered their swords.

"You know what they say," said Damien as he took her in his arms. "A picture is worth a thousand words."

Penelope smiled happily. "Anything you want, sugar," she said fetchingly.

As they kissed, cameras flashed, capturing the moment.

They spent some time listening to the full orchestra that had played at their wedding.

"I love you," Penny whispered tenderly, snuggling up to her new husband. "I love you…"

Damien smiled as he looked at his gold wedding band. "I love you too, sweetheart," he said tenderly.

At the reception, Damien and Penelope Stood next to their wedding cake, pulling a rather nervous looking Lennon into what would be the frame for a photograph.

The cake was enormous and very fancy. Boasting six layers, its frosting was white with red trim.

"Damn, Lennon," said Damien, I'm almost sorry to eat this thing. Looks amazing!"

The cutting was photographed as well, and after that, the feasting began.

After a long night of partying, dancing and talking to pressmen, the newlyweds headed home.

When they got to their bedroom, they changed into what they slept in and hopped into bed.

"I'd love to consummate our marriage but… well, I'm spent," said Penelope tiredly

"So am I," Damien replied. "We'll just… get to it when the mood strikes us."

They snuggled into each other, and Penny closed her eyes. "Good night, Mister Thorndyke," she said sweetly.

Damien kissed his new wife's forehead. "Goodnight, Mrs. Thorndyke," he replied tenderly.