Chapter 2
"How do I look mommy?" Sarah asked her mother as she looked at her dress.
"Stop fussing about your dress sweetheart...you look great!" Penny said as she took a pair of shoes for her daughter to wear. "Here." she added as Sarah put the shoes on.
"Well?" Sarah asked her mother.
Penny stepped back and admired her daughter. "You look amazing sweetheart. I'm sure everyone will see how pretty you are." she said, proud at how much her daughter took after her.
"You think so?" Sarah said.
"Of course! Now let's get out of here. Your dad and brother are already waiting in the living room." said Penny as she took Sarah's hand, leading her out of the bedroom.
"Do you think the people there are gonna like my dress?" Sarah asked, making her mother laugh.
"Sweetie, I'm sure you'll be the prettiest flower girl there." said Penny as they join Leonard and William in the living room.
Leonard smiled and laughed, seeing how beautiful his daughter is. "Oh my god! Honey...you look so beautiful!" he said, shedding a tear.
"Thank you daddy." said the young princess.
"Dad we're gonna be late." William said.
"You're right buddy. Let's go so we can get good seats." said Leonard.
"Wait up." Penny said as she pulled her son to make sure his suit and bow tie looks okay. "There, perfect! Ugh...my baby boy is so handsome!" she added, lightly pinching William's cheek.
William slightly backed away. "Mom...I'm not a little boy anymore." he said.
"Okay I'll stop now." said Penny, realizing how fast her son has grown.
"Okay let's go before we hit traffic." said Leonard as he opened the front door, letting his family out before locking the door and getting in the car to attend Howard and Bernadette's wedding.
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The young family arrived at the wedding hall where Howard and Bernadette are getting married. They chose to hold the wedding at a 'neutral' place since their families were adamant in holding the wedding in their respective traditions. When no consensus were reached, Howard suggested to hold the wedding in a non-denomination, state-sanctioned ceremony so none of their families would be 'offended'.
"Hi guys!" said Howard while welcoming Leonard and his family. "You look great buddy!" he added, giving William a high five.
"Thanks uncle Howard. You look good too!" said William, as his parents look on, proud of their son.
"No problem." Howard said before turning to Sarah. "Oh my god...you look just like a princess!" he said to the young lady.
"Thank you uncle Howard. I hope I don't upstage aunt Bernie." Sarah said, making them all laugh.
"I'm sure you won't!" said Howard as Angela, the wedding organizer went towards them.
"Oh thank god you guys are here…Sarah, you come with me and you stand here...you'll be the first to walk out on the aisle so when the music plays, I'll give you a signal and you walk slowly while scattering the flower petals...okay?" said Angela.
"I'm so nervous!" said Sarah, amusing all of them.
"Don't be scared princess...just walk slowly and don't forget to smile, alright?" Angela said, trying to encourage the young lady.
"Just relax sweetheart! You'll be fine!" Penny chimed in.
"Come on honey, let's get seated...bye guys!" Leonard said while pulling Penny towards the crowd to join their friends.
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The couple was sitting with their friends, sharing stories about their new life in California when the music started playing, signaling the beginning of the wedding rites. The crowd stood up and looked at the back of the aisle as Sarah started walking out, carrying her basket and scattering the flower petals along the aisle, looking very angelic. Sarah was beaming as she gave them the biggest smile, capturing the hearts of everyone as the young lady walked along the aisle. The couple couldn't help themselves from crying when they saw how beautiful and lovely their daughter was, perfect in every way as she mesmerized the entire hall with her smile and personality.
Sarah saw her parents and waved at them, feeling excited at being the center of attraction as she continued walking towards the front where Howard is waiting for his bride to walk on the aisle. Another flower girl walked out, this time it was Chloe, a cousin of Howard, looking similarly angelic as William followed close, carrying the pillow with the wedding bands.
Penny quickly looked at her husband. "Honey, look at him...he's so handsome!" said Penny, feeling proud with her children.
"Well, it's not a surprise since he got his good looks from his father!" said Leonard, making Penny laugh a little.
"He surely did." Penny said, giving her husband a quick kiss on the cheek.
William saw his parents and decided to ignore their little display of affection when Sarah reached the front before going towards her parents.
"Ugh...come here sweetheart! You were so great!" Penny said, kissing her daughter.
"Really? I was so nervous mom! I thought I was gonna faint or something." said Sarah, making them laugh.
"You did great honey! You were so beautiful!" Leonard added as William joined them. "Good job buddy!" he said while lightly ruffling his son's hair.
"Thanks dad, although I would appreciate it if you and mom would not be so handsy with each other especially if there are other people around." William said, greatly surprising his parents.
"Oh god!" Penny said. "Leonard, did you hear what your son said?"
Leonard sighed, knowing that his son has a point. "I'm sorry about that buddy. I promise, your mom and I are gonna be more discreet, okay?" he said.
"He got you there dude!" Raj chimed in, amused at how William teased his parents.
"Yeah...I think you can't reason yourself out of this, especially at how smart your kids are." said Sheldon.
"Thank you Sheldon...I'll keep that in mind." said Leonard when they saw Amy walking out into the aisle as the maid of honor.
A few minutes later, Bernadette walked out being escorted by her father, trying hard not to get too emotional as she saw Howard standing at the front, wiping his tears as he saw how lovely his future wife is.
Raj looked at Howard and tapped him on the shoulder. "I'm happy for you dude!" he said to his best friend.
"Thanks Raj, I appreciate it." said Howard as Bernadette and her father reached the front.
"Here you go son." said Bernadette's father Mike.
Bernadette gave her father a glaring look. "'Here you go?' What am I, a football?" she asked her father.
Mike sighed. "I'm sorry sweetheart. I'm so happy for you." he said before kissing his daughter and shaking Howard's hand. "Good luck son."
"Thank you Mike." said Howard as he took Bernadette's hand to face the wedding officiant. "You look so beautiful honey!" he said to his bride.
"Thank you...you look good too!" Bernadette said.
"Okay, if you guys are ready...let's get this show on the road!?" said the officiant to the couple.
"Yes...let's do it." said Howard.
The wedding rites proceeded as planned with the couple saying their heartfelt vows to each other as their families and friends look on, happy for the newly wed couple.
"Bernie, I knew the first time I saw you that you're the one for me…" Howard said.
"Talk louder!…I can't hear you!" yelled Mrs. Wolowitz who was sitting on the side.
Howard took a deep breath, trying to keep himself from losing patience. "No need to yell mother!" he said.
"Is that how you talk to me now that you're gonna leave me for your young and beautiful wife!?" Mrs. Wolowitz said.
"I'm not...can we talk about this later!? I'm getting married here!" said Howard.
"Fine! I guess I'll just stay at home and wait for you to visit me when it's not too much of a burden to you." said Mrs. Wolowitz making Howard roll his eyes.
"Mom please!?" said Howard.
"Alright...I'll stop ruining your special day!" said Mrs. Wolowitz to the relief of the crowd.
Penny leaned over Leonard. "Is she always this obnoxious?" she whispered.
"Yeah...apparently some things never change." Leonard said as they continued listening to the weeding ceremony.
"Bernie, when I met you, I thought I was the luckiest guy in the world. I know we had some problems but I'm not afraid to face them head on, with you by my side. I promise I'll be a better man than I am right now." Howard said as Bernadette wiped a tear off her eyes, touched by what Howard told her.
"Howie, I thought that our relationship wouldn't last long when we started seeing each other but as time went on, you made me realize what a great guy you are, funny, smart, sweet and if you were a little taller, you'd be perfect!" said Bernadette, making them all laugh. "I love you so much and I promise I'll be with you all the way." she added while the crowd gave a chorus of 'Awww', moved by the touching remark from Bernadette.
The wedding officiant continued with the ceremony with William bringing over the rings for the couple before being introduced to everyone as Mr. and Mrs. Howard Wolowitz to the delight of the crowd, clapping and cheering for the newly-wed couple.
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At the wedding reception, Leonard and Penny joined their friends' table, making sure their kids are seated comfortably while a server poured them some wine.
"Mommy what's that?" asked Sarah.
"This is wine sweetheart, it's not something for kids." said Penny.
"Why not?" Sarah said.
"Because I said so. When you grow up, then you can have some." Penny said.
"When?" asked Sarah.
"The legal age to drink is twenty-one." William butted in.
"Twenty-one? But that's like...seventeen years from now!?" said Sarah, impressing them with her quick calculation in her head.
"Good job honey! I'm sure you'll impress your teachers when you start school." said Leonard, happy for his daughter.
Penny then dipped her finger in her wine glass to let the little girl taste a little wine. "Here, have a taste." she said to her daughter.
Leonard gave his wife a look of surprise. "Honey!? Are you crazy?" he said.
Penny winked at him. "Relax...I know what I'm doing." she said as Sarah moved closer to taste the wine from her mother's finger.
"Ewww...that's so gross...how can you drink that stuff?" said Sarah, quickly drinking her glass of water to wash away the bitter taste. "Forget twenty-one...I'm never gonna drink wine...like forever!" she said, making them all laugh.
Penny gave her husband a lovely smile. "See? Problem solved!"
Leonard leaned over and gave his wife a quick kiss on the cheek. "You are so amazing!" he said.
William gave his parents a disgusted look. "Eww...that is so gross...how can you do that stuff in front of your children!?" he said, obviously teasing them.
Sarah quickly gave her brother a high five. "Good call big brother!" she said as they laugh at the slightly embarrassed couple.
"Okay we get it...we'll stop now." Leonard said.
The wedding reception continued on as Howard and Bernadette's families and friends wished them good luck and all the happiness as they embark on their life together as husband and wife. Mrs. Wolowitz gave a tearful speech, happy that her son finally found the woman of his dreams but at the same time sad that she's going to have to share her son with Bernadette, making the crowd laugh.
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After a few minutes, Mrs. Wolowitz walked towards them to see how they were doing.
"Mrs. Wolowitz, it's been a long time!" said Leonard as Howard's mother pulled him in for a tight hug.
"Oh Leonard...I'm so glad to see you again!" said Mrs. Wolowitz, crying happy tears after seeing him after so many years. "It's been so long!"
"It's so nice to see you too Mrs. Wolowitz." said Leonard. "I'm glad to be finally back."
"Howard told me you're already married and have kids?" she asked.
"Oh right?" said Leonard before pulling Penny up and his kids to meet Howard's mother. "Mrs. Wolowitz, I want you to meet my wife Penny, and this young man is my son William and the little princess is my daughter Sarah. Guys, this is Howard's mother Debbie." he said.
Mrs. Wolowitz quickly pulled Penny in for a hug. "Oh my god you are so gorgeous!" she said to Penny. "I can't believe you already have two kids and still look this great!? Tell me, how do you do it?" she added.
Penny was a little surprised but decided to just play along. "Oh? Uh...yoga I guess?" she said.
"And who do we have here?" said Mrs. Wolowitz while looking at Leonard's kids. "Hi sweetie! You are so handsome!" she told William before facing Sarah. "And you...you look just like your mother!" she said.
"I'd like to think that my mommy looks like me." said Sarah, making them all laugh.
"And smart too!" said Debbie as she sat on one of the vacant chairs, pulling Sarah in to sit on her lap. "I have some candy, do you want some?" she said as she pulled a handful of candy from her purse.
"My mommy said never to take candy from strangers." said Sarah, making her parents proud.
"Your mother is right, but I'm not a stranger anymore, am I?" said Mrs. Wolowitz.
"I guess." said Sarah as she took one of the candies from her hand. "Are these the only candy you have?" she asked, making Leonard and Penny roll their eyes at their daughter's love for everything sweet and free.
Debbie smiled and reached into her purse. "Let me see...I've got a small Sneakers bar, a Tootsie Roll and a small bag of M&Ms." she said, letting the little girl choose.
Sarah took the M&Ms and gave Debbie a lovely smile. "Thank you grandma Debbie!...uh...is it okay if I call you grandma even if you're not my real grandma?" asked Sarah, making them all laugh at how adorable the little girl is.
Debbie hugged the little girl and kissed her cheek. "No problem sweet pea...you can call me grandma if you want…" said Debbie, touched by the little girl's sweet nature. "Ugh Leonard, your daughter is such an angel!" she said while cuddling the young lady on her lap when Howard and Bernadette went over to join them.
"Hey, it looks like you guys are having fun huh?" said Howard.
Mrs. Wolowitz looked at the newly-wed couple. "Ah...now that you two are here, I want to ask you something." said Debbie.
"Uh...what is it mom?" asked Howard, slightly getting anxious as to what his mother would say.
"You see this?" said Debbie, referring to the young girl on her lap. "When do you plan on giving me a grandchild? I'm not getting any younger you know?" she asked, surprising the couple and the whole gang.
Howard started to become a little anxious. "Uh...mom...Bernie and I haven't talked about it yet…" he said.
"Why not?" said Mrs. Wolowitz. "Don't you see how adorable this young lady is? I want one while I'm still alive Howard." said Debbie.
"Howie do something!" Bernadette quickly said.
"Mom please!? This is not the time and place to talk about these things!" Howard said.
"Alright alright! I guess my happiness doesn't matter anymore." Debbie said, making Howard roll his eyes.
"Of course we want you to be happy mom!" Howard answered.
"I'm an old woman Howard and I want grandkids while I can still play with them!" said Mrs. Wolowitz, making Howard bow his head, knowing that there's no point in arguing with his mother.
"We can visit you if you want grandma Debbie!" said Sarah.
Mrs. Wolowitz was touched with what Sarah said. "Ugh, thank you so much sweetie. You know what, you can visit me anytime and you can have all the candy you want." she said.
"I love ice cream too!" said the young lady making them all laugh.
"Are you kidding me? Me too! How did you think I got this big huh?" said Debbie.
"What kind of ice cream do you have?" said Sarah making her parents roll their eyes.
"Oh god!" Penny whispered to Leonard. "She really won't stop when it comes to food huh?"
"I have chocolate and vanilla...sometimes strawberry." said Debbie.
"I love chocolate." Sarah said.
"Sure thing honey...we'll even put some M&Ms on them, okay?" Debbie said.
Sarah smiled at her. "Thanks grandma, you're so great." she said.
"You're welcome honey." said Debbie. "See that Howard? This is what I need." she said to her son.
Mrs. Wolowitz continued talking to Leonard and Penny's kids, impressed at how smart and adorable they are as the couple look on, proud and happy at how well their children express themselves to everyone especially Sarah who doesn't fall short in making them laugh with her charm and personality.
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The wedding reception ended as Howard and Bernadette thanked everyone for coming.
"Thanks for coming guys!" said Bernadette while hugging Penny and Leonard. "You did really great today guys!" she told the kids.
"Thank you for making me the flower girl aunt Bernie!" said Sarah.
"You're welcome sweetie." said Bernadette. "Thanks William." she added while lightly pinching the boy's cheek.
"No problem aunt Bernie." said the young man.
"Okay, I guess we should leave your uncle Howard and aunt Bernie, they're going on their honeymoon now." said Leonard as they shake Howard and Bernadette's hand.
"Daddy, what's a honeymoon?" asked Sarah as they leave the reception hall.
"It's what newlyweds do after getting married." William quickly said.
"Do what?" Sarah asked.
"Mom and dad stuff." said William, amusing his parents.
Sarah nodded before looking up to her mother. "Mommy, did you and dad go on a honeymoon when you got married?"
"Of course! We went to Nebraska and New York to visit our families." Penny said.
"Really? Did you take Buster with you?" asked Sarah.
"Yeah...he really liked your grandpa's farm in Nebraska...although he kept scaring the horses and goats over there." said Penny. "And your dad helped your grandpa fix his tractor." she added as they helped their kids onto the car, securing their seatbelts before driving back home.
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Later that night, Penny put her daughter to bed while Leonard did the same with their son.
"Dad?" William said as Leonard tucked him on his bed.
"Yeah?" said Leonard.
"How come we never met your mom and dad. I mean our other grandma and grandpa?" said William.
Leonard was caught off guard by his son's question. He took a deep breath and gave his son a weak smile. "I don't know...it's kinda hard to explain really…" he said.
"Why?...don't you have a good relationship with them?" William asked.
"I don't know what to tell you buddy." Leonard said.
"I'm just curious why you never mentioned them to us. I mean, grandpa Wyatt and grandma Susan already visited us when we were on the island but I've never heard you talk about your parents. Not even once." said the young man. "Is that the reason you ran away and stayed on the island before you met mom?"
Leonard sighed, knowing his son's analysis was spot on. "Okay buddy, I don't want to run circles around you so tomorrow, I'm gonna tell you everything alright?" he said, hoping the young man would understand.
William nodded. "Okay dad. I'm sorry if I'm being pushy."
"Hey, hey...don't say that...you have a right to know and I'm going to tell you the truth, okay?" Leonard said.
"Yes dad." said William.
"Good, now go to sleep...we had a long day." said Leonard as he stood up, turning off the lights before going out of his son's bedroom, closing the door behind him.
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Inside the couple's bedroom, Leonard joined his wife on the bed, kissing her goodnight before getting under the covers.
"How's your son?" asked Penny.
"He's fine…he asked me about my parents." Leonard said, surprising Penny.
"What?" said Penny.
"He said he never once heard me talk about my parents and he's just curious because he never even met them." said Leonard.
"What did you tell him?" Penny said.
"I said I'll tell him everything." he said.
"Are you sure?" Penny said. "Leonard, he's still a kid, he's not ready to hear how dysfunctional your family is, especially your people-person of a mother." she said.
"I know, but he's growing up so fast...he deserves to know." said Leonard.
"Okay...so after you tell him everything then what? What if he asks to meet her?" said Penny. "I don't want her scaring my children with her sick psycho-babble nonsense, do you hear me?"
"I know honey...do you think I want our kids to experience what I've been through?" said Leonard.
Penny sighed and snuggled up to her husband. "Okay...I guess you're right...I mean, they do deserve to meet their grandparents."
Leonard kissed her cheek. "Don't worry honey, I think I'll start with my dad. I know he'll be thrilled to meet the kids." he said.
"Okay fine...now let's go to sleep...I'm tired." said Penny as they got under the covers, warming each other with their embrace.