Happy new year everyone. I hope yours started as good as mine did. Hopefully this year will be a little more normal than the last two were and of course I am hoping for many wonderful Shamy stories!

Some of you might already have guessed it: Starting with this chapter, Sheldon will be a little OOC, I hope it makes sense for you that the previous events have changed the way he behaves a little.

Of course, you can always tell me if you think I went a overboard with it, but I think our beloved couple deserves a little happy time after all the sadness. Things might not always stay as harmonic as they are right now.

Wedding bells and broken hearts

Chapter 8

Sheldon

Waking up with Amy in his arms was starting to become familiar. It was a habit he definitely wanted to get used to. And right now, finally, it felt like a possibility.

Their talk was still lingering in his mind. It had been surprisingly easy talking about his feelings with Amy. He should have done that months ago. He had really opened up to her. More than he ever had before.

And he had been rewarded for it. She was willing to be his girlfriend again. Well, technically they were on a break but after last night's events he was pretty confident, they would be able to mend their relationship.

He still felt their kiss on his lips. Never had a kiss felt like this before. He wondered why that was? Was it because they were in bed together? Or was it because he had almost lost her? Or maybe because being without her had made him appreciate her even more?

He did not know. But he knew, he had wanted to keep kissing her.

And maybe he would have, if his brain had not painfully reminded him that they were currently not in a relationship. There was no contract. No rules that allowed him to kiss her.

How much time would she need? He was afraid to ask her. Afraid she would think he was getting impatient again - which technically he was. Or that he would start to pressure her again - which he would absolutely not.

Amy stirred in his arms. With the paradigm-shift in their relationship he allowed himself to gently stroke her hair. Show her how you feel about her.

She opened her eyes which after a second of looking confused, lit up. She must have remembered their conversation as well, because she clutched his pajamas and moved up closer to him.

"This is nice.", she mumbled as she buried her face into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist and sighed.

"I agree.", he whispered and squeezed her to him. Yes, things were definitely different now. Less awkward.

"Do we have to leave soon?", she asked while softly caressing his chest over his pajamas.

He checked the clock. "No. My sister's future in-laws will not be here before lunch. We still have a little time."

She sighed softly and it sounded so content, it warmed his heart.

Amy

As soon as she had woken up, she had remembered the big new development. They were no longer broken up. She could not stop smiling.

And he was willing to give her time. After all the amazing things he had said to her the night before, she was tempted to throw her doubts into the wind and just get back together with him.

But she knew it was better this way. Although, that did not mean, she could not enjoy this new closeness she had been yearning for for so long now.

"You look cute when you wake up, do you know that?", he told her with a lazy smile.

Her heart nearly stopped. Who was that man?

"I… I do?"

"Yes, you do. I thought the same thing when you slept over in our fort."

"Then why did you not tell me then?" Wow, if only she had known what was going on in his head.

"Because I was used to not telling you these things, Amy. Because for a long time I was not ready for your reaction to me complimenting you. But I won't hold those thoughts back now anymore." He sounded more determined than he ever had.

"Really? And you think you can handle my reactions now?" She batted her eyelashes at him teasingly.

"Vixen.", he mumbled and winked at her. "I can handle them. I am ready, Amy. For more than you might think. But we should better get up now. You asked for time and that is what I will give you."

She gaped at him. He was ready for more? What was that supposed to mean?

Sheldon

Shortly after they had arrived at his mother's house, Amy had offered her help to prepare lunch and his mom had gladly accepted, being happy to have some additional aid since she wanted to impress Mike's parents who she had met only briefly before.

Now that there was a chance, she would be his girlfriend again in the foreseeable future, he was actually thrilled to see how well she got along with everyone in his family.

In his mind he already pictured another family event, but this time it would be Amy's family for whom his mother would spruce up the place and cook.

"So, I was shopping with your girl yesterday." He nearly dropped his glass. Why did Missy always have to sneak up at him like that.

"Yeah, so?" he asked bored. Shopping didn't really interest him.

"We found her a really cute dress for line dancing today. She is very pretty once she loses some of her layers."

He rolled his eyes at her. "She is always pretty. But the thing is, Missy, she is sophisticated and brilliant and has more important things to think of than what to wear, unlike other women."

"Wow, you really are smitten with her.", his sister teased him.

He huffed. "What do you want, Missy?"

"I know you have meemaw's ring.", she stated. "Why haven't you proposed to her yet? You're not planning on doing it at the wedding reception, are you? Because that would kinda make my day about you."

"Missy, be quiet.", he shushed her. "And no, of course not."

"Oh, all right you want it to be a surprise. For the record, you could totally pop the question at breakfast the day after the wedding. I'd have no problem with that. Since Amy has promised to make me a bridesmaid."

That was new information. Amy had talked to Missy about potentially marrying him? That was good, right?

He tried to sound unaffected. "Leave me alone, Missy. I'll propose when the time is right."

Thankfully the conversation was cut off at this point because the doorbell rang. Missy's in-laws arrived.

Sheldon was a little envious when he saw his twin sister hug her fiancé – well technically he was already her husband, but everyone kept referring to him as her fiancé - tightly and casually kiss him on the lips. How did this kind of affection come so naturally to everyone but him?

Amy

She helped Mary serve lunch and then took her seat next to Sheldon. It was nice, most of the awkwardness between the two of them gone. They engaged in casual chatter with his family.

At one time he brushed his hand against hers under the table. Just for a short moment but still too long to be unintentional. And when she looked at him in surprise, she was almost blown away by the intensity with which he was looking at her.

It almost felt like a dream. Sheldon had hardly ever looked at her like this before they had broken up. Or paid that much attention to her in general. Maybe things really would be different if they got back together.

A little later, she excused herself to go with the other ladies and get ready for line dancing in Missy's room. "Am I going to see you in cowboy attire later?", she whispered to Sheldon before she left.

But Sheldon only threw his hands up in exasperation. "Amy, I wore enough cowboy hats when I was a child to last me a lifetime. I will not dress up for tonight. It's bad enough I'll have to wear a tuxedo for the wedding."

She pouted a little. "That's a shame, I would have loved to dance with a real cowboy. I'm sure you would look sexy." The words were out of her mouth before she could stop herself. She cursed herself for it.

But he just kept looking at her strangely. "Well, in that case I might dress up a little."

She blushed. He would do that for her?

He leaned in to kiss her cheek. It made her tingle all over. "But no cowboy hat. Am I clear?", he added raising his eyebrows. She nodded.

"Alright then." He smiled at her fondly before she went to Missy's room. It made her heart flutter in her chest.

Getting ready with Missy's help really reminded Amy of all the times she spent with Penny doing the same thing. Those two girls really were very much alike, and it felt like she finally had an explanation for Sheldon and Penny's sibling like relationship.

She slipped into the short, flowery dress she had picked out the day before and took a good look in the mirror. It really suited her figure and showed off her legs. It was strapless and highlighted her bosom, but the jeans jacket made her feel less exposed.

Missy helped her to curl her hair and apply make-up. Just when Amy wanted to slip into her sensible shoes, Missy stopped her.

"Try these.", she demanded and handed her a pair of brown leather boots. "I bought them a size too small but maybe they could fit you."

Amy looked at them in awe. She had never worn anything like that. Carefully she put them on. Now she really looked like a cowgirl. Well almost.

"Do you want to borrow a hat?", Missy asked while studying her appearance.

"No.", Amy replied firmly.

Even though she did not know what to expect from that evening, she really wanted to match with Sheldon, and he had been clear about that.

Besides, she loved her curly hair like this. No need to hide it under a hat.

In the end, she decided on a headband with a small ribbon on it that matched the color of her dress. It looked cute, she thought to herself.

Sheldon

As he was getting ready in his old room, Sheldon remembered the ring that was still safely in his pocket.

No. He would not leave it here. His decision was made. They would get back together. He would fight for her if necessary. And eventually, once they were ready, he would ask her to marry him, and she would say yes.

Just when he was putting on his old boots, his bedroom door opened.

"Moonpie? Do you mind if I come in for a while?"

He smiled at his meemaw. She had helped him a lot during the last couple of days. "It's okay, meemaw."

The old woman sat down on his bed, holding a cardboard box in her hands. "So, I noticed you and Amy seem to be much more at ease today. Care to spill the beans?"

Sheldon chuckled. Of course, his meemaw would watch them like a hawk. She was not only insightful but also extremely nosy.

"Things are better, meemaw. We talked. And hopefully we will be back together soon."

She stood up and pulled him into a tight hug.

"That's wonderful news, darling."

He noticed her looking him up and down. "You look handsome, moonpie. But I brought you this. It belonged to your pop-pop. I'm sure he would want you to have it. Take it as a lucky charm."

Sheldon gasped as meemaw opened the box and handed him a dark brown leather jacket. He could remember seeing his pop-pop wearing it. And maybe he was imagining things, but he could swear it still smelled of his childhood hero's cologne.

"Meemaw.", he whispered. "I don't know what to say."

She held it open, insisting for him to put it on.

Looking in the mirror, he could only stare at his reflection. He had never been aware how much he looked like the man he had adored when he was a little boy.

He wanted to be like him. Strong. Brave. Wise. A real man. A man who would be there for his woman.

He turned back to meemaw who was watching him with tears in her eyes and leaned down to her to kiss her cheek. "Thank you, meemaw.", he said softly.

She held him tight. "Now go enjoy yourself tonight, moonpie. Go get back your girl. Sweep her off her feet."

He nodded firmly. Yes. That was exactly what he wanted to do.

Amy

It felt a little like a dream, when Amy entered the bar with Sheldon. When she had left Missy's room, her heart had skipped a beat. Sheldon had really kept his promise and dressed up.

Dressed in blue jeans and a buttoned up grey plaid shirt that was tucked into his pants. Partly covered by an open thick brown leather jacket that fitted him perfectly.

He looked so much more mature than usually. Additionally, he was wearing dark brown cowboy boots and a thick leather belt of the same color with a round silver belt buckle. To say he looked sexy was a huge understatement.

To her surprise he opened the car door for her to get in. She wasn't used to be treated with so much gallantry.

When they were seated next to each other in the car, she noticed his gaze on her and looked at him questioningly. "You look… very nice.", he said. And was it just her imagination or did he appear a little flushed?

And now he was accompanying her in this bar, only leaving her side once to get them drinks. Like he was her date, which in a way, she guessed he was. It felt unreal.

Sheldon

It was true what he had told his sister. He loved Amy for her mind. Even though he had always thought she was pretty, he would love her no matter how she looked, because her brilliant mind stimulated him like no other.

But boy howdy, when he saw her leave Missy's old bedroom, he nearly fainted. She still looked like herself – and he was grateful for that – but that dress did nothing to hide her beautiful figure.

The way it highlighted her womanly curves – he felt very similar to that time he saw her in her prom dress. But he did not panic this time. He was finally ready to admit to himself how attracted he really was to her.

They were standing together watching Missy and her fiancé join the stage for line dancing. Suddenly an image entered his mind. Amy in this breathtaking outfit up there on this stage next to him, moving rhythmically to the music, swinging her hips. He could feel his blood rush south.

He took a big gulp of his coke and wished for the first time to have chosen an alcoholic beverage to gather his courage. He leaned down to Amy so she could hear him over the loud music. "Care to join them up there?", he asked, pointing to the stage.

He could see the surprise in her eyes. "Will you go with me? You know, I've never line danced before."

He smirked. "Well, it's not hard. Even my sister can do it. Come on, just follow my lead, little lady."

Amy smiled. She had always liked it when he called her that, he remembered.

Amy

The first steps were a little clumsy and it took her some time to memorize the sequence. It was not that complicated, but she was distracted by the way Sheldon was moving. Despite hardly ever talking about his Texan heritage, he looked so natural here.

Having never tried anything like this she was almost embarrassed to be stumbling around like this, but Sheldon kept looking at her reassuringly and at one point held her by the hips to guide her trough the steps.

After she had managed to learn the dance, it turned out to be great fun. As much as she loved all the other things Sheldon and she usually liked doing together, it was refreshing doing something else for a change.

It was freeing, just moving to the rhythm, not thinking. Letting go of all the complicated thoughts from the days before. She could not remember laughing that much on a night out before.

After a few songs however she was starting to feel out of breath. She wasn't used to exercise like that. "I need something to drink.", she shouted in Sheldon's direction and got off the stage.

To her delight, Sheldon followed her and led her to a small table where they both sat down. He called over the waitress to order a bottle of water and two glasses.

"Sparkling, since it's a special occasion.", he said, winking at Amy. She chuckled as she remembered when she had said the same thing all those years ago.

Back then she had mistakenly thought to be attracted to Penny's ex-boyfriend Zack. Looking at Sheldon now, she had no clue how she could have missed then what had been right in front of her.

"Thank you for dressing up.", she said quietly. "I really like your outfit." She saw his eyes light up as he was looking at her intensely.

"Well, you look very nice too." She smiled. He had already told her that, but it was good to hear.

He cleared his throat. "Actually, Amy…" he seemed to hesitate. She looked at him expectantly.

"Nice does not cover it.", he mumbled. "You… well, you look astonishing. I thought you should know that." He looked away then.

Amy's heart was beating rapidly in her chest. Never had she heard something like that from Sheldon. Carefully she covered his hand with hers. He looked back at her. "Thank you, Sheldon. I am really happy to hear that. Especially from you."

He moved his hand a little so he could intertwine their fingers. The way he was looking at her now made her knees feel weak. The air around them felt tense for a moment that did not seem to end. In a good way.

Suddenly the loud line dancing music stopped, and a slow country song was playing from the loudspeakers.

A man with a microphone invited all couples to come and join the dance floor, to celebrate the fact that 'Little Missy Cooper' would get married in two days.

Sheldon looked at her imploringly. "Shall we join them?" And when she did not answer immediately, he added: "I guess it's a social obligation since we are bridesmaid and groomsman."

She felt a small twinge of disappointment. But then Sheldon squeezed her hand softly.

"No, please strike that. I've wanted to slow dance with you ever since we entered this bar. Will you dance with me, Amy?"

She nodded weakly and let him lead her to the dance floor. A beautiful but sad song was playing. It was about longing for a lost love. Even though she and Sheldon were getting closer again, it hit very close to home and Amy's eyes filled with tears.

But then she felt Sheldon pull her closer to him. His right arm encircled her hip while he held her hand with his left one. She had not lost him, she remembered. There still was hope for them.

Sheldon

He had noticed her getting sad again listening to that stupid song. It had made him weary too. He did not want to lose her. Ever. That's why he had pulled her closer. He wanted to reassure her. They would get through this together.

But as he held her body close to his, he was met with a whole lot of new and confusing emotions. The way her body felt flush to his. He could feel her breasts being pressed to his body. Her hot breath in his neck gave him goosebumps. Without even realizing it, his hand slipped from her hip, and he found himself touching her behind over the thin fabric of her dress.

He should let go, he knew that. It was highly inappropriate. He had never touched her like this before. They were in public. And most importantly, they were on a break. Technically she was not his girlfriend right now. Not really. And he was not giving her space to think, he was doing the exact opposite.

But for some reason, he felt unable to remove his hand. And by the way her hand moved from his shoulder to his neck and her breathing pattern changed, she did not seem to mind too much, so he just rested his hand on the soft round body part that had teased him for so long now. It felt magnificent.

He felt Amy's hand move up his neck and start to softly run through his hair. Was this her way of telling him she was okay with him holding her like this?

Just then, the song was over. Whatever spell they had been under seemed to be broken and they almost jumped apart and stared at each other.

Amy's cheeks had a pink glow to them, matching the color of her dress and she looked even more adorable than before. It was one of the few moments in his life, when he was downright speechless.

He had to fight the almost irresistible urge to pull her back into his arms and kiss her like there was no tomorrow. To drag her back to her room and proceed to touch her. He just wanted to be close to her. But this was not the right time. This really was getting out of hand.

The next slow song started playing. He was unsure of how to proceed but when he saw Amy suddenly looking shy and starting to turn away, he just acted on his instinct and pulled her close again. This time he wrapped both arms around her lower back.

It only took a second for her to relax into his touch and encircle his shoulders with her arms. Sheldon released a soft sigh. Just for a moment he had been afraid of her rejecting him but as they were slowly moving to the music, all he could think of was how right this felt.

Amy

She had a really hard time driving them both back to the hotel. This evening had been so confusing. Wonderful, exciting but so, so confusing. Had Sheldon really touched her butt?

And then the dancing. The way Sheldon had looked at her. Had it been real? Or was he just really good at pretending for them to still be a couple for his family's sake?

No, it had been real, she felt that. But it went against everything she thought she knew about him.

After stopping the car in front of the hotel, she walked back to her room, all the while feeling Sheldon's presence not far behind her. When she arrived at her door, she turned around.

Sheldon had followed her. She did not know what to think of it. Clearly none of them was sad right now so there was no reason to hold each other.

She wanted to. But could she handle spending the night next to him? After the way he had held her before?

Looking at him, she could see, he was just as confused about that as she was. "So, tonight was nice.", she said, still not opening her door.

"Yes, it was.", he answered. Why did his voice sound deeper than usual? Before she could respond, he moved closer to her. Her breath hitched. Involuntary, she closed her eyes and parted her lips slightly. He was going to kiss her now, wasn't he?

"Amy…"

So, maybe not. She opened her eyes again, feeling slightly embarrassed. "I'm sorry.", she mumbled.

"What are you sorry for?", he asked quietly, still staring at her intensely. "Amy, I don't know what the protocol is here. If this was a normal date night, I would kiss you right now. But we are on a break, and I don't know if it's appropriate."

She exhaled relieved. "I want you to kiss me, Sheldon."

His eyes widened for a second. "You do?", he clarified.

"Yes. Please, Sheldon." It was what they both wanted, right?

"But… but what about the break?", he asked but it seemed like he was slowly leaning in again.

"Sheldon… maybe just for tonight, do you think we could just take a break from not being together?"

She had hardly finished her sentence, when his lips were on hers. He pushed her up against the door and kissed her with a passion she had not expected.

His hands wandered from her face to her neck, down her sides before they wandered to her butt again, just like before when they were dancing.

But he was not just softly holding her, he was stroking her. Squeezing her lightly.

She could only hold on to his shoulders as she moaned into his mouth, and he took the opportunity to slip his tongue between her lips.

This was different. Good different, she decided kissing him back. Where had Sheldon hidden this passion all those years?

He stopped kissing her for a second. "Can we… uhm… go inside?", he asked hoarsely. She handed him the key card.

She was trembling with anticipation as he took her hand and led her into the room.

To be continued.