Driver got Hope and MG to Penelope's house and they were very excited to see their friend. Hope was first out of the car and Penelope hugged her.
''How are you Penelope?''
''I am ok… You?''
''Shocked… Few days ago you were gone from school and now you are about to marry Josie. How did that happen?''
''We'll talk.''
Hope sensed that something was not really ok. MG was next and her hugged Penelope pretty tight.
''How are you Penny?''
''I am ok… How are you?''
''I am very excited. It's so cool two of you are getting married. At first it was a surprise, but we all knew you can't stay away from one another.''
''That's us. What can I say?''
MG and David went to the garden so he can help with some final details and that left Hope and Penelope alone.
''Spill Park!''
''What?''
''For someone who is about to get married to the person they say is the love of their life, you look like someone about to marry Lizzie Saltzman?''
Penelope had to laugh at that.
''Hope, where do you even get those comments from?''
''Don't change the subject… What is happening?''
''Have you ever heard of something called The Merge?''
''No…''
Penelope explained to Hope everything and soon the other girl also looked like she is about to marry Lizzie Saltzman.
''Are you serious?''
''Yes.''
''I had no idea.''
''They just learned too.''
''How?''
''I hinted it to Josie before I left….and they told Lizzie few days ago when she and Dr. Saltzman got to Paris.''
''I found Josie's bucket list. It broke my heart.''
''What is on it?''
''To tell me that she loves me, to create memories for me to have them when she is gone…to travel…us getting married.''
Hope was close to crying.
''She is saying good bye?''
''Yes, she is… She wants to live this six years to the fullest so she can die knowing she lived all this time to the fullest.''
''I am so sorry Penelope… I had no idea.''
''I know…''
''What are you going to do?''
''Live those six years with her to the fullest…hoping I might get a chance for sixty six more.''
Hope gave her a very sad smile.
''You really love her?''
''I do… I love her so much.''
''Ok, let's then play the game with the cards we got… Live it to the fullest my friend and then when the time comes, we will deal with it.''
Penelope's mom entered the room.
''Love, Caroline just called. They are close to the house. They will be here any minute.''
''Ok. We'll be down in a sec mom.''
''Ok… It's nice of you and MG to come and support the girls.''
''Ms. Park… We are the Avengers squad… We support each other.''
Penelope couldn't believe what Hope just said. Her mom was not into super heroes movies and things. She had no idea who they were and what was Hope talking about.
''That's nice… Whatever it means.''
She left the room and Penelope took a deep breath.
''Off we go.''
''Hey, don't lose hope.''
''Says Hope Michaelson.''
''I do have positive moments…''
''Yes, you do… Every few years.''
''Maybe this is one of them.?''
''We'll see…''
Patricia and David went outside of the house to greet the Saltzman family. David was so excited about everything. She sort of put his disagreement behind when he talked to Patricia and since then he has been very supportive and helpful. Penelope had few doubts that her mom spelled him to be like that. They got out of the car and each of them had their own impression. Josie only saw Penelope. Caroline loved the garden, Lizzie became aware how much money Park family actually has and Alaric was fascinated by the house Park family lived in. It was one of those old and very expensive houses in Belgium. He was sure he even saw it in one of those shows that deal with old houses restauration.
''You have lovely house Mrs. Park.''
''Thank you Dr. Saltzman…. It was my husband's family's most precious possession. It was in the family since late 17th century… It was redone few times, but each time it was done in a way to keep it looking the most authentic possible.''
''I love it.''
Josie climber small line of stairs and got to Penelope.
''Hey P…''
''Hey Jojo…''
She hugged her and they kissed.
''I missed you so much.''
''I missed you too.''
Service came out to help them unpack and take things to their room.
''How will we all fit here P?''
''We have sixteen bedrooms Jojo… I think we will fit just fine.''
''Sixteen?''
''Yes… You heard right.''
''Oh, the modest life of the Park family.''
''Hey it's not too late for you to be Mrs. Park… My mom has it good since she did it.''
''I am not marrying you for the money… I never knew you had money...''
Penelope gave her a look. Josie knew Penelope had money, just never imagined how much money.
''Ok, I never imagined you had this much.''
Penelope smiled at her.
''I know Jojo…''
Josie leaned and pressed her forehead to Penelope's.
'' We are getting married tomorrow. It's still so unreal to me.''
''I am still not sure it's happening. It's so unreal to me.''
Josie grew serious.
''If you are not sure… you can back off. I am not going to be angry or blame you… I know it's too much…''
Penelope put her finger on Josie's lips.
''I am going to marry you tomorrow… And we are going to have an amazing life together. You and me baby… We will make the most of it.. And when the time comes… You will fight for yourself and we will see what happens… But until that day… We live our life to the fullest.''
''I love you…''
They kissed again and that kiss was interrupted by Hope and MG.
''We get it! You are disgusting and in love, but can we get some love form you Jo? After all we flew here for million hours.''
She smiled at them and went to hug them too. She missed them.
''You got us worried when you left. We were out of our minds until Hope did the spell to find you.''
''I am sorry… But I had…''
Then she looked at Penelope and smiled.
''…unfinished business that couldn't wait.''
Penelope saw a big box being carried out of the car. It looked old but well taken care of. She was sure it was Josie's dress. She felt familiar pain in her chest and tried to fake a smile. Caroline and Patricia were determined that the girls don't spend the night together. They wanted to at least respect some customs. They could spend time together before going to sleep, but they were sleeping in the separate rooms. Josie was supposed to sleep with Lizzie and it was their last night together before Josei is married. Lizzie was sad she was getting married. She felt like Penelope was really winning and stealing her sister away from her. She hated this merge thing and all about it. She was resting on her bed when Josie got into the room. She came to get a sweater since she was getting a bit cold.
''Why are you here? Everyone is out?''
''I needed few minute alone… I am sleepy…''
''Ok… Rest then. Dinner will be in an hour.''
''ok..''
When Josie got down she took a seat beside Penelope and they held hands. Mrs. Park started talking to Caroline about dinner tonight.
''We could all dress up and I think it's the perfect time for you to exchange your engagement rings.''
Josei didn't even think of that. She was already in the next day becoming Penelope's wife.
''I thought we would do it during the wedding.''
'"Wedding is for the wedding ring…''
''Ok. Tonight it is.''
Hope smiled at them.
''So you have the rings?''
''Yes, we do. ''
Penelope looked at her mom.
''Mom, I think it's maybe for the best to let us do it…in private… I want a moment alone with Josie when I give her the ring.''
Penelope's mom was a bit disappointed, but she understood.
''We will get married in front of you tomorrow… But there are some things I want to say in private… Please mom, let us have a moment just for ourselves.''
''Ok… Then you do your thing and we will have diner here.''
''Thank you.''
Josie was a bit confused.
''Should I still dress up?''
''You can…''
''Oh, ok.''
They went to their rooms to get ready. Penelope was very nervous. For some reason her hands were ice cold and shaking like crazy. She picked the emerald green dress and same color shoes and she put on emerald earrings her dad got for her mom on their anniversary. Patricia would sometimes let her use them, but she always had to return them to her safe in the bedroom. She wanted part of her dad to be there when she gives the ring to Josie. She looked much older and very elegant. Dress was a bit under her knees and skirt was a fuller one. She looked like lady from the fashion catalogue from the fifties. Top of the dress had long sleeves and V cut. Just the tip of her shoulders was exposed and she was breathtaking. Josie was in the baby pink dress that reached her mid-thigh. Her hair was in a very neat bun and she had high heel shoes. Penelope's heels were much higher and Lizzie noticed right away that they were Louboutin shoes. Driver was waiting for them and Penelope told him to take them to the center of the city. They rode in silence just stealing glances and smiling to one another. They got out of the car and took a walk. Josie really loved city center. She kept telling Penelope how enchanted with the city she was. Penelope agreed. She did spend most of her childhood here and she loved the city. It was the place her dad was born at, so she felt special connection to it. They went for dinner to Le Marmiton. It was Penelope's favorite place to eat and her mom was sick of how much Penelope loved that place. Josie was a bit lost with all that was on menu, so she let Penelope order for them knowing what Josie loves to eat. She learned in France that some food sounds strange but has amazing taste. Penelope and Josie both loved sea food, so she could go no wrong with starters and main courses with shrimp, calamari and things like that. She even got Josie to try some nice red wine. She placed her order in perfect French and Josie was even more fascinated by her. She had no idea she spoke that well. She heard that Penelope was fluent in few languages, but had no idea what they were or how many of them she spoke. She did use magic to get their waiter to bring her bottle of favorite red.
''Penny, we will get drunk!''
''It's our bachelorette/ engagement/ rehearsal dinner party… We have every right.''
Their food arrived and Josie couldn't wait to try what Penelope choose for her. They were served their drink too and Penelope picked her glass up.
''To you my love… To my amazing wife to be and to an exciting and epic journey ahead of us!''
Josie picked her glass and smiled, trying to fight her tears.
''To you Penny… To my greatest love… You have no idea how much I love you and how much I am grateful to… I don't know who or what that got you in my school and my life…''
''Oh, that's easy… My mom… She is the one that forced me to go to your school. I didn't want to.''
They laughed a bit…
''Ok… Thank you Patricia Part for forcing your daughter to come to my school… And thank you Lizzie for bailing the tour.''
Josie loved Penelope's pick of wine and food. She really enjoyed it all. She was happy they had some time alone. They talked about some simple and casual things, but that's what Josie enjoyed the most. Perfection of the moment and closeness they shared with stolen glances or touches.
''You have no idea how happy you make me Penelope.''
''I f it's just a fraction of how happy I am, then I have pretty good idea.''
After they were done with the cake Penelope had one more place for them to go to. Josie was surprised that Penelope didn't get the ring out at the restaurant, but she knew that it will end up on her finger soon. They were back in the car and driving to Penelope's house. Now Josie felt a little let down. She really expected a ring by this time. Penelope's driver stopped near the small park. They got out of the car and Penelope took her to the swings. They sat down and Penelope took her hand.
''This is where my dad used to take me when I was really little… I have very few memories of him, but most of what I have are from this place.''
''When did he die?''
''I was a bit over four years old.''
''I am sorry…''
''I had the best substitute for a father in David. He is really something special and I love him so much… But…''
''You miss your real father.''
''Yeah…''
''I feel the same about Caroline and Joe…''
''And since it is the place where I made some of the most precious memories, that's why we are here for this too…''
Penelope got off the swing and got the ring out of her coat pocket. She got down on one knee and opened the box.
''Josette Saltzman, will you do me the honor of making me your wife and the person who annoys you the most and pushes your limits just to show you how much you can?''
''Yes! I will make you my wife! It will be my honor P…''
She got the ring out of the box and placed on Josie's finger. It was perfect fit for her. Josie loved how powerful and delicate ring looked at the same time.
''Baby, it's so beautiful.''
''I saw it and said to my mom that I can't imagine you with any other ring. It was something that pulled me to it.''
''I love it…''
Josie got Penelope's ring from the box and opened it.
''You left me speechless and I have no idea what to say. There were million things I wanted to say to you when I put this ring on your finger…but now my mind is blank… Don't worry, I've written my wows so we are safe for tomorrow.''
That made Penelope smile. She knew Josie was such a sap so she had to write down what she wanted to say.
''What I can think of now is…''
She started crying.
''I love you Penelope… I love you so much and I am sorry for dragging you into my crazy family drama I didn't even know existed. You have no idea how much I love you and how much it's killing me that we have this…potential expiration date over my head… But I want you to know this… I will love you until the end of time… Regardless of where I am… I will love you forever Penny… You are my past, my present and future… Even if I can't be physically beside you… I will always be there and love you like the first day….''
They both cried now.
''I better put this ring on your finger before I miss the finger from crying so much and my vison being clouded from tears.''
Penelope smiled at her. She put the ring on Penelope's finger and Penelope loved it. She was in love with her ring.
''It's perfect baby…''
''Just like you… Shop owner has a wife named Penelope and he told me the story about the black diamond in the wedding and engagement rings…''
''What is it?''
''It represent faithfulness, love, purity, innocence, and relationships filled with love. ...Wearing a black diamond ring symbolizes eternal commitment as well as strength and power. In few words…all that you are Penelope…''
She kissed Josie and it turned into a very heated make out session…
''I want you Jojo…''
''Now?''
''Always…''
''But we are in the park…''
''If we find a nice place you definitely will be…''
Josie blushed… No matter how much times they had sex and all, Penelope could still make her blush and feel so many different things. She loved making love to Penelope and their quickies. But Josie was never that bold as Penelope was.
''We can cast a spell Jojo…''
''No magic in public…''
''Then what do you suggest? They will not let us sleep together.''
''Well, we have our wedding night…''
''You want to wait?''
''No… But we should.''
'"Says who?''
''It's what you do P.''
''No, that's what others do.''
''Penelope…Some rules…''
''Are there to be broken…''
She was kissing Josie and bighting her neck in a way that Josie would give her anything she asks for at that moment.
''There is a small hotel close to this park.''
''Penelope… Let's wait.''
''Why would we?''
''Because our mothers would find us if they even have the smallest idea what we might be doing.''
She moved away from Josie and pouted.
''You are a party pooper.''
''I love you too babe.''
They got back to the car and Penelope was still pouting.
''You can't be serious?!''
''What?''
''Penny…''
''No! Move to your side of the car.''
Josie started laughing.
''I can't believe you… But I must say that you are the cutest.''
They arrived home and Penelope got into the house and went upstairs. Everyone was in the living room chatting and having few drinks. Patricia and Caroline were surmised to see Penelope pout and go upstairs.
''What's up with her?''
''You better not ask?''
''Should I go to her?''
''No, Mrs. Park… I will…in a minute.''
Caroline took her hand to see the ring.
''Baby, it's gorgeous.''
''It is…''
Lizzie came too… She was surprised by it.
''Who picked the ring?''
Mrs. Park smiled proudly…
''Penelope did… I was rooting for a different one but she picked that ring and said it would look amazing on Josie.''
She smiled at Patricia.
''I better go upstairs…''
'"What happened?''
''She didn't get what she wanted and now she is being a pain.''
''What did she want?''
''I better skip the answer and see if she even wants to marry me tomorrow.''
They all laughed until they understood what was the argument about.
''NO! You are not going to my daughter's room.''
Josie was surprised by that.
''She will get away with it…because you are not really against her idea. You are teenagers… You can't be trusted in a locked room.''
Josie blushed.
Caroline was looking at her daughter.
''You want to spend the night with her?''
''I want to spend the night with Lizzie… But I want to be with Penelope… I missed her.''
She looked at Josie blushing and smirked.
''Go! But you have to be in bed with Lizzie by 2 AM! If you are not… I will be dragging you out of there.''
She smiled, took off her shoes and sprinted to Penelope's room. Patricia watched her and smiled.
''God! I am glad I will never be that way again.''
Lizzie was confused.
''That way?''
''Hormone controlled idiot.''
Caroline smiled.
''There is fun in being seventeen forever.''
''No! Never again! God, how in love was I with Penelope's father at the time… He was my drug. My mom wanted to kill me how stupid things I did with him and for him. When we got married, I believed the world was mine. Joshua was my life.''
Lizzie looked at Penelope's mom confused. She believed David was her husband and Penelope's dad.
''David is not her dad?''
''He is her dad… But my late husband was the father. He died when she was a bit over four. She has very few memories of him and I am sorry they didn't have much time…''
''What happened?''
''His brother killed him… For the leading position in the coven.''
''Is he in charge of the coven now?''
''No… He is dead too..''
''What happened to him?''
''He died in an accident.''
''What?''
''He accidently died from my black magic spell... More wine?''
She went inside to the living room and Lizzie just looked at Caroline.
''She killed the man?''
''I believe she had her own reasons.''
''Mom…''
''Lizzie… life is…complicated.''
Josie got into Penelope's room and she didn't see her there. Her dress, shoes and the rest of the clothes was on the chair and then she heard the water from the shower. She took off her clothes and took a breath.
''She is brat...''
She got into the bathroom and opened the shower door. She got in and closed them. Penelope knew she was there but pretended she doesn't notice her. Josie put her hands around her stomach and whispered in her ear.
''You love to make me blush and get me in weird situations… Our moms were grilling me on what happened and what made you pout.''
''And what did you tell them?''
''That you are pain in the ass… And that I want that ass…''
''In those words.''
''Not really…''
Penelope smirked.
''Always the good girl…''
Josie turned her and pushed her against the wall
''Always the bad girl…''
There was huge grin on Penelope's face.
''I told you long time ago that this world needs balance… Good and bad girl, selfless and selfish…''
Josie kissed her…
''You just had to stop talking… We don't really have much time…''
''Lead the way Miss Saltzman….''
Josie helped Penelope dry and took her to bed. They had about an hour before she had to leave to be with Lizzie and they took advantage of that time. Josie was too lazy to get dressed again, so she just put on one of Penelope's robes. Penelope was in her nightgown and she was walking Josie out of her soon. It was two minutes to 2AM. She saw Caroline in the hallway standing and waiting for her to go to Lizzie's and hers room.
''I love you…''
''I love you too…''
''I can't wait for tomorrow.''
''It's today babe.''
''I don't think I will be able to sleep…''
''Do the spell…''
''Penny…''
''Yes…''
Josie smirked and whispered.
''Enjoy last hours of being Park…''
She kissed her for the last time since she heard her mother calling her and left. Tomorrow at this time… they would be married and no mother sending her to bed will be standing between them.