A sequel to my 2018 story "The Recluse of 4B and the Waitresses". Part 2 starts four months after the memorial service.
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It was the usual Thursday night Pizza party in 4A. Sheldon had already joined Leonard and Penny, they were waiting for Howard and Bernadette to arrive when the door opened. Howard and Bernadette entered holding hands with big smiles on their faces.
Howard "Oh good, you are all here."
Bernadette "We have some news" then together they said "We're engaged to be married!"
The room erupted in cheering and some very friendly hugs.
Penny "So when did you decide?"
Howard "After Bernadette moved in it felt very comfortable having her around. Also after my mother died I knew I shouldn't waste time, life is too short."
Bernadette "Howard asked me when we got home from work, I said yes straight away."
Sheldon "Many congratulations my friends."
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Things soon started to happen quickly with Howard and Bernadette. The next day they went to see Bernadette's parents, who were both very happy with the news. They decided to get married 2 months later, as life is too short to wait. Leonard agreed to be best man and Penny maid of honour. Sheldon helped with the wedding planning. They managed to get the Caltech Athenaeum club for the wedding.
Invitations were sent to the Wolowitz and Rostenkowski families, several Caltech friends were invited. An invitation was sent to Sally and her Doctor boyfriend Simon.
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About three weeks before the wedding it was the usual Monday Physics discussion. Leonard and Sheldon were already discussing a paper that had just been published when Sally arrived.
Leonard "Sally is here."
Sheldon "Good morning Dr. Garcia, how are you Sally?"
Sally "Dr. Garcia is not good gentlemen. You remember Dr. Simon Edwards."
Sheldon "Yes, we met him at the Cheesecake Factory."
Sally "I never got to spend that much time with Simon as he was so busy at the hospital. Well he wasn't so busy not to have another girlfriend on the side. I went to his apartment yesterday and he was busy 'playing doctor' with one of his colleagues from the hospital, Dr. Stephanie Barnett. She knew nothing about me, she also thought he was so busy not to have much time for her. Dr. Edwards can find some other girlfriends to 'play doctor' with."
Sheldon "You are clearly distressed Dr. Garcia, I shall take you for a hot beverage."
Sally "Thank you Sheldon, please excuse me Leonard but I am not really up for a discussion this week. I will probably see you for lunch later in the week."
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One week later Sally arrived for the Monday Physics discussion before Leonard.
"Good morning Sally, how are you today?"
"I have gone through denial, anger and acceptance. I am now totally over Dr. Edwards."
"As you know Howard and Bernadette are getting married in just under two weeks. Just as a friend would you like to accompany me to the wedding?..."
