Hi lovely readers,

Thank you so much for all of the lovely reviews on the last chapter! It made me so happy that you liked my take on Sheldon's proposal!

This prompt was requested by MobyShamy4ever and is about the first time Sheldon takes Amy to Texas. I do have another prompt based upon Sheldon and Amy going to Texas (this will be the next prompt), it was my plan to combine them but as I started writing I kind of saw them as their own separate chapers. I hope that's okay.

I really loved writing this so thank you much for requesting! I hope it's what you were after. I'm sorry, it's taken me ages to upload too, thank you for being so patient.

Enjoy reading

Amy never really expected this day to come. When Sheldon mentioned it a few months ago, she thought it was just something he was saying to keep her sweet, she never thought he would actually go through with it. Now here they were, driving down the highway, in a completely different state. Their destination, Sheldon's childhood home. After almost three and half years of dating, he was finally taking her to meet his family, to see the home he grew up in, to see his childhood bedroom, to see all the things that made him who he was today.

Amy had met his mother countless times upon her visits to Pasadena. She knew that Mary had a special place in her heart for her and over the years Amy had grown to see her as her own mother like figure. However, the rest of the family; his beloved Meemaw, feisty and protective twin sister Missy and his carefree brother Georgie were just people she had smiled and said hello to during FaceTime conversations, she was never yet to meet them in the flesh.

Of course, she had always wanted to go to Texas with him. Sheldon's visits were fleeting and despite a longing to come with him, she would never invite herself along. Instead, she sat patiently for three long years and waited to be asked. She didn't know what had triggered him to do such a thing but she was delighted all the same.

"I suddenly feel nervous" this had been a moment she had been waiting for for so long, she just wanted everything to be perfect. Family was important to Sheldon and she worried that if this didn't go right, issues could arise. She had a horrible knot in her stomach and when she thought about entering his home and being faced with his family, well she was suddenly beginning to realise how daunting this all was. "Sheldon, I'm now doubting if this is even a good idea" her heart rate was getting quicker, she could feel it thumping in her chest.

For a moment, he took his eyes off of the road. There was something about him driving in Texas that Amy found very attractive. He suddenly seemed comfortable here, at ease and at home, like he had adopted this whole new persona, she liked it. He reached out and took hold of her hand, a level of affection that he was still getting used to. This surprised Amy for two reasons, one; he was willingly holding her hand and two; he had taken one hand off of the steering wheel, both of those things were almost unheard of.

"Of course it's a good idea" he hoped he was reassuring her. "They've all been waiting for so long to meet you, they're really excited" he gave her hand a squeeze before returning it to the steering wheel. "And you know my mother loves you, her report is always positive" that was one of the only things Amy took comfort in. Mary being the absolute angel that she was would by no means allow Amy to feel anything but welcome and loved in her home.

—

It was almost a relief to Amy when they arrived at Mary's to discover she was the only one home. It had been decided that Amy would meet the rest of the family over dinner at an Italian restaurant in town later on that evening. Amy was initially grateful for this however, she soon realised that the nerves and butterflies in her stomach would be around for a little longer.

"Oh, I must show you this" Mary gushed excitedly as she entered the living room with a tray of tea and biscuits for them both and a square, large book tucked under her arm. She really was an amazing hostess and Amy really hadn't imagined anything less.

"Oh mother" Sheldon rolled his eyes, "I'm sure Amy doesn't want to see these" he looked uncomfortable, but also incredibly endearing and Amy found herself falling that little bit more in love with him. She didn't need to ask to know what Mary was carrying, it was obvious from the look on Sheldon's face and from the beaming pride on his mothers. A photo album.

"Oh I do" Amy smiled, she wasn't sure she'd ever seen pictures of Sheldon from when he was younger. Now she was thinking about it, she wasn't sure how many pictures she had seen of Sheldon full stop. "Please, let me take a peek" she smiled her best smile at him.

"Okay fine" he sighed, "but this goes no further." It had been so long since Sheldon had looked in this album that he himself was actually quite intrigued to see what lay inside.

Mary placed the album on Amy's knee, and she carefully opened it up. She could only guess but there must have been hundreds of photos in here, page after page laden with childhood photos of Sheldon and his siblings. In that moment, she told herself that if at any point in the distant future she and Sheldon had a family, she would make something just like this for them to look back on. It was real and authentic and so much better than just flicking through images on a phone.

"Oh my gosh, look at you" Amy pointed at one particular photo that tugged at her heartstrings. It was a photo of Sheldon and his siblings dressed up for Halloween. He looked around four years old and was haphazardly wrapped up in bandages, he was the cutest little mummy Amy had ever seen. His eyes were still the piercing, striking blue that they were today and his innocent, toothy grin made her want to cry. "You look so cute"

Amy cuddled closer to him and briefly rested her head upon his shoulder, the display of affection was over in seconds but the gesture didn't go unnoticed by Mary. Although she had visited Pasadena many times, she was yet to see anything remotely physical happen between her son and his girlfriend, she had never seen them kiss or hold hands or even cuddle each other. They very much kept each other at arms length and despite being fascinated, she began to understand that that level of intimacy was what worked best for them. However, this was very different. Amy without any hesitation cuddled closer to Sheldon, and despite being in the presence of his mother and not being one to indulge in physical touch Sheldon responded positively. He didn't flinch or move away in horror instead he just smiled, really smiled. Mary wasn't entirely sure the last time she had really seen her son smile like that and the feeling that it gave her inside was indescribable.

What Mary didn't realise was that Amy and Sheldon (especially) were starting to take that next step in their relationship. A step that they knew most couples made very early on in their relationship without giving it a second thought however, for them, just like with everything else, this was very scheduled and micro managed. For the past few months they had been sharing a bed together, on certain days of the week Amy would stay at Sheldon's place, on other days he would stay at hers and of course, they had a few days where they had their time by themselves.

After years of waiting, it was Amy that finally snapped and suggested that they give this a go and of course, she had to meet Sheldon half way with his schedule and appeal to the scientist in him by posing this as an experiment. He had been reluctant at first but Amy being patient and allowing him to take his time had really helped ease him to this brand new territory and he surprisingly found himself enjoying it. There was a comfort in Amy that he had never found in another human before.

"You know, I don't think I ever realised how much you looked like your dad" Amy commented as her eyes landed on a photo of Sheldon, a little older this time, his brother and his father. George stood in the middle, a large hand on each of his sons shoulder, smiling proudly at the camera. He had Sheldon's tall stature and similar eyes and Amy was sure they had an identical smile.

"I can remember that day. We were going to a baseball game" Sheldon explained amazed at how one photo could bring back a ton of memories. He had his days, often birthdays or anniversaries when he really missed his father but there were days that passed and sometimes he didn't think about him at all, as guilty as that made him feel it was the truth. Naturally, being home, where his memory sometimes still felt very real, he couldn't help but be forced to think about him. "I really didn't want to go but dad promised me that if we all went together on a boys day out" he used his fingers for quote marks as he said 'boys day out', "then he'd let me tell him all about my science project and help me out with it" Sheldon didn't elaborate further and Amy was left wondering whether George had pulled through on his promise and if the latter had actually happened however, she didn't have the heart to ask.

Before they knew it a whole hour of looking at photos had past. Simply as an observer, Amy could tell this meant a lot to them both although she was sure Sheldon would never admit such a thing. She knew it meant the world to Mary when Sheldon returned home and she was left wondering just how often they did things like this together.

"Oh my gosh, would you look at the time. Our dinner reservations are in an hour" Mary announced. "We should probably start getting ready dears"

No one had noticed how much time had run away with them. They hadn't even had the chance to go upstairs and put their suitcases away, they were still standing tall by the front door. Amy carefully closed the photo album and placed it on the coffee table.

"Now, sleeping arrangements" Mary started slowly. "I was thinking, Amy darling, you could stay in Missy's old room" she explained. She suddenly felt Sheldon's hand land on her knee, giving it a gentle squeeze, his deeply religious mother mentioning this hadn't surprised him in the slightest however, it was something Amy hadn't even considered. She didn't want to be in an unfamiliar room without Sheldon but of course, whilst under Mary's roof she would respect her wishes.

"Mother, Amy and I…" he started, surprising himself by how much he wanted to be with Amy and how much he was okay with that being known. Even if they were sleeping, it was a great comfort to him to know that she was there.

"Sheldon, it's fine, really" Amy told him gently with a smile. She, by no means, wanted to do anything to disrespect Mary and her views.

"Oh okay" Mary laughed, waving her hand in the air. "I get it, you two loves birds want to be together" she understood, she was young once and Sheldon was extremely grateful that he didn't have to go into too much detail. "I suppose we can drag the spare camp bed from Georgie's room into Shelly's room" she explained, rising from the sofa.

Amy could feel the grip Sheldon had on her knee growing tighter and when she heard him inhale, she decided to jump in first.

"That would be great, thank you"

—

Stepping into Sheldon's childhood bedroom, Amy couldn't believe that the place hadn't been touched since he had left at fourteen. It really was still very much a little boys bedroom. He had told Amy that his mother didn't like messing with their rooms, apparently Missy and Georgie's were still exactly the same as they were on the day they moved out. Amy assumed it was probably a way of still holding on to her children, even though she wasn't a mother yet, Amy could understand that.

The double bed sat proudly in the middle of his bedroom, draped in a navy blue duvet that was covered in rockets. She wasn't surprised in the slightest. The walls were still laden with old science posters and there was a shelf in the corner containing a collection of super heroes. If she had been asked what she thought his room would look like she would have given a rather accurate description of exactly this. Although, she would have missed off the camp bed that was now currently positioned at the bottom of Sheldon's bed. She wondered if when he was younger, he ever thought he would one day have a girl sleeping in his room.

"It's so nice being here" Amy sighed with contentment as she sat down on the bed, letting the soft mattress cushion her fall. Being here made her feel something, it made her feel like she was slowly becoming part of the family and so far, she had only met his mother. "I just feel like I'm really getting to know you better" a shy smile played on her lips "and falling in love with you that little bit more."

"Okay" Sheldon waved his hand, dismissing her declaration of love however, Amy didn't take it to heart, she never would, deep down she knew how he felt about her. "Someone is getting soppy."

—

"Yep, we're just getting ready to leave now. I'm sorry we got carried away looking at photo albums" Amy hovered in the stairway as she listened to Mary's phone conversation. Unsure of what to do, she stayed there for a little while, she knew this was rude, she shouldn't have been listening to the conversation but then she also thought it would be equally rude to announce her presence and subsequently have Mary end the conversation. "It was lovely, I really think Amy loved looking at them and Sheldon didn't seem embarrassed at all. Really, Missy I think you're going to love her and I think when you see the effect she has on your brother it will blow your mind. You know they're sleeping in the same room tonight, not the same bed but…" Amy saw this as her cue to enter not entirely sure how much of her personal life she wanted to be divulged to her boyfriends sister. Mary looked up and smiled when Amy walked into the room, "Okay, darling, I've got to go. See you very soon"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt" Amy apologised.

"No, it's no bother at all" Mary moved round the kitchen and picked up her handbag, placing it on her shoulder. "That was just Missy, she and Will have turned up early. I don't know why, that girl is never early for anything." She stopped and looked at Amy and for the first time really took in her appearance. "Oh my goodness, don't you just look beautiful"

"Thank you" Amy felt the brush creeping up on to her cheek. She wasn't great at receiving compliments.

"Now, where is that son of mine. He needs to learn he can't keep a gorgeous girl like you waiting"

—

They had made an unexpected trip to pick up Meemaw on the way to the restaurant. Something that happened so quickly Amy didn't have time to get nervous about it. Out of all of Sheldon's family members, she was the one Amy wanted to impress the most, Sheldon adored her and it would mean the world to Amy to have their blessing. She was pleasant enough during the car journey but Amy could sense her checking her out from the back seat, she knew she would be the toughest to crack.

Upon arrival at the restaurant, Amy was tightly embraced by Missy who acted as if they'd been best friends for years. Amy wasn't sure she'd ever be able to put in to words how much that meant to her, she instantly felt like she had made a friend and that if anything got difficult tonight, Missy would have her back. She was just as warm and welcoming as Mary. Her husband Will also seemed very nice and despite Amy being sure they didn't have much in common, seemed to get along with Sheldon well.

Half an hour later, late as always so Amy had been told, they were joined by Georgie who was also just as welcoming as his sister and mother. It amazed Amy that Sheldon was so different, he had clearly been brought up in a loving and affectionate household, knowing that made her so happy. All she ever wanted for him was happiness.

"So, Amy. Tell me how you met my brother?" Missy asked leaning in to Amy who was sat to her right.

"Missy, you know how we met" Sheldon told her, she had had a few glasses of wine by now and his sister was never one to handle her drink well.

"I know" she waved her finger at him, "but I want to hear Amy's take on it."

"Okay" Amy began and the table suddenly fell quiet, she felt as if all eyes were on her. "I wasn't really ever one for dating but I was on a dating website and that's where I met Sheldon. We met in a coffee shop a few days later and I guess the rest was history" she explained, a smile playing fondly on her lips as she recalled the day she first laid eyes on him. It was too cliche to say it was love at first sight but she definitely did feel something special.

"It still makes me laugh that Sheldon was on a dating site" Georgie commented playful.

"Yes well at least I have a girlfriend" Sheldon shot back at his brother. Amy couldn't help the huge grin that spread across her face, she really was his girlfriend and he seemed more than happy to announce it to everyone at the table.

As the evening went on and the food and drink began to flow, it became clear to all the Coopers that Sheldon was very much in love, even if he himself had a hard time admitting it. It was in every ounce of his being. He was relaxed and comfortable, light and confident. It was the sparkle in his eyes when he watched Amy interact with his family, it was the smile on his face when she said something funny, it was in every single glance and movement.

As the rest of his family were starting to understand just how much Amy meant to him, Sheldon was also reflecting on the days events and how much his girlfriend had slotted right into his family. It was only now that he realised how much this all meant to him, he hadn't even entertained the idea of his family not getting on with Amy, but now she was here and it was actually happening and they all seemed to love Amy just as much as he did, well he wasn't sure there was a better feeling in the world.

—

The dinner had gone on for much longer than anyone anticipated it would. It was the most wonderful family night, filled with food, drink, and a ton of laughter and love. Sheldon couldn't recall a time where he had been so happy with his family before and he was holding Amy very much accountable for that.

"Would you and Amy like some tea?" Mary asked as Sheldon wandered into the kitchen.

"No, thank you. I just came down for a glass of water" upon on arrival back at Mary's, he and Amy had proceeded to get ready for bed, Amy was currently taking a shower and Sheldon took this time to sneak away for a moment.

"Sit down for a moment" Mary pulled out one of the wooden chairs at the kitchen table for Sheldon to perch down on. He wasn't sure it had been him and his mother alone since he arrived this morning. Although he would never begrudge time with his family, he did enjoy his one on one time with his mother. Sheldon took a seat, holding the glass of water in his hands. "Where is Amy?" she asked quietly, leaning into Sheldon, her body language told him that something was wrong and for a brief moment he worried that his perfect day had all been a bit of an illusion.

"She's taking a shower" he replied hesitant of where this conversation was going.

"Okay" Mary nodded. "She's a very special lady, you know that don't you" Sheldon nodded his head, she was incredibly special, he wasn't sure he could put it into words. "It's obvious to all of us how much you love her and how much she loves you" he had no idea where this conversation was going or what his mother was hinting at. "I had a little chat with meemaw and Missy and we all agree" he watched as she reached into her dressing gown pocket and produced a small, navy velvet box, it was obvious to Sheldon that the box contained a ring of some sort. "Whenever the time comes, we want you to give Amy this" she explained, pushing the box across the table to him.

"Is this…?" Sheldon opened the box to see a beautiful ring. A diamond in the middle with two small blue sapphires at either side. He recognised it instantly. "Isn't this your engagement ring?" he asked.

"It was actually my grandmothers. Your great grandmothers" she explained. "It's been our family for years and we want you, wherever you feel ready to give it to Amy"

Sheldon couldn't quite find the words. They were still muddling their way through their relationship, they had only just started sharing a bed together, marriage hadn't even entered his head. Never in his life had he ever imagined marrying anyone.

"Don't look so worried" Mary laughed placing her hands over his own. "Keep it safe for as long as you like. Do it in your own time. But mark my words Shelly, that's the girl you're going to marry" she got up from her chair and made her way over to Sheldon, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Good night darling"

Sheldon let her words linger for a while as he admired the ring. Did he see himself marrying Amy? If he wasn't sure then how come his mother was utterly convinced, after all, she knew him better than anyone, was it possible she saw something he didn't. As he continued to gaze at the ring, he remembered his mother telling him to do it in his own time. Maybe, with time, he could see himself making Amy his wife after all.

Thank you so much for reading! As always reviews are always welcome and so appreciated. I love hearing your thoughts.

Stay safe

Lots of love