Chapter 24

The next morning, Beverly woke up early and made breakfast for Leonard and Sarah. Leonard woke up next and saw his mother cooking in the kitchen. Beverly told him to take a shower as she prepares breakfast. Leonard took a quick shower and went to his room to get dressed. He then went to Sarah's room and woke her up to get ready for school. His daughter got up and went straight to the bathroom to relieve herself and take a shower. She finished after fifteen minutes and got dressed with the help of her father. The two went to the living room and saw that breakfast was ready. Beverly told them to take a seat at the kitchen island so they can eat breakfast together. They finished eating breakfast and Leonard told his mother he would clean up in the kitchen so she could freshen up in the bathroom.

After they were finished, Beverly took Sarah's hand to bring her to school. "Sarah dear, say goodbye to your father now." she said.

"Bye daddy!" Sarah hugged her father.

"Bye honey….you have fun at school okay?" Leonard said as he prepared to go to work. "Bye mom."

Beverly bid Leonard goodbye as she went out with her granddaughter to the car. Leonard went out of his apartment after a few minutes. He closed his door the same time Penny went out her apartment. She immediately jumped on him and kissed him on the lips.

"Good morning to you too pretty lady!" he smiled at her.

"I missed you." Penny kissed him again.

"Don't worry, we'll go out tonight." he told her.

"Ugh... I'm so excited honey!" Penny hugged him.

"Of course….my mom is here...I told her I'll take you out tonight and she agreed to look after Sarah." Leonard said.

"I'm so happy!" she kissed him again.

"Okay I think we should go now….my mom's bringing Sarah to school then will go to your store afterwards…" he told her as he pressed the elevator button.

"Oh?….yeah that…" Penny said as they got in the elevator.

"Don't worry honey...you'll be fine." he reassured her.

Leonard and Penny held hands while walking out of the building. He walked her to her car, gave her a kiss and waved her goodbye. He then went to his car to go to work.

After a few hours, Penny was checking items off a list when her co-worker Valerie came to her with Beverly following close by.

"Beverly hi!….so glad you could come!" Penny greeted and hugged her. Beverly hugged her back.

"Hello Penny…..this place seems a little bit overboard to what I'm looking for…" Beverly said.

"Oh no…..we have some corporate clothes here too….Valerie and I will help you find the perfect attire….oh and by the way this is my co-worker Valerie….Valerie this is Leonard's mother, Dr. Beverly Hofstadter." she said.

"Very nice to meet you Beverly!" Valerie shook her hand.

Beverly smiled. "Nice to meet you too Valerie."

"Alright if you just take a seat, we'll bring a rack of clothes for you to choose from." Penny said to Beverly as she motioned for Valerie to follow her.

They came back a few minutes later with a full rack of clothes.

"Okay Beverly….if you would like to try on one of these...the fitting room is through this door right here." Penny said to her.

Beverly stood up and went to the clothes rack to pick out an outfit for her to try on. She picked out a couple of clothes and went to the fitting room to try them on. She came out to show them off to Penny and Valerie. They made a few suggestions and gave her a couple more items to try on.

Beverly got in front of the mirror to examine the outfit. Penny was standing close by when Beverly decided to speak to her.

"Penny I hope you won't mind me asking….but are you and Leonard having problems in your relationship?" she asked.

Penny was slightly shocked. She went to Valerie and asked her to give them some privacy. Valerie understood. "Did Leonard told you anything?" Penny hesitated.

"No….Sarah did." she looked at Penny. "She told me she heard the two of you fighting." she asked while she tried on a vest to match her outfit.

Penny didn't know what to say and choked on her answer.

Beverly sensed Penny's discomfort. "I'm sorry for being so up front….I didn't mean to offend you Penny…" Beverly turned to face Penny. "My son's relationship with you is none of my business…"

Penny continued her sentence. "but you're concerned for your granddaughter….I understand Beverly….Leonard and I are scared too….everything we do affects Sarah….and that's why we decided to take it slow." Penny explained to her.

"Penny, you must understand...I have no objection with your relationship with my son….if anything else, I think you have a positive effect on him….I can see he is very happy….more at ease…." Beverly said to Penny.

"Really?" Penny was puzzled.

Beverly shrugged her shoulder. "Well….I heard him singing in the shower this morning….the last time I heard him do that was when June was still alive….and when Sarah was born." she continued. "but when June got sick, I never heard him sing again...not even hum." she told Penny.

Penny was touched by Beverly's revelation. "I don't know what to say Beverly….honestly I was a little afraid of you coming here." she added. "I knew you would try to size me up….that somehow you'd think that I wouldn't be a suitable influence to your granddaughter." Penny was trying hard not to freak out.

Beverly gave her a weak smile. "I admit that I was wary when Catherine told me about you….you must understand that I want to protect my granddaughter and seeing how she never stops talking about you….it is clear that she has already formed an emotional connection with you….are you ready for that?" Beverly asked her.

"Honestly, I don't know…." Penny answered her.

Beverly smiled at her. "Thank you for being honest Penny….but I think you are…." she looked at her.

"How can you tell?" Penny asked her.

"Well if you were not….you would have broken up with Leonard already…" she continued. "but when I saw how your presence has a good effect on both of them, I guess I'll just have to trust you and my son and give my support when you need it…." Beverly asked her.

"Wow….I don't know what to say Beverly." Penny said.

Beverly patted her on the shoulder. "You don't have to say anything Penny." she said as she smiled at her.

Beverly continued to try other outfits while Penny assists and suggested different combinations that will look good on her. Beverly then settled on three sets of outfits for the conference she will be attending.

"Penny, I hope our little chat has not changed your feeling towards my son or my granddaughter." Beverly asked her.

"No, it doesn't." Penny smiled at her.

"Well I think I've taken up too much of your time." Beverly continued. "Thank you for agreeing to see me and for helping me with my outfits. I'll let you know if these turn heads at the conference...and if Leonard does something stupid, don't hesitate to call me….alright?" Beverly said.

Penny laughed. "Sure Beverly!" Penny hugged Beverly.

Beverly then paid for her items and said goodbye to Penny and Valerie.

Penny gave a sigh of relief that it was finally over.

Later that night, Leonard came home carrying a bunch of flowers for the ladies, and a few other items for Penny and Sarah. He opened the door and Sarah was seated at the couch watching TV while his mother was at the kitchen cooking dinner. He put his bag on his desk and went straight to his daughter.

"Sarah honey these are for you." he handed he a small bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates and a horse stuffed toy. "This is Bunny Rabbit!" he smiled at his daughter.

Sarah screamed with delight upon seeing the stuffed toy. "Daddy I love it!….thank you daddy!….I love you!" She hugged her father.

"Ugh….I love you too honey….I'm glad you liked it." he was glad his daughter was happy with his gift. Beverly turned around to see the tender moment between father and daughter. Leonard stood up and gave her mother a bouquet of flowers too. "Mom these are for you….for being there for my daughter…." he said.

"Thank you dear….it's very thoughtful of you." Beverly smiled.

Leonard turned to his daughter. "Sarah honey….I'm going out with Penny tonight and your grandma will stay here with you okay?" he asked her daughter.

Sarah nodded. "Okay daddy." she hugged him again.

"Thank you honey." Leonard hugged her back.

He stood up and went to the bathroom to freshen up and change his clothes. He came back to the living room in his khaki pants and suit and went to his desk to check his wallet, keys, inhaler and the stuff he'll give to Penny. "Okay I'm going out now….you be a good girl alright?" he said to his daughter.

"Bye daddy!" Sarah said. Beverly nodded at him as he went out the door.

He knocked at Penny's door and she opened it after a few minutes.

"What's this?" she asked upon seeing the gifts he brought.

"Penny these are for you…" he handed her the bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates. "and this is Cornflake!" he said as he handed her a horse stuffed toy.

Penny giggled with delight. "Awww honey?...I love it!….thank you so much!…" she said as she wrapped her arms around Leonard's neck and gave him a kiss.

"I'm glad you liked it...I got Sarah a stuffed horse too….I named it Bunny Rabbit….she screamed when she saw it." Leonard smiled at her.

"Honey you're so great….you always know how to make a girl feel special…" she kissed him again.

Leonard looked at her. "Why aren't you dressed yet?"

Penny shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know….do we really need to go out?" she asked as they entered her apartment.

"What do you mean?" Leonard asked her.

Penny went to the kitchen and brought out a vase to put the flowers on. "We could just order a pizza and stay here if you want?" she looked at him

"So I got dressed for nothing?" he asked her.

Penny came to him and put her hands on his shoulder. "Honey….we're gonna get undressed anyway." she winked at him.

Leonard looked up and thought for a while. "Or…..we could undress now and order pizza later?" he smiled at her.

"That's what I'm talking about!" Penny said as she kissed him on the lips.

Penny moved her hands and started to remove his coat. Leonard grabbed her by the hips and lightly pushed her towards the bedroom. Penny reached the bedroom door and slammed it shut.

They laid on the bed smiling and breathing hard after an hour of making love. Leonard took a puff from his inhaler and waited for it to take effect. Penny looked up to him.

"I'm hungry honey…do you want me to order pizza?" she said.

Leonard nodded. Penny stood up and put on her robe to look for her phone to call the pizza place. Leonard told her to make the other half cheese-less for him. Penny nodded. He got up and put on his boxer shorts, t-shirt and robe then followed Penny to the living room. She was seated at the couch while opening the box of chocolates Leonard gave her. Leonard sat beside her. Penny broke off a piece of chocolate and fed it to Leonard as she put her phone down.

"That was fun right?" Penny asked him.

"Yeah….there goes my restaurant reservation." he said as he leaned back on the couch.

"We can still go tomorrow if you like?" she said.

"Okay...I should call them now to reschedule." he got up and looked for his phone. He found it in the bedroom and dialed the restaurant's number. He talked to the restaurant and asked to reschedule his reservation for tomorrow. He put his phone down and went back to the couch. A little while later, they heard a knock on the door. Leonard opened it and the pizza guy was standing at the other side. He paid for it and closed the door. Leonard sat down and placed the pizza on the coffee table. Penny opened the box and they ate while making small talk.

"So how was my mom's visit at your store?" Leonard asked. "Did she give you a hard time?"

"No….she was kinda supportive and accepting actually." Penny told him.

"Really?….that's nice." he added. "what did she say to you?"

"She asked me if I was ready for Sarah's emotional attachment to me." she looked at him.

"What did you tell her?" he asked.

"I told her I don't know." Penny looked at him with sad eyes.

Leonard put his arm around her to console her.

"Don't be sad honey….we'll figure this out….I'm a genius remember?" he smiled at her.

She rolled her eyes and slightly smiled. "Yeah you are…"

There were still a few slices of pizza left when they finished eating. Penny closed the box and put it on the kitchen counter. She took out two wine glasses and poured some wine for the two of them. She sat back on the couch and snuggled against Leonard. They continued to drink wine and make small talk until they find themselves making out again. Penny put her wine glass down the table, Leonard did the same as he stood up and pulled Penny back into the bedroom. He closed the bedroom door as they continued to kiss, giggling and laughing while trying to undress each other.

They laid on the bed looking up to the ceiling. They were trying to catch their breath as Penny rested her head on Leonard's arm. "Huh...that was great honey." Penny said as she moved her hand to feel his chin. She moved her head slightly. "Do you have your inhaler?" she asked him.

Leonard showed her the inhaler in his hand. After a few minutes, Penny turned and rested her head on his shoulder while putting her arm over her chest. "Honey can I ask you a question?" she said.

"Yeah...what is it?" he said back.

"Who came up with Sarah's name?" Penny asked.

"Oh?...June did." he said.

"Did she named her after her grandmother or great-aunt or something?" she asked again.

"No….she actually named her after her two favorite people." he added. "one is real, the other is fictional!" he smiled.

"Tell me." she looked up to him.

"She named her after Sarah Mclachlan….her favorite singer." Leonard said.

"And who's the other one?" Penny smiled at him.

"You might find this silly but she named her after Sarah Connor…..you know from the Terminator movies?" he said.

"Really?….did she tell you why?" Penny asked.

"She told me her reason was because the character Sarah Connor was a fighter, she never gives up, she was strong….in a way my daughter is like her….a fighter," he continued. "I had a difficult childhood but at least my parents were alive…not unlike my daughter who grew up never knowing what her mother was like." Leonard sighed.

Penny moved up and kissed Leonard to console him.

"Thank you honey." he said to Penny.

"For what?...for kissing you?...for the sex?" she added. "Honey, you don't have to beg for my love….and you certainly don't have to thank me for my affections every time." she looked at him.

"No….I'm thanking you because after everything that happened, you're still with me…" Leonard told her.

"Try to look at other women and you'll find out mister!" Penny said to him.

Leonard was surprised with what Penny said and didn't answer her.

"I'm serious Leonard….don't you dare look at other women!….or you'll end up worse than Barry Kripke!" Penny looked sternly at him.

"Alright I got it!" Leonard laughed and smiled at her. "come here!" he pulled her close and kissed her.

"Good." She smiled at him and rested back on his shoulder. "because you're mine!" she said as she tightened her arm around him. They went to sleep embracing each other.

Leonard and Penny spent the next two nights going out on dates. It was a relief for both of them not having to worry about Sarah and just focus on each other. The first night, Leonard took Penny to a comedy bar. They spent all night laughing and cheering at the comic's stories and jokes. The next night Leonard took Penny to watch a movie. He told her that they should at least go on a 'normal' date of eating and movies like any other couple. It was fine with Penny as long as she was with him.

After two days, Beverly had to leave for her conference and eventually go back to New Jersey. Unfortunately Penny was unable to come with them to the airport as she had to work that day. Leonard parked the car in a vacant slot as he went out to unload Beverly's luggage. Beverly hugged her granddaughter.

"Don't cry dear….grandma will visit again soon." she said trying to console Sarah.

"Promise?" the child asked.

"I promise dear…..grandma loves you so much….don't forget that." she kissed her on the cheek.

Sarah hugged her grandmother. "I love you grandma!" the child said.

"Ugh…..I love you too dear….you be a good girl okay?" she said as she wiped the child's tears away.

Sarah nodded. "Yes grandma."

Beverly stood up and hugged her son. "Goodbye dear….tell Penny it was nice meeting her." she said.

Leonard nodded. "Have a safe flight mom….I'll tell Penny that."

Beverly gave Sarah another hug before going on her way into the airport while Leonard and Sarah waved goodbye to her.