Chapter 40
Leonard suddenly awoke, hearing a cat making noise on the alley outside their window. He turned his head and saw Penny's back, laying on her side and facing away from him. He smiled as he still felt high from their love making a few hours ago. He decided to go back to sleep while putting his arm around Penny, spooning her when he felt another person in the bed. He lifted his head and saw his daughter, asleep and snuggled against Penny. Penny stirred and felt Leonard's hand across her waist as she turned slightly to face him.
"Ugh, honey, what time is it?" she whispered.
Leonard looked at the nightstand and squinted his eyes. "A little after four. What is she doing here?" he whispered back.
"She snuck in while we were sleeping." she said.
"I thought you locked the door?" he asked.
"I did but I guess I forgot to lock it back when I went to use the bathroom." she said, touching his face. "Don't worry, we got away again." she said kissing his lips.
"Good." he whispered smiling.
"Let's go back to sleep. I love you." she said kissing him again.
Leonard shifted himself closer, wrapping her in his arm. "I love you too honey." he whispered as he closed his eyes and went back to sleep, feeling Penny's fragrant hair against his face.
It was a little over seven in the morning when Leonard and Penny were shaken awake by an over-excited Sarah. "Daddy, Penny wake up! It's snowing outside!" she said, shaking the couple on their shoulders.
Penny pulled the blanket to cover her face. "Ugh sweetie it's too early! Let me sleep for ten more minutes." she said under the covers.
"Daddy, did Penny say yes!?" asked Sarah, pushing and leaning on her father.
"Hmm!" Leonard mumbled under the pillow.
Penny then raised her left hand, showing the ring on her finger to the child. Sarah screamed so loud that the couple suddenly opened their eyes and covered their ears. She then hurriedly crawled under the covers and hugged her father, kissing his cheek then doing the same to Penny. The couple was now half awake and decided to sandwich the child between them, showering her with kisses on her face and neck and making her explode with laughter.
"I knew she would say yes daddy!" said Sarah.
"Me too honey." said Leonard as he reached for his glasses on the nightstand.
Sarah then turned to Penny who has her eyes closed but smiling. "Does this mean I can call you 'mommy' now?" she asked making the couple laugh.
"Sure sweetheart! You can call me 'mom' or 'mommy'! Whatever you want." said Penny while touching Sarah's face. Sarah suddenly hugged Penny, kissing her on the cheek.
"I love you mommy!" she said, never letting go.
"Aww, I love you too sweetie!" Penny said while Leonard looks on, happy for the tender moment between his girls. "Do you want to open you presents now?" asked Penny.
"Maybe later. I have the best Christmas present here." said Sarah, referring to her mom and dad.
"Aww that is so sweet." said Leonard, giving her a kiss.
"Ugh I can't believe you two kept this secret from me!?" said Penny, eyeing the two.
"Sorry mom, but daddy made me promise not to tell you anything." Sarah said.
"Don't apologize sweetie, you don't owe me anything. It's your father who has to make it up to me." Penny said while hugging her step-daughter.
"Aw come on Penny! I already said I was sorry last night!" he said.
"You did but that wasn't enough!" said Penny, pouting her lips at him.
Sarah laughed at her parents. "Oh, you're in trouble now daddy!" she teased Leonard.
"You're taking her side now!?" Leonard asked his daughter, laughing a little.
"Yes daddy! I know you can't get mad at me that's why you have to make it up to both of us!" said Sarah making Penny bust out with laughter.
"What did I do to you now?" he asked Sarah.
"Nothing. But if you're gonna treat mommy good, then you have to do the same to me!" she said as Penny hugged the child while they both looked at Leonard.
Leonard sighed, knowing he was defeated. "Fine. What do you two want from me now?" he asked.
"You are gonna take us shopping. You will hold our bags and everything we buy and wait for us to finish. And then, you will treat us to a nice romantic dinner with flowers and chocolates." said Penny.
"Really?" he asked.
"What!? You got a problem with that!?" asked Penny while raising her eyebrow at him.
Leonard smiled and kissed them both on the cheek. "Nothing honey. Anything for my girls!" he said as Penny and Sarah looked at each other, giggling with delight.
"Good! Now why don't we get up so I could make us some hot cocoa?" said Penny.
"Can I open my presents now?" asked Sarah.
"Sure thing sweetheart!" she said, making the child jump off the bed. "But put on your robe first and freshen up in the bathroom alright?" said Penny. Sarah quickly put her robe on and ran into the bathroom.
Leonard moved and pinned Penny on the bed, kissing her on the neck. "Merry Christmas honey." he said, nibbling on her skin, making Penny laugh.
"Merry Christmas too honey. I love you so much!" she said. "Let's get out there so I could make us something hot to drink." she added. Leonard got off the bed, putting on his robe while Penny did the same, going into the bathroom to freshen up and tying her hair into a bun.
They went into the living room as Sarah ran to the Christmas tree by the window, looking for her presents. Alfred was already awake, having some coffee on the couch.
"Hey you guys! What's with all the laughing and screaming?" he asked.
"Penny's gonna be my mommy grandpa!" Sarah exclaimed as she put her present on the coffee table.
"What was that?" Alfred asked.
"Leonard proposed to me." Penny said while showing the ring to his future father-in-law.
"Oh my god, congratulations! That is wonderful news!" he said as Penny gave him a hug.
"Thank you Alfred. These two kept their plan a secret from me!" she said.
"I'm really happy for you son." Alfred added while shaking Leonard's hand.
"Thanks dad." Leonard said as Penny went to the kitchen to make some hot cocoa for the three of them.
Sarah screamed after opening her first present from Alfred. "20 Science Experiments for Kids!" she exclaimed as she ripped the rest of the wrapping. "Thank you grandpa! I love it!" she said then picking up the next present to open. The next two presents from Alfred were a microscope and a math textbook. Sarah went to his grandfather, hugging and thanking him for the thoughtful presents while Leonard and Penny looks on, sipping their hot beverage, happy for their daughter. Penny stood up and went to the bedroom, returning after a few minutes, carrying presents for the three of them.
"Honey, what is this?" asked Leonard as he ripped the gift wrap, revealing a stylish wristwatch with a leather band. "Aww this is so nice! Thank you so much honey!" he said kissing her on the lips.
Alfred opened his and was surprised to see a set of ties and a scarf. "Thank you Penny. I really appreciate it." said Alfred.
Sarah then hurriedly opened Penny's present, squealing with delight upon seeing a simple gold necklace with her initials on the small heart pendant. She cried seeing the necklace, touched by Penny's gesture and generosity.
"I love it mommy! It's perfect!" said Sarah as Penny put the necklace on her step-daughter. "Daddy how come you don't have any present for mommy?" asked Sarah.
"But I already gave her an engagement ring." Leonard said.
"That's totally different honey!" said Penny, teasing him.
"Aw come on! Give me a break!" Leonard protested.
"You're in trouble again daddy!" Sarah said laughing while giving Penny a high five.
"You two should stop ganging up on me okay? Its Christmas day, we're going out shopping and I'm taking you guys to dinner tonight! What more do you want?" asked Leonard.
"We want you to treat us like a princess daddy!" said Sarah making Penny laugh.
"You are my princess honey! Both of you!" he said giving his daughter a hug. "Now why don't you and mommy go to the bathroom and take a quick shower before I change my mind." he said. Sarah immediately ran to Penny and grabbed her hand, dragging her to the bathroom.
"Come on mom! Let's hurry up!" said the child.
"Okay I'm coming! Jeez!" Penny said.
"I'm really happy for you son. You finally found someone that makes you happy." said Alfred, patting him on his shoulder.
"Thanks dad. I'm just thankful that Penny stuck with me along the way." said Leonard. "And Sarah has grown very close to her." he added.
"Well it's no surprise since Sarah has been without a mother after June passed." Alfred added.
"Are you gonna be okay here dad?" asked Leonard.
"I'm gonna be fine son. Your family needs you now." He said.
"Thanks dad." Leonard said. "Hey, why don't you join us to dinner tonight?" he asked his father.
"Leonard its fine. You should focus on Penny and your daughter. You don't have to worry about me." said Alfred.
"Why don't you come with us tomorrow and visit mom in New Jersey?" Leonard offered.
"Uh, I don't think that's a good idea. I mean, your mom and I have been separated for almost three years now." Alfred said.
"Come on dad. Do you think mom would act like that in front of your granddaughter? What kind of example would she be teaching my daughter if she snaps at you?" said Leonard.
"Well, I'll come if you she agrees first. I don't want to surprise her using Sarah as a human shield only for her to call me later and yell at me over the phone." Alfred said.
Leonard nodded and smiled. "Okay dad, I'll call her later to let her know you're coming with us tomorrow." He said.
Leonard took his turn on the shower after Penny and Sarah was done in the bathroom. The girls quickly got dressed as Penny made sure her step-daughter was warm and comfy, seeing that there was a light snow fall in the city. Leonard got dressed in no time after showering, wearing the watch that Penny gave him. The three of them got out of the apartment, saying goodbye to Alfred who chose to stay behind. Sarah begged her grandfather to come with them but Alfred told her that he's going to be alright. He told the child that she needs to be with her family right now.
At the mall, Penny and Sarah immediately went into overdrive, going to the young girl's section to get Sarah some new clothes and new shoes. Leonard happily followed them, letting the two have their way and bond with girly stuff, knowing that any protest from him will be met with glaring looks and angry rebuttal from the two. After paying for Sarah's stuff, Leonard volunteered to carry the shopping bags as the two went their way into the women's section for Penny to buy her stuff. The girls were laughing and giggling as Penny tried on a few dresses while Leonard sat quietly on a chair, giving his thumbs up to every dress that Penny tried on. He looked around and saw a couple of guys sitting there, basically in the same situation as he was, being 'supportive' to their girlfriends. After an hour of choosing and fitting, Penny settled for a couple of dresses and a new pair of shoes, paying for them before going out of the department store. By the time they were done shopping, Leonard was already carrying a handful of shopping bags with both hands as he followed Penny and Sarah, walking around the mall.
Penny then saw a salon and immediately got excited, pulling the child with her as Leonard sighed and smiled, resigning to the fact that this would be his life from now on. He entered the salon and sat on the sofa, putting the shopping bags on the floor and resting his arms as Penny and Sarah took their seats in front of the mirror, being attended by a couple of hairdressers.
"Hi I'm Breanna! The other girl is Danica. So, what are you girls looking to do?" she asked.
"We just want to feel like a princess!" Sarah exclaimed, making Penny laugh.
"You got it baby girl! Are you guys going to a party or something?' asked Breanna as she started to feel Penny's hair, "Yeah, my daddy and mommy are getting married!" said Sarah making the whole salon 'Aww' at them.
"Really!? That is so romantic!" said Danica.
"It is. My daddy proposed to her last night!" Sarah added while the whole salon squeal with delight.
"Oh my god congratulations!" said Breanna as Penny held up her left hand, showing her engagement ring. "That is so amazing!" she added.
"Thanks guys." said Penny.
The other hairdressers went to Leonard and gave him a high five. "Good job!" they said as Leonard smiled at them, feeling proud of himself.
"Don't worry girls, we are gonna treat you like a princess today. We're gonna trim off those split ends, maybe some oil treatment, a facial, maybe some mani and pedi huh?" said Breanna.
"Okay but nothing over the top." said Penny.
"So, you must be very happy that your mom and dad are finally getting married huh?" Danica said to Sarah.
"I am. Penny's been my daddy's girlfriend for almost a year now." said the child.
"Wait, I don't understand. She's not your mother?" asked Danica.
"No. my real mommy died when I was a baby." said Sarah surprising everyone in the salon.
"Oh my god I'm so sorry baby girl! I didn't mean to!" said Danica, giving Sarah a hopeful look.
"It's alright miss Danica. It's not your fault." said Sarah.
"Thank you. I'm really sorry." said Danica, looking at Leonard.
Leonard smiled at her. "No problem." He said.
"Don't be sorry miss Danica. My real mommy may be gone now but at least she gave me her big brain!" said Sarah.
"Uh, say what again?" Danica asked, looking at the child.
Penny laughed and decided to butt in. "Oh, Sarah here is a child genius. Go ahead and ask her any math question." said Penny as the whole salon waited.
"Uh okay. What is fourteen times seventy-three!?" asked Danica.
"One thousand and twenty-two!" said Sarah. Danica couldn't believe it so she took out her phone and used the calculator app on it to find out for herself.
"Oh my god baby! You're right. You're so amazing." Danica exclaimed. "Okay one more, what is three thousand and sixty-nine divided by eighty-two!?" she said while typing on her phone.
"Thirty-seven point four, two, six, eight!" said the child, impressing everybody in the salon.
"That is so impressive! Good job baby!" Danica said, giving her a high five. "Your mommy must be a genius too huh?" she asked.
"My daddy too. But then my mommy got sick when I was one year old." Sarah said.
"I'm so sorry baby." Danica said.
"It's alright. Penny takes good care of me." said Sarah.
"See what happens when you open your big mouth!?" Breanna said, taking a swipe at Danica.
"I got it okay! I'll shut up now!" Danica said. she then leaned over to Sarah to whisper in her ear. "Never mind that scary lady, she's just cranky because her boyfriend is a total jackass!" she said smiling at the child.
"Penny once called my daddy a jackass too!" Sarah said, making the whole salon laugh.
"Uh sweetie, that's just my way of saying that I love him." Penny said.
"Really?" asked Sarah.
"Yes sweetie." Penny said smiling at the child.
"Ms. Breanna, maybe your boyfriend should do what my daddy does?" Sarah said.
"And what does your daddy do to you and your mommy?" asked Breanna.
"Everything. He always says he loves us. He buys us flowers and stuff. He always kisses us. But he kisses Penny more than me which is fine I guess." said Sarah.
Penny gasped and hung her head. "Oh god!" she said.
"Oh! Someone just got busted!" exclaimed Danica as the other ladies in the salon laughed.
"I'm sorry mom." said Sarah.
"Don't worry about it sweetie. You did nothing wrong. Let's just focus on getting made up because tonight, your daddy is gonna take us to a nice dinner." she said.
"Can I wear my new dress and shoes?" Sarah asked.
"Of course sweetheart!" said Penny as Breanna and Danica continued doing their thing, pampering the two girls while Leonard sat quietly, looking at his phone.
After a couple of hours in the salon, Penny and Sarah got off their seats, admiring themselves in front of the mirror.
"Wow! You guys look amazing!" said Leonard.
"Thank you daddy! It was so much fun, right mommy!" said the child.
"It was sweetie! Now Let's go home so we could prepare for our dinner tonight." Penny said, reaching for her hand. Sarah held Penny's hand as they exited the salon while Leonard took their shopping bags, following them while the people of the salon waved goodbye at them.
Later that night, the three of them were seated in the restaurant, having a nice time eating and drinking wine and grape juice for the child.
"Mom, why do you drink so much wine?" Sarah asked.
Leonard gave Penny the look, concerned for her daughter. "Sweetie, I drink as a way to relax and calm down. But it doesn't mean that I'm a drunk or an alcoholic." she said.
"But that's the definition of an alcoholic right? Someone who drinks alcohol a lot." Sarah said.
"Honey, alcoholics are people who destroy their life including the people around them by drinking too much. Some of them couldn't even go to work because of their drinking problem. Your mom is not one of those people, you understand?" said Leonard.
Sarah nodded. "Does it taste good mommy?" she asked.
Penny then handed her wine glass to Sarah. "Here take a small sip and find out for yourself." she said making Leonard give her a stern look. Sarah slowly put the glass on her lips and took a small sip, frowning after tasting the wine and spitting it on her table napkin.
"Ugh! That's so disgusting! How can you drink that stuff!? It's so gross!" she said, quickly taking a sip of her grape juice to wash away the bitter taste from her mouth.
Penny smiled at Leonard. "See? Problem solved." she said, surprising Leonard with her decisive move.
"You're so amazing honey." he said leaning over and kissing her cheek.
"Who's the genius now!?" she said, winking at Leonard.
"I love you so much." he said kissing her again.
"Daddy, when are we gonna visit grandma?" asked Sarah.
"We'll go there tomorrow honey." said Leonard.
"Is grandpa gonna come with us?" Sarah asked.
"Uh yeah, I already called your grandma this afternoon to let her know that we're visiting and dad will be coming along." Leonard said.
"I wish grandma and grandpa would get back together." Sarah said while forking her food.
"Me too honey." said Leonard.
"Why did they break up daddy?" asked the child, making Penny worry for her step-daughter.
"Uh, how do I put this delicately, your grandma and grandpa went through some serious problems honey. And to avoid making things worse, they decided to separate." Leonard said, hoping his daughter would let up.
"What problems daddy? I bet I can help them solve it?" said Sarah.
"Uh sweetie, I think this stuff is best left alone for the adults to solve okay?" said Penny.
"But the adults can't fix it. Maybe a kid like me can!" said Sarah, surprising Leonard and Penny with her simplistic view of things.
"I'm sure you can honey. But for now, it's best if we let your grandma and grandpa solve it on their own okay? That way it would be easier for them to find some middle ground to compromise. Do you understand?" Leonard asked.
Sarah nodded. "Yes daddy." she said. "I just wish we don't have a broken family." she added, making Penny a little emotional.
"Sweetie don't say that. We are not a broken family. Do you hear me?" said Penny while touching Sarah's cheek.
"Yes mommy." she said.
"Come here and give me a hug." said Penny, pulling Sarah close and giving her a hug. "We all love you. Don't forget that okay!?" she added.
"Yes mommy." said Sarah.
A couple of hours later, they arrived at the apartment, finding Alfred still awake and drinking some tea while watching TV.
"Hey guys!? Looks like you had fun huh?" he said as Sarah went to sit by his side.
"We did grandpa! Daddy took us to this nice restaurant and I tasted some wine." said Sarah.
"What!? You drank wine?" asked Alfred giving the couple a stern look.
"Yes grandpa, it was so gross and disgusting. I'm never gonna drink wine in my life ever again." said the child to the relief of Alfred.
"Don't worry dad, she only had a small sip from Penny's glass." added Leonard. "Okay, why don't you and your mom go to the bathroom and wash up so we could all go to bed." said Leonard.
"Come on sweetie, let's get you in your pajamas." said Penny, taking Sarah's hand to the bathroom.
"Can I sleep with grandpa again tonight?" Sarah asked, surprising Leonard and Penny.
"Really?" asked Penny.
"Uh huh. We were reading a story last night but we're not done yet." said the child.
"Well if you're grandpa is okay with it, then it's fine with us." said Leonard.
"It's okay with me sweetheart. I really enjoyed reading that story last night." Alfred added.
"Yay!" Sarah said, running to the bathroom with Penny. Leonard sighed silently, thankful that Penny and him are gonna have some 'alone time'.
Later in the bedroom, Leonard came through the door, seeing Penny seated in front of the dresser, combing her hair. Leonard came up behind and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her on the cheek. "I love you so much." said Leonard.
"Hmm, you did really good today honey." said Penny, smiling at him from the mirror.
"Really?" he said.
"Yeah. You took us out to have a great time, you carried our bags, we had a lovely dinner and most of all, you never even complained." she said while putting her arms around his neck.
"Well, I didn't want to make you guys angry. I mean, when you two are always ganging up on me, right?" he said.
"Aww, are mad at us?" she said, teasing him.
"A little bit, yeah!" said Leonard, laughing a little.
"I'm sorry if you felt bad honey. How about if I gave you a reward for being a good fiance?" she said playfully.
Leonard became immediately excited and tightened his hug. "What kind of reward?" he asked.
Penny saw a used gift ribbon on the side table and took it, placing it on her head. "Is this reward good enough!?" she said, waving her hands from head to toe.
"Hmm, I love it!" Leonard said laughing. "Although, I already had this reward last night, and last week, and the week before that." he said thoughtfully. Penny looked him squarely in the eye, never saying a word. Leonard knew he had to 'salvage' the situation if he wanted to get lucky again. "But, this is the best reward in the world and I wouldn't get tired of having it." he said, kissing her quickly on the lips.
"You're a real jackass!" she said as Leonard led Penny towards the bed. He pulled Penny close to him, kissing her gently on the lips while slowly removing her robe. Penny did the same, locking her lips with Leonard's and exploring his body with her hands. Penny suddenly broke off and quickly went to the door, locking it before going back to Leonard. "Safety first." she said as she pushed Leonard on the bed. She then removed her robe and pajamas before jumping on the bed to join him, pulling the sheets to cover them while they try to stay quiet while making love.