Chapter 49
The couple's family and friends took their seats at the wedding reception as the newly wedded couple took their place at the main table. Sarah joined her parents at the main table, sitting between them as Leonard helped his daughter with her food, making sure to use the table napkin so her dress wouldn't be ruined. The reception host began with congratulating the couple.
"Welcome everyone and congratulations to the newly wedded couple, Leonard and Penny!" said Liana, the reception host as the guests clapped and cheered for them. "My name is Liana and I would be your host for today. If everyone could please take their seats, we would now start with the wedding reception." she added as the crowd started to hush down and get settled in their seats.
"I'd like to start off by asking the couple's families if they would say a few words to them." she said as she turned to Penny and Leonard's family. Susan nodded to Liana as she gave the microphone to Penny's mother.
Susan stood up and faced the guests. "Hi! I'm Susan, Penny's mother. I just want to wish Leonard and Penny all the happiness in the world and just take good care of each other and their daughter." said Susan making Penny a little emotional. "And please don't give Leonard too much of hard time sweetie!" Susan added making the crowd laugh a bit.
"Okay mom, no need to say it out loud." Penny said back to her mother.
Susan gave the microphone back to Liana. "Thank you Ms. Susan." she said as she went over to Leonard's family, giving the microphone to Beverly.
Leonard became a little anxious as Beverly stood up to speak. "Leonard, Penny, I want to congratulate you both on getting married. Penny, I want to thank you for not giving up on my son and granddaughter. And if my son ever gives you a hard time, you know how to contact me." said Beverly as the crowd laughed while Leonard sighed with relief that his mother was able to hold off her usual psychological speeches.
"Don't worry grandma, I'll call you if daddy does something crazy or stupid!" Sarah yelled as the crowd laughed harder.
"That's my girl." said Beverly, handing the microphone back to Liana.
Penny leaned over and kissed Sarah on the cheek. "Good going sweetheart!" she said as they gave Leonard a cunning smile.
Liana then went over to the guy's table. "Okay, can I ask one of you guys to say a few words?" she said as Howard and Raj both pointed at Sheldon.
"He's the best man." Howard said as Liana gave the microphone to Sheldon.
Penny held Leonard's hand, anxious and a little nervous as to what Sheldon would say.
"Penny, ever since you met Leonard, we would always see him daydreaming and smiling like a fool for no reason. And when we learned that you were his girlfriend, we were glad that he finally found someone that makes him happy. Thank you for not giving up on him." said Sheldon making the girls a little emotional. Suddenly, Sheldon started speaking in Klingon to the great surprise of everyone as the girls rolled their eyes."Leonard, thank you for being my friend. I know I can be difficult sometimes but despite that, you still helped me with all my troubles even if you already have your hands full with your daughter. I wish you all the happiness, my friend." said Sheldon. Penny looked at Leonard and saw him wiping the tears from his eye while everyone looked at each other, confused and baffled.
"You're crying over that!?" she asked. "Is that even a real language!?" Penny said.
"It's Klingon honey, and it's beautiful." said Leonard as Howard and Raj nod in agreement while drying their eyes.
"Klingon!?" asked Penny. "What is that?" she said.
"It's from Star Trek mommy!" Sarah chimed in.
"Star Trek? And did you understand what Sheldon said?" Penny asked Sarah.
"Only a few words mommy." Sarah said. "I heard friend... thank you...that's about it." she added.
"I'm sorry honey, I told him not to do this sort of stuff but you know him, he's strange and quirky!" said Leonard.
"But you encouraged him!" said Penny.
"I'm sorry honey! Please!" Leonard said.
"Two strikes Leonard! Two strikes!" Penny said making the guests laugh.
"Okay, I guess I should get one of the girls to say something huh? Let's just hope that you guys don't have any secret languages or anything!" said Liana as she handed the microphone to Amy.
"Hi everyone! I'm Amy and you can say that I'm the newest member of Leonard and Penny's group of friends and I just want to say thank you to them for welcoming me with open arms. You two deserve to be happy and we wish you all the best." said Amy. Penny and Sarah was touched by Amy's speech.
"Thank you Amy. That was so beautiful." said Liana as Amy gave the microphone back to her before turning to face the young family. "Sarah, baby girl, do you have anything to say to mommy and daddy?" asked Liana.
Sarah got a little nervous as she looked up to Penny. Penny looked at her stepdaughter smiling and touching her cheek. "It's alright sweetheart, you can say anything you want." she said. "You wanna stand up on your chair?" Penny said as Sarah stood up so the crowd could see her better while the couple look up to her, excited as to what she has to say. Liana handed the microphone to the child and stood aside to let her speak. Sarah thumped the microphone twice, testing if it is on or not.
"Mommy...daddy." said Sarah as she looked at her parents. Without warning, she suddenly bowed her head and started crying. Penny and Leonard immediately got worried and stood up, hugging the child while the guests looked on little worried for the child.
"Oh my god sweetheart! Don't cry! It's alright, mommy's here!" said Penny hugging Sarah tight and consoling her. Leonard took the microphone from his daughter, kissing her and telling her it's gonna be alright.
Leonard faced the crowd and spoke on the microphone. "She's just happy, no need to worry." said Leonard to the relief of the guests.
Penny released Sarah from her hug and wiped her tears with the table napkin, careful in not ruining the child's makeup. "Are you okay?" asked Penny.
"I'm sorry I got scared mommy." said Sarah.
"Hey, don't be sorry sweetie, it's perfectly normal. It's kinda sweet actually!" Penny said while smiling at Sarah.
Sarah then hugged Penny tight. "I love you mommy." she said as the crowd went 'Awww' in seeing the tender moment between the girls.
Penny took a deep breath. "I love you too sweetheart!" she said as she helped Sarah back down on her seat. "Here, have a glass of water." she said as Sarah took a sip of water. Without warning someone from the back of the hall spoke.
"I knew you were great with kids!" the person yelled from the back.
Leonard and Penny looked across the hall and saw Linda standing at the back, smiling at them. Penny screamed and ran to meet her best friend. Bernadette saw Linda and also ran to the back to join in hugging her as Leonard took Sarah's hand to welcome her in the reception.
"Oh my god Linda! I thought you wouldn't make it!?" Penny exclaimed as she hugged her friend tight.
"Well, I had to make a grand entrance right?" said Linda as the other girls from the Cheesecake Factory joined in welcoming her.
Linda saw Leonard and Sarah. "Hi Leonard!" she said hugging him before kneeling down to hug the child. "Hi baby girl! You're so tall now! And so pretty!" said Linda
"Hello Ms. Linda!" said Sarah.
"Look at you! That's a pretty cool tiara huh?" said Linda.
"My uncle Sheldon bought it for me and my mommy got me this!" said Sarah showing her cowboy boots.
"Wow! That is so cool!" Linda exclaimed before standing up to face the couple again. "I knew you two would end up together!" she added.
"I know right!" Bernadette said giving Linda a high five.
"You must be tired from your trip!? Come on and have a seat!" Penny said as they made their way back into the reception hall as Linda sat with the other girls from the restaurant.
Liana went over to the girl's table. "Uh hi Linda? Would you like to say a few words to the couple?" she said while handing the microphone to her.
Linda stood up as she took the microphone from Liana before facing the hall. "Uh hello everyone, I'm Linda, one of Penny's friends from way back. I was there when Leonard took Penny out on their first date and it was like a scene from one of those movies where the parents watch their kids go off to their prom. From then on, Bernie and I could see how happy Penny was. It was made extra special since Leonard's daughter was very sweet and let Penny 'borrow' her father for a while." she said as the crowd gave a chorus of 'awwws'. "After Penny told us about their first date, we were so thankful that she finally found someone that makes her happy." said Linda as she took a glass of wine and raised it. "Congratulations you two!" Linda said as the crowd joined in her toast.
Penny went over and hugged Linda tight, touched by her thoughtful speech. "Thank you Linda." said Penny.
"I'm so happy for you Penny!" said Linda.
The celebration continued as it was now time for the father and daughter dance. Wyatt took Penny's hand as he guided his daughter to the center of the dance floor.
"I'm so happy for you slugger!" Wyatt said as they sway along the music.
Penny hugged her father tight. "Thank you daddy!" she said as Wyatt wiped her tears.
Liana then motioned for Leonard to take Penny for their first dance as husband and wife. Wyatt saw Leonard and released his daughter while Leonard took her hand, pulling her close.
"Hey little miss! Did you miss me?" said Leonard, smiling at her.
Penny glared at him. "Don't be so smug mister. You're not that cute you know?!" she said as she draped her hands across his neck.
"Oh yeah? Then why can't you keep your hands off of me?" he said teasing her.
Penny bit her lip then smiled at him. "Because, I want you close enough for me to land a good punch!" she said.
Leonard hugged her tight. "I love you so much." he said.
Penny tightened her arms around him. "I love you too." she said kissing his lips as the crowd looks on, happy for the newly wed couple.
Leonard then motioned for his daughter to join them as Sarah ran to her parents. Leonard took her hands and showed her how to dance along the music as Penny stood by, looking at them. "Okay honey, you step like this, and then swing like this." said Leonard making his little princess twirl a couple of times, laughing and giggling before pulling Penny in to join them, holding hands while swaying to the music. He then lifted his daughter as Penny stepped closer so the three of them could dance together while Sarah rested her head on her father's shoulder.
"Look at them Howie, they're so happy!" Bernadette said as she hugged her fiance while resting her head on his shoulder.
"Yeah, Leonard is one lucky guy." said Howard while putting his arm over Bernadette.
After the dance, the couple went on to cut the wedding cake as they forked a small piece for each other. Leonard carefully brought the piece of cake for Penny to bite onto. Penny then held the small dish with the cake slice while holding the fork for Leonard to bite on. All of a sudden, Penny quickly moved the dish to Leonard's face, putting a handful of cake and frosting on his face to his great surprise and the delight of the crowd.
"Daddy you look so handsome!" Sarah yelled as the crowd laughed.
"Is that so!?" he said as he pulled Penny close to kiss her, putting some frosting on her face as well. Penny screamed in delight as she tried to eat and lick the frosting off her husband's lips, to the cheers and approval of the guests.
Liana then handed a table napkin to Penny to clean off her face and her husband's as well. "That was fun huh?" said Leonard.
"Yeah. I can't wait to do it again later when we're all alone." she whispered.
"You are a dirty girl!" said Leonard.
Penny bit her lip. "Am I? What are you gonna do Dr. Hofstadter?" she said teasing him.
Leonard pulled her close. "I am gonna teach you a lesson!" he said.
"Hmm, sounds fun. I can't wait." she said as she cleaned up the last morsel on Leonard's face.
The celebration continued as the young family made the rounds to greet every guest that came to their reception. Penny jumped when she saw her boss Andrew and her cousin Lily enter the reception hall. The couple walked towards them as Penny gave them both a hug while Leonard shook their hands.
"Boss, Thank you for coming!" said Penny. "Lily so nice to see you again!" said Penny.
"Congratulations you two!" said Andrew. "And who is this little angel?" he asked while kneeling in front of Sarah.
"Andrew, this is my daughter Sarah." said Leonard.
"Oh I remember now!" he said. "Hi Sarah, my name is Andrew. Lily told me that you're a very smart girl." he said.
"Are you my mommy's boss?" asked Sarah.
Andrew nodded. "I am." he said smiling at her. "You look absolutely beautiful honey and those boots are just adorable!" Andrew added.
"My mom got them made for me." said Sarah.
"Well isn't that nice? I guess that's no surprise since your mom is one of my best employees!" said Andrew making Penny smile while surprising Leonard.
"Really?" asked Sarah.
"Uh huh!" said Andrew. "Lily also told me that you're a smart girl." he said. Sarah nodded. "I guess you got that from your daddy huh?" he said.
"Yeah, but I know my mommy is smarter than him." Sarah said while looking at Penny making them all laugh.
"I'm sure she is darling!" Andrew said, lightly pinching Sarah's cheek.
Penny leaned over and kissed Sarah. "I'm so proud of you sweetie." she said.
They continued with the festivities while doing the usual wedding 'rituals' like throwing the bouquet which strangely enough, was caught by Raj, making the girls scream in delight.
The party drew to a close after a couple hours of well wishes and greetings, as the guests left one by one with the couple thanking them for coming.