Author's note: I think this is the longest chapter I've ever written. Enjoy.
Chapter 24
Beverly was buried next to Alfred.
Sarah was holding onto her father's arm during the interment, her eyes were so dry that no tears were coming from them anymore. Penny was similarly holding on to her son's arm while the priest administered the funeral rites. Leonard chose not to say anything, finding it difficult to say goodbye to his mother. Even though he had a rather difficult relationship with her, he still loved and respected her especially during the past decade when she turned around for the better after William and Sarah was born. His brother Michael and sister Catherine also chose not to speak, feeling the same as Leonard did.
A few of William's colleagues and professors attended the interment as well as Erin and Kim who was holding hands with Jimmy, a clear sign that they were a couple now. Sarah glanced at Kim and Jimmy, giving them a weak smile, happy for them even though their meeting was a little awkward and somewhat inappropriate.
After the funeral rites, Leonard and his family said their goodbyes to their family with William and Sarah saying goodbye to their cousins, aunts and uncles. They were about to go their separate ways when a man in a suit with a briefcase approached the family, introducing himself as Beverly's attorney, Mr. Briggs who was charged with executing Beverly's will and estate. Michael stepped forward, being the eldest of the three and also a lawyer. Mr. Briggs then gave them a time and place for the reading of the will, telling them that all their children are required to be present, as instructed by Beverly. He then said his goodbye, shaking their hands and offering his condolences to each and every one, even the grandchildren.
"Are you okay honey?" Leonard asked his daughter as they made their way to the car.
"I'm tired dad. I just want to lie down and sleep all day." said Sarah.
"Well we have two more days before Mr. Briggs reads your grandma's will, so you can sleep all you want at the hotel." he said while smiling at his daughter.
"I wonder how Marty is doing right now?" said Sarah.
"I'm sure he's doing alright. Our neighbor's kid loves that dog." he said.
"I'm gonna text Mrs. Furman just to make sure." she said while typing on her phone. A few minutes later, Sarah's phone beeped with a reply from their neighbor, sending her a picture of the dog playing with her four-year old son. "He seems to be doing okay." she said while showing the picture to Leonard.
"That's nice." he said kissing his daughter's cheek. "At least he's having fun." he added.
Erin, Kim and Jimmy then walked along with them.
"So I guess your date went well huh?" Penny asked Kim and Jimmy.
"It was great Mrs. Hofstadter." Kim said.
"Good job Jimmy!" said Penny, giving the young man a high five.
"Thanks Mrs. Hofstadter." said Jimmy, smiling at Kim.
"We're happy for the two of you." said Leonard.
"Did you guys kiss yet?" Sarah asked making the young couple blush.
"You really have no brakes huh?" William snapped at his sister.
"Why not? You and mom always ask me that question ever since me and Jason got together!" Sarah said.
Kim smiled at Sarah. "Sarah, that's between me and Jim. Okay?" she said.
Sarah turned to Erin. "I think they already kissed, right?" she said making Erin laugh a little.
"You really should learn when to speak and when to keep quiet young lady." Penny said to her daughter.
"Alright, I get it!" said Sarah. "How about you mom? How was your first date with dad?" she asked her mother.
Penny laughed a little. "Oh let me tell you." she said making the kids curious as Penny started to tell her story. "We've known each other for about a year before he had the courage to ask me out. I always knew he had this huge crush on me but he never made a move to ask me out! And I was not about to let him in that easy!" she said making Sarah, Erin and Kim laugh while Leonard gave his wife a glaring look.
"You're on thin ice woman!" Leonard said to Penny.
"Relax honey. We both did stupid things when we were dating but look at us now! We've been happily married for almost twenty years now, we have two wonderful kids, one is smart and the other is just a smartass!" said Penny taking a swipe at her daughter, making Erin and Kim laugh.
Sarah pouted. "I know you didn't mean that." she said to Penny.
"Now you're getting it!" said Penny, kissing her daughter's cheek as they reached the parking lot with Erin, Kim and Jimmy saying their goodbyes before going their separate ways.
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After having dinner, William decided to go back to his apartment while his family went back to their hotel room. They had two beds in their room, one for Sarah while the couple shared a bed.
Later that night, Penny came out of the bathroom wearing her robe after washing up. Leonard was already on the bed reading on Penny's iPad while Sarah was on her bed, watching some TV.
"Sweetheart please keep it down, I want to sleep early." said Penny as she untied her hair before joining Leonard on the bed.
Sarah turned the TV off and decided to join her parents on their bed, squeezing in between them.
"Hmm, I wonder why this young lady suddenly turned into the daughter we knew ten years ago?" said Penny as Sarah snuggled up to her.
"Just be glad that I'm a sweet and loving daughter mom." said Sarah, making the couple laugh.
"Let her do what she wants honey. We only see her this sweet when someone dies or someone is about to die or when she did something stupid." Leonard jokingly said.
"Dad?" Sarah asked while facing him.
"Yes?" said Leonard.
"What do you think grandma's will is about?" asked Sarah.
Leonard sighed. "I don't know. Probably about the house and her money in the bank." he said.
"Do you think Beverly has a lot of money in her account?" Penny asked.
"I don't know. But she has published a few books and I know those have been my mom's bread and butter ever since. And I wouldn't be surprised if she got some money from my dad when he passed away." he said.
"Do you think Michael and Catherine would make a fuss about the will?" said Penny.
"They can try, but I know my mom's smart enough to hire that lawyer to execute the will, knowing that Michael has no chance against him." he said.
"Do you think uncle Michael would make a problem about the will?" Sarah asked.
"I sure hope not." said Leonard, kissing his daughter's forehead.
"Well, aren't you a little bit concerned about your mother's will?" said Penny.
"Why are you so interested all of a sudden?" he asked.
"Because you're her son and you have every right to it." said Penny. "I know it's not my business but we're in this together in case you forget that I'm your wife." she added.
"Honey, I know what you mean and of course I'm curious about my mom's will but knowing my mom, I know she already made the right decision." he said. "Don't worry about it honey, I'm sure it'll be fine." he added.
Penny sighed. "Alright. Let's get some sleep, I'm tired." she said as Leonard turned off the lights while Sarah pulled the sheets over her, feeling the warmth of her parents.
"Goodnight mom, goodnight dad." said Sarah while kissing her parents.
"Goodnight sweetheart!" said Penny.
"Goodnight honey!" said Leonard, kissing Sarah's cheek before kissing Penny on the lips.
"Eww! So gross!" Sarah mumbled.
"Keep doing that because the more you say it, the more me and your mom are gonna do it in front of you!" said Leonard making Penny laugh.
Sarah didn't say anything and just closed her eyes, letting herself doze off, thinking about her grandma.
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After a couple of days, Leonard and his family found themselves in a big conference room along with Michael and Catherine accompanied by their spouses and children. William was talking to a few of his older cousins while Sarah did the same with a couple of her cousins about the same age as her.
A few minutes later, Mr. Briggs entered the conference room with another woman that Leonard guessed was another lawyer to help assist Mr. Briggs.
"Good morning! I'm glad all of you could make it!" said Mr. Briggs, shaking their hands. "Ms. Lewis is a lawyer as well and will be assisting me for this endeavor. So if everyone could please take their seats? We can start." he said as the children took their seats with their parents. "Oh and by the way, in case anyone of you were wondering, Ms. Nancy who has been Dr. Beverly's companion for the past few years was requested by your late mother to be here." he added.
Ms. Lewis quickly set up a video camera with the help of another lady that Leonard guessed was a secretary. They were done in a few minutes and focused the camera to cover the whole room, making sure it is recording.
Mr. Briggs then took a sealed manila envelope from his briefcase, showing the adults the unbroken wax seals on the flaps before opening it.
"Here is Dr. Beverly Hofstadter's Last Will and Testament." he said as he pulled out several papers from the envelope, placing it on the table. "I will now read it for everyone to hear." he said as Ms. Lewis took notes.
"I, Beverly Hofstadter of legal age and of sound mind herein appoint Mr. Cole Briggs, attorney-at-law to execute my will and estate as per my wishes enumerated herein.
One: The accumulated funds in my two bank accounts would be equally shared and distributed among my three children and shall be used for the education of my grandchildren. Mr. Briggs would empty the said bank accounts and shall disburse the said funds as per the law requires.
Two: My jewelry collection will be equally divided between my daughter Catherine and my favorite granddaughter Sarah Hofstadter. I hope you would treasure them as much as I did.
Everyone was shocked when they heard the second provision of the will. Sarah was speechless as she couldn't comprehend what was happening. Ms. Lewis then stood up carrying two wooden boxes about the size of a small iPad and handed them to Catherine and Sarah who saw their names on the box with the wax seals still intact over the keyhole. Ms. Lewis then handed them their keys.
"You can choose to open them now if you want. Just break the wax seal and use the key to open it." said Ms. Lewis.
Sarah's hands were shaking as she nervously broke the seal on her box, not because of excitement but because of surprise and shock that her grandma would do such a thing for her. She finally broke the seal and took a deep breath before inserting the key and unlocking the box. She slowly lifted the top and was amazed to see the myriad of jewelry Beverly has left her, a couple of gold necklaces with pendants, a pair of pearl earrings, several gold and silver bracelets, a few brooches and a diamond ring that she guessed was the diamond ring her grandpa gave to her grandma.
Sarah looked at the contents of the box and started crying as Penny rubbed her hand on her back consoling her, "Sweetheart, it's gonna be alright." Penny said.
Sarah wiped her tears. "I miss grandma." she said as she closed the box before leaning her head on Penny's shoulder.
"We miss her too honey." Leonard said, kissing her cheek.
Catherine opened her box and was equally surprised to see several pieces of jewelry equal to if not better than the ones Sarah received. She sat on her chair and cried, feeling a deep longing for her mother while her husband and children comfort her.
"Is it okay if we continue?" asked Mr. Briggs.
"Isn't it a little unfair that Sarah gets something just for being my mom's only granddaughter?" asked Michael, clearly upset for being left out of the generous endowment.
"I understand Michael but this was your late mother's wish. Me and Ms. Lewis was there when we wrote the will, we have the video footage if you want to see." said Mr. Briggs.
Michael sat back down as his wife tried to calm him down.
"We never wanted any of this Michael." said Leonard, standing up for his daughter.
"You say that now because your daughter just got a big piece of the pie Leonard." Michael said, raising the tension in the room.
"Michael please!" pleaded Catherine.
"Well excuse me if you don't visit mom as often as we did!" yelled Leonard, not backing down from his older brother.
"Gentlemen please!?" said Mr. Briggs.
"I'm not trying to make any trouble here but don't expect me to back down that easily, especially when my family is concerned." said Leonard to which Michael has no response.
"Gentlemen please restrain yourselves." Mr. Briggs said before turning his attention back to the will. "Remember, these are the last wishes of Dr. Hofstadter, I know it's hard to take but you have to honor her memory by respecting her wishes." he added.
Three: A portion of the proceeds from the sale of my published works will be given to Nancy, who has been not only my caretaker and companion for the past several years but also my friend and confidant, someone who would listen to an old and dying lady like me.
Four: The remainder of the proceeds would be used for the upkeep and maintenance of my house which will be a common place for all my children and grandchildren. Use the house as a place for vacation or a temporary abode but no one will claim ownership. I only ask one of my grandchildren to volunteer and undertake the task of looking after the house and its upkeep.
Mr. Briggs then looked at them. "Okay, as per this provision, your grandmother is asking for a volunteer from her grandchildren to maintain the house." he said, waiting for one of the kids to volunteer.
The kids looked at each other, wary of taking on the task of being the house custodian.
"Remember kids, your grandma already left the proceeds of her book sales for this task so you wouldn't have to pay for anything." said Mr. Briggs. "I'm gonna give you guys some time to decide." he added
After almost a minute of silence, William spoke. "I'll do it." said William, surprising his parents and sister.
"Sweetheart are you sure?" asked Penny.
"Yeah I mean, how hard can it be right?" said William as Leonard tapped his shoulder, proud of his son.
"Okay. Is there no one else?" asked Mr. Briggs as the kids stayed silent. "Alright, let's move on." he said.
Five: Provision Four regarding the house being a common place for all my children and grandchildren will be rescinded and rendered null and void in the event one of my grandchildren volunteers to the task of upkeep and maintenance. With this, whoever volunteers will inherit the house and all of its contents.
All of them were shocked and turned to look at William who himself can't believe what he just heard.
"Uh, could you please repeat that?" said Catherine.
"It's fairly simple actually. Because William volunteered to look after the house, he now owns it." said Mr. Briggs.
"Now hang on a minute! That can't be right!" Michael exclaimed.
"Mr. Hofstadter, this was the instruction your mother has given us. That was why we insisted that all your children should be here so they will be given a chance for this provision." he said. "We've given enough time for the kids to decide and choose. I'm sorry but this was the reason we setup a camera here, so we would have something for the courts in case any of you would decide to file a civil case against us." he said.
"So not only does Sarah get half of my mom's jewelry but William gets the house too!?" said Michael. "And I only get a third of her money!?" he yelled.
Leonard felt the anger brew up inside him. "You better stop talking right now or so help me god!" he yelled louder, scaring even Penny.
Michael was stunned as this was the first time he saw his younger brother get angry.
"We still have one last thing to show to all of you." Mr. Briggs said as Ms. Lewis and her assistant pressed some buttons on a remote control, making the projector screen roll down from the ceiling. They pressed a few buttons and inserted a DVD disk in her laptop, pressing play. A few moments later, a video clip played, showing Beverly sitting on a chair.
"Is it on?...Oh okay. To all my children and grandchildren, if you are watching this then I'm already gone and lying beside my husband Alfred in the cemetery. By now all of you must be confused as to why I would have a written will while also having a video message to all of you. I'll try to answer that later but first let me tell all my grandchildren that I love you all very much. I'm so proud of all of you and I hope you'll all be good and kind to anyone and everyone you meet."
"By now, my jewelry collection has already been given to Cathy and Sarah. Sarah dear, I'm sorry if I'm always teasing you and playing inside your head. I hope these sparkly things would be enough compensation for amusing myself on your expense." Beverly said, laughing a little.
"About the house, if my instincts serves me right, William would take on this job and if not, then I guess I've lost my edge." she said laughing a little.
They were all shocked at Beverly's premonition especially Leonard and Penny who still can't believe that their son now owns the house that Leonard grew up in.
"If William is the one, then I guess I should congratulate Leonard and Penny for raising him well. Leonard was always my most affectionate and loving child and I'm glad that trait was passed onto his kids. Michael, Catherine, I hope you could forgive my decision. I thought we could build a better relationship when your father and I got back together but then I was a little hurt when I don't even see my grand-kids every Christmas. I really hoped to be closer to your kids but I guess you didn't want them to spend time with a horrible person like me huh?" said Beverly while drying her tears. Sarah was leaning on Penny's shoulder, crying her eyes out as she watched her grandma on the screen
"I guess it was my fault in the first place, being so strict when you were growing up and focusing on achievements instead of just being a normal family. For that I am really sorry and I hope you could all forgive me" she said while wiping her tears.
"These are my wishes and I hope you could all respect it and move on with your lives." she said as she turned off the camera. Ms. Lewis then pushed some buttons as the projector screen retracted back into the ceiling.
"Is that it?" Michael asked.
"Yes Mr. Hofstadter. That is your late mother's will." said Mr. Briggs.
"I can't believe we went here for nothing!" he exclaimed. "Leonard got off with most of it!" Michael added making Leonard stand up, not backing down from his older brother.
Mr. Briggs decided to intervene. "Mr. Hofstadter please calm yourself down. There's nothing you can do about it. You and I both know that!" he said.
"Why do always have to pick on me huh?" Leonard growled at his brother. "Is it my fault that my children have a relationship with their grandmother?" said Leonard as Penny held his hand, trying to calm him down.
"So that's it huh, you just used your children to suck up to mom!" Michael yelled making Leonard fume with anger.
Leonard stood up and walked towards his brother as William and Penny held him back while Michael's wife and kids did the same. "You want to settle this now!? If you don't shut up then I'll shut your mouth for you!" Leonard yelled surprising them all in seeing the anger burst out of him. Michael kept quiet as Catherine stood in between her brothers.
"Michael, Leonard please!?" said Catherine. "is this how you want mom to see you two right now?" she said.
"Don't look at me! I'm not the one attacking his family!" Leonard snapped at his brother.
"Gentlemen please? Your children are here!" said Mr. Briggs.
Michael sighed and looked at his children crying being consoled by his wife.
Sarah sat at her chair, crying her eyes out at seeing her father and uncle fight while Nancy and Penny tried to console the young lady.
"Uncle Michael." Sarah said as they faced the young woman.
Michael turned to face Leonard's daughter.
Sarah pushed the jewelry box on the table. "Take it. I don't want it." said Sarah making the women in the room emotional.
Michael sighed, realizing his mistakes while wiping a tear from his eye. He walked towards the young lady, putting his hand gently on her shoulder, making her flinch a little. "I'm sorry Sarah. It was wrong of me to do that. I hope you can forgive me?" he said.
Sarah nodded. "I just don't want to see you and my dad fighting." she said.
Michael gave her a weak smile. "I'm sorry." he said, lightly touching Sarah's cheek and wiping her tears. Michael then faced Leonard. "I'm sorry Leonard. I didn't mean to say those things." he said to his younger brother.
Leonard nodded. "It's okay." he said as Michael shook his hand. "Don't worry about it." he added as everyone in the room sighed with relief at seeing the brothers forgive each other.
They were all silent when Mr. Briggs decided to speak again. "I know this is a difficult time for all of you but this was what Beverly wanted. Thank you for coming and I'm sure Beverly's in a quiet place now." he added while shaking their hands.
Michael took his family and went out of the conference room after saying goodbye to his sister and brother. Catherine did the same, saying goodbye to Leonard, Penny and their kids before leaving.
"Are you alright?" Penny asked Leonard.
"Yeah. I'm okay now." said Leonard, pulling Sarah close to hug her. "It's alright now honey, don't cry." he said to his daughter.
Sarah wiped her tears. "Mom, dad?" Sarah said.
"Yes sweetheart?" Penny said.
"I think dad was right when he wanted to divide his belongings to me and William early on so we won't have to go through this kind of experience." said Sarah making Leonard and Penny laugh a little.
Leonard kissed his daughter. "I told you didn't I?" he said while looking at Penny.
Penny rolled her eyes and smiled at her husband. "Fine. You're always right honey!" she said with a hint of sarcasm.
"Dad?" Sarah said.
"Yes honey?" Leonard said.
"William owns grandma's house now, right?" she asked her father.
"Yeah, I guess!" he said as Mr. Briggs and Ms. Lewis looks on.
"You're right Sarah. All your brother has to do is sign these papers here and then we will proceed with the transfer of the title to his name. I'm not seeing any problems since William is already an adult and can legally sign any document." said Mr. Briggs.
"Why are you asking this honey?" asked Leonard.
"Well, since William already has his own house, I was thinking that maybe you could give the house to me when, you know, the time comes?" Sarah said.
Penny threw her hands in the air as William shook his head in disbelief. "Unbelievable!" Penny exclaimed.
Leonard laughed a little, amused by his daughter's ability to turn situations into her favor. "So this is what's been bugging you for the past thirty minutes?" he asked the young lady.
"I'm sorry daddy! It's not that I'm wishing for you or mom to die now!" Sarah protested, realizing her mistake of talking without thinking first.
"But you're already staking your claim on the house that dad bought for mom, right!?" William yelled at his sister.
"Okay I take it back!" Sarah exclaimed.
"You can't take back something like that!" yelled William.
Sarah faced her father with a pleading look. "I'm sorry daddy! I didn't mean to say that!" Sarah said.
Mr. Briggs decided to butt in, sensing the awkward, slightly funny situation of the family. "Uh, I think me and Ms. Lewis would be going now. This is a family matter that and we don't want to intrude." said Mr. Briggs.
"He's right. You can use the conference room as long as you like." Ms. Lewis said, following close behind before closing the door.
Penny then held Sarah's arm and made her sit on a chair to face her. "You know that we love both of you but what you said crosses the line young lady!" she yelled at Sarah.
Sarah covered her face with her hands. "I'm sorry mom." she said.
"Maybe she forgot that dad nearly died when he had that heart attack?" said William.
"I said I'm sorry!" she said. "I was trying to make dad laugh but I guess it came out the wrong way." she added while holding Leonard's hand. "Daddy please!" Sarah said.
Leonard sighed. "Okay fine." he said making Sarah jump and hug her father.
"Thank you daddy." said Sarah, burying herself under Leonard's arm as Penny and William looked on, amazed at how Leonard could forgive his daughter that easily.
"How can you let this go!?" Penny exclaimed.
"Because we both know she didn't mean it." he said, savoring the crushing hug from his daughter.
"That's what's wrong about you Leonard Hofstadter! You always cuddle that young lady and now you see what she's become!" Penny exclaimed while pulling William to go out of the conference room. "Come on sweetheart." she said as Leonard and Sarah followed close behind.
"You should apologize to your mother honey." said Leonard.
"I know dad." Sarah said as they walked towards William's car so they can go back to their hotel room.
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Back at the hotel room, Penny threw her purse on a chair before getting on the bed, stretching her arms and legs to relieve the stress of today's affairs.
Sarah walked up to her mother. "Mom?" said Sarah.
"What do you want?" Penny asked while stretching herself with her eyes closed.
"I'm sorry for what I said. Please mom." said the young lady as Leonard watched the exchange between his wife and daughter.
Penny opened her eyes and sat up. "And why should I forgive you?" she said folding her arms while giving her daughter a stern look.
"I don't know." said Sarah. "But I know that was wrong of me to say that." she added.
Penny sighed, knowing that her daughter means well so she pulled Sarah to sit beside her. "Now you know what happens if you don't watch what you say." she told her daughter.
"I know mom. I'm sorry." said Sarah.
Penny kissed her cheek as Sarah leaned her head on her shoulder. "You have to apologize to your brother too." Penny said.
"I'll talk to him tomorrow." Sarah said.
Penny smiled at her. "Good." she said as Leonard sat beside his daughter, carrying the jewelry box from Beverly,giving it to Sarah.
"At least we both know how much your grandma loves you." he said, kissing her cheek.
Sarah slowly opened the box to look at the jewelry inside, picking up one item after the other to look closely at them. She picked up the ring to get a closer look.
"I think that is the ring my dad gave my mom when he proposed to her." Leonard said.
"Oh my god sweetheart!" Penny said.
"Look mom, a stone is missing." Sarah said, showing the ring to Penny.
Penny squinted her eyes, looking closely despite her eyesight not being sharp as it was twenty years ago. "What kind of stone do you think is that?" asked Penny as Leonard tried to take a closer look.
"I don't know." he said. "Maybe it's better if we leave it as it is. You know, being a family heirloom and all." he added.
"You're right dad. Maybe we should get a safety deposit box in a bank to put this in." Sarah said, surprising her parents.
"You don't want to wear them sweetie?" asked Penny.
"No mom. Grandma left these to me and I don't want to lose them or break them." said Sarah.
Leonard smiled, happy for her daughter's decision. "Well, your grandma left you these so it's up to you what to do with them." he said.
"Thanks dad." said Sarah, leaning her head on his shoulder. "I miss her so much." she added as Leonard put his arm over her shoulder.
"I miss her too." he said as Penny joined in hugging their young princess.
"Is it true dad?" asked Sarah.
"What?" said Leonard.
"That grandma did experiments on you when you were a child? And that she didn't care for birthdays or holidays and that sort of stuff?" Sarah said.
Leonard sighed. "That's true honey. Your grandma was a different person than the one you know growing up. She only gave her approval if we got good grades at school or whenever we came up with a brilliant idea, that sort of stuff. We never celebrated our birthdays and the gifts we received from her were research topics that we have to submit to her on the clock." he said before continuing. "Maybe that's the reason why I feel at home whenever I'm in a library or something because I spent so much time in those kinds of places as a kid." he said.
"That sounds like no fun at all." said Sarah.
"No it wasn't, but for me it was the only way to earn my mom's love and affection which was not as much because Michael and Catherine were always ahead of my achievements. That's why I've learned to live by the scraps." he said
Penny stood up to sit beside her husband, putting her arm around him. "Well you certainly don't need to earn my love honey." she said kissing his cheek.
"Mom's right dad." said Sarah, tightening her arms around her father. "You're the best father there is. And I'm not saying that just to get out of the woods." she said making her parents laugh.
Leonard kissed her daughter's cheek. "Thank you honey." he said.
"At least you raised me and William in a normal way, you know, birthday parties, Christmas and New Year, Thanksgiving..." said Sarah.
"Well if we don't do those things, your mom would punch me in my nose." said Leonard, making Sarah laugh.
"You bet I would." said Penny, laughing with her daughter.
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Later that night, Penny rolled over the bed as they started to sleep, facing Leonard.
"You did really good today honey." Penny whispered, moving her face close to Leonard's.
"Really? How come?" he whispered back.
"Well, you never backed down from your brother and defended your kids from him." she said, smiling at him.
"I'm not gonna let him talk like that to my kids, even if he's my brother." he said.
Penny moved and gave him a quick kiss. "Good job honey. I'm gonna give you a reward when we come home. I promise" she whispered.
"Hmm...I love it!" Leonard said when Sarah suddenly spoke.
"I can hear you!" Sarah yelled.
The couple turned back and saw their daughter looking at them. "Go to sleep young lady!" Leonard yelled.
"You guys are really great parents you know. Always kissing and saying inappropriate things in front of your children." said Sarah.
Penny stared at her daughter. "You are one stupid comment away from being grounded young woman!" she said.
Sarah pulled the covers and turned back around. "Fine. I love you mom! I love you dad!" she said.
The couple looked at each other and smiled, laying back down on the bed. "That girl will be the death of me." said Leonard making Penny laugh.
"I can still hear you!" Sarah said from under the covers.
"Go to sleep!" Penny said to her daughter as she wrapped her arm around Leonard, feeling his warm embrace as they slowly dozed off.