Chapter 23: Thanksgiving

"It's all right. I didn't have anything going on. Plus, Penny told me we're married, and Thanksgiving is a time to be with family." - Zack

November breezed by, with Carly and Sheldon falling into a comfortable relationship. After everything they'd been through in the past few months, it was beginning to feel easier. They had tea together on the regular, enjoying each other's company. They watched movies together, or with the whole gang - sans Howard. They had even gone to the zoo, Sheldon introducing her to his favorite zoo animal: the koala. It was absolutely adorable the way he looked at them, so serenely and adoring.

They had also found a comfortable point in their intimacy, revisiting what they were okay with but never crossing the line again. Carly only wanted to do what Sheldon was all right with, and she would wait as long as it took for him to be ready. She had to admit though, it was hard. He had no idea how attractive he was, or what exactly he did to elicit pure crazed arousal from her. His mind, his smile, his eyes, his body- everything about him drew her in like an intoxicating drug. All it took was a look across the room to buzz her.

During all of this, Leonard had revisioned the "Superfluid Vacuum Theory" and had asked Sheldon to come up with the maths to prove it. Sheldon not only had done the maths but had written a paper. They submitted it together and were surprised with how well it went over in the science community.

Carly and Penny were beyond proud of them, even if they didn't fully understand it. Even so, they knew it was a huge deal. It had been covered in Scientific American magazine and was an absolutely amazing accomplishment for them. Carly couldn't be happier.

She had even bought a copy for herself to keep forever. Something Sheldon grinned at each time he saw it on her coffee table.

With Howard in space, Penny with her new job, and Sheldon and Leonard's theory, it was a wonderful, productive month for the group.

As the holidays neared, Carly found herself busy with scheduling book signings and lectures in the library for the upcoming new year, but Thanksgiving was on her mind.

Before Sheldon had left on the train, he had agreed to come with her to her Grandmother's for Thanksgiving. She knew he had to remember it, as he remembered everything, but they hadn't spoken about it since.

Mary Cooper had sent her a Thanksgiving card, a turkey on the front, and Jesus inside, which warmed her heart at the fact that Sheldon's mother had thought about her. She had written a little note inside, telling her how much she had prayed that a wonderful woman such as herself would come into her son's life, to always be patient with him because he was hardheaded, and that she was still welcome to come for Christmas.

Carly had put it on her fridge with a magnet, unable to stop herself from smiling each time she saw it.

She also had made sure to send her one in return, telling her how much she adored Sheldon and that she had nothing to worry about- with a reminder that it would be up to Sheldon to see them for Christmas.

When Sheldon had seen the card from his mother on her fridge door, he brought up their plans for him to meet her Grandmother. Carly was relieved that he still intended to go through with it.

Thanksgiving finally arrived and Carly had dressed in a dusty pink sweater and a khaki skirt, donning matching pink loafers. She had made the pumpkin pie she promised to make the night before, wanting it to be cold and ready the day of.

Carly was anxious and took her time getting ready and eating breakfast. She had planned to meet with Sheldon around eleven. The big meal was set for one and they wanted to get through all the pleasantries before digging in. Also, Carly was sure her Grandmother would need help- even if she didn't admit it.

She put small pink earrings in her ears, slid a headband on, and put some light make on. She had no idea how Sheldon would be. Her Grandmother could be a lot to take in, so she hoped it didn't frazzle him.

She also prayed that Sheldon wouldn't say anything offensive on accident. He had a horrible habit of saying things when he shouldn't.

oO0Oo

"What are you all dressed up for?" Leonard questioned Sheldon from the counter, pouring himself another cup of coffee, still in his bathrobe. It was ten-thirty on Thanksgiving morning.

Sheldon wore a white and red striped button-up with khakis and a matching blazer. He had entered the living room after getting ready, going to his laptop to look up the showtimes for the new Star Trek movie.

It was still showing in Burbank for a couple of more weeks and he thought perhaps Carly would like to see it that weekend. He'd gone with Leonard and Raj a few weeks prior, but after he'd made her watch the first one he was excited for her to see the next one.

"Do you even read my weekly email blasts?" Sheldon asked his roommate, throwing him an annoyed look over his shoulder. "It's like you don't even care."

Leonard fixed his glasses up his nose. "I don't, but let's just say for argument sake I do- what did I miss?"

Sheldon rolled his eyes as he pulled open the AMC website in his web browser. "I'm going to Carly's Mee-Maw's for Thanksgiving."

Leonard widened his eyes. "You're what? I thought you hated Thanksgiving. You always whine about how unfair it is every time we do something. It's why we aren't doing anything this year."

Sheldon ignored his incessant complaining, even if he was correct in assuming. "I do loathe partaking in holiday festivities, but Carly's Mee-Maw wants to meet me and I promised Carly the night my mother came to visit that I'd go." Sheldon paused in his browsing and looked over at Leonard's surprised face. "With that said, do you think that if I tell Carly I'm sick with a horrible case of mad cow disease that she'd let me off the hook?"

Leonard blinked at Sheldon, his mind trying to catch up with the crazy loop that Sheldon's words threw him into. "Um, wouldn't you be lying?"

Sheldon slumped in his seat and looked back at his laptop glumly. "I was afraid you'd say that," he muttered.

Leonard frowned and walked over to Sheldon, giving him a weird look. "If you don't want to go, why did you tell her you would? She's probably looking forward to showing you off."

Sheldon made a tsk sound with his tongue in disapproval. "Because Leonard, when a gal asks you with twinkles in her eyes to meet her Mee-Maw, you say yes," he explained as if it was common knowledge, not noticing the look of awe on Leonard's face. "Even if I'm deathly afraid of cranberry sauce. It's not a sauce- it's a jam," he muttered under his breath with a scoff.

In truth, Sheldon was frightened to come face to face with the woman who probably hated him for causing Carly so much pain while he'd been gone. Even though Carly had told him she was looking forward to meeting him, Sheldon was unconvinced.

Leonard sighed and headed back over to the counter. "Well, behave yourself. You don't need Carly's Grandmother unleashing her wrath on you. She's had a hard year and from what I've heard from Carly, she can be quite the woman to trifle with."

Sheldon threw Leonard a glare, upset that Leonard somehow had pinpointed his fears. "Oh so apparently you know more about my girlfriend's Mee-Maw than I do?" He demanded, his voice going up an octave in disbelief.

Leonard gulped his coffee. "Sure, that's exactly what I'm saying," he told him wryly before he could help himself, to which Sheldon turned in his chair to face him angrily. "Sarcasm, Sheldon. You know more than I do, I was just reminding you that sometimes you can come off as... well, rude."

Sheldon stood from his desk and shut his laptop before giving Leonard a scornful look. "Rude? I'm a delight. Carly says so all the time."

Leonard snorted. "Of course she does, Sheldon. She's dating you."

Sheldon crossed his arms defensively. "So you're insinuating that she lies to me because she is in a relationship with me?" He accused, clearly getting upset.

Leonard sighed, realizing he was unintentionally riling his friend up. "No, no. That's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying, Sheldon, is that she finds you to be delightful because she loves you."

Sheldon stopped at that. Leonard had a point. "Oh. I see."

Leonard breathed in relief, glad that was over. "When do you leave?"

Sheldon looked down at his watch distractedly. "Ten minutes. I'm drawing it out as long as possible."

Penny then opened the door, giving the men both a bright grin. "Happy Thanksgiving boys!" She walked over to Leonard and gave him a smooch on his cheek. He smiled at her as she eyed Sheldon. "Wow, you're all dressed up fancy for a Thai food Thanksgiving."

Sheldon glared and threw his hands up, not believing his friends. "Do any of you read my weekly email blasts?"

Ten minutes later, Sheldon stood outside Carly's apartment and knocked, feeling nervous about the day. He had no idea what to expect, and if it had been months prior, he probably would have refused to go through with anything outside of his comfort zone- but this was Carly and the only relative that meant something to her.

The woman who had taken her in after a tragic circumstance, he couldn't forget. Even so, Sheldon knew how important Mee-Maw's were. He didn't know what he'd do if he lost his.

Carly opened the door shortly after he had dropped his last knock, and the sight of her took his breath away. She was dolled up and he could smell the vanilla from his stance in her doorway. She was delectable.

She grinned brightly at his appearance. "We match," she laughed in surprise. He blinked and glanced down at himself, realizing she was correct in her assessment.

"Indeed," he mused, unable to stop himself from smiling back at her. Her smiles were always contagious.

"Here, let me grab the pie and my purse and we'll go."

He stood there at her door, waiting for her to return with her bag slung on her shoulder and a foil-wrapped pie in her hands. He offered to lock her door for her and she welcomed it with thanks.

Soon, they were seated in her car and off to Burbank. Sheldon held the pie in his lap, staring down at it thoughtfully.

"You made this?"

Carly glanced over at him as he asked her. "Oh, yes. I stayed up late last night after work and made it. My Grandmother swears I make pumpkin pies better than her, but I don't see how. I use her recipe," she laughed at the thought and Sheldon eyed her fondly.

"Perhaps the difference is who made it," he wondered. "My Mee-Maw makes the best sugar cookies in my opinion, but my mother has made the same recipe before. They weren't nearly as delicious."

Carly's lips curved upwards. "That's logical."

Sheldon smirked at her choice of words. "I'm always logical."

Carly laughed lightly and shook her head, loving him to pieces. He returned the smile smoothly, glad he could make her laugh. A comfortable silence overtook them as she drove, both of their nerves resurfacing throughout it.

Carly glanced over at him, worrying her lip. "Sheldon? I just wanted to thank you for coming with me today. I know you don't really like holidays and all that..." she trailed off, feeling awkward as she brought his disdain for festivities up for him to deal with.

Sheldon shrugged lightly, trying to keep his own fears at bay. "I don't, you're right. However, this isn't just about Thanksgiving. It's about meeting your Mee-Maw."

Carly softened and took a breath. "You're right. I hope you like her."

Sheldon smiled at her then. "I'm sure I will. To be honest, she kind of reminds me of my own Mee-Maw, with the way you speak about her."

Carly chuckled. "Well then you two should get along." Carly hoped at least. She didn't see it ending badly, but who knew. Both her Grandmother and Sheldon were a wildcard.

They arrived at the small house and Carly led Sheldon inside, finding a short gray haired, elderly woman slaving in the kitchen. Sheldon inhaled greatly, enjoying the warm, delicious smells of the food she was cooking.

If there was one way to make him happy, it was home cooked food.

"Happy Thanksgiving!" Carly greeted with a bright grin and her Grandmother jumped, surprised to see them standing in her kitchen while her back was turned.

"Carly! Oh you, always sneaking up on me! Come here!" She remarked, pulling her into a deep embrace. Carly wrapped her arms around the older woman, relishing in her pleasant hug.

"I missed you," Carly murmured into her ear before they pulled away.

"And I you dear," she said mournfully and eyed her appearance. "Well, you look a far cry better than when I saw you last."

Sheldon froze at the words, his nightmare coming to play. Was she going to berate him? He didn't know how to react or what he should do.

Carly rolled her eyes with an amused smile, then with the reminder of just exactly why she looked better than before, she took a step back and took Sheldon's arm. He was visibly tense and staring at the elderly woman in shy, wonder.

"Grandma, this is Dr. Sheldon Cooper, my boyfriend. Sheldon this is... Rose Bennett," Carly introduced proudly, glancing between the two.

Rose gave Sheldon a once over, reveling in how tall and handsome the man was, while holding the assumed pie that Carly had baked.

Sheldon gulped at the appraisal and gave Rose a little, timid head nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Carly's Mee-Maw," he replied politely, trying to keep himself from fainting with nerves.

Rose couldn't help but smile at his bashful yet childlike nature. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Cooper. You've really done wonders on my Carly girl here. She's like a whole different person."

Sheldon wished he understood her words better. Was she angry at him or not?

Carly's hand on his arm squeezed a little and he glanced down at her, finding her smiling warmly up at him. It reassured him enough to speak. He cleared his throat and faced Rose once more. "Your granddaughter deserves the world. I hope I can live up to your expectations."

Both Carly and Rose were mystified by his words and Sheldon realized he must have spoke profoundly. His eyes flickered down to the pie in his hands awkwardly. "Um, where should I put this?"

Rose jumped to action before Carly could and took the pie from Sheldon, a teary eyed smile on her face. "I'll take that. You two, go set the table. Tom'll be here shortly." Rose looked up at Sheldon then. "Carly told me you like tea, is that okay?"

Sheldon felt his heart swell at the thoughtful gesture yet his brain had stopped functioning at the name "Tom".

"Yes," Sheldon rasped and then looked down to Carly who was staring at Rose with wide eyes.

"Tom's joining us?" Carly asked Rose, voice full of alarm. It sent Sheldon's nerves on edge. "Doesn't he have his own family to spend time with?"

Rose placed the pie in her fridge to keep cool and went back to busying herself around the kitchen, as if nothing was amiss- or that she'd had a stroke almost two months prior. The only evidence was a slight limp.

"Tom's family lives in Washington and you know they're Japanese, Carly. They don't celebrate Thanksgiving. Tom was interested in what an American Thanksgiving was like and so I invited him. After all, he's become family over the last two months," she explained, not noticing the tension rising between Sheldon and Carly. "It was the least I could do since he's been such a god send to me."

Carly looked up at Sheldon, eyes wide with anxiety. Sheldon met her eyes, dreading the rest of the day. If he had to sit a whole afternoon with that man who he just knew had sights on his Carly, he'd explode.

Carly sensed this and she slid her hand down his arm and took his hand. "We'll be setting the table, Grandma," she called and then led Sheldon to the dining room.

Carly turned to Sheldon once out of earshot. "Sheldon, I swear I didn't know he'd be joining us. I'm sorry."

Sheldon swallowed and looked away from her, unable to deal with his sudden desire to leave- but also stay because like hell would he want Carly to be alone with that man. "Its not your fault," he reassured her, despite his inward panic. "He just better keep his moon eyes to himself. I remember clearly how he looked at you the last time."

Carly shook her head, bringing his hand up to her chest. "It's not like that. He's not interested in me. He just likes my Grandmother."

Sheldon wasn't convinced but didn't argue. She had been sick the last time Tom had been around and hadn't noticed. Sheldon had seen right through it.

He helped Carly set the table with the tableware from the China cabinet and then helped Rose bring the food over to the table. Sheldon's mouth watered at the sight of the turkey and mashed potatoes, but glared disdainfully at the cranberry sauce. He didn't understand it.

As they were placing the finishing touches, Tom arrived, setting Sheldon on edge. Carly came to stand next to him as they watched from the table, Rose go to Tom.

"Happy Thanksgiving Tom!" Rose said happily and he bent down to give her a hug.

He looked up and saw the couple watching and gave them a friendly smile. "Happy Thanksgiving."

Sheldon continued to frown but Carly, ever the nice one, smiled back. "You're interested in an American Thanksgiving, Tom?"

He laughed lightly as Rose released him with an excuse to get the pitcher of ice tea. "Your Grandmother sold me on the idea. I do enjoy eating," he grinned at her and Sheldon narrowed his eyes at it.

Tom looked to him then, taking in his grumpy demeanor. "Sheldon, nice to see you again. I'm glad you could join us."

Sheldon frown deepened. "That's Dr. Cooper, to you - and why wouldn't I join them? I'm Carly's boyfriend."

Carly's breath hitched at the sound of Sheldon's tone and she watched as Tom smiled tightly at him. "So it would seem."

The tension in the room became quite thick and Carly shifted uncomfortably next to Sheldon. "Um, why don't we all sit down to eat?" She suggested timidly.

Sheldon watched Tom walk to the other side of the table, disdain heavily on his features. He waited till Carly was seated in her own chair, before sitting down himself.

Rose reappeared and Tom stood back up, offering to take the pitcher from her which she gladly allowed. Carly rolled her eyes.

"If I had asked to help you, you would have turned me down," she pointed out dryly, as Rose sat down across from her. Tom placed the pitcher down with a pleased smile.

"It must be the muscles," Rose told her with a grin and Carly gaped, surprised by her Grandmother's brazen.

"I swear, since you had a stroke, you've changed," she laughed, shaking her head in disbelief.

Rose waved her off. "I haven't changed, dear. I'm just happy to be alive."

Carly went silent at that and she looked down, her brows furrowing. Rose was busy filling her plate to notice, telling them to start eating. Sheldon and Tom both did though.

As Sheldon and Carly ate a Thanksgiving meal that was both tasty and memorable, Rose looked over at them. "So, Carly tells me you recently made a break through in your work. She tried explaining it to me, something about a vacuum?"

Sheldon stilled in his efforts to eat at the ignorant question, everyone's eyes on him all of a sudden. He swallowed thickly and tried to remind himself that she wasn't trying to offend him.

He fidgeted in his chair before answering in what he hoped was a polite way. "Yes ma'am. It's a new theory based on the already published 'Super Fluid Vacuum Theory.' It proposes that space time is a surface of the superfluid."

When he was met with blank stares, he remembered immediately why he rarely spoke outside of his friends and the scientific community.

Rose gave him a smile then, confusing him further. "Carly told me you're a genius. It's amazing to see someone as bright as you."

Sheldon wavered under the heavy compliment and he glanced to Carly who was smiling at him, pride in her eyes. "Yes... well, thank you," he told her earnestly. He was glad that she didn't seem angry at him. It was a relief.

"Sheldon and our friend Leonard worked on it together. They have a presentation next month," she told them happily and Sheldon's insides tingled at the way she spoke about him. She held him in such high manner, it made his heart swell with love and pride.

"Oh how exciting. I wish you well on it," Rose told him with a sweet smile. Sheldon returned it smoothly.

"What about you Carly?" Tom suddenly asked warmly, giving her a look over the table. "Anything new at the library?"

Sheldon narrowed his eyes, not trusting him or any seemingly innocent questions thrown his girlfriends way. What on earth would happen at the library? He inwardly mused in suspicion. No, Tom had no right to ask that.

Carly bit her lip nervously, glancing at the way Sheldon stabbed his mashed potatoes a little forcefully. "Um, not really. We're just getting ready for the new year."

Tom nodded with a small smile, before going back to his food. He either didn't notice Sheldon's behavior or was choosing to ignore it.

Rose also apparently didn't notice. "Tom's been teaching me Japanese. He's a great teacher, or should I say 'Sensei'? Did you know that coffee in Japanese is, 'kohee?' It sounds so similar!"

She was so enthusiastic that both Sheldon and Carly gave her a smile. Tom scratched at his neck in embarrassment. "She's a quick learner," he told them humbly.

They continued their meal with idle chit chat, catching each other up, except for Sheldon who didn't have much to contribute in the matter. He wasn't interested in gardening, Japanese, or Rose's friends that Carly asked about.

At one point, during dessert, Carly had reached for the pitcher of tea to refill her glass but Tom had beat her to it. Sheldon watched in rapt attention as Tom's hand brushed hers, and she withdrew hastily.

"Here I'll fill it for you," he offered, picking the pitcher up intending to fill it for her.

Sheldon had other ideas. He grabbed the pitcher from him, eyes hard and meaningful. "I'll do it," he told him coldly. "I'm her boyfriend."

Tom let Sheldon take the pitcher, not wanting to argue with him in front of Rose who was watching them with interest.

Carly tried to ignore the way her cheeks were flushed as Sheldon poured her a glass. She caught the eyes of her Grandmother over the table and held back a groan. This woman was thoroughly enjoying her torment.

"Carly, that had to be the best pumpkin pie I've ever had," Tom told her after they were finished, giving her a smile that was entirely too friendly in Sheldon's opinion.

Carly blushed, making Sheldon feel even more tense. Only he was allowed to make that color grace her cheeks. "Thank you Tom. I'm glad you liked it."

Not one to be outmatched, he took Carly's hand, catching her off guard. "I'm lucky that you're my girlfriend and I can partake in your baking any time I want."

Carly blinked and tried to get over her momentary surprise to give him a sweet smile. "You don't believe in luck, you're a scientist- but I will cook for you whenever you want me to."

Sheldon felt his ears warm at her attention and words. He hadn't expected her to be so open to cooking for him. He knew she did cook, and liked to, but he had never asked her to. Perhaps he should. "Can you make brownies?"

Carly beamed at his question. "Of course! Just tell me when."

Sheldon admired her happy smile and couldn't help but fall for it all over again. It had been her smile that had taken him in at the very first meeting, changing him into what he was becoming. A love sap, fool.

They all cleared the table and Carly headed for the kitchen, intent on doing the large amount of dishes for her grandmother and not taking no for an answer.

Rose surprised her by allowing her to without so much as a fuss. "That's fine, Carly. Let Tom help you."

Sheldon froze, almost gasping and he turned his wide eyes to Carly. She caught them and bit her lip, then turned to her grandmother.

"It's fine, I can do it-"

"No arguments," Rose told her sternly and Carly's mouth snapped shut. "Besides, I'd like to speak with Sheldon if you don't mind."

Sheldon wasn't sure what he was most anxious about: his girlfriend in a room alone with a man who was interested in her or his girlfriends grandmother speaking to him alone.

"With my help, we'll be done quick," Tom reassured Sheldon, but it did nothing of the sort.

Sheldon threw a glare his way and watched with resentment as Tom disappeared into the kitchen with an apologetic Carly.

Once alone with Rose, he felt horrendously uncomfortable. She just smiled at him.

"Sit down, Sheldon," she said softly, gesturing to where Carly had sat. He sat himself down, looking over at her uneasily.

"Thank you for coming. It truly warms my heart that you both came," Rose told him a misty eyed look overcoming her, it only fueled his discomfort. "When Cary left this summer, I had hoped that she'd find happiness. She truly deserves it, and I'm so relieved she found someone so capable, and wonderful as you."

Sheldon stared at her guiltily. He felt like he didn't deserve her praise. Although he'd been doing his best to make up for putting Carly through that month, and he felt like he was doing a pretty good job, he still felt remorseful. This woman had no right to say those things about him.

Apprehensive wasn't the word for how he felt. Needing to make things right, he stifled his nerves to speak with her honestly.

"I want to deserve those words, but I don't believe I am worthy of them... you must know what I put Carly through back in August. I want to formally apologize for my inadequacy to be the person your granddaughter deserves. I was in a bad place and I wasn't able to take care of her as I wanted." He was trembling with fear that she'd be angry with him. He hated confrontation.

He knew though that there would be a riff if he didn't have Rose's absolute blessing. This was the woman who had taken care of his Carly her whole life. He wanted her honest approval.

Rose shook her head, becoming serious as she looked at Sheldon. "You don't need to explain. I understand. This is all new for you as well, isn't it?"

Sheldon nodded, ashamed. "Very much so. I have never thought there would be anyone in any universe for me. I thought I'd be alone. Yet... Carly found me and took my world by storm. It's been, a lot to take in... Either way, I just want you to know that I'm sorry for how I left Carly and that I do not intend to ever put her through that again."

Rose stared at him, mystified. This was going far better than she had hoped. "I'm relieved to hear that, Sheldon," Rose told him. "To be quite honest with you, coming close to death this year has changed my perspective."

Sheldon winced at the word 'death' but Rose was undeterred.

"One day, I will leave this earth and Carly will be left behind. I've raised her since she was knee high and have seen her struggle as no child should ever have to. The fact that she has someone like you reassures me that perhaps she will be okay, with me gone."

Sheldon didn't know what to say. He'd never thought about Carly and his future, as he was still struggling with coming to terms with the present. However, Rose words spoke to him. Carly would be alone in this world once Rose passed. Would he be there with her to help her through such a tragic event? And if so, as her boyfriend or... more?

He reasoned with himself that it was too early to tell. He knew for one hundred percent that he never wanted to let Carly go. In his mind, she would always be his. He'd taken claim of her months ago. Something inside of him had been awakened, stirred, and she was the only one who could elicit such a feat. He needed her. To calm him, to excite him, to want him, to love him...

Yes, he'd want her when the time came. It was just too soon for that.

oO0Oo

Carly had been reluctant to leave Sheldon alone with her Grandmother, but she was quite incapable of going against the woman's wishes.

Tom had helped her in the kitchen, drying and putting away while she washed. At first she didn't say much to him, too worried about her boyfriend more than likely having to deal with an interrogation on his own, but Tom broke the long awaited silence.

"I don't think Sheldon likes me very much," he mused idly as she handed him another plate.

She bit her lip guiltily, her yellow gloves to her elbows as she braved the soapy water and continued to wash. "Sheldon's a little hesitant around strangers," she tried to reason with Tom and he nodded in thought.

"Seems possessive, if you ask me," he muttered and she laughed lightly.

"Yes, a bit. It's only because he loves me though," she told him happily, her heart growing at the thought. "But I'm a bit possessive over him too, so it's okay."

Tom watched her smile to herself, taking in the joyful expression. "You must really love him."

Carly's smile faltered and she glanced over at him. "I do. I know it's sudden, we have only known each other a few months but... I really feel like I've known him my whole life. Which is weird because I went twenty five years without even knowing he existed. You know what I mean?"

Tom smiled at her. "I think I understand, yes."

They continued to clean in silence for a few minutes before Tom broke it once more, unable to help himself. "Since your grandmother is getting so much better, there won't be any reason for me to continue to be her nurse. My last day is actually next Friday."

Carly spun her head around, shocked at the news. "Already? Oh, I see," she replied, looking down with a frown.

Tom eyed her look of disappointment and wondered what it meant. "Shouldn't you be happy that your grandmother is doing well enough?"

Carly straightened at the question. "Of course I am. So very much. It's just... I haven't had to worry about her as much, knowing you'd be here to help her if she needed it. What if..." she trailed off, staring at the bubbles with her hands still under the water.

Tom knew what she was referring to, so she didn't need to elaborate. "I understand you feelings. If she does have another stroke, she'll be able to contact an ambulance. Her new lifeline remember?" He had helped her set it up all those weeks ago.

Carly nodded. "Yes, that's true."

Tom sighed, knowing she was still very worried. He placed a delicate hand to her shoulder and she looked up at him hesitantly. "Your grandmother is a strong woman. It'll be okay."

Carly smiled at him, thankful of his reassurance. He was very kind. She didn't feel any feelings for her from him, but she could see how Sheldon could misinterpret it.

"Thank you, Tom. For everything."

He shook his head, giving her a smile. "It was my pleasure. I'm glad I was able to get to know you both."

They left as the sun was setting and Sheldon hesitantly allowed Rose to hug him. She smelled of jasmine, a similar scent to his mother. She had taken him aside as Carly took a bag of leftovers in containers.

"Take care of my girl, Sheldon. She is strong, but she has a fragile heart," Rose had told him and he had been unable to say anything different.

"I promised Bea at the animal shelter that I wouldn't hurt her. I broke that promise for selfish reasons, but I know now that I was just running away from what I felt. What I feel for her, and I'm done running. So, please know that when I promise you that I will take care of her, I mean it."

Rose dabbed at her eyes and had given him an emotional smile. "I'm so glad to hear that, Sheldon. If there's anything you need, anything at all, please... call me."

She had slipped him her house phone number and he pocketed the piece of paper in his blazer, telling her that he would.

In the car, Carly and Sheldon drove home in silence, thinking over everything that had been spoken about that day. Carly chanced a glance over at her boyfriend, taking in his thoughtful demeanor.

Rose had told her before she left that she was smitten with Sheldon. He was everything she'd wanted for her granddaughter. It made Carly ten times lighter. She had been so anxious for them to meet and she had been surprised to see how well Sheldon had behaved. Even with Tom there.

He needn't worry though. Tom wouldn't even be around anymore after the next week.

"Was everything all right?" She inquired, glancing at Sheldon again as she drove.

Sheldon blinked and looked up before taking in her questioning face. "Oh, uh, yes. Yes, of course," he stammered. He obviously had been thinking rather deeply before she had spoken. "You're Mee-Maw is a lovely woman."

Carly smiled softly as she glanced over the sunset through the windows. "I'm glad you liked her. She wasn't too feisty today. I think she's tired. I told her that I would help cook, but she's so stubborn."

Sheldon smiled at the thought. "Stubborn isn't a terrible trait to have."

Carly laughed lightly. "No, I suppose it isn't. You should know."

Sheldon gave her a look as she teased him, the thoughtful tension dissipating in the car at her laughter. "I'm not that stubborn."

Carly giggled then, the sound making her younger. It rang through him jovially. "You even said that stubbornly."

Sheldon rolled his eyes at her joke as she just grinned back at him.

A sudden thought plagued her and the look of mirth fell into worry. "Um, I'm sorry again about Tom. I hope you weren't too uncomfortable."

Sheldon shifted, uneasy with the subject of Tom. "As I said before, it wasn't your doing," he told her simply, squashing down his overly jealous feelings, but not without one dig. "I don't know how it is in his home country, but giving flirtatious smiles to someone else's woman is frowned upon here. He should count himself lucky- I'm from Texas and when someones sniffing around your woman, they are met with the end of a shotgun."

Carly almost coughed while stifling a look of surprise by her boyfriends words. He sounded light and airy, but there was conviction that told her that if anyone were to mess with her he'd do something about it.

Goodness, 'your woman'. She was his woman. She loved hearing that.

"Well, either way," she tried to level her voice. "I honestly don't think you have anything to worry about. He's just friendly."

"Too friendly," he corrected her grimly, and she bit her lip.

Carly decided they needed to change the subject. "So, speaking of Texas... Your mom really wants us to go down there for Christmas. Have you given it any thought?" She chanced a glance over at him, watching his face fall into a look of resentment.

"Why on earth would I go down there for Christmas? Just because I have a girlfriend now, they think I'll just go down there willy nilly - on the most Christian holiday too," he told her snidely, giving her a haughty look of derision. "You do realize we will be forced to attend church with my mother while we're there."

Carly took a deep breath, realizing he'd always be difficult about such things. "I know but, hey- you'll get next years church agreement out of the way," she tried, wondering why she was wanting to go so bad. She didn't want to disappoint his mother, especially since she hadn't gotten to see much of her while she was there.

She also felt like Sheldon may enjoy himself if he got to spend more time with his mother. He'd been so upset that he hadn't been able to before.

"You make a good point," Sheldon suddenly said, giving it a thoughtful chance. Carly held her breath. Was she breaking him down?

He shook his head then. "I still don't want to go."

Carly let out the breath in a puff of air, feeling his eyes snap over to her at the noise. "All right. I'll let her know we won't be coming. I hope she won't be too upset with me."

Sheldon was silent for a long moment and she glanced over at him, wondering what was wrong. He caught her eyes. "She seems to be fond of you. I doubt she'd be upset with you. Me on the other hand..."

Carly bit her lip and watched as the Pasadena city lights came into view. "I think she's just excited for you and would like to get to know me better."

Sheldon looked out the window. He hated the idea of his whole family gathering and celebrating one of the most ridiculous holidays of the year, fawning all over him and Carly- his mother telling him how much of a miracle it was that he'd found someone. She'd said something similar when she'd took care of him after being caught in the rain. Just another reminder of how different he was and how they looked at him like an oddity.

However, his Mee-Maw would be there and she'd probably make him sugar cookies. That, and she would meet Carly. Perhaps it wasn't too terrible an idea.

Staying with his mother though was out of the question. Perhaps they could get a hotel.

"All right," he said softly and turned to her, watching her glance at him in interest. "I've given it some thought, and although I loathe the holiday and the act of gift giving- I suppose I wouldn't object to bringing you to meet the rest of my family. My Mee-Maw in specific. Missy would love you too."

Carly's heart jumped at his words, realizing he was conceding. "Really? You don't mind us going?"

Sheldon shrugged one shoulder. "Well, I mind but I think it'll be more bearable if we get a hotel so that way we can leave if we want. In no way am I going to stay at my mother's with Missy and Georgie both there. It'd be too much."

Carly nodded in understanding. "That's fair... Should I tell your mother then?"

Sheldon swallowed thickly. "No, I'll let her know. She'll be beside herself with excitement," he said with a roll of his eyes.

Carly smiled. "Great. I'll have to start shopping!"

Sheldon gave her an odd look. "Shopping?"

Carly laughed. "Well yeah. I was already planning on buying gifts for my Grandma and our friends, but I'll also pick up a few things for your family too. I don't want to go there empty handed, since they're inviting me and all."

Sheldon looked absolutely disgusted by the idea. "All I've ever sent to them is a crummy card. I doubt they'll be expecting you to get them anything."

Carly bit her lip. He really did hate Christmas. "Um, well, I know they won't expect it... but I just thought it'd be a nice gesture."

"But what if they don't get you anything in return?"

Carly smiled softly. "I'm not expecting anything in return. I don't mind."

Sheldon frowned deeply, not understanding her way of thinking. "You're a rare specimen, Carly Bennett."

She laughed and shook her head. "I don't think it's as rare as you believe it is. I'm just being nice."

Sheldon wasn't convinced but didn't elaborate. When they finally pulled up to the apartment building, Sheldon was wondering something that began to bother him.

"Carly?" He asked uncertainly, as she came to a stop and turned the car off.

"Yes?" She met his eyes and he gulped, anxious all of a sudden. "What is it, Sheldon?"

He dropped his eyes in thought and licked his lips nervously. When he spoke next, his voice was timid and quiet. "Are you buying me something as well?"

Carly watched his worried expression, obviously distressing over the notion. She bit her lip, wondering what she should tell him. "Um, well, I was thinking about it. You're my boyfriend and I'd like to express my love for you with a thoughtful gift but..." A muscle in his jaw jumped. "... I won't if it would make you uncomfortable."

Sheldon didn't move as he thought over her words and just what to do with them. Carly drew her eyebrows together and reached over, placing her hand on his arm.

He jumped slightly, not expecting the touch and glanced over at her. "I... I'd rather not get anything from you. It's just, you've given me so much already Carly. I don't think I could ever repay you."

Carly didn't like the sad look on his face. "You don't need to repay me, Sheldon. You've given me a lot as well. You don't realize just how much my life has changed. I was miserable and dependent on my Grandmother. I didn't think I'd ever find happiness and now... it feels like I've been reborn. Like you woke me up from a long, drawn out bad dream. You've given me hope again."

Sheldon gulped and looked up at her, finding her eyes tearing up in the darkened car. "I feel the same about you."

Carly smiled sweetly at him and his heart swelled with love for her. He placed a hand over hers on his arm. "I love you, Carly."

The way her eyes lit up at his words had him swooning over her like a love sap. God, he'd changed so much. But he welcomed it this time. He was a believer in Evolution, everything always changing over time. He supposed he was the same, always changing.

If he thought about to when he was younger, he'd been the same but also not.

This would be no different. He was a man, but a better man. His love for this woman hadn't ruined him like he had thought before. In fact, it had improved him. Enhanced him. Allowing himself to feel the things he did and not fighting them, or running from them, had in turn helped him.

No longer was he worried about losing Science. No, he wouldn't ever lose it. The paper with Leonard had encouraged him and had made him realize that even with being in love, and succumbing to his baser urges, nothing could replace what his purpose was.

Sheldon Cooper would always belong to the scientific community. No hotsy totsy from Burbank could change that. Instead, she was there with him. Beside him. At his side as he would continue to make accomplishments.

And one day when he won the Nobel Prize, she'd be there with that sweet adoring smile she always held for him. Loving him. Supporting him.

He'd have it no other way.

"I love you too, Sheldon," she told him, her voice carrying everything she felt for him. Her eyes held him in the highest esteem.

Yes, he wanted her forever.

Double postings from now on! I need to get this completed before April when my daughter has medical treatment I won't be able to post for awhile. See you Friday!