They arrived at Luke's grandparents' house 10 minutes past 12pm. Penelope payed the driver while Luke had gotten out and was unloading the luggage. Then they walked up to the door and rang the bell.
"Hey kids" Ricardo said
They followed Ricardo inside, placing the luggage near the door in the living room. Flor then walked in.
"Hello mijo, Penelope. How are you two?"
"Fabulous"
"Great abuela"
They all sat down in the living room. Penelope and Luke on the loveseat, Flor and Ricardo on the sofa.
"How was the comic convention?" asked Ricardo
"It was one of the best ones I've been to. We bought some books, t-shirts and a few other things."
"For me it wasn't what I expected at all" Luke said
"Is that a good or bad thing?" asked Ricardo
"It's a very good thing. I came out of there with something that is priceless and I never want to lose." Luke said
"I know what you mean my love" Penelope said
"What would that be mijo?" Flor asked
Penelope smiled at Luke and squeezed his hand. He smiled back at her.
"My Penelope Alvez"
"What?!" Flor said while Ricardo was speechless
"Abuela, Penelope is my wife now."
"It's true, we are Mr. & Mrs. Alvez" Penelope said
"Oh, my goodness that is amazing! Congratulations mis ninos" Flor said as she got up and hugged them.
"Way to go Luke!"
"Thanks pops."
Then Flor sat back down next to Ricardo.
"Welcome to the family Penelope" Ricardo said
"Thank you."
"I'm over the moon but how did it all happen?" Flor asked
"Well yesterday at Comicon while we walked around we were approached by an event coordinator. She asked us if we would like to take part in something called married within the comics. In which characters would be married creating power couples."
"Did you two dress up?"
"Yes, we did Ricardo. We went as Batman and Wonder Woman. We decided to do married within the comics because it sounded fun." Penelope said
"We ended up on a stage in the middle of the event hall. We each said vows- ones that could be personal or associated with our characters. They ended up being personal with some character references. After all was done we got free pictures taken of us."
"Oh, can I see them mijo" Flor said
"Of course, chica you have them."
"Yes" Penelope said as she looked thru her bag and pulled out the envelope. Then handed Flor the photo.
"Wow look at this Ricardo"
"That's a great wedding photo. I bet no one has one like it."
"Maybe" Penelope said
"Can we have a copy?" Flor asked
"Of course, once we get back I'll make a copy and send it to you" Penelope said
"After the pictures were done we walked around the convention some more. We called it a day, went back to the hotel and as Pen went thru the stuff we got she saw the certificate and we realized we had been legally married" Luke said
"That must have been unexpected. What did you two decide to do?" Ricardo asked
"I was shocked, Luke kept calm which helped me. Then we talked and decided to stay married. It was something we both wanted seeing as we both thought long term. By the way newbie I was thinking about our living arrangements. I have the rest of this month and the next one on my apartment."
"I want us cohabitating as soon as possible."
"I do too, I'm just not sure what to do with mine."
"I think I have someone that could use a temporary place to stay" Flor said
"Who?" Luke asked
"Your cousin Nick. Lucia just told me he's no longer doing undercover work. He is now doing regular work at the NCIS office in D.C."
"Is this the cousin that threw the baseball that hit you in the face?"
"Yes, he may be able to take over for you chica even if it's just for next month."
"Okay well why don't you text him, see if he answers. That way I can let the landlord know and I can get moved into your place."
Within 45 minutes all was set and done. Luke's cousin Nick would stay at Penelope's apartment so she could give notice and start moving in with Luke. He congratulated Luke never thinking he would get married.
"This is so exiting mi amor" Penelope said
"When we get back will you stay at my place or at yours?"
"At yours, I don't want to be away from you if it's not necessary. I'll just have to wash some clothes."
"You could use some of mine" Then Luke leaned into her and whispered in her ear
"or none at all"
Penelope smiled shyly and there was a tinge of pink on her cheeks. Ricardo and flor looked at them happily.
"Well let's go have lunch" Flor said
Everyone got up and started to walk to the kitchen.
"Mijo could you help me with something"
"Yes abuela"
"Ricardo go ahead and start platting the food we'll be there shortly."
"I'll help him!" Penelope shouted as Luke followed Flor upstairs
Once in the bedroom Luke watches his grandmother go towards her dresser.
"Do you have a ring for Penelope?"
"I wish I did"
"I've been saving this for you hoping you would use it one day." Flor opened the small black velvet box. In it sat a vintage floral ring with a natural morganite stone (pink blush color) accentuated with small diamonds set in a rose gold band.
"Is that your engagement ring?"
"No, it was your mothers. I found it when we cleaned out your dad's when he passed."
"Oh, abuela I remember her wearing it, she loved it. She told me the story of how dad proposed during a walk in Central Park. How dad told her that this was a way to have a flower forever and that it signified his love for her."
"I remember your dad planned that proposal for a month. Even asked us to help making sure he wasn't late. Now you have a ring you can give Penelope." Flor handed Luke the box.
"This is perfect, I have no doubt she'll love it and its history. Thank you abuela."
"I'm happy to be able to give it to you. We better go have lunch."
They both started to go downstairs. Luke slipped the box into his pocket and followed Flor. Once on the main level they walked into the kitchen.
"About time" Ricardo said
"Sorry" Flor said then whispered into Ricardo's ear "le di el anillo"
At that Ricardo smiles, he was glad that Luke now had his mother's engagement ring and hoped he would use it.
"Okay let's eat, Flor all this looks great! Oh, Luke I got a notification from the airline our flight has been delayed until 7pm. So, we'll have to be at the airport no later than 5."
"Okay, why the delay?"
"They didn't specify, at least we get a little more time to spend with you two" Penelope said
It was already 1:15pm
"That's nice. Let's dig in" Flor said
They all ate and enjoyed the conversation. Afterwards they picked up the dished. As Flor and Ricardo were washing Luke took the chance to pull her to the side.
"Penelope come with me outside" Luke said
She nodded and followed him out to the back porch.
"Do you think he'll give her the ring?" Ricardo asked Flor
"I think that's what he's going to do".
Out on the porch…
Luke and Penelope were sitting on a bench under a tree.
"I wonder if we'll own a house like this someday."
"We will chica, one with a yard for Roxy and our kids to play in."
"I can imagine you building a tree house with the kids."
"I can see you teaching them how to cook. I'm going to love building our life together." Luke said
"Me too, mi amor."
Luke reached into his pocket and pulled out the jewelry box.
"This will be a symbol of that promise as well as my eternal love."
As he looked at Penelope he opened the box. She gasped and covered her mouth with her hands then a few seconds later brought them down.
"Oh, my goodness, Luke! It's beautiful."
Luke smiled, removed the ring from the box and said:
"May I?"
Penelope nodded with a broad smile. She couldn't find words. He slipped the ring on to her finger than brought her hand up to his face and kissed it.
"Now you'll have a flower that you can have with you always just like my mom did." Luke said
"How is that?"
"Well this was her engagement ring, my grandmother just gave it to me. Now it's yours I'll just have to get a wedding band to along with it."
"I'll have to get you one too."
"Yes… The only thing is if we wear them the team will know a lot sooner."
"Since we still want to keep it on the down low I can wear the bands on a necklace around my neck until we decide to tell them."
"That will work" Luke said
Just then Ricardo and Flor walked out on to the porch
"Did you give her the ring?" asked Flor
Penelope turned to look at them
"Yes, he did" Penelope answered.
Then Luke and Penelope got up and went to join his grandparents
"Way to go mijo" Ricardo said
"All we need now is wedding bands" Luke said
"Well since it's still early there is a jewelry store a few miles away. I could take you if you would like" Ricardo says
"That would be great pops, thanks. That way we get used to wearing rings"
They left the house 10 minutes later and Ricardo drove them to the store. Pulling up to the store front, the sign read: Kingdom Jewelry
"Okay kids, give me a call when you need me to pick you guys up. I need to help your abuela out. As soon as you call I'll be on my way."
"Thank you Ricardo" Penelope says
Luke and Penelope get off the car and enter the store.
"Welcome to Kingdom Jewelry" a man said
At that point Penelope had let go of Luke's hand and started looking around.
"Yes, sir we're looking for wedding bands".
"Anything in particular?"
"A rose gold one for my wife to match her engagement ring, a bit vintage looking."
"Alright, right this way" The man lead Luke to a case with bands.
Meanwhile Penelope had found the case that held men's wedding bands. She noticed gold, white gold and tungsten bands. Then a tall brown-haired man stood behind the case. His name tag read: Julian.
"Hi doll face, looking to buy me a ring" he smiled
"I'm looking for someone else" Penelope said as she continued to look at the rings.
"Come on, lets get out of here and I can show you a good time"
Penelope was shocked
"Excuse me but back off mister."
"I know I can convince you" He said as he stroked her arm.
Penelope started to feel angry and a bit uncomfortable. Luke had noticed the last few phrases that were exchanged and that the man was touching Penelope. He quickly wen over there.
"Hey! She said to back off." Luke said as he stood next to Penelope
"Well if it isn't Luke Alvez. Long time no see, all star from Brooklyn High School. That title should have been mine."
"That was a long time ago, let it go Julian."
"Hmm… how about it blondie lets go out."
"You still can't get thru you thick head to back off." Luke said as he wrapped his arm around Penelope and pulled her into him.
"Seriously, you're going to pick him?" Julian asked
"Of course, I'll always pick Luke over every guy. He's the love of my life."
"No one is going to take my wife away from me." Luke said
"Now, I want to work with the manager or someone else. You are acting very unprofessional." Penelope said
Then an older gentleman approached them.
"I'm sorry for over hearing, can I be of help?"
"Yes sir, we would like to buy wedding bands. Yet this man has been very unprofessional and we do not want to work with him."
"Very well, my name is Tony" He said then gave Julian a you can leave look.
"Has anything caught your eye?" Tony asked
"I found the one for my wife. It's a rose gold band that has a thin leaf design. Over in that case."
"Great, I know just the one let me go get it" The gentleman goes, pulls the ring and returns.
"How about you madame?"
"Maybe, mi amor what do you think about that one?" Penelope asked as she pointed to a blue tungsten band.
"I'll like the thin blue line in the middle of the black."
The man pulled out the band. Both Penelope and Luke tried them on. They fit perfectly with no need for resizing.
"These will work, we'll be taking them" Luke said to the gentleman.
"Excellent I'll get you all checked out. How will you be paying?"
"Here is my card" Luke said
"I'll be right back".
"I'm so happy" Penelope said
"Me too chica" Luke said as he placed a kiss on her forehead.
Two minutes later the man returned with the credit card slip and a few boxes.
"Please sign here"
As Luke signed the gentleman continued, "I also gave you a 10% discount for Julian's behavior. That's not the way we do things here."
"Thank you, that is very kind of you" Penelope said
"Did you recently get married?" asked the man
"Yes, yesterday in fact" Luke answered with a smile
"Congratulations!"
"Thank you" Luke said. While he was finishing the of the purchase stuff Penelope had called Ricardo to come pick them up.
"Here are the boxes in case you want to carry them".
"Thanks, but I would prefer to wear mine." Penelope said
"I do as well but will take them just in case" Luke said
"Very well, have a great day" the gentleman said
As they walked out of the store Ricardo was pulling up to the curb. They got into the car.
"How was the shopping trip?" Ricardo asked
"We found our bands plus they didn't need to be resized. We could walk out with them. Overall, it was great but we ran into Julian." Luke said
"As in your rival in high school?" Ricardo asked
"Yup and he was hitting on Penelope."
"It was uncomfortable but then Luke got into protective husband mode and came to my aid."
"Of course I did, you're mine forever."
"Ditto newbie."
"Please tell me you didn't throw any punches" Ricardo said
"No, I didn't besides the manager overheard, came over and took care of us. He even gave us a discount for our troubles."
"I'm glad all came out well mijo."
All of them were on the way back to the house.
"Chica, I think we'll have time to go get ice cream"
"Yes, that sounds marvelous. Let's go pick up Flor and go."
"Great, then my grandparents can drop us off at the airport. Is that alright pop?"
"Yes, it's not a problem at all."
Five minutes later the pulled into the driveway. They walked into the house.
"Hello everyone"
"Hi Flor"
"Hi abuela."
"So, did you find rings?" Flor asked
"Yes" Penelope said
Penelope her hand out for Flor. Which now was adorned by Luke's mom's engagement ring and a rose gold band with a leaf design.
"The band matches beautifully" Flor said
"It does, Luke did a great job picking it."
"You did too chica. See abuela." Luke then held his hand out, showing his blue tungsten band.
"Very nice"
"I love this bonding moment but I really want ice cream" Penelope said
Luke laughed a bit.
"Okay, abuela we wanted to pick you up, go get ice cream at the shop and then get dropped off at the airport."
"That sounds great, let's get going that way we have plenty of time".
Flor grabbed her purse and followed Luke, Penelope and Ricardo out to the car. They climbed into the car and started the ride to the ice cream shop. They parked next to a white building with teal trim and lots of windows. The sign outside said Brooklyn Ice cream factory. It was right next to the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking into the place it wasn't very full there was booths and tables. There was also a large long counter with a glass barrier. All the ice cream flavors were labeled and able to be seen. The ice cream could be served in a bowl, cone or waffle style.
"Mmm… all this looks delightful".
"It is chica, it could become addicting." They looked over all their choices
"So, what will it be?" Luke asked Penelope
"I can't decide between strawberry romance and champagne bliss."
"Get a scoop of both, we are on vacation."
"That makes it easy. What are you getting?"
"I'm in the mood for Neapolitan."
All of them ordered their ice cream. Both Luke and Penelope got theirs waffle style which meant it was served in a waffle bowl. They sat at a booth that faced a view of the bridge.
"So, over all how did your vacation go?" asked Flor
"It was the greatest one I've ever had."
"I'm right there with you mi amor" Penelope said
"It was a happy occasion our family grew" Ricardo said
"Hopefully that will continue!" Flor said
Luke and Penelope laughed. There was a slight blush to Penelope's cheeks.
"Once we settle in you should come visit us" Luke said
"We would love that mijo"
"It be nice to start traveling more. Maybe out of the country or a cruise. Ricardo I want to go somewhere warm and tropical."
"I can manage that maybe sometime next year"
"I always wanted to go to the Bahamas or the Caribbean. Stay in one of those bungalows over the water that is a good amount away from the others."
"Pen, I know our work schedule is very unpredictable but we could plan that. I want to do everything I possibly can to fulfill all your needs and wants."
"Aww, Luke."
Since Penelope was sitting next to Luke she leaned over and kissed him on the lips.
"Mmm… you taste like champagne and strawberries."
Penelope smiled.
"They're so adorable Ricardo." Flor said
"We better hurry up that way you don't miss your flight" Ricardo said
Luke looked at his watch "you're right pops"
Ten minutes later they threw away the trash and headed for the airport.
At 5:05pm they pulled up to the pickup/ drop off curb. All of them got off, Luke and Ricardo unloaded the luggage from the trunk.
"Alright mis ninos, it was absolutely wonderful having you guys visit."
"Flor, Ricardo thank you so much for everything. It was a lovely time. Also, for welcoming me into to the family whole heartily."
Flor hugged Penelope and then Luke followed by Ricardo giving the same embrace.
"We'll get together again soon" Luke said
"We look forward to it" Ricardo said
"Well handsome we better get moving. Bye Flor, bye Ricardo" Penelope said as she waived
"Bye" Luke said
"Have a safe flight mis ninos"
They walked into the airport, checked in their luggage, went thru security and headed to the gate. Once there they sat down, boarding would begin in an hour. Penelope had pulled out her phone and started looking thru the pictures they had taken. There was ones with Luke and Penelope, both of them with Ricardo and Flor, ones at Comicon all dressed up in full costume and a selfie of Luke and Penelope all smiles and showing off their wedding rings. Luke looked over to the phone in her hands.
"I really like that one."
"I do too, along with the one of us with your arms around me after the ceremony at Comicon." Penelope said
"We'll have to get them printed and framed for our home."
Penelope turned towards him and said: "Absolutely" then she kissed him on the cheek.
"I'm going to get something to drink would you like one chica?"
"Please"
"What will it be?"
"Surprise me"
"Okay, I'll be back" Luke got up in search of refreshments. Five minutes later he walked over to rejoin Penelope, two cups in his hand containing a pink liquid.
"Here you are" Luke said handing her a cup.
"Thanks. Mmm, strawberry lemonade."
"Thought you would like it."
"Great choice" Penelope said
Forty-five minutes later there was announcement over the loudspeaker for flight 5012 New York City to D.C. to start boarding. Luke and Penelope boarded and shortly after the plane took off. After an hour and a half flight they landed. Collecting their luggage, they went to the main lobby, ordered an Uber and waited. Penelope looked at Luke
"Your apartment right?"
"That's what we agreed on wasn't it?"
"Yes, to yours. That way we can pick up Roxy from the neighbor that's sitting for you."
"Sounds good mi amor".
Five minutes later they got into the Uber ride and headed to Luke's apartment. The trip from the airport to the apartment took twenty-five minutes.
After being dropped off in front of the building they headed to get Roxy. Once accomplished they took the elevator to the third floor. Roxy was leading them to the door. Luke pulled out his keys and opened the door. Roxy bolted in, she missed her home and her owner. Luke allowed Penelope to enter before him as he picked up the luggage. Then followed her in, setting down their bags and shutting the door. The clock on the wall read 9:30pm. Roxy was on her dog bed tail wagging.
"Your girl seems to be happy being home."
"Our girl Penelope. Just like this is our home, our life together starts here."
Luke had been standing near the edge of his sofa and Penelope had been standing near the middle of it. She loved hearing Luke referring to all the things he had now as belonging to both of them. It filled her with desire and need. She quickly went up to him and kissed him hard. He kissed her back and leaned into her deepening the kiss which then lead them into a kissing session. Breaking away to breath. Penelope ran her hands down his chest.
"Mmm… how about we christen our bed" Penelope said seductively
Luke groaned then lifted her up and put her over his shoulder.
"Luke!" She wiggled a bit but knew it was hopeless.
"I want to hear you say my name all night long."
He begun walking to their bedroom.
Luke switched on the light, walked to stand in front of the bed and lowered Penelope. He recaptured her lips and pulled her into his arms. Penelope's hand went back to his chest and begun to unbutton his shirt. She felt his hands undo the zipper of her dress. When they were left only in their underwear Luke turned and dimmed the light. After removing their remaining clothes, they got into bed and begun making love.
After three rounds of love making they were cuddled up together. The bedside clock read 2am.
"Told ya, you would be saying my name."
Penelope lightly laughed as she caressed Luke's arm that was wrapped around her waist. She looked over to the bedside table, their wedding bands were sitting on top of it and smiled. Luke begun kissing Penelope's neck and jaw.
"Want to go another round?"
Penelope turned towards him, "you're amazing Luke"
Then she began kissing him and he took that as a yes to this question.
Sometime after they were cuddling in each other's arms again.
"Te amo"
"Luke, te amo tambien."
"I never tire of hearing you say that. Nor will I tire of telling that I love you."
"Okay, lover boy we have to get some sleep. We have work tomorrow."
"We could always call in"
"That would be nice but we can't"
"Okay, goodnight mi reina"
"Goodnight my dark knight."
They fell asleep holding each other and dreaming about their life and future together.