Chapter 58: D.C. Bound

So sorry it has been so long without an update. Work got crazier and our new manager fired all but four of us and we were all relocated to other departments and had crash courses in learning to manage both the departments and the new employees. It's been hell, but I kept on writing a little bit at a time. Here is the next installment of this story. I hope you enjoy it.

As the Binary jet raced down the runway, picking up speed at an amazing rate, Niki Cooper closed her eyes and felt a hand stealing into each of hers. One large and one small. She gave a small smile to herself as the thought coursed through her mind that she was needed by her small family, on take-offs and landings if nothing else. Neither Lori nor Sheldon said a word to her as their hands grasped hers ever tighter as the plane left the runway and headed into the sky.

Niki looked across the aisle at the Hofstadters. Leonard and Penny were having a good laugh over something they had come across in the magazine they bought before boarding, while Blake kept himself busy with a coloring book. She gave a long sigh, she knew that neither Sheldon nor Lori would ever be relaxed enough during a takeoff to either share a magazine with her or laugh at its contents. Still, it could have been worse. From what she had been told about her husband's earlier days, they would have been stuck in a train for several days getting to Washington, D.C. At least now Sheldon flew, albeit reluctantly.

Suddenly, Niki's eyes went wide and her face began to beam. She took her husband's hand, which was clinging tightly to hers, and placed it on her abdomen, smiling broadly as she did so. "Sheldon," she whispered in awe, "our little prince or princess just began to kick."

Her husband, forgetting his usual fear at takeoff, ran his hand over her belly and gently cooed, "Well hello, little Cooper. You don't know me yet, but I'm your father and I can't wait to meet you."

Lori looked across her mother at her father and wailed, "But what about me?"

Both of her parents looked at her with love in their eyes as Sheldon responded with, "It's because you have been so wonderful and have brought such love into our lives that we are excited to meet your new brother or sister. You, Princess, have shown me and your mother just how wonderful it is to have children. You, Lori, are our first child, and no one can ever change that. You will always be very special to us. You will always be the oldest and first and that is very, very, special."

As Niki looked on with tears in her eyes at her husband's words, Lori beamed over at him and asked, "Weally, DaDa?"

"But of course. Who else is going to show the new baby our house, and teach them all the things you know? No one but you can do it, Princess."

"I know, DaDa, and I'll be a gweat big sisser. Won't I, Mommy?"

"Of course, Lori. No one will ever be able to do that better." Niki looked over at her precious daughter and couldn't resist asking her, "Tell me, sweetheart, do you want a brother or a sister?"

"A bwother. I wanna be DaDa's only Pwincess."

As both her parents erupted in laughter, Leonard and Penny looked over at the Coopers curiously. They both had never seen either Sheldon or Lori laugh on a plane ride until cruising altitude had been reached. This was a first and they both wondered what had brought the bought of mirth about.

As Penny was about to question her friends about the laughter, Niki felt a gentle tap on her shoulder from behind and the voice of Mary Cooper asking, "Girl, what were ya'll talkin' about to make Shelly laugh while the plane was takin' off?"

"Oh, it was something Lori said. It was really funny. She informed us she wants no competition for being Sheldon's Princess. She made darn sure we both knew she wanted a brother, not a sister."

"Well if that don't beat all. She's a smart little thing, isn't she?"

Niki couldn't help but grin widely and answer, "Oh yes. And she has Sheldon wrapped completely around her little finger. And me, also, if I must be honest."

"Count me in that company, too. She's sure captured her grandma's heart, that's for sure. And Alfred feesl just the same way about that little man sitting over there. He's quite the boy. I can't wait until he joins us tomorrow in D.C."

Niki looked over at Blake Hofstadter and smiled, "Yes, he is at that. Leonard and Penny got very lucky with Blake. He's such and angel, and cute as a button, too!"

"Are you two talking about my son?" Penny asked good naturedly. "Because if you are, I hope it's all good."

Mary was quick to respond, "Don't you be worryin' about that, Penny. There ain't nothing bad to say about Blake. He's got your looks and his father's brains."

A voice from in back of the Hofstadters called out, "You know full well that Leonard received his intelligence from his father and me. And, of course, he passed it down to his own son."

Sheldon's mother couldn't resist a jab, for old time's sake if nothing else, "I still haven't figured out where Leonard got his good looks. It sure wasn't from you, Bev. It musta been Alfred."

Niki gave her mother-in-law a sharp reprimand, "Mary! That will be enough."

Mary sought to placate Niki by patting her on the shoulder and explaining, "I was just joshin' with Bev. I really didn't mean it. "

Beverly Hofstadter couldn't resist a return barb, "I'm sure Mary says many things she doesn't mean. That's what religion is all about."

Mary was about to fire back when Niki interrupted her, "Look out the window, everyone! We've reached cruising altitude. That means we can get up and walk around the plane as we wish. Mary, why don't you and Beverly go into the kitchen and share a drink or two. That always seems to mellow the both of you out."

Mary's feature's immediately softened as she replied to her daughter-in-law, "Now that's a real good idea, Niki. Come on, Bev. Maybe there's some cold beer in the refrigerator."

Beverly rose to join her, adding, "Or some chilled reisling. Come, let's check it out the offerings in the kitchen. Your daughter-in-law had an excellent idea."

When they had left the area, Penny gave a sigh and addressed no one in particular, "Whew! Another crisis diverted."

Sheldon responded to her with a resigned note in his voice, "At least until we tell them we will all be staying at the Watergate Hotel. I'm quite sure we will get differing opinions on that from both our mothers, Leonard."

Leonard shot back sarcastically, "Gee, I can't wait to see their reactions to that little piece of news!"

Niki got up from her seat to stretch her legs and answered her husband in what she hoped was a humorous tone, "Let's just keep that 'little piece of news' to ourselves for a bit, shall we? I've just about used of all of my 'peace making ju ju' for a little while."

Hours later, after the plane had landed, the party collected their luggage and met the car that was hired to take them to the hotel.

Mary's eyes narrowed when she saw the vehicle sent to pick them up, "Shelly, they sent us a limo? What did any of us besides you and Lenny do to deserve that?"

"Mother, this is most likely standard operating procedure for this event. Also, counting the children, there are eight of us in this party. Niki and me, Leonard and Penny, you and Beverly, and Lori and Blake. That is eight people, am I not correct? I doubt they could send a sedan that would hold all of us and our baggage, unless they sent a SUV, and, somehow, that does not seem fitting for the occasion."

Mary, do not question her son's logic and Beverly added, "If they sent a limo, let us just enjoy the ride to the hotel. Leonard, where are we staying, by the way?"

Leonard, Sheldon, and their wives all exchanged and uncomfortable look and it was Leonard who replied, "Actually, Mom, they are putting us all up in the Watergate Hotel."

Beverly's voice was calm and to-the-point, "I see. I find that most amusing."

Mary's reaction was the complete opposite, "What in the world do you find so amusing about that? That hotel was the scene of a presidential scandal!"

Beverly continued on in the same tone as before, "What is amusing to me, Mary, is that a hotel that was the scene of such a nefarious undertaking is now hosting an event that is honoring our sons' scientific accomplishments. The hotel has gone from a sight of shame to one of pride, at least for Leonard and Sheldon."

Lori and Blake tugged at their mothers' sleeves and Blake asked, "Can't they stop fighting so we can get inna car?"

"Yeah," Lori added, "I wanna eat. I'm hungwy. Big people can fight later."

"From the mouth's of babes, Bev. I think they're right. You and me can continue this discussion later. Right now, let's get in the limo and get these little ones situated in their rooms."

Niki's face broke out into a wide smile as she surveyed the scene taking place in front of her, "They grow up so fast!"

Sheldon pulled his wife closer and added, "Yes, before we know it, they'll both be starting school."

His wife corrected him with a smirk on her face, "Oh, I wasn't talking about the kids."

At that, Penny gave a loud whoop of laughter and began to help her son into the limo, "C'mon you guys. Let's get going. I can't wait to see what our hotel rooms look like. Plus, I'm with Lori. A bite to eat from room service sounds real good to me right now. That plane had nothing but beer, wine, cheese, and crackers on it. Not much there for two pregnant ladies to eat. Crackers don't go far on an empty stomach of a lady with child."

Leonard added, "Nor a grown man's. Sheldon, as soon as we unpack, let's order some real food from the hotel."

Sheldon looked puzzled for a moment, "But cheese and crackers are real food…Oh, I get it. Yes, I suppose that would be the right move to make." He turned to his daughter and informed her, "Princess, DaDa and Uncle Leonard are going to get us all some food while Mommy and Aunt Penny make our rooms comfortable for us all. Does that sound good to you?

Lori called over her shoulder to her father as she scrambled to join the Hofstadter's son in the Limo, "Weal good. Now, I want to sit next to Bwake."

Niki chuckled and turned to Penny, "I think your son has replaced Sheldon as her favorite seat partner."

"Preposturous! No one will ever supercede me in my daugher's affections."

Niki gave an eye roll and responded sarcastically, "Of course not, Honey. She will never go to school and meet boys, fall in love, get married, and have her own children."

"Sarcasm?" he asked hesitantly.

Penny raced past him calling out, "You betcha. Now, let's get this show on the road. Last one in the limo is a rotten egg!"

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Later that evening, Sheldon and Niki were busy laying out their outfits for the next day's ceremony. Niki gave Sheldon a lascivious grin as she saw him remove from his clothing bag, the same suit of black tails and braided pants he had worn when they had accepted their Nobel Prizes.

Niki nodded at her husband's choice of suit approvingly, "I'm glad you're wearing that one, Sheldon. As I recall, you looked mighty good in it in Sweden, almost good enough to eat."

Sheldon took his wife into his arms and began to nuzzle her neck, "And I'm glad we've gotten the children a room of their own, between ours and the Hofstadters. That will afford us some degree of privacy, which may come in handy in a few minutes."

"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Niki answered him breathlessly.

"Well, the children are asleep, we are alone, and you know I find you extremely alluring when you are pregnant."

Niki began to trace sensuous circles on her husband's chest, "How you do go on! What did you have in mind sir?"

Sheldon grabbed her hand and gently tugged at it as he headed toward the bathroom, "Follow me into the shower and I will show you exactly what I have in mind."

Niki gave his behind a flirty spank, "Cooper, you are so bad!"

"And you are not?"

Niki laughed out loud and then proceeded to tell him as she linked her arm with his, "I didn't say that. Come on, let's get into that shower before the kids wake up or Penny comes barging through the door."

Sheldon stopped in his tracks and mused, "Do you remember our first time. How it all started in the shower?"

Niki's hands began to explore his body intimately, "Do I ever! Want to recreate a little history?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

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Twenty-four hours later found the Cooper family sitting with Leonard, Penny, and Blake, Mary and Alfred Hofstadter, and Beverly Simmons. Since Sheldon and Niki's marriage, Leonard's mother had done two things inconsistent with her usual behavior; she had gotten married to Roger Simmons in a heat of passion and she had taken his last name as her own. As Roger was on a lecture tour of Europe that spring, he was regretfully absent from the evening's ceremony, but Beverly had purposefully made room on her busy schedule to attend this award ceremony. What Leonard had always hoped for had come to pass, his mother was immensely proud of him.

Niki looked over at the assembled group of friends and relatives as her mind began to wander. She realized that slightly more than three years ago, she had known not one of these people and now they were all near and dear to her heart. Her best friends Penny and Leonard Hofstadter, who were also the best friends of Sheldon, were sitting close to them, as they always were on any social occasion.

Sheldon's mother, Mary was also there with her husband who was Leonard's father. It was all so very convoluted from an outside viewpoint, but the pairings made complete sense to everyone in their group. Alfred was content and happy with Mary, as was Bevery with Roger. Niki gave a small shrug and decided to accept their little group as they were and not delve much deeper into the myriad couples it contained.

As the speaker for the evening bored everyone to tears with his rambling pre-award speech, Niki turned her attention to the assembled dignitaries and scientists who made up the majority of the audience. She knew that most of them viewed her husband as a condescending, aloof, but brilliant physicist who, while fully deserving of this award, was not high on their list of favorite people. Their feelings for Sheldon were very unlike those they held for the co-winner of the award, Leonard, who was loved and admired by most in the scientific community.

A amall grin turned up the corners of her mouth as she ruminated about the Sheldon Cooper she knew and that so many of the people in the audience did not. They had never witnessed the Dr. Sheldon Cooper who had insisted on bringing all of his friends with them before they started their new endeaver in Altadena. There was a loyalty in Sheldon that was seldom seen by anyone but his closest friends and family, but it was a loyalty that was immensely strong and never wavered. The aloof, condescending Sheldon Cooper did indeed exist, but he existed alongside the doting DaDa who found some his fondest moments coloring fanciful pictures with his young daughter while both were splayed out on the living room floor, or perching Lori on his shoulders to give her exciting 'horsey rides' Cooper style. The biting sarcasm and dry wit of Dr. Cooper was often juxtaposed with the endearing mannerisms of her beloved Schatze, who left her love notes on her pillow and religiously insisted on a weekly date night away from their daughter so they were able to, as he so succinctly put it, 'keep the romance alive'. Niki also knew the cool reserve of the renowned physicist was in direct contrast with the fun loving friend who found great joy playing paint ball and rollerblading with his wife and friends. The almost narcistic public qualities of Dr. Sheldon Cooper were nowhere to be seen when he saw it fit to lavish no small amount of genuine affection and love on his closest friends and family, though they, and only they, were allowed to see it.

Niki's smile grew as she patted her now rounded abdomen and thought how lucky and blessed she was to be carrying yet another life created in one of the many loving moments between herself and the multi-dimensional Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper. Niki reached out for her husband's hand and gave it a loving squeeze. Shedlon looked over at his wife and saw the love and contentment etched upon her face and felt relieved. Niki always had his back, as he tried to have hers. She was far more skilled at it, but he was learning the art of reciprocal love by observing his wife, so he gave her hand a return squeeze and placed his hand lovingly on top of the other one resting on her advancing pregnancy. The longer he was married to Niki, the more he understood about the necessity to both give and receive affection among friends, family, and loved ones. He had learned most of these lessons slowly, and they had started developing back in his days with Amy, but each year of his life, he had found himself better able to both give and receive love. To Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper, these lessons were just as important to him, maybe even moreso, than any scientific breakthrough he had made or award he had been given.

Suddenly, the speaker's voice cut into both of their thoughts as he emerged from his droning preamble to announce, "So, it is with great respect and honor that I announce the winners of this year's J. Prize for Theoretical Partical Physics, Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper and Dr. Leonard Leakey Hofstadter. Gentlemen, congratulations on this recognition of your groundbreaking work on superfluid vacuum theory. It is more than well deserved. Would you two gentlemen please come up to the podium and receive your prize?"

As their husbands made their way up to the stage, their wives had two completely different reactions. Penny had to fight her hardest not to give a loud whoop and a fist pump, while Niki fought back tears of pride. They both had a real fear of giving people viewing social media something to focus on and gossip about. As it was, they both retained their composure and merely clapped enthusiastically. When the pair reached the podium, Sheldon did something so uncharacteristic of him that it caused everyone who knew him, and some who didn't, a moment of pause. He gave the merest hint of a smile and handed the mic to his best friend, Leonard Hofstadter, who gazed up at his friend quizzically before finally taking the mic and beginning his acceptance speech.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," he began, "I don't know what I am most amazed about. It could be that I have won this prestigious award with my best friend and collaborator, Dr. Cooper. Or, it could be that Sheldon has surrendered the floor to me. Either one is an event almost entirely beyond my comprehension." As the audience erupted in gleeful laughter, Leonard continued, "Dr. Cooper, my colleague, is beyond one of the world's most distinguished and accomplished physicists, he is also my best friend and godfather to my son. I have a few very good friends in my life and believe it or not, Sheldon is the one closest to my heart. He has always been there for me, in his own unique way, and I feel extremely privileged to share this prize with him. Now, if he won't be too upset, I give you Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper." With those words, Leonard handed the mic to Sheldon with a broad grin on his face.

For his part, Sheldon began to speak almost reluctantly at first, and then with more confidence and happiness as his speech continued. "Thank you for your more than kind introduction, Dr. Hofstadter. Let me begin by saying the idea for our superfluid vacuum theory was originally thought of by Leonard. I just worked out some of the proofs to ensure his idea was viable. When I had done that, Dr. Hofstadter insisted I include my name alongside his on the submitted paperwork. So, to make a long story short, in a nutshell, the concept of the superfluid vacuum was mainly Dr. Hofstadter's. I am here mainly out of the kindness of his heart and the strength of our long-standing friendship. Therefore, it is with all humility, that I return the floor to the true architect of this theory, Dr. Leonard Hofstadter."

As Leonard once again approached the podium, he took a long look at Sheldon and then turned his gaze to the audience seated at circular tables around the room. He then began to speak, "Sheldon is right, as far as he knows. The main idea for this theory came when I was attempting to explain my work to my wife. In the course of that explanation, the superfluid vacuum idea came to me in some sort of flash of inspiration. I knew what had happened, of course. Too many times I have witnessed Dr. Cooper stop in the middle of a conversation and run over to the nearest white board or pull a notepad out of nowhere and began to jot down the basis for one of his brilliant theories. In all honesty, this was the first time this had really happened to me, so I grabbed a piece of paper, jotted down my idea, and hurried to find Sheldon. I didn't trust my mathematical acumen enough to do the proofs on my own, so he aided me in that. But enough about me and Sheldon. The birth of this idea came from talking to my beautiful wife, Penny, who supports me in everything I do, whether she understands it or not. As I recall, it was Sheldon's wife, Niki, who was largely responsible for coming up with the gravitational nullification theory, which won her, Sheldon, and Dr. Rajesh Koothrapalli, their Nobel prize. What I'm saying in essence is that, both Dr. Cooper and me owe much of our success to our better halves. Without the support and influence of these two fine ladies, I truly believe neither Sheldon nor I would have been here tonight, addressing all of you and being awarded this prize." He beckoned Sheldon to join him as they accepted their awards and the prize money and they both turned to their wives and motioned for them to join them onstage. As the cameras flashed in their eyes, both men drew their wives close to them and beamed in pride.

Sheldon looked out over the crowd, then back at Leonard and made his usual pragmatic comment, "Can we now return to our meals? I was quite enjoying my steak and I fear it is growing colder every second we are up here."

As the crowd exploded in unexpected laughter, the two intrepid scientists and their wives returned to their seats amongst their families and children. As he prepared to make short work of his meal, Sheldon turned to his wife and told her, "Niki, you have stood by me through so many things. Whether it was my unconventional courting, my many exasperating idiosyncrasies, or my selfish behavior when I first got to Germany, you never abandoned me, or us. Whenever I deserved for you to leave me,I turned around and there you were, patient, understanding, and loyal. I don't know what I would have done without you these last few years."

Niki cocked her head quizzically and answered, "You would have still been exploring the physics of our universe and searching for the theory that answers all the questions about how it came to be and how it works. That has always been your passion, from way before you ever met me. I just came along and helped you in that quest. It's what love is all about. Now, finish your steak."

Across the table, Leonard was addressing his wife in much the same manner. "Penny, I don't know what the hell you see in me, but I'm awfully grateful you do. If it hadn't been for you, I would have never thought of this theory and shared it with Sheldon. So, thank you. From the bottom of my heart."

Penny placed one of her hands on his arm and told him, "Leonard, you alone, out of all the men I ever dated, cared enough to look below the surface and love the person that I am. Whether I've been drunk, delusional, selfish, kinda mean to you, no matter what, you always stood by me. That's true love and I will never forget it. Now, as Niki told Sheldon, finish your steak."

Later, both couples were dancing at the after-dinner party held in honor of the recipients. Sheldon left Niki's side briefly to speak with Leonard in a hushed tone. A broad grin began to spread across his face as he listened to his friend's idea. Leonard eagerly nodded and Sheldon stealthily approached the dj and handed him a hastily scribbled note. The man read it, smiled back at the tall man staring up at him and whispered, "No problem, sir."

Both of the wives looked at their men with furrowed brows after this exchange. Penny asked her husband, "What was that all about? I always get nervous when you look excited about one of the Whackadoodle's ideas."

Niki chimed in with, "Yeah, Cooper. What gives?"

Sheldon gave a small grin and took his wife into hold in preparation for more dancing, "I do believe you will both know in just a few moments. Trust me, it's harmless."

Penny looked over at her husband's best friend and gave him a worried look, "That's what you always say. Let's just hope that this time it's true."

As Leonard was about to answer his wife with reassuring words, the dj approached the mic and made an announcement, "This next number goes out to Penny Hofstadter and Niki Cooper, from both your husbands. They sound like two wonderful gentlemen and I hope you both enjoy their dedication of this song to the both of you."

Both Niki and Penny listened closely as the sounds of Just As I Am by Air Supply filled the room. Penny was the first to speak, "Not my usual cup of tea, but I love the sentiment. Thank you, Sweetie. How can I really show you how much I love you?"

Leonard smiled at his wife and pulled her closer, "Just dance with me, that's all."

"Hey, Sweetie, that I'll do for the rest of my life."

Meanwhile, Niki was pretty much speechless. She just hid her head in Sheldon's neck as tears filled her eyes.

Sheldon seemed perplexed at her tears, "What's the matter, Niki?

His wife shook her head and began to dance closely with him, "Nothing, Schatze, nothing at all."

Hours later, Sheldon kissed the top of Niki's head and asked her, "Did you appreciate the song? I meant every word of it."

Niki cuddled closer to her husband and whispered into his neck, "Oh Cooper, it was perfect. Just like you."

He quickly corrected her, "I am far from perfect, but I will spend the rest of my life attempting to live up to that praise." With that, they wrapped their arms around each other and quickly settled into a calm, contented, sleep.

We are now very near the end of this little story. There is only one chapter left. What do you think will happen next?