Hey you guys. So I'm sorry it's been so long since I have updated. Really, something happened that made this story both difficult to right and very personal. My own wonderful, supportive father passed away unexpectedly and it has taken me awhile to get back into things, from school, work and to writing for fun. I miss him so much but I also know that life goes on and he would want me to go on and do the things I love and take joy in doing. So here it is guys! The final chapter of "What Might Have Been." Sorry it's so late but I'm glad to be back.

Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months and before Sheldon knew it, Zoe and Penny were a comfortable, set and, almost, necessary part of his routine. Since their "date", he and Penny had not addressed the conversation about exploring further the chance of revisiting their previous relationship. It was almost like starting over with your best friend, they couldn't exactly start from square one, they had known each other for too long for it to be square one, but Sheldon knew Penny was different now, and, has always, is a surprisingly complex woman. So he spent much of his time getting to know her the best he could, familiarizing himself with what she liked and didn't. He did not want to mess it up again. Things were going well right now. Jake was out of Penny's life, getting nothing of the business or of Zoe.

He often worried that the feeling of restriction was going to resurface, that he would feel that suffocating grasp around his throat as Penny and Zoe further delved their way into his life. But it didn't. If anything he was stressed and worried when he didn't know where they were. Not merely because it disrupted his schedule but also because he worried, it made him nervous with Jake, unstable and jealous as he was, still being out there. He knew this was silly. Penny was perfectly able to take care of herself. All the same it unnerved him.

Even now as he was working late at the university, when he would normally be at home eating with his daughter and Penny, he found himself missing them. It was weird state of mind to be in, but somehow he felt at peace more than he ever had and he could see it in his work. Over the last few months his work seamlessly flowed from his mind to paper, ideas and reasons leapt onto his white board. It was as if there had been a block before, some part of his brain distracted with something else he did not even now about and now it was cleared and whatever the distraction was, it was now resolved. Ironic how he gave everything up so that he could focus on his work, but for the first time in a long time he found himself completely able to focus, and the results were…incredible.

But even then, unlike before, he could pull himself away from his white-board to make movie night with Zoe or take Penny to dinner. He didn't know how to define the odd little family they were, by scientific terms or any others, and, despite his habit to categorize and organize everything, he was surprisingly okay with it.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"All I'm saying is that father went to college at 11 and I think that I should begin looking…"
Penny rolled her eyes, looking up at the sky outside of the ice-cream parlor where she and Zoe had finished their ice-cream cones. Now the mother and daughter were enjoying a rare moment to themselves, both laying on their backs, head to head, legs dangling off the ends, and chatting. Penny didn't regret that Sheldon was back in their lives, but there were times when she missed having Zoe all to herself. She didn't know if it was the fact that Zoe was a genius, or the fact that she was a mother, but she didn't just love Zoe…she sincerely enjoyed her. She had never given much thought to being a mother before she got pregnant, had never thought about what it would be like, but she imagined she never would have thought it would've been so great

"Well," said Penny. "We can start looking but I am telling you girl, if you plan on going to college at 11 it better be somewhere close! I am not sending you half-way across the country before you're 16."

Zoe thoughtfully considered this, her little legs kicking up and down.

"That's an acceptable caveat."

"That's my girl."

The two ladies sat in silence for a moment before Zoe spoke again.

"So have you told daddy you love him yet?"

Penny remained laying still, staring ahead.

"He knows I love him. I tell him all the time."

"You also tell Leonard, Raj and Howard that all the time too. I mean have you told him you're in love with him?"

Penny laughed softly.

"I imagine he knows that."

"Do you think you ever stopped loving him? Like actually being in love with him?"

Penny thoughtfully considered the question before shaking her.

"No sweetheart, I never did. That crazy wack-a-doodle kind of ruined me."

Zoe sat up and turned around so she was sitting Indian style on the bench and looking down at her mother's face.

"He won't do it again mommy," she said, looking down at Penny's face. Penny was impressed with Zoe every day, but, unlike most people, she usually remembered she was six years old. But it was moments like this, not when she was spouting off theorem and formulas, that Penny remembered just what a genius she was.

"Do what sweetie?"

"Leave you…he won't leave you again. He's different now."

"I know that, Zoe."

Zoe cocked her head thoughtfully to the side.

"Are you sure?"

Penny didn't respond.

"…Because I don't think you are, which is understandably why you are putting off truly having a relationship with him because as long as you stay in the state you are, you think it will hurt less should he leave you again."

"Zoe, I…"

"He broke your heart horribly mom, you're allowed to be nervous about entering into another relationship with him. But I just…I think he's grown up mom. I think you both have and I really don't think it'll happen again."

Penny closed her eyes, trying to hold back the tears forming in her eyes as she considered her daughters words. Of course she was right, she always was. Right now, she was comfortable. She loved Sheldon, she never stopped but he had and as long as they never officially were "in love" again he wouldn't be able to fall out of love with her…again. Her heart would not be broken…again. She was already fearful, because she knew if he ever did decide to leave; it was too late for Zoe. Her little heart would be broken, a thought that had almost made her run to the hills a few times these past few months, but she just couldn't bring herself to do it.

"He's in love with you, mom."

Penny sat up and turned to face her daughter, her feet tucked under her as well.

"Zoe," said Penny. "I don't know what is going to happen between us, but know that no matter what happens, your daddy loves you." She paused and looked Zoe in the eyes and grabbed her hands in hers. "And that's amazing. I have seen him get excited about a video game, a physics problem, and comic books, but I have never seen him get as excited about those things as he does about you. No matter what happens, I want you to remember that."

Zoe smiled and nodded.

"But…"said Penny, leaning in and touching her forward to her daughters, smiling down at her. "No one will ever love you as much as me."

Zoe's smile got brighter and she hugged Penny around the neck.
"I love you too mommy…more than physics."

XXXXXXX

Sheldon sat nervously at the table in the apartment, looking down at his watch nervously. Today was his birthday. Zoe and Penny had gone out to get his gift, one that Zoe was so excited about she was practically jumping up and down. When they returned they would be going to dinner with the gang. He hated to make this appointment so close to dinner but this was the only time Dr. Steiner was able to Skype for a few weeks and the doctor sounded very eager to speak with him. Sheldon was no less excited. Dr. Steiner was one of the foremost minds in theoretical physics. Some of the most remarkable breakthroughs in the field were being done in Steiner's research lab in Scotland. Sheldon looked down at his computer, waiting for it to signal an incoming call. When he saw the logo appear and ask to accept, he took a deep breath and pressed accept. He had no reason to be nervous, yes Dr. Steiner was brilliant, but no more then he, Steiner just had the advantage of being well-known.

"Hello Dr. Cooper," greeted Dr. Steiner.

"Dr. Steiner," said Sheldon, nodding curtly, still slightly jittery.

"It's an absolute pleasure," said Dr. Steiner, sincerely. "I have been following your career with interest for some time now Dr. Cooper and it is very exciting to have the chance to speak with you."

Sheldon nodded his thanks.

"Thank you Dr. Steiner, I am also a fan of your work as well."

"Thank you. Now, most recently the theories you set out in your latest article have caught my interest and the interest of my colleagues here in Scotland."

Sheldon nodded, listening intently. Of course it did. His latest article was brilliant; his latest ideas were breath-takingly brilliant and original. He knew Dr. Steiner did not call him to relay the obvious.

"Now , I'm sure you've heard of our research facilities hear…"

"Yes sir, you're lab has turned out some of the most ground-breaking research in the physics world."
"And do you know how competitive it is to get a position hear."

Sheldon felt his mouth dry up. He cleared his throat.

"Yes," he said.

"Well then," said Dr. Steiner, starting to smile at him. "You must know what an incredible honor this is…"

"Sir," interrupted Sheldon feebly. "I…"

"Now Dr. Cooper, this is great moment in your career," said Dr. Steiner. "We would like to extend an invitation for you to join us in here. With your potential and our facilities, I believe you will be on a fast track to getting a Nobel Prize."

Nobel prize? Sheldon let the news sink in. Dr. Steiner was at the head of the game, working with him at his lab would open up doors that working at CalTech simply did not. But…

"I would move to Scotland?"

"Of course," said Steiner. "We would set you up with living accommodations and of course be happy to fly you over."

"How long would I be there?"

Steiner looked at him confused.
"Why as long as it takes my dear boy. You know as well I do that you can't rush the process."

Sheldon sat there. He felt his face begin to twitch. Working with Dr. Steiner was the career opportunity of a life time. The Nobel Prize would be within reach if he joined their research efforts. But…

"Scotland," he said again.

"Yes, but you're unmarried, correct? I was told your whole life was about physics, single-minded and devoted, that's just the type of person we need."

Sheldon couldn't believe it. The opportunity of a lifetime, he should be thrilled but all he felt was a twisting sickness in the pit of his stomach. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out.

"I see you are very excited," Dr. Steiner said. "I'll allow you to begin making arrangements. I have to hurry off but contact me soon and we will work out the details of your travels."

Sheldon nodded blankly and Dr. Steiner hung up. He closed his computer solemnly and took in a deep breath. Well, this was inconvenient…

He never had trouble making decisions. He did what he wanted, he wanted what made the most sense, what was the most logical…the only problem was his emotions were tied up into this one. It wasn't pure logic and numbers.

He turned around and froze…Zoe was standing in the doorway of the kitchen, looking at him, her eyes filled with sadness, hurt, anger and disappointment.

"Scotland Dr. Cooper," she asked her voice shaky and surprisingly cold.

"Zoe…I…"

Zoe threw the envelope she was holding to the ground and shook her head furiously; she blinked violently trying to hold back the tears that were biting at her eyes. Sheldon felt his stomach twist.

"I promised her," said Zoe, her lip shaking, looking up at him in disbelief. "I promised her you wouldn't do this to her again!"

Before Sheldon could respond, Zoe turned and ran out the front door, passed Penny who was holding bags of groceries.

"Zoe," she called out, looking up at Sheldon and back at Zoe who was running across the lawn. She looked up and saw Sheldon running after her.

"Sheldon," she said, standing in the way of the door. "What happened?"

Penny was slightly taken aback by Zoe's erratic behavior, but more than that the pale, sick look on Sheldon's face. He looked distraught.

"Nothing, Zoe overheard a conversation I had with a fellow physicist and he offered me a position at a very prestigious research lab…in Scotland."

He saw Penny's eyes dart away from him, her look went from the kind sparkling look he had grown accustom to, to a stony one. Not upset, not mad and worst of all…not surprised.

"Penny," said weakly. He didn't know what was wrong with him, why couldn't he speak, why didn't he know what to say, he knew what he wanted to say but what he wanted to say was so…final. What he wanted to say would mean that life as he knew it would end.

"Sheldon," she said her voice distant. "It's fine. We never said this was a full time thing, you've let us stay here until we got back on our feet and I think we are so it's okay."

Sheldon tried to speak again but she shook her head and backed away.

"I'm going to go find Zoe and…um…try and calm her down."

She turned around without a word leaving a baffled Sheldon. He was so confused. He was never confused. The feeling was unsettling. He tried to think, he tried to look at the situation objectively. He closed his eyes trying to clear his mind but the only thing he could see were Zoe's tear-filled eyes. He couldn't lose her…he just found her. But he couldn't give up on a chance like this. He would be the shame of the physics world if he turned this down.

He jumped when his phone buzzed. He hurriedly opened the text message from Penny.

"She's pretty upset. Staying with Leonard tonight. Will pick up stuff tomorrow. Penny."

Sheldon sighed and closed his eyes.

Maybe this was for the best. He couldn't image his life without them in it. It wouldn't be like last time when he didn't care that she left. This time…it would hurt. He knew that and he wasn't sure how to prepare for that, he didn't know how to react to an emotional trauma. He avoided that by having no emotions…he avoided that by surrounding himself with numbers and physics but maybe…maybe this would save them all a lot more trouble.

The thought made him sick.

He made a move to call his mother when the envelope on the ground caught his eye. He stood and made his way to the kitchen and bent down to pick it up. It was a big manila envelope, it looked very professional. He opened it and pulled out several papers.

There was a document and letter from the courthouse in Pasadena. He flipped through them and his eyes landed on one. If someone were there, they would not have believed that Sheldon was capable of so much emotion, but he was. If someone had asked, Sheldon would not say he was fighting back tears…but he would have been lying. He dropped the other documents and held onto one…his birthday present.

It was an official document, signed and dated, indicated an official name change.

Zoe Lee Prince-Cooper.

XXXX

"Thank you so much for doing this, Leonard," said Penny. It had been two days since she and Zoe had left and now Leonard was driving them to the hotel. Penny was so grateful to Leonard. He allowed them to stay with them and then arranged a hotel for them. He of course offered to let them stay longer, but Penny was insistent. She didn't want to get stuck. She still wanted to see the gang but it was clear that after this, that part of her life was over. She and Zoe needed to make their own life. She would begin apartment hunting for the two of them later that day.

"Of course," said Leonard. "Raj and Howard should already have most of your things packed and brought over for you."

She smiled and looked back at Zoe, who was sitting in the backseat, her head resting against the door. The poor girl was exhausted. It broke Penny's heart. She had already decided she wanted her to maintain contact with Sheldon once she stopped being angry. If he was moving from Scotland It would be easier for Penny and it would keep Sheldon at enough of a distance to where he could still call, write and skype Zoe but he wouldn't hurt her again.

The spent the rest of the ride in silence. Penny's thoughts were wondering. She still hadn't faced the fact that she wasn't just hurting for her daughter…she was also hurting for herself. She was in love with Sheldon….it seemed like she always would love him. But she could do this. She and Zoe could do it together. They would make a life, just the two of them and they would be fine.

She looked up when they pulled up into a driveway. She looked at Leonard, confused as hell. They were in front of a beautiful two-story house.

"Leonard, what…"

"I wanted to take you to look at this house."

"Well, it's beautiful," said Penny. "But really, Zoe and I are fine with an apartment. There is no way I could afford a house like this."

"Come on," said Leonard getting out of the car. "I know the people selling it and they are willing to sell it for a very reasonable price."

"Really Leonard," said Penny. "I can't afford it and even if I could it's a little big for two people."

"Would you just come and look? And who knows you may get…a dog."

"I'm allergic to dogs," said Zoe, still looking out the window.

Leonard looked at them exasperatedly.

"Please, we drove all the way out here," he said. "Would you just come look?"

Penny let out a sigh and got out of the car. Zoe followed suit, un-strapping her car seat. The house was beautiful, thought Penny. The lawn was nice and big. The porch wrapped around the front of the house.

Leonard led them up to the door. Penny looked around as Leonard pulled her through the front door and into the living room.

"Leonard, I didn't see a sign out there," she said. "Are you sure this house is for sell?"

"No…it's not…"

Penny looked around confused and saw Sheldon standing in the living room.

"Sheldon," she said, surprised. "What's…what's going on?"

Sheldon stepped closer to her and Zoe. Leonard backed away slowly. He didn't want to leave thought, this was something he wanted to see.

"This house isn't for sale," he said again. "I already bought it."

Penny looked at his somewhat apprehensively.

"Why," she asked, her grip tightening around Zoe's hand.

"I intend to live here," he said, calmly. "If this house is to yours and Zoe's liking, I would like you both to live here with me."

Penny's mouth fell open slightly as she looked at the man in front of her, who was moving closer.

"Penny," he said, and then looked down at Zoe. "I am sorry for my tardiness in dealing with the issue, but I called Dr. Steiner and told him that I had to decline his generous offer."

"You're not going to Scotland," asked Zoe, her voice shaking.

Sheldon looked at Penny, not breaking eye contact with her.

"No," he said forcibly. "I am not going to Scotland. I am not going anywhere."

"Sheldon," said Penny, every emotion possible surging through her. "Sheldon I don't…this…"

"I know and fully recognize that my behavior was abominable Penny. I do not know how I managed to foul this up twice but I assure you I will do all in my power to make sure it does not happen again…no matter how many research position I have to turn down."

Penny closed her eyes, sending the pooling tears streaming down her cheek. Sheldon waited with baited breathe for her response, as was Zoe as she looked up at her mother. Sheldon swallowed, and licked his dry lips nervously. Before he knew it the word came from his mouth…

"Please," he said his voice so low it was almost imperceptible. Penny looked up at him, the word reverberating in her mind, and before anyone knew what happened she let go of Zoe, rushed toward him and pulled him down to her face by the collar.

It took Sheldon a moment to respond to her kiss but when he shook off the shock, his hands went to her waist and he returned it with as much vigor as her.

Zoe backed away toward Leonard, who was looking away, embarrassed. Zoe looked on smiling. When they pulled away, she stepped forward toward her father. He looked down at her, Zoe met his gaze.

"Does the house meet with your approval," asked Sheldon.

Zoe looked around.

"It's close to the comic book store," she said.

"Of course," he said. She nodded in approval.

"I got my name changed," she said, changing the subject.

"Yes, I know."

"That means you can't do that again," said Zoe again.

Sheldon nodded.

"I know."

Zoe looked around the room one more time, then back at her mother. The two shared a silent look before Zoe wrapped her arms around Sheldon's legs and hugged him tightly.

"Daddy," said Zoe.

"Yes?"

"Do you know what this means?"

Sheldon looked down at her confused.

"What?"

She laughed and looked up at him smugly.

"We are going to have to re-draft your roommate agreement to accommodate two female roommates."

Sheldon let out a sigh.

"Drat," he muttered. "You're right."

He would have to get to work on that.

XXXXX

10 Years Later

"…And it is my honor to present to you tonight, my friend and colleague, and this year's recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics, Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper."

Sheldon made his way across the stage, the thundering applause of the audience making his knees quake. His phobia had gotten better but still crowds made him nervous, speaking in front of crowds made him even more nervous.

He made his way up to the podium and stood there, under the blinding light. He blinked several times, his eyes slowly adjusting. He could hear his blood thundering in his ears as he looked down at the golden metal in his hands. How he had longed for this moment….his whole life had been about reaching this accomplishment. He had given up so much for it…

He looked out into the crowd and found them, sitting hear the front. His beautiful, wife, smiling proudly at him, ten years later Penny was still at his side. Next to her sat Zoe. He couldn't believe that the beautiful, perfect girl, already boasting two PhD's, was his daughter. Every day she redeemed him, every day she amazed him. Next two Zoe, looking very uncomfortable in his suit, was his 5-year-old son Joseph; the spitting image of his mother and his father's biggest fan.

Sheldon looked down at the little medal in his hand and shook his head…he had almost given all of that, all of what was sitting in the front row, for…this? He felt his hand squeeze around the metal and he shook his head. How could he have ever even asked which one he wanted, how was that even a question, how could he ever have been so stupid? In that moment he almost felt resentment for the object he was holding.

He let out a small breathy laugh before looking up, still holding the medal. He looked out across the crowd and took a deep breath.

"I've imagined this moment so many times in my life," he started, in a tone that almost sounded like he was talking to himself, he shook his head again. "It's nothing like I imagined it would be."

The crowd waited. But nothing else came. Sheldon nodded his head curtly and turned and walked off the stage. He was generally known as being anti-social and rude, so he didn't bother with any other words. He suddenly was in a hurry to get out of the auditorium, to get away from all of these people, all these people he had for so long wanted to rub shoulders with, well, not literally, there were no shoulders he actually desired to rub against his.

All he wanted to was to get out and get back to the only things that mattered in the world.